In The Spotlight
As regional trade intensifies and supply chains come under increasing pressure, Stanbic Bank says the next phase of Africa’s corridor development will be defined not by infrastructure investment alone, but by how efficiently those systems convert movement into economic value
Reflecting on the recent Land‑Linked Zambia 2026, under the theme, ‘Beyond Borders: Shaping the Future of Africa’s Transport Corridors for Shared Prosperity’, Stanbic noted a decisive shift in the corridor conversation, from long‑term infrastructure ambition to the immediate economics of execution.
“What has changed is not the recognition of corridors as critical assets, but the urgency around how they perform,” said head business & commercial bank, Chanda Mwila. “The question is no longer what needs to be built, but how effectively existing systems translate activity into growth.”
As Zambia consolidates its position as a land‑linked trade hub, rising mining output, increased fuel flows and expanding regional trade are driving sustained volumes through key routes. According to Mwila, this is exposing a more complex reality: inefficiency within corridors is no longer a logistical inconvenience, but a direct economic constraint.
“Every delay, every point of friction, has a cost,” Mwila said. “It affects how quickly capital turns, how reliably businesses can operate, and ultimately how competitive entire value chains become.”
Corridor performance is increasingly shaping investment decisions, with predictability and reliability emerging as critical factors alongside physical capacity.
“Investors are not only assessing infrastructure availability, but they are also assessing system performance,” Mwila noted. “The ability to move goods consistently, manage timelines and reduce uncertainty is now central to how markets are evaluated.”
From a financial sector perspective, Stanbic emphasised that enabling trade at scale requires closer alignment between logistics systems and financial flows. While infrastructure enables movement, it is the efficiency of transactions that determines whether value is realised.
“Trade does not stall only at borders; it stalls in systems. Payment delays, constrained access to working capital and currency complexity all slow the movement of goods as much as physical bottlenecks do,” added Mwila.
As trade volumes increase, these inefficiencies compound, tying up liquidity and limiting the ability of businesses to respond to demand across markets.
“The velocity of trade is directly linked to the velocity of capital. Improving corridor performance is therefore as much a financial priority as it is an operational one.”
Stanbic reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Zambia’s trade and logistics ecosystem through solutions designed to improve capital flow, enhance transaction efficiency and enable more predictable cross‑border operations.
The recent conference highlighted a powerful, co-ordinated push to transform Zambia from a landlocked nation into a strategic land-linked hub for the African continent.
Minister of Transport and Logistics, Frank Tayali delivered the keynote address, emphasising the urgent need for Africa to prioritise internal trade.
“Africa must trade more with itself before it trades with the rest of the world,” stated Tayali. “We cannot continue to export raw materials across oceans while importing finished goods at higher cost.”
The Minister outlined infrastructure advancements aimed at restoring Zambia’s strategic advantage, including the revitalisation of TAZARA, the recapitalisation of Zambia Railways, and the ambitious Kafue-Lion’s Den railway project with Zimbabwe. The implementation of one-stop border posts at Kazungula, Chirundu, Nakonde, and Mwami is also reducing delays and improving trade efficiency.
However, Tayali stressed that infrastructure alone is insufficient. The future lies in evolving these routes into comprehensive economic corridors by establishing logistics hubs, dry ports, agro-processing zones and industrial parks to ensure local communities benefit directly from trade.
Stanbic Bank reaffirmed its commitment to enabling regional commerce by providing essential working capital to keep fleets and supply chains moving, and by facilitating the cross-border payments that underpin the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Mwila added: “Prosperity beyond borders will not be achieved by infrastructure alone, or by any single institution. It will be achieved through co-ordinated action, informed decision-making, and a shared commitment to execution.”
The Land-Linked Zambia 2026 Conference concluded with a unified call to action for deeper regional partnerships, harmonised regulations, and joint investments. By choosing collaboration over competition, Zambia and its regional partners are laying the groundwork to reduce the cost of doing business and redefine Africa’s place in the global economy.
Read more:
DP World launches Brazil-Africa logistics corridor
Metso crushing and screening equipment in operation, backed by Pilot Crushtec’s strong regional service network and technical expertise. (Image source: Pilot Crushtec)
Pilot Crushtec has been named Metso’s Best Dealer in the EMEA region, a prestigious international accolade recognising the company’s strong commercial performance, customer support strength and long-standing commitment to delivering high-value crushing and screening solutions across Africa
The award positions Pilot Crushtec among Metso’s top distributors globally, while specifically recognising its leading performance across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. It also reflects the company’s sustained sales success, technical capability and customer-focused service approach across its Southern and sub-Saharan African territory.
According to Francois Marais, sales and marketing director at Pilot Crushtec, the recognition marks an important milestone for the business and highlights the collective effort of its people.
“This recognition is a significant achievement and a powerful testament to the commitment, expertise and passion of our entire team,” commented Marais.
“Being recognised on an international stage among leading distributors including others across Europe, the Middle East and Africa reinforces our position as a trusted partner and industry leader.”
Marais says several factors contributed to the company securing the award, including continued market growth across Southern and sub-Saharan Africa, robust aftermarket support capabilities and deep product and application knowledge.
“Our consistent sales performance and market growth across Southern and Sub-Saharan Africa has been a key contributor,” explained Marais.
“Despite challenging market conditions in many sectors, we have continued to grow the presence of Metso’s crushing and screening solutions in the region.”
He adds that Pilot Crushtec’s established service teams, technical expertise and parts availability ensure customers receive dependable support throughout the full equipment lifecycle.
“Our team works closely with customers to understand their operational requirements and provide solutions that optimise productivity, efficiency and long-term value,” said Marais.
The recognition follows the recent five-year renewal of Pilot Crushtec’s distributorship agreement with Metso, further underlining the strength of the partnership and ensuring customers across Southern and sub-Saharan Africa continue to access globally recognised crushing and screening technology.
“The five-year renewal of our distributorship agreement with Metso is extremely significant for Pilot Crushtec’s long-term strategy and reinforces the strength and stability of our partnership,” Marais says.
Through the renewed agreement, Pilot Crushtec will continue supplying Metso’s static and mobile crushing and screening equipment to customers operating in some of the region’s toughest mining and quarrying environments. It also supports ongoing investment in technical training, spare parts availability and support infrastructure.
Customers benefit from the combination of world-class technology and strong local backing, with Pilot Crushtec maintaining strategic stock of equipment, wear parts and critical components to minimise lead times and maximise uptime.
“Our highly trained service teams work closely with Metso to ensure that customers receive expert installation, commissioning, maintenance and troubleshooting support,” Marais explained. “This ensures machines operate at optimal performance levels throughout their lifecycle.”
The company’s aftermarket portfolio includes genuine spare parts, wear parts, service agreements, technical upgrades and operator training, helping customers maximise productivity and long-term returns.
Looking ahead, Pilot Crushtec plans to build on the latest recognition by expanding its footprint across Africa and further strengthening its support and service capabilities.
“Our priority is to continue delivering exceptional value to our customers and strengthening our position as a leading provider of crushing and screening solutions in Africa, while continuing to build our broader presence and reputation in the global market.,” Marais commented.
This will include broader reach across Sub-Saharan Africa, increased equipment availability and continued enhancement of its aftermarket support network to deliver fast and reliable service wherever customers operate.
“We will also continue investing in skills development and technical training to ensure our teams remain at the forefront of industry expertise and are fully equipped to support the latest technologies from Metso,” he concludedPilot Crushtec Secures Metso EMEA Dealer Honour.
By combining deep regional understanding with global technology partnerships, Pilot Crushtec continues to support the growth and performance of Africa’s mining, quarrying and construction sectors.
Steenkampskraal Monazite Mine begins construction of a new processing plant to boost South Africa’s rare earth supply chain. (Image source: Steenkampskraal Monazite Mine)
Steenkampskraal Monazite Mine (SMM) has marked the official start of construction of its new monazite processing plant with a ceremonial soil-turning event
The milestone forms part of the mine’s phased development strategy and is expected to position South Africa as a producer of high-grade monazite concentrate, an important feedstock for rare earth elements used in renewable energy, electronics, medical and defence technologies.
The announcement follows recent operational progress at the site. SMM said it has successfully commissioned its on-site laboratory and, for the first time in more than 60 years, produced monazite concentrate through its metallurgical circuit.
Graham Soden, CEO of SMM, said, “The initial product has demonstrated approximately 50% total rare earth oxide (TREO) content, confirming the high-grade nature of the deposit. In parallel, the mine’s hydrometallurgical laboratory circuit is currently undergoing optimisation. Early results have been encouraging, with production of mixed rare earth carbonate (MREC) and cracked thorium anticipated in the near term.”
The new processing facility, located close to the existing underground decline shaft exit, will receive monazite-rich ore directly through a purpose-built conveyor belt system. Ore from underground operations will be transferred to the surface plant for initial concentration using gravity separation and flotation technology.
According to the company, the Steenkampskraal plant has been designed to achieve steady-state annual production of around 13,400 tonnes of monazite concentrate containing more than 50% total rare earth oxides (TREO). During the initial ramp-up phase, output is expected to begin at approximately 6,600 tonnes per year, rising to full capacity by the end of the first year.
“This phase will use proven gravity separation and flotation technology, optimised through modern refinements and pilot testing by the Saskatchewan Research Council and Mintek. The process flow draws on the successful methods used during Anglo American’s historic operations at Steenkampskraal between 1952 and 1963. It has been adapted for modern environmental standards and incorporates a multi-gravity separation circuit, currently under evaluation for enhanced recovery efficiency.
“The processing plant will receive feedstock from both historic surface stockpiles and underground ore, minimising initial capital expenditure and operational risk. This approach provides early revenue generation while refurbishment of underground infrastructure continues in parallel. The design also includes a front-end comminution and milling circuit, ensuring consistent feed quality to the concentrator and allowing for optimal grade control.
“Phase 1 forms the foundation for subsequent processing stages, including hydrometallurgical treatment, oxide separation and product manufacturing, all of which will be undertaken within South Africa to maximise local beneficiation and value retention.”
Enock Mathebula, executive chairperson of SMM, added, “This phase represents the practical realisation of our strategy to re-establish Steenkampskraal as a globally significant source of rare earth materials.
“We are leveraging proven metallurgical processes, supported by modern technology and strong compliance standards, to ensure a sustainable and efficient operation that benefits both the national economy and local communities.
“The soil-turning event is more than a construction milestone, it is the foundation of Steenkampskraal’s commercial future. By establishing dedicated ore transport and processing infrastructure, we are creating South Africa’s first dedicated monazite concentration facility. This concentrate represents our initial revenue-generating product and will serve as feedstock for subsequent value-adding stages, including mixed rare earth carbonate and thorium production.
“The soil-turning demonstrates our commitment to rapid, responsible development. With funding secured and construction now underway, we are on track to establish a revenue-generating process before the end of 2026. This will not only generate early cash flow but also create jobs, support local communities and contribute to South Africa’s critical minerals strategy. Offtake discussions for the concentrate are already advanced with international partners.
“The Steenkampskraal deposit is recognised as one of the highest-grade rare earth and thorium resources globally, with a NI 43-101 compliant current resource of 665,000 tonnes at 14.5% TREO and significant co-products including thorium (2.14%). The spade-ready project benefits from fully developed underground and surface infrastructure, full regulatory licensing and an experienced mining partner, Bora Mining Investments (BMI).”
“SMM remains committed to sustainable practices, including environmental rehabilitation, community skills development and compliance with all nuclear and environmental regulations.”
Located in the Western Cape, Steenkampskraal Monazite Mine is a rare earth and thorium project owned by Steenkampskraal Holdings in partnership with Bora Mining Investments (BMI). The company said the fully permitted project is progressing a phased development plan to produce monazite concentrate, mixed rare earth carbonates, thorium and eventually separated rare earth oxides, supporting global critical minerals supply chains.
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In the final webinar of its African Review-hosted 2023 campaign, Convergent Group explored its modern, eco-friendly concrete solutions for African projects
Such solutions – delivered to cut maintenance costs by eliminating hazardous silicate products – were showcased by company experts in the form of Jean-Claude Biard, SEO of Convergent Group SA; Mputu Schmidt, former CEO of Convergent Group SA and founder of Bondeko MB (exclusive distributor of Convergent Group in Africa); Carlos Garcia, technical and sales for ADI Group (Spanish distributor for Convergent Group); and Amritpal Singh Sura, external consultant for flooring treatments, former distributor of Convergent products in the Middle East.
“A number of projects we were doing in the Middle East required protection,” remarked Sura. “Longevity of protection requires a system which basically impregnates and becomes a densified surface as opposed to something which is topical and lifts off due to moisture migration. I found that being exposed to Convergent, it was important to stay focused on those systems in the Middle East. Jean-Claude, Mputu and I met several times in Dubai and there was emphasis on providing systems which were affordable and still ending up having a robust, lasting longevity of product. So you are not spending money all the time in order to maintain the finishes which you have already paid for.”
Over the course of the session, the participants guided the audience through the potential of cutting-edge lithium silicate technology for enhancing the protection of concrete surfaces, maximising cost-effectiveness and meeting sustainability targets.
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In a comprehensive webinar hosted by African Review, a panel of professionals associated with Convergent Group explored new generation lithium silicate technology and why it is emerging as the optimum solution for concrete floor protection.
Robert Daniels, editor of African Review, was joined by Jean-Claude Biard, CEO of Convergent Group; Mputu Schmidt, former CEO of Convergent and founder of Bondeko MB, an exclusive distributor of Convergent; Hicham Sofyani, president of Texol; Carlos Garcia, technical and sales for ADI Group; and Marc Puig, commercial manager of Comace Import.
Each providing a unique angle, the panellists combined to provide a masterclass around concrete treatments and the increasing challenges around them, explaining to attendees how to choose the right formula for their requirements and touching on issues such as why lithium densifiers are better than sodium and potassium densifiers.
Throughout the session, those watching were treated to informative case studies showcasing how Convergent eco-friendly products are increasing abrasion resistance, raising ease of maintenance, and ensuring the highest quality gloss retention.
By the end of the webinar, a majority of attendees (many of which had not had much experience with Convergent) expressed their interest in using the company’s new generation lithium silicate technology with the rest indicating their desire to learn more about Convergent and its products. Watch the webinar, in full, to discover why viewers were convinced and learn more about advanced floor care solutions for your operations.
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Presenting on an African Review-hosted webinar, Martin Provencher, global industry principal for mining, metals and materials at AVEVA, explored the digital transformation of mining operations and its impact on sustainability.
“Sustainability is becoming a key aspect for mining operations,” remarked Provencher. “If we look at the latest EY research on the top ten business risks and opportunities for mining and metals globally in 2023, ESG remains at the top. Of course, most companies have environmental goals or are expected to reach a net zero emission by 2050, which is a pretty aggressive target. Many of them are targeting 30% reduction by 2030; seven years from now. So there is a lot of action that needs to take place quickly to get there. It is possible to get there, but we need to make sure we are doing this correctly.”
Fast becoming a huge part of ESG initiatives is fleet electrification where particular progress is being made in underground mines. While some countries are certainly more advanced than others here, Provencher noted that 40% of total emissions from the mining industry come from diesel trucks, making EVs a very attractive low-hanging fruit for companies to pursue.
There are, however, a number of challenges associated with bringing in electric vehicles which remains a barrier for introduction. One of the predominant reasons, is the limited range of EVs against diesel counterparts. To mitigate this, Provencher continued, data management is key and ensuring a strong grasp of real-time information coming in will show operators when machinery needs to be charged, allowing them to plan effectively for maximum efficiency on site.
Indeed, this is but a small advantage that digitalisation can bring to the mining industry as it grapples to meet ESG goals while achieving production targets. By getting a better grip of their data and using it to empower tools such as artificial intelligence, advanced analytics and machine learning, companies can achieve tangible benefits such as reduce downtime, enhance worker safety, cut operating costs and, of course, ensure compliance with environmental regulations and targets.
Through the course of the webinar, Provencher outlined this in more detail and explored AVEVA’s suite of cutting-edge software solutions, specifically designed to help mining companies make progress on their digitalisation journey and empower their operations.
Watch the full webinar, completed with detailed case studies and an insightful Q&A session.
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Convergent, in association with African Review, has held a detailed webinar exploring the usage and effectiveness of lithium silicates and densifiers over traditional methods of concrete surface management which often struggle to meet the increasing challenges posed by concrete surface management.
Convergent experts including Mputu Schmidt, CEO of Convergent; Carlos Garcia, product manager end-user solutions, construction chemicals, Spain and Portugal for the RD Group; Matteo Mozzarelli, CEO of concrete Solutions Italia; and Jean-Claude Biard, global senior executive for the Convergent Group, presented across the session.
Together, they delved into the latest cost-effective application methods for long lasting finishing of concrete that can help reduce maintenance costs and avoid unexpected repair action. In addition, they examined the advancements in technologies that can sustain increased abrasion resistant stains and ensure gloss retention to the highest quality.
As part of the webinar, the representatives explored case studies including a case in DRC where a medical centre had been constructed with a low-quality concrete floor. The customer was considering completely replacing the floor but instead, Convergent put forward a special treatment with its 244+ Pentra-Sil lithium hardener, densifier and sealer. With this solution, Convergent can increase the hardness of a surface by up to 40% and therefore saved the customer significant recuperation costs over a complete replacement. Convergent were happy to report that the solution was perfect for the facility and the customer was pleased to avoid the extra construction work that would have been required for a complete replacement.
Watch the full webinar, including more information about Convergent’s innovative solutions.
Technip Energies has been awarded two front-end engineering design (FEED) contracts by Société Gabonaise de Raffinage (Sogara) for its refinery in Port-Gentil, Gabon
The FEED scope covers both the revamp and the expansion of the existing refinery.
"We are pleased to have been entrusted by Sogara with these two contracts, which reflect our recognised expertise in both brownfield optimisation and complex greenfield project development,” said Loïc Chapuis, president project delivery & services at Technip Energies.
The first contract covers the FEED for debottlenecking Sogara’s existing refinery.
It targets key process units and includes a new kerosene sweetening unit and four new storage facilities.
Technip Energies will ensure full process integration across existing and new units.
The second contract covers the FEED for a new, modularised hydrocracker complex designed to significantly expand refining capacity.
The scope also includes various infrastructure works, including a new marine jetty and offloading facility.
Chapuis said that Technip Energies will leverage its engineering and integration know-how into the projects, including its proprietary Steam Methane Reforming (SMR) technology for hydrogen production.
“The new hydrocracker complex demonstrates our ability to combine engineering excellence, technology integration, and our proprietary SMR hydrogen technology to deliver integrated, high-impact solutions,” Chapuis added.
Both projects are designed to meet Africa 5 fuel quality standards – the continent’s most stringent specifications for sulphur content in transportation fuels – supporting a meaningful reduction in sulphur emissions and improved air quality for local communities.
They will also support Gabon’s economic development and local employment.
“This award reinforces our commitment to modernising refining infrastructure across Africa and creating lasting value for our clients and local communities,” said Chapuis.
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Metso has strengthened its global Bulk Material Handling (BMH) network with the launch of a new regional hub in Cape Town
The facility enhances access to advanced automation technologies and engineering expertise, supporting bulk material handling and port customers across Africa. This development represents another milestone in Metso’s ongoing strategy to expand its capabilities in key markets.
The Cape Town hub reinforces Metso’s presence across Southern Africa, building on an established and growing installed base of equipment in the region. Operating within the same time zone, the hub enables faster technical assistance, more efficient issue resolution, and closer alignment with customer operations.
Facilitating market expansion and advancing talent development
Metso has maintained a long-standing relationship with Transnet, the state-owned enterprise responsible for the country’s port, rail and pipeline infrastructure.
“Bringing technical support closer to the operation is a practical step towards improving reliability and performance, and this partnership with Metso enables us to do that in a more structured and sustainable way,” commented Jabu Mdaki, CEO, Transnet Port Terminals.
“The African market is growing rapidly, and strengthening our regional presence is essential. Metso is well-recognized among the key companies in the region, reflecting our longstanding reputation and trusted partnerships within the local industry,” stated Ian Barnard, president, Africa Market Area, Metso.
The hub employs around 60 professionals who provide a wide range of services across the continent, including lifecycle support, modernisation solutions and technical expertise. Beyond direct employment, Metso also contributes to the local economy through engagement with consultants, suppliers and contractors.
In addition, the facility supports the development of regional industrial capabilities by fostering skills growth, particularly among younger professionals, and strengthening the broader workforce. This investment enhances the operational landscape for Port Solutions in South Africa and across the wider African market.
Full lifecycle support in bulk material handling
With more than 100 years of experience and over 8,000 bulk material handling installations worldwide, Metso continues to play a leading role in the sector.
The new hub builds on Metso’s global expansion efforts, including its recent acquisition of MRA Automation, aimed at strengthening its expertise in advanced automation and digitalisation. These capabilities will now be extended to customers in Africa, enabling the adoption of digital tools to improve reliability and optimise performance. The company has also expanded its footprint in North America with a new engineering hub in Pittsburgh.
Metso’s bulk material handling portfolio includes equipment such as railcar dumpers, apron feeders, belt feeders, conveyors, stackers, reclaimers, ship loaders and unloaders, as well as cable belt conveyors and smart automation systems. Known for its expertise in design, supply and lifecycle services, Metso delivers tailored solutions that address evolving customer requirements across the full operational lifecycle.
Metso crushing and screening equipment in operation, backed by Pilot Crushtec’s strong regional service network and technical expertise. (Image source: Pilot Crushtec)
Pilot Crushtec has been named Metso’s Best Dealer in the EMEA region, a prestigious international accolade recognising the company’s strong commercial performance, customer support strength and long-standing commitment to delivering high-value crushing and screening solutions across Africa
The award positions Pilot Crushtec among Metso’s top distributors globally, while specifically recognising its leading performance across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. It also reflects the company’s sustained sales success, technical capability and customer-focused service approach across its Southern and sub-Saharan African territory.
According to Francois Marais, sales and marketing director at Pilot Crushtec, the recognition marks an important milestone for the business and highlights the collective effort of its people.
“This recognition is a significant achievement and a powerful testament to the commitment, expertise and passion of our entire team,” commented Marais.
“Being recognised on an international stage among leading distributors including others across Europe, the Middle East and Africa reinforces our position as a trusted partner and industry leader.”
Marais says several factors contributed to the company securing the award, including continued market growth across Southern and sub-Saharan Africa, robust aftermarket support capabilities and deep product and application knowledge.
“Our consistent sales performance and market growth across Southern and Sub-Saharan Africa has been a key contributor,” explained Marais.
“Despite challenging market conditions in many sectors, we have continued to grow the presence of Metso’s crushing and screening solutions in the region.”
He adds that Pilot Crushtec’s established service teams, technical expertise and parts availability ensure customers receive dependable support throughout the full equipment lifecycle.
“Our team works closely with customers to understand their operational requirements and provide solutions that optimise productivity, efficiency and long-term value,” said Marais.
The recognition follows the recent five-year renewal of Pilot Crushtec’s distributorship agreement with Metso, further underlining the strength of the partnership and ensuring customers across Southern and sub-Saharan Africa continue to access globally recognised crushing and screening technology.
“The five-year renewal of our distributorship agreement with Metso is extremely significant for Pilot Crushtec’s long-term strategy and reinforces the strength and stability of our partnership,” Marais says.
Through the renewed agreement, Pilot Crushtec will continue supplying Metso’s static and mobile crushing and screening equipment to customers operating in some of the region’s toughest mining and quarrying environments. It also supports ongoing investment in technical training, spare parts availability and support infrastructure.
Customers benefit from the combination of world-class technology and strong local backing, with Pilot Crushtec maintaining strategic stock of equipment, wear parts and critical components to minimise lead times and maximise uptime.
“Our highly trained service teams work closely with Metso to ensure that customers receive expert installation, commissioning, maintenance and troubleshooting support,” Marais explained. “This ensures machines operate at optimal performance levels throughout their lifecycle.”
The company’s aftermarket portfolio includes genuine spare parts, wear parts, service agreements, technical upgrades and operator training, helping customers maximise productivity and long-term returns.
Looking ahead, Pilot Crushtec plans to build on the latest recognition by expanding its footprint across Africa and further strengthening its support and service capabilities.
“Our priority is to continue delivering exceptional value to our customers and strengthening our position as a leading provider of crushing and screening solutions in Africa, while continuing to build our broader presence and reputation in the global market.,” Marais commented.
This will include broader reach across Sub-Saharan Africa, increased equipment availability and continued enhancement of its aftermarket support network to deliver fast and reliable service wherever customers operate.
“We will also continue investing in skills development and technical training to ensure our teams remain at the forefront of industry expertise and are fully equipped to support the latest technologies from Metso,” he concludedPilot Crushtec Secures Metso EMEA Dealer Honour.
By combining deep regional understanding with global technology partnerships, Pilot Crushtec continues to support the growth and performance of Africa’s mining, quarrying and construction sectors.
DP World has introduced a new integrated logistics corridor linking Brazil with Africa, aimed at improving trade connectivity between Latin America’s largest economy and rapidly expanding African markets
Named the Brazil-Africa Link, the new service was launched during Intermodal South America 2026 in São Paulo. It offers a fully integrated end-to-end logistics solution connecting export cargo from the Port of Santos to DP World’s operations in Angola and Mozambique, with additional support from its wider logistics network in South Africa.
Developed under a “one-stop shop” model, the corridor combines ocean freight services with inland logistics capabilities, allowing customers to manage their complete supply chain through one provider. The platform provides access to three port terminals, 52 warehouses and a fleet of more than 4,250 vehicles, helping improve efficiency, visibility and reliability across cargo movements.
The service is intended to support major Brazilian export industries such as animal proteins, agricultural commodities and consumer goods. It is designed to help exporters improve transit certainty, lower operational complexity and widen access to African markets.
Fabio Siccherino said, “This Brazil-Africa Link simplifies the journey for Brazilian exporters to a market with enormous growth potential. By integrating the entire logistics chain – from port of origin to final delivery – we reduce complexity, increase predictability, and enable our customers to unlock new business opportunities between Brazil and Africa.”
Mohammed Akoojee said: "The Brazil-Africa Link marks a transformative step in connecting Latin America's largest economy with high-growth markets across Africa. This integrated logistics corridor leverages our investments in port infrastructure, economic free zones, and digital technology across Angola, Mozambique, and South Africa to enable growth, create jobs, and deepen economic partnership between our continents."
Expanding integrated logistics in Brazil
DP World said it is continuing to strengthen its end-to-end logistics presence in Brazil through three strategic areas:
Ports and Terminals: The company operates one of Brazil’s leading multipurpose terminals at the Port of Santos, which serves as the foundation of its local operations and supports increasing container and bulk cargo volumes.
Freight Forwarding: DP World manages six freight forwarding offices across Brazil, providing multimodal transport services covering ocean, air and road freight, alongside warehousing, container freight station (CFS), insurance and customs clearance solutions.
Contract Logistics: The business is also expanding warehousing capacity through multi-client facilities in São Paulo and Espírito Santo, delivering integrated B2B services covering storage, distribution, reverse logistics and value-added solutions.
Strengthening Santos capacity
DP World is also investing further in capacity growth and operational capability at its Santos terminal, reinforcing its status as a strategic South American trade gateway. Following a record 2025, during which the terminal handled 1.3 million TEUs and 5 million tonnes of pulp, the company is advancing investments worth more than R$2 billion (approx. US$400 million).
These upgrades include quay expansion, new equipment, a new berthing pier and the development of a grains and fertilisers terminal in partnership with Rumo, with annual handling capacity of up to 12.5 million tonnes.
A further R$1.6 billion (approx. US$320 million) investment is expected to lift container handling capacity to 1.7 million TEUs by 2026 and 2.1 million TEUs by 2028.
DP World said these investments reinforce the infrastructure supporting the Brazil-Africa Link, connecting expanded Santos port operations with its African logistics network to create more resilient and dependable trade corridors between Brazil and fast-growing African markets.
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has launched a new trade finance guarantee scheme to support Angolan businesses in association with local banks
The facility is provided to Banco de Fomento Angola (BFA) under the Global Trade Finance Program (GTFP), an initiative of the IFC, the World Bank’s private finance arm.
It is open to firms including small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to secure the inputs they need, deliver to customers on time and sustain and create jobs across key value chains.
By de‑risking trade transactions and improving the reliability and speed of cross‑border payments, the facility will strengthen supply chains, support more diversified growth, and deepen Angola’s integration into regional and global markets, the IFC said in a statement.
“Trade finance keeps businesses going,” said Makhtar Diop, IFC's managing director.
“Working with BFA, we’re helping Angolan firms access vital imports, trade more smoothly across borders, and create jobs, strengthening supply chains and the wider economy.”
Trade finance remains a “binding constraint” for many African firms, the IFC noted.
The continent faces an estimated trade finance gap of roughly US$100bn to US$120bn annually, with SMEs disproportionately affected, despite representing over 90% of businesses and accounting for about 80% of employment in Africa.
The new trade finance facilityis expected to unlock trade, boost businesses and support jobs in Angola, where access to foreign exchange and limited correspondent banking relationships have complicated cross-border payments, making it harder for firms to source inputs and fulfil orders.
These constraints impact sectors like food and agriculture, where Angola imports a substantial share of its consumption needs and firms require steady access to inputs; recent assessments indicate Angola imports over half of its food, underscoring the importance of reliable trade finance to keep supply chains flowing.
Through the Global Trade Finance Programme, IFC’s guarantees will back BFA’s issuance of trade instruments, such as letters of credit, trade‑related promissory notes and bills of exchange, and standby instruments including bid and performance bonds and advance payment guarantees.
By de‑risking cross‑border transactions, the facility is designed to help BFA grow its trade portfolio, broaden its network of counterparties, and expand access to trade finance for Angolan firms across sectors, including agribusiness, manufacturing and essential goods.
The goal is to strengthen Angola’s integration into regional and global value chains while relieving pressure points that often hinder SMEs from scaling and creating jobs.
“We are confident this partnership will have a positive impact not only on communities but also on the Angolan economy,” said Luís Roberto Gonçalves, BFA’s CEO.
It means BFA will have more instruments at its disposal to finance SME enterprises in productive sectors of the economy, boosting food production and distribution, enhancing food security and creating jobs.
“This partnership reaffirms BFA’s commitment to scaling solutions that advance the development of Angola’s financial system and reinforce the trust our clients and partners place in us.”
It also aligns with the World Bank’s strategy to grow access to finance in Angola's private sector as a means of unlocking economic growth.
Reliable trade finance will ensure access to fertiliser and seeds for farmers, packaging and raw materials for manufacturers, and spare parts and equipment for service providers.
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Terra Industries, a company focused on autonomous security systems designed to protect Africa and its critical infrastructure, has announced the construction of Pax-2, its second manufacturing facility
The new 34,000-square-foot drone production site in Accra will become Terra Industries’ main regional defense manufacturing hub for drone and counter-drone systems.
The announcement comes after the company secured US$34mn in funding to expand manufacturing capacity, speed up deployments, and strengthen engineering teams in Nigeria and allied African nations.
Pax-2 will be Terra’s second Pax Factory, following the 15,000-square-foot Pax-1 flagship site in Abuja. Once fully operational, Pax-2 is expected to become the largest drone factory in Africa, exceeding the scale of Pax-1. By 2028, the facility is projected to reach annual production capacity of 50,000 units across Terra’s aerial systems portfolio.
The Ghana operation is expected to create 120 engineering jobs and run on a continuous production schedule to meet increasing regional demand. Systems to be manufactured there include the Archer VTOL, a long-range surveillance and strike platform; the Iroko UAV, built for rapid tactical deployment; and Terra’s latest platform, Kama, a high-speed interceptor drone developed for counter-drone defense.
Kama is capable of speeds up to 300 km per hour and has been designed for large-scale production to meet growing demand for kinetic interception capabilities.
The expansion into Ghana supports Terra’s broader objective of developing Africa’s sovereign defense-industrial base. It also comes at a time when conflict dynamics are shifting across the Sahel and sub-Saharan Africa, where non-state actors are increasingly using modified commercial and fibre-optic drones as attack systems. Similar tactics seen in recent conflicts in the Middle East and Eastern Europe are driving demand for integrated defense solutions combining surveillance, electronic warfare and kinetic response.
“ The only way Africa can have lasting peace is by uniting to build sovereign defense, not by relying on foreign security architecture. We need to control our own destiny by building the tools and systems needed to protect ourselves. That's how this continent defeats terrorism. This is the beginning of that vision playing out more concretely, and we chose Ghana for Pax-2 because of its talent, strategic position, and political will to become a serious defense exporter and prove that this can be done at scale,” commented Nathan Nwachuku, co-founder and CEO of Terra Industries.
Construction of Pax-2 is currently in its final phase, with the facility expected to become fully operational by the end of June 2026.
Terra Industries said the Pax Factories network is central to its long-term Pax Africana vision, centred on achieving lasting peace through African security sovereignty and a future where the continent builds, deploys and controls its own defense technologies.

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