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Teraco completes JB4 Bredell Campus expansion in South Africa, adding 30MW critical IT power for hyperscale clients. (Image source: Teraco)

Energy

Teraco: A Digital Realty Company, Africa’s leading interconnection hub and vendor-neutral data centre provider, has announced the completion of its JB4 Bredell Campus expansion in Ekurhuleni, east of Johannesburg

The expansion adds 30MW of IT power capacity, making JB4 the largest standalone data centre in Africa, supporting 50MW of critical IT load. This new phase comprises six data halls, featuring multiple design enhancements. Notably, each hall now accommodates 5MW of allocated critical IT power, a first for the African market. The halls are fully liquid-to-liquid cooling enabled, supporting high-density air-cooled cloud deployments and direct-to-chip cooling for AI workloads.

Designed with sustainability in mind, JB4 uses a closed-loop chilled water system that delivers free air cooling. AI-enabled technology adjusts data hall cooling in real time according to IT load and dispersion. This innovative setup achieves best-in-class Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE), reducing energy consumption while eliminating water use during ongoing cooling—a crucial feature in a region with water scarcity challenges.

The JB4 expansion, built to hyperscale specifications, significantly boosts South Africa’s and sub-Saharan Africa’s data centre footprint. This follows the recent completion of Teraco’s JB5 Isando facility, which adds another 30MW of critical IT power at the Isando Campus.

Jan Hnizdo, Teraco CEO, commented, “South Africa has become the technology and data centre hub for sub-Saharan Africa, acting as a springboard for cloud, AI and content provision into Africa. Massive global investments in undersea cables, such as Equiano and 2Africa, further strengthen this position. This will enable global cloud providers to service not only the South African market but also the rest of the sub-Saharan African region.”

“Teraco is dedicated to expanding its capacity across key hubs, ensuring our clients have the flexibility to scale and fully leverage digital transformation across the region. We continue to make significant investments in ICT infrastructure and have established Africa’s largest data centre platform. We are proud to offer open-access interconnection and deliver world-class data centre solutions to all our clients,” added Hnizdo 

Situated in the heart of Ekurhuleni’s Aerotropolis, the JB4 facility provides access to numerous network service providers, regional IXPs, content delivery networks, cloud service on-ramps, and peering at NAPAfrica, the world’s eighth-largest internet exchange.

Teraco’s data centre platform now totals 189MW of critical power load across the Isando Campus (JB1/JB3/JB5: 70MW), Bredell Campus (JB2/JB4: 64MW), Cape Town Campus (CT1/CT2: 53MW), and Durban (DB1: 2MW). Local and global organisations increasingly rely on Teraco to scale IT infrastructure, deploy hybrid multi-cloud architectures, and connect with strategic business partners within the Platform Teraco ecosystem. The addition of JB4 strengthens this ecosystem, offering enterprises a secure, high-performance, and reliable platform for IT deployment, providing access to the broadest range of carriers and network service providers—a foundation for resilient and future-ready interconnection strategies.

Dangote to build giant urea plant in Ethiopia

Construction

Nigeria’s Dangote Group is to build a US$2.5bn urea fertiliser plant in Ethiopia, strengthening its presence in the East African country
 
It follows the signing of a shareholders’ agreement with Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH), the government’s strategic investment arm, to develop, construct and operate a world-class production complex in Gode.
 
It represents one of the largest industrial investments in Ethiopian history and will provide a big boost for the nation’s construction sector.
 
Dangote will hold 60% ownership of the project, with EIH retaining a 40% stake.
 
Aliko Dangote, president and CEO of Dangote Group, said the partnership with EIH represents a “pivotal moment in our shared vision to industrialise Africa,” as well as boost food security on the continent.
 
“The strategic location of Gode, combined with Ethiopia’s abundant natural gas resources from the Hilal and Calub reserves, makes this an ideal location for what will become one of the world’s largest fertiliser complexes,” said Dangote.
 
He said he hoped the project becomes a cornerstone of Ethiopia’s industrial transformation and a catalyst for agricultural productivity throughout the region.
 
The project, which is expected to be completed within 40 months, will establish one of the world’s largest single-site urea fertiliser production complexes, with a combined capacity of up to three million metric tons per annum.
 
It will rank among the top five largest urea production complexes globally.
 
Under the agreement, the two sides will jointly develop the facility and associated infrastructure, which includes gas pipelines, storage facilities, logistics and export capabilities to serve both domestic and regional markets.
 
It also provides for potential expansions and upgrades in ammonia-based fertilisers, including ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulphate, and calcium ammonium nitrate, further cementing Ethiopia’s position as a regional fertiliser production hub.
 
A significant portion of the US$2.5bn cost includes the construction of dedicated pipeline infrastructure to transport gas to the Gode site.
 
“This landmark agreement with Dangote Group marks a significant milestone in Ethiopia’s journey toward industrial self-sufficiency and agricultural modernisation,” said EIH CEO Dr. Brook Taye.
 
“The project aligns perfectly with our national development priorities and will substantially enhance our agricultural productivity while positioning Ethiopia as a regional hub for fertiliser production.”
 
The project is expected to significantly reduce the country’s dependence on fertiliser imports while creating thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities in the Somali Regional State and beyond.
 
It will also have a broader strategic impact since Ethiopia’s agricultural sector employs over 70% of the country’s population.
 
By ensuring reliable access to high-quality fertilisers at competitive prices, the project is expected to boost crop yields, improve farmer incomes, and contribute to national food security.
 
“The utilisation of our domestic Hilal and Calub gas reserves through dedicated pipeline infrastructure ensures energy security and cost competitiveness for decades to come,” said Taye.
 
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Integrated Pump Technology appointed Grindex distributor in West Africa, boosting dewatering support across mining operations. (Image source: Integrated Pump Technology)

Mining

Integrated Pump Technology has officially been appointed as the distributor for Grindex submersible pumps in West Africa, strengthening its presence in the region and marking another milestone for the South African-based dewatering specialist

Effective July 2025, the appointment comes after the company was recognised as the largest Grindex distributor worldwide, a distinction earned through sustained growth and performance in key African mining markets. The company already has a significant footprint across South, Central and East Africa with its Grindex electric submersible dewatering pumps and Godwin diesel-driven pump solutions. Securing distribution rights for West Africa is described as the next logical expansion.

“We see substantial opportunity in the West African market which is characterised by high rainfall and a large number of wet mining operations,” remarked Jordan Marsh, managing director of Integrated Pump Technology. “The need for reliable and efficient dewatering is continuous and we are well positioned to support customers with proven technology and deep application expertise.”

The distributorship covers all West African countries except Ghana. However, a bonded warehouse has been set up in Ghana to ensure quick turnaround and minimise lead times. The first consignment of Grindex pumps is already on its way to the facility. Marsh explains that stock selection was guided by close collaboration with mining customers across the region and a strong understanding of daily dewatering requirements.

Among the first shipment are high performance models such as the Grindex Maxi, rated at 37 kW, designed for moderate to high flow applications in both underground and surface mines. Also included is the Grindex Mega, a 90 kW unit built for the most demanding dewatering tasks, including deep level mines. Both machines have proven their reliability in Africa’s harsh mining environments, valued for their durable design, low maintenance needs and energy efficiency.

In addition to electric submersible solutions, Integrated Pump Technology will continue serving West African clients with its established range of Godwin diesel or electric driven dewatering pumps. One example, the Godwin HL150, is already in operation at an open pit mine in Senegal, providing dependable high head dewatering performance under tough site conditions.

“The Godwin and Grindex ranges give us a comprehensive dewatering portfolio to meet virtually any pumping requirement, from high volume pit dewatering to underground sump clearance,” commented Marsh. “Our approach in West Africa mirrors our successful operating model in Southern and Central Africa which includes local stockholding, rapid technical support and a strong customer-first philosophy.”

With mining operations in West Africa expanding and deepening, demand for reliable and efficient dewatering solutions is expected to grow significantly. Integrated Pump Technology’s appointment as Grindex distributor reinforces its ability to supply world class equipment backed by technical support and service excellence that mining operations can depend on.

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

Logistics

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.

Read more:

Abusera international airport is a go

Ethiopian Airlines to explore electric air taxi service

Ethiopian Airlines bolsters fleet with A350-1000 

 

Dangote's refinery is essential for Nigeria's transport economy

Finance

Africa’s largest conglomerate Dangote Industries Limited (DIL) has signed a US$4bn refinancing package for its refining operations
 
The financing support — one of the largest syndicated loans in recent African financial markets — will refinance capital expended on building Nigeria’s Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Complex, the biggest single-train refinery in the world with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day (bpd), located in the Lekki Free Zone of Ibeju Lekki Lagos.
 
The move will help to alleviate initial operational expenditures and enhance DIL’s overall balance sheet.
 
Alhaji Aliko Dangote, DIL’s president and CEO, said the syndicated facility attracted “strong participation” from leading African and international financial institutions, “reflecting enduring confidence in Africa’s industrial potential and Dangote’s vision in transforming Africa.”
 
The package included a US$1.35bn facility from African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), which also acted as the Mandated Lead Arranger for the syndication.
 
“Afreximbank’s contribution to this milestone financing underscores our shared vision to industrialise Africa from within,”added Dangote. “This refinancing strengthens our balance sheet and accelerates with ease the refinery’s supply of high-quality refined petroleum products across Africa.”
 
Afreximbank’s contribution was the largest share among participating banks, underscoring a commitment to large-scale infrastructure projects in Africa that advance industrialisation, energy security and intra-African trade.
 
Since operations at the Nigerian refinery complex began in February 2024, Afreximbank has also provided additional financing solutions — for crude supply and product offtake — ensuring smooth operations.
 
Professor Benedict Oramah, Afreximbank’s president and chairman, said the landmark deal demonstrates that Africa's development can only be meaningfully financed from within.
 
“It is only when African institutions lead the way that others can follow,” he said.
 
“The journey to utilise African resources for its own economic transformation is well underway. Through the bank's funding support, we are enhancing the capacity of the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Industries Ltd to produce and supply high quality refined petroleum products to the Nigerian market, as well as for export to the entire continent and the world. Our energy security is in sight.”
 
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SEW-EURODRIVE’s TrueDNA delivers integrated, high-performance drive solutions with faster lead times and extended warranties. (Image source: SEW EURODRIVE)

Manufacturing

The introduction of SEW-EURODRIVE’s TrueDNA package responds directly to challenges faced by industry when mixing components from multiple suppliers in a drive solution

Performance inconsistencies, compatibility issues and support gaps have often compromised efficiency and reliability.

By offering a complete power pack solution from a single original equipment manufacturer (OEM) comprising the highest quality components, SEW-EURODRIVE ensures every component works in perfect harmony - guaranteeing optimum performance, streamlined support for extended warranties and peace of mind.

TrueDNA from SEW-EURODRIVE, a global leader in automation and drive technology, is a fully integrated turnkey drive solution designed for maximum flexibility, performance and efficiency. Engineered to cover a wide range of power, torque and speed characteristics, it can be easily adapted to drive various equipment across multiple heavy industries.

“A major advantage of the TrueDNA package is the significant reduction in lead times,” commented Jonathan McKey, national sales and marketing manager at SEW-EURODRIVE. “Because the majority of components are stocked items, customers can typically expect delivery within six to eight weeks from date of order - a notable improvement compared to traditional sourcing processes. This means quicker access to the latest technological advancements without lengthy delays, enabling customers to start production sooner, generate revenue faster and achieve savings on shorter timelines.

Each TrueDNA solution typically includes a base plate, gearbox, coupling and motor - all precisely matched to ensure seamless compatibility and optimum operational performance. Most customers opting for TrueDNA have selected the innovative X.e series gearbox, renowned for its enhanced efficiency, durability and energy-saving features.

The drive train is pre-filled with the customer’s lubrication of choice, although SEW-EURODRIVE recommends its latest advanced oil technology which offers extended lifetime, superior lubrication
properties and improved efficiency in power transfer. With proper maintenance, customers can further reduce costs through extended oil change intervals.

“Choosing the TrueDNA package not only means acquiring cutting-edge drive technology, but also gaining additional value through extended warranties and complimentary maintenance training for end-user personnel,” McKey noted. “We are committed to ensuring optimum long term performance
and supporting our customers’ operational excellence.

With TrueDNA, SEW-EURODRIVE redefines industrial drive solutions - simplifying procurement, optimising performance and delivering a future-ready package built to meet the toughest demands of modern industry.