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GE Vernova will extend the operating life of five gas turbines at three Egyptian power plants by up to 15 years. (Image source: GE Vernova)

Energy

GE Vernova has signed a services agreement to provide Rotor Life Extension (RLE) solutions for five of its 9F gas turbines operating at the Kureimat, Nubaria and Cairo North power plants in Egypt

The agreement has been signed with affiliates of the Egyptian Electricity Holding Company (EEHC), including Upper Egypt Electricity Production Company (UEEPC), Middle Delta Electricity Production Company (MDEPC) and Cairo Electricity Production Company (CEPC), and has been endorsed by EEHC.

Under the agreement, GE Vernova is expected to extend the operating life of the five gas turbines by 13 to 15 years. Together, the turbines represent approximately 1,250 MW of generating capacity, with the relevant services scheduled to be carried out between 2028 and 2035.

Extending gas turbine operating life

The gas turbine rotor is a core component of a power plant and requires scheduled maintenance as part of its lifecycle. GE Vernova will apply its expertise to assess the full residual life of components as part of the Rotor Life Extension programme, with the aim of supporting more efficient and effective operation.

The agreement builds on the ongoing collaboration between GE Vernova, EEHC and its generation company affiliates. By focusing on the long-term integrity of the gas power assets, the initiative is intended to support the reliability and efficiency of Egypt’s electricity generation.

“This agreement reflects EEHC’s continued focus on preserving the long-term performance and reliability of important generation assets across our fleet,” said Eng. Gaber El-Desouki, Chairman of the Board of Directors & CEO, Egyptian Electricity Holding Company (EEHC). “By working with GE Vernova and our generation companies, we are taking practical and proactive steps that can help protect strategic assets, support efficient and reliable power production, and contribute to Egypt’s broader electricity and energy objectives.”

“Extending the life of these gas turbines across our generation companies is expected to support grid stability and the continued availability of dispatchable power, while helping us increase the value of existing infrastructure and avoid premature, capital-intensive replacement,” said eng. Mahmoud Al-Naqeeb, full-time board member for Electricity Production Companies Affairs.

Egypt’s evolving power sector

Egypt’s power sector is balancing rising energy demand with efforts to improve operational efficiency and integrate a growing share of renewable energy.

Thermal power generation, primarily based on combined-cycle gas turbines, continues to play a central role in the country’s electricity system, accounting for approximately 80% of Egypt’s electricity production.

“As Egypt’s electricity needs continue to evolve, maintaining and modernizing existing gas power assets, such as those at Kureimat, Nubaria, and Cairo North, is essential to support reliability, improve fuel use, and strengthen energy system resilience,” said Joseph Anis, president & CEO, Europe, Middle East & Africa, GE Vernova’s Gas Power business.

“This agreement reflects our continued commitment to working closely with EEHC, its affiliates, and other stakeholders in Egypt to support energy security through reliable and more efficient power generation. By helping extend the life of critical gas turbines, we aim to support our customers’ long-term operational priorities, optimize the value of existing infrastructure, and contribute to the continued development of Egypt’s power sector.”

GE Vernova supports Egypt’s power fleet

The latest agreement follows GE Vernova’s ongoing work to support the modernisation and long-term performance of Egypt’s power generation fleet.

In April 2026, GE Vernova announced an order from MDEPC for modernisation work at the Banha and Nubaria power plants. The project includes Advanced Gas Path upgrades and multiyear services agreements.

The latest initiative builds on more than five decades of cooperation between GE Vernova’s businesses and Egypt’s power sector, supporting the country’s electricity infrastructure through technology, solutions, local talent development and project financing.

GE Vernova currently supports customers in Egypt across power generation, transmission, software and services. Its installed base in the country includes more than 60 gas and steam turbines, with a combined generating capacity of approximately 10 GW.

Telehandlers are among the Wacker Neuson compact machines supplied by newly appointed dealer Welgro in Mpumalanga (Image source: Wacker Neuson)

Construction

Wacker Neuson South Africa has expanded its dealer network and reinforced its presence in Mpumalanga with the appointment of Welgro Engineering and Mining Supplies

“Welgro’s established sales network, fully equipped workshop and service infrastructure, together with its proven track record across the mining, engineering, construction and agricultural sectors, made the partnership the natural choice,” said Eric Berrington, Wacker Neuson’s regional manager for Gauteng, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga.

Welgro Engineering and Mining Supplies is a provider of industrial and construction equipment solutions that has served the region for 40 years.

“The dealership also represents several respected international brands that demand a high standard of technical expertise and aftersales support, giving us further confidence in Welgro’s ability to successfully support customers over the long term,” added Berrington.

He said Welgro’s alignment with Wacker Neuson’s core values, together with recommendations from multiple industry contacts, prompted Wacker Neuson to initiate discussions.

“Welgro Engineering and Mining Supplies has built its business on long-term relationships, practical product knowledge and dependable service, with a steadfast focus on first understanding each customer’s operation before recommending the right solution to support sustainable operations,” said Kyle Handley, managing director at Welgro.

“Because every site and operation faces unique pressures, from production deadlines to safety requirements and downtime challenges, we adopt a hands-on, consultative approach, supporting customers with a wide range of industrial and construction solutions, backed by experienced sales and technical staff and a well-equipped workshop.

”Playing a vital role in the national economy, Mpumalanga is central to Wacker Neuson’s dealer expansion strategy, with the company’s approach anchored around three key hubs – Mbombela, eMalahleni and Secunda – and aligned to the industries driving growth across the province.

Handley outlined key reasons why Welgro was eager to partner with Wacker Neuson, including product quality and reliability, as well as strong reputation in construction, plant hire and infrastructure development.

He said customers want high-performing, dependable equipment that helps optimise their operations, and highlighted Wacker Neuson’s machines as well-engineered, robust and built for tough working environments.

“The machines are practical, intuitive and productivity-driven – qualities that resonate with operators.”

Under the dealership agreement, Welgro will supply Wacker Neuson’s full range of compact machines, including mini excavators, telehandlers and wheel loaders; construction equipment, including pumps and lighting towers; compaction equipment, including rammers and plate compactors; concrete technology, including external vibrators; and other specialised worksite solutions.

The range is positioned to support the diverse requirements of customers across the construction, agricultural, mining and related industries.

“Our immediate focus is on building a strong, reliable offering around Wacker Neuson’s products already in demand locally, expanding the range over time in line with customers’ changing requirements,” said Handley.

“Compact machines and equipment are especially well-suited to the market, with the capability to perform efficiently in confined spaces – a quality that is highly valued across the sectors. We also expect to see strong demand for lighting towers, particularly in mining, where reliable site illumination is critical for safety and productivity.”

He said there are also “compelling growth prospects” for electric and zero-emission equipment.

“We are ready to introduce more of Wacker Neuson’s electric product ranges to support customers with sustainable, efficient, environmentally conscious and forward-looking solutions.” 

Quarry operators are increasing adoption of PDS and CPS technologies to strengthen safety

Mining

Quarry operators are placing greater focus on workplace safety, driving increased interest in Proximity Detection Systems (PDS) and Collision Prevention Systems (CPS)

The shift reflects a growing recognition that safety technologies can support both regulatory compliance and the practical demands of quarry operations.

Anton Lourens, CEO of Booyco Electronics, said demand for PDS/CPS technologies has increased notably over the past six months across the quarrying and mining sectors. The trend points to a wider move towards proactive approaches to managing operational risks, alongside continued attention to legislative requirements.

“Safety has become a strategic priority for many operations,” Lourens says. “Beyond meeting legislative requirements, quarry operators are investing in technologies that help mitigate risk and improve overall operational safety.”

Technology integration is also becoming easier as PDS solutions become more compatible with mobile equipment. Improvements in interface kits, alongside closer cooperation between original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), independent interface providers and technology suppliers, are helping operators deploy collision prevention systems across mixed fleets.

The adoption of the ISO 21815 standard has provided further support for interoperability. Its technology-neutral communication protocol enables different systems to communicate more effectively, helping streamline the implementation of collision prevention technologies across quarrying and mining operations.

However, technology deployment still needs to reflect the specific conditions of each quarry. Lourens said site-specific assessment is essential when determining how PDS/CPS solutions should be configured and implemented.

“No two operations are the same. Every implementation begins with a detailed assessment of the fleet, traffic patterns and operating practices to ensure the system delivers effective detection without compromising productivity,” he explains.

Financial considerations also influence technology decisions, particularly for quarry businesses that may operate with tighter margins than larger mining companies. Booyco Electronics maintains that access to safety technology should not be determined by the scale or financial resources of an operation.

“We do not believe there should be different levels of safety capability for different operations,” Lourens says. “Our focus is on improving our own development and manufacturing efficiencies so that advanced collision prevention technology remains accessible to both large mines and smaller quarrying businesses.”

Effective implementation also requires cooperation between technical and operational teams. Engineering personnel may concentrate on meeting regulatory requirements, while operational managers are often focused on production targets and equipment availability. Aligning these priorities through communication, training and user adoption is therefore an important part of achieving safety and operational goals.

Lourens expects collision prevention technology to develop further as multiple sensing methods are combined rather than relying on a single detection technology.

“The future lies in combining technologies such as low-frequency communication, GPS, radar and camera-based systems etc, to deliver more reliable and adaptable collision prevention solutions,” he says. “As these technologies continue to evolve, the industry will be better positioned to deliver sustainable, cost-effective safety solutions that support the goal of zero harm.”

MND launches Casablanca base for African cable transport. (Image source: MND)

Logistics

French industrial group MND, which specialises in ropeway transport, snowmaking systems, mountain safety and leisure infrastructure, has established MND Africa, a new subsidiary headquartered in Casablanca, Morocco

The new company is intended to support and accelerate MND’s development of urban mobility and tourism solutions across Africa and the Indian Ocean. The move forms part of the Group’s international expansion strategy, with more than 70% of its business already generated outside France and projects and references in around 50 countries.

Cable transport responds to urban mobility challenges

Cable transport is gaining relevance as cities look for mobility solutions that can overcome difficult terrain, rivers and other geographical constraints. The technology can also provide an alternative where conventional heavy transport infrastructure, including metro and tramway systems, is difficult to deploy because of land, topographical or urban limitations.

Across Africa and the Indian Ocean, interest in urban cable transport is growing. North Africa already has several urban cable transport systems, while new developments are emerging elsewhere on the continent, including projects supported by major international financial institutions.

"This mode of transport has a clear role to play in the new mobility solutions being developed across the continent. In the future, African cities will also move by cable. We want to contribute to this transformation, with humility and a long-term commitment," said Xavier Gallot-Lavallée, chairman of MND.

Casablanca base to support regional development

MND describes the establishment of MND Africa as a long-term commitment to the region. The Casablanca-based team will focus on developing projects across Africa and the Indian Ocean while maintaining close engagement with customers.

The subsidiary will work with governments, cities and financial partners to develop urban and tourism cable transport projects designed around reliability, sustainability and long-term operation.

Morocco was selected as the base for the new entity because of the maturity of its urban cable transport market and the number of projects being developed in the country. This includes initiatives linked to preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

MND is also monitoring opportunities in Algeria, Tunisia, Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal, alongside projects in the Indian Ocean, including Madagascar and Mayotte.

ZÈL La Montagne demonstrates MND’s capabilities

MND is also drawing on its current project in La Réunion Island as a reference for its African ambitions. The Group is building ZÈL La Montagne, which is planned to become the world’s first energy self-sufficient urban cable car.

“We are bringing a powerfull demonstration of our expertise with us,” siad Xavier Gallot-Lavallée. “This is the same level of ambition we want to bring to the African continent.”

The project adds to MND’s experience in urban transport infrastructure, including the renovation of the Montmartre funicular in Paris and the cable car in Huy, Belgium.

Mehdi Caillis-Menadjlia to lead regional expansion

MND has appointed Mehdi Caillis-Menadjlia as director of Africa & Indian Ocean Development to lead the subsidiary’s regional growth.

He brings experience of the African and Indian Ocean markets, as well as knowledge of the financing mechanisms used for infrastructure projects of this type. His previous work includes responsibility for MND’s urban cable car project in La Réunion Island.

Africa can still thrive amid global geopolitical upheaval (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Finance

Africa has an opportunity to convert geopolitical tensions and shifting global trade patterns into a catalyst for industrialisation and long-term economic resilience, according to a new Afreximbank report

Leveraging Geopolitics for Trade and Industrialisation in Global Africa examines trade and economic developments across the continent and globally, and outlines strategies for African nations to benefit from supply chain realignments and changing geopolitical dynamics.

“Africa stands at a critical juncture,” said Dr Yemi Kale, group chief economist and managing director of research and trade intelligence at Afreximbank.

“Geopolitical tensions and economic fragmentation are reshaping global trade patterns, but they also present a historic opportunity for the continent. By strategically leveraging these shifts, Africa can build a more resilient, competitive and inclusive economic future.”

Despite a challenging global backdrop, the report highlights Africa’s strong recent economic performance.

While global economic growth slowed to 3.4% in 2025 and is projected to ease further to 3.1% in 2026, Africa’s real GDP growth accelerated from 3.4% in 2024 to 4.5% in 2025, outperforming the global average.

Africa’s merchandise trade also expanded by 6.1% to approximately US$1.5 trillion, while aggregate inflation fell significantly from 21.6% in 2024 to 13.1% in 2025.

According to Afreximbank, these gains reflect improved macroeconomic management, ongoing policy reforms and the role of development finance institutions in supporting economic stability.

However, the report warns that significant structural challenges remain.

Africa’s trade finance gap is estimated at approximately US$74bn in 2025, limiting the continent’s ability to fully capitalise on trade and industrial opportunities.

The situation is compounded by foreign exchange constraints and a continued decline in correspondent banking relationships.

The report also notes that evolving shipping routes and persistent disruptions in global logistics networks are increasing freight costs and extending delivery times, particularly for economies dependent on imported inputs and external markets.

To strengthen resilience, Afreximbank identifies accelerated implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), expansion of the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) and reforms to the global financial architecture as key priorities.

The report notes that stronger industrial ecosystems, increased intra-African trade and sustained financial support will be critical if the continent is to transform geopolitical disruption into sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

“It is imperative for the continent to act decisively to strengthen regional value chains, deepen industrial capacity, expand access to trade finance, and accelerate continental integration,” said Kale, adding that Africa “cannot afford to delay.”

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Beyond expanding battery production, the gigafactory is expected to generate significant economic benefits for Morocco.

Manufacturing

The African Development Bank (AfDB) Group has approved a €100mn (approx. US$117mn) loan to Gotion Power Morocco to support the construction of an integrated lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery gigafactory in the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra Free Trade Zone, marking a significant step in the development of Africa's electric vehicle manufacturing ecosystem

In addition to its direct financing, the Bank intends to mobilise up to a further €141mn (approx. US$165mn) from financial partners under the New African Financial Architecture for Development (NAFAD), where it will serve as the Mandated Lead Arranger. The blended financing package is designed to accelerate delivery of one of the continent's largest battery manufacturing investments.

Building Africa's battery manufacturing capacity

The project is being developed by Gotion High-Tech Co. Ltd., a leading global battery producer headquartered in Hefei, China, and listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange. Once operational, the facility will become the first fully integrated cathode-to-cell LFP battery manufacturing plant in both Africa and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

Phase one of the project will deliver an annual production capacity of 10 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of battery cells and battery packs for electric vehicles, with long-term plans to increase output to 100 GWh. The investment is expected to reinforce Morocco's position as an emerging global centre for electric mobility manufacturing and green technology supply chains.

The project also reflects growing investment in battery production as demand for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage continues to expand worldwide. By establishing large-scale local manufacturing capacity, Morocco aims to strengthen regional supply chains while supporting the transition towards cleaner transport and energy systems.

Kevin Kariuki, the Bank group's vice-president for Power, Energy, Climate and Green Growth, said, "Battery storage is the missing link in Africa's clean energy transition. A facility of this scale, powered primarily by renewable energy, strengthens the foundations for the large-scale integration of solar and wind power, which our grids increasingly depend on. This is exactly the kind of project that will deliver reliable, low-carbon energy while creating green industrial jobs and building the resilient value chains Africa needs to sustain its energy transition."

Supporting industrial growth and local value creation

Beyond expanding battery production, the gigafactory is expected to generate significant economic benefits for Morocco. During its initial phase, the development is projected to create more than 600 direct jobs while achieving a 70% local industrial integration rate, supporting skills development and strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities.

The project is also intended to encourage the growth of local supplier networks and increase value addition within Africa's critical minerals sector, helping retain more economic value from resources that are essential to global energy transition technologies.

Achraf Tarsim, the African Development Bank group's country manager for Morocco, commented, "This gigafactory will be a major catalyst for strengthening Morocco’s industrial competitiveness and for accelerating its emergence as Africa’s manufacturing hub for sustainable mobility industries. It will help foster an African industrial ecosystem for batteries and electric vehicles while promoting the local beneficiation of critical minerals essential to the energy transition."

Advancing Africa's clean energy ambitions

The investment supports the African Development Bank Group's Four Cardinal Points strategic vision by promoting resilient infrastructure, accelerating industrialisation, increasing value addition to Africa's natural resources and strengthening regional integration.

As demand for battery storage continues to rise alongside renewable energy deployment and electric vehicle adoption, projects of this scale are expected to play an increasingly important role in positioning Africa within global clean energy and electric mobility value chains. By expanding domestic battery manufacturing and energy storage capabilities, the initiative is set to support the continent's transition towards a lower-carbon economy while enabling wider deployment of renewable energy technologies.

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