African Review

Energy

Eco Wave Power enters South Africa’s Ngqura Port

Eco Wave Power and AGFDL launch feasibility study for clean energy at strategic South African deep-water port. (Image source: Eco Wave Power)

Eco Wave Power Global AB, a leading developer of onshore wave energy technology, has entered the African renewable energy space by signing an agreement with Africa Great Future Development Ltd (AGFDL)

The agreement outlines a feasibility study for establishing a wave energy power station at the Port of Ngqura in South Africa.

This initiative is Eco Wave Power’s inaugural venture into Africa and supports its broader objective of expanding into regions with strong coastal energy potential and growing renewable energy needs.

South Africa currently relies heavily on coal, with more than 80% of its electricity derived from coal-fired power plants. Widespread energy shortages and environmental issues point to an urgent need for clean and dependable alternatives. With over 2,800 kilometers of coastline, the country offers considerable wave energy potential to diversify its energy sources.

“Eco Wave Power is excited to explore South Africa’s wave energy potential in partnership with AGFDL,” said Inna Braverman, Founder and CEO of Eco Wave Power. “This feasibility study represents a meaningful step toward addressing energy access and sustainability in Africa, while advancing our global mission to commercialise wave energy technology.”

Wave Energy potential

The Port of Ngqura, located in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province and operated by Transnet National Ports Authority, lies adjacent to the Coega Special Economic Zone—the largest SEZ in Southern Africa. With its strong breakwater infrastructure and direct ocean exposure, the port is well-positioned for a wave energy installation.

“This collaboration represents an important opportunity to support Africa’s clean energy transition,” said Wilfred Emmanuel-Gottlieb, CEO of AGFDL. “Wave energy has the potential to play a key role in delivering sustainable, reliable power to underserved communities and industries.”

“This project is about delivering practical, long-term impact,” added Alphonsus Ukah, co-founder and chairman of AGFDL. “We believe this technology could become a critical part of Africa’s renewable energy future, and we are pleased to begin this journey with Eco Wave Power.”

The feasibility study in South Africa expands Eco Wave Power’s growing international project pipeline. The company already operates a grid-connected wave energy station at Jaffa Port in Israel, developed with EDF Renewables IL. It is also nearing the launch of its first U.S. wave power station at the Port of Los Angeles in September 2025, developed in collaboration with Shell Marine Renewable Energy (MRE).

Further projects in the pipeline include a megawatt-scale installation in Portugal, pilot initiatives in Taiwan with I-Ke, and in India with Bharat Petroleum, a Fortune 500 firm.

“These developments reflect our strategy to demonstrate the scalability and viability of wave energy across diverse global markets,” Braverman added. “Africa’s energy challenges require bold innovation, and we are proud to take this first step toward delivering real solutions on the continent.”

Industrial on-site power for Guinea metal factory

The new industrial power plant at Kouriah (Image source: Himoinsa)

Himoinsa has completed a project to supply a comprehensive power solution for a metal factory in Kouriah, Guinea

The 24 MW power plant, located close to the capital, Conakry, will mitigate the effects of power cuts that have historically undermined industries in the area, and guarantee the supply of electricity

Himoinsa provided a comprehensive solution that includes 12 diesel generator sets, eight fuel tanks, medium-voltage switches, step-down transformers, synchronisation and fuel automation systems, among other equipment.

It will serve a large industrial plant dedicated to metallurgy, with a focus on process efficiency and optimum fuel consumption.

“The system has been designed to operate with parallel synchronisation between the 12 HTW 2030 T5 diesel generator sets,” Himoinsa said in a statement.

It added that the gensets are particularly suitable for high volume industrial applications due to their efficiency and ease of maintenance, which has allowed a balanced load and an effective response to peak demand.

“The 0.4/20 kV step-up transformers and medium-voltage switchgear are configured to ensure safe and efficient electricity distribution,” it noted.

“Fuel automation is key to optimising the use of resources and ensuring that the system operates continuously without interruption.”

Himoinsa added that the facilities have enabled the industrial plant to operate continuously thanks to automation and remote monitoring system.

A SCADA system allows operators to efficiently monitor and control the performance of the generator sets from any location, which has improved their ability to respond to any eventuality.

Local technical support has also been available during the set up of the project.

Yanmar Turkey also played a key role in the project, working with Himoinsa in the supply of medium voltage material through to the commissioning and installation work.

“Their experience and technical support have been essential to the correct integration and operation of the system,” Himoinsa added.

Key challenges faced during implementation included high-temperature operating conditions and high humidity, especially during the rainy season, and logistical challenges due to the limited infrastructure and the location of the plant, which hampered the delivery and assembly of heavy and bulky equipment.

Diesel power plant put to work at Kodal's Bougouni lithium mine

MTN boosts Gauteng network with major upgrades

Infrastructure push to expand 5G, enhance site security, and improve service during load shedding

MTN South Africa is investing R300 million (approx. US$17mn) to upgrade its network infrastructure across Gauteng, one of the most populous and economically vital provinces in the country

This initiative is part of a broader national investment plan, with MTN committing R4.5 billion (US$251mn) to its infrastructure rollout, set for completion in 2025. The Gauteng investment includes the addition of new base stations and enhancements to MTN’s digital backbone. Over 70 sites will receive capacity upgrades, modernisation, and energy improvements. The rollout will also bring 5G access and enhancements to existing LTE services, helping to reduce the digital divide between urban and rural communities.

“The R300 million investment, part of the national rollout to enhance the company’s digital capabilities, will lead to improvements in battery, site security, and energy facilities, including the availability of generators across the province,” said Machawe Dlamini, general manager for Gauteng Operations at MTN SA.

According to Dlamini, the development includes network strengthening strategies to maintain service continuity during load shedding and other potential disruptions.

While Gauteng is a focal point, MTN’s upgrade plans extend to other provinces. An additional R480 million (US$27mn) has been allocated for upgrades in KwaZulu-Natal, where the company will build new sites and increase rural access to 4G and 5G services.

MTN South Africa was recently recognised as the country’s top-performing mobile network for Q1 2025, according to MyBroadband Insights. The company aims to retain that position by continuing to expand its physical network infrastructure.

Gauteng contributes around 34% to South Africa’s GDP, making it a strategic priority for the telco. As Dlamini explained, “Our investment in the network infrastructure is a crucial facilitator in connecting the unconnected and fostering a more inclusive digital landscape across South Africa.”

JA Solar powers Zambia’s largest standalone solar plant

JA Solar powers Zambia’s largest standalone solar plant with DeepBlue 4.0 Pro modules

JA Solar has significantly contributed to Zambia’s renewable energy expansion by supplying high-efficiency solar modules for the country’s largest standalone photovoltaic installation — the 100MW Kabwe solar power plant

The facility is equipped exclusively with JA Solar’s DeepBlue 4.0 Pro modules, known for their reliable performance in Zambia’s tough climate, which features extreme heat and seasonal shifts between wet and dry conditions.

The project was constructed by PowerChina and represents a major step forward in Zambia’s clean energy development. At the official launch, president Hakainde Hichilema highlighted the plant’s importance to the country’s energy strategy, noting that it aligns with Zambia’s goal to achieve 1,000MW of installed solar capacity.

Located in Central Province, an area impacted by electricity shortages, the Kabwe plant is expected to generate approximately 180 million kilowatt-hours of renewable electricity each year. This output will support the energy needs of around 150,000 households and reduce the region’s electricity deficit by up to 30%.

Reliable solar solutions

JA Solar’s DeepBlue 4.0 Pro modules offer high energy yield and long-term operational stability. Their proven resilience under extreme conditions enhances the dependability of Zambia’s energy infrastructure and contributes to the country’s broader transition to low-carbon power sources.

The Kabwe solar project is also delivering socioeconomic benefits to the region. More than 1,300 local jobs were created during construction, and the expansion of electricity access is set to stimulate economic growth in industrial, agricultural, and mining sectors.

Building on the earlier success of the 33MW Riverside solar plant commissioned in 2023 — which also uses JA Solar modules — the Kabwe project further reinforces the market’s confidence in the DeepBlue series and its adaptability to varied environmental conditions.

“We are honored to support Zambia’s clean energy development through the Kabwe project,” said Aiqing Yang, executive president of JA Solar. “Their trust in our solutions reflects our commitment to delivering high-efficiency, high-reliability technologies tailored to regional needs. We are focused on creating long-term value for our partners and the communities they serve.”

In 2025, JA Solar received multiple accolades for product performance and innovation. These include “Top Brand PV Africa” by EUPD Research, “Overall Highest Achiever” by the Renewable Energy Test Center (RETC), and “Top Performer” in PVEL’s PV Module Reliability Scorecard. These recognitions affirm JA Solar’s leadership in solar technology excellence.

As Zambia works to diversify its energy mix and improve grid stability, the Kabwe project stands as a major milestone in its clean energy journey. JA Solar’s advanced modules, engineered for performance under local conditions, demonstrate the effectiveness of scenario-based solutions in real-world deployments. The company remains committed to supporting Africa’s sustainable energy future with dependable, high-performing products.

Rwanda electrification draws AfDB funding

Funding boost for Rwanda's electricity sector (Image source: AfDB)

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved €173.84mn (US$201mn) in additional funding in support of electrification efforts in Rwanda

AfDB said in a statement that the goal of its Rwanda Energy Sector Result-Based Financing (RBF II) programme is to modernise the country’s electricity network, expand access to clean energy and strengthen institutional capacity.

In addition, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank will also provide a further €86.92mn (US$101mn), bringing the total programme cost to €260.76mn (US$302mn).

RBF II is anchored on Rwanda’s Energy Sector Strategic Plan 2024–2029, which aims to improve the quality of life of residents, drive economic growth and reduce poverty through targeted energy sector investments, the AfDB noted.

Specifically, it added, the new programme is focused on delivering results in three areas: modernising and extending the electricity network and systems; increasing access to on-grid and off-grid electricity and clean cooking technologies; and strengthening technical and institutional capacity.

It will connect 200,000 households and 850 productive use customers to the national grid, add 50,000 new electricity connections through off-grid solutions, provide clean cooking devices to 100,000 households and 310 public institutions, and install street lighting on 200 km of roads in secondary cities across Rwanda.

AfDB added that the RBF II programme forms part of the bank’s High-5 priority areas of ‘Light up and Power Africa’ and ‘Improve the Quality of Life of the People of Africa’.

Additionally, it will contribute to delivering on the Mission 300 Initiative of the African Development Bank and the World Bank to connect 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030, it noted.

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