More than a decade in the planning, Mozambique’s mighty Mphanda Nkuwa hydropower project is moving closer to becoming a reality

The country, in partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB) is working to secure financing for the US$4.5bn scheme, a major initiative aimed at strengthening Mozambique’s energy infrastructure and boosting regional power exports.

The project is being developed by a strategic consortium comprising EDF and TotalEnergies of France, alongside public sector partners.

Most recently, a high-level technical workshop was held at AfDB’s country office in Maputo, which brought together representatives from the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy, Electricidade de Mozambique (EDM) and the Mphanda Nkuwa Implementation Office (GMNK).

The session focused on operationalising a Credit Enhancement facility designed to de-risk the project and attract private capital to reduce the cost of energy for Mozambique.

The bank has acted as a strategic adviser to the government throughout the project’s development, supporting a transparent framework that led to the selection of a reputable strategic investor consortium.

The project is now positioned to start discussions on its security structure, with a Partial Risk Guarantee (PRG) seen as a key element for bankability.

The government has requested a Partial Risk Guarantee facility to backstop the liquidity obligations of EDM, mitigating off-taker risk for international lenders.

In addition, AfDB plans to mobilise concessional and grant funding to support the Mozambique regional transmission line that will deliver power from the Mphanda Nkuwa site to industrial centres and enable exports to neighbouring countries.

"This workshop marks the shift from advisory to execution,” said Rômulo Corrêa, AfDB’s country manager.

“Having worked with the government to structure the transaction, we are now intending to de-risk Mphanda Nkuwa by utilising AfDB support. Under our ADF-17 mandate to 'Unlock Capital at Scale,' we intend to secure the financing framework that will position Mozambique as the energy powerhouse of southern Africa.”

Once operational, the 1,500 MW run-of-river Mphanda Nkuwa project will provide universal energy access across Mozambique, supply competitive power to industries, and serve as a baseload exporter to the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP), as well as generating hard currency revenues for the country.

Read more:

Ethiopia inaugurates GERD hydro dam

Burundi's Jiji hydro power plant opened

Globeleq to support Zambia hydro project

Komatsu will present its next-generation machinery, digital technologies, and service solutions at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 under the theme, “Connected performance, driving your success.”

The company will demonstrate how insights from connected equipment can be translated into tangible business results to boost productivity, enhance safety, and manage total cost of ownership.

Located at booth W41945 in the West Hall, Komatsu’s exhibit will feature one of the company’s most robust equipment lineups in years, including several models making their North American debut. Each machine is engineered for strong performance, with even greater value when integrated into Komatsu’s comprehensive digital ecosystem, which spans telematics, fleet management, artificial intelligence, and autonomous solutions.

Excavators

The exhibit will highlight the new PC220LCi-12 and PC365LC-11 multifunction plus excavators, designed for operator comfort and advanced technology integration to support efficient and productive jobsite operations. Another new excavator will also be unveiled during the show.

Wheel Loaders

Models such as the WA485-11 and WA475-11 will demonstrate how Komatsu’s proprietary Hydraulic Mechanical Transmission, improved cab design, and embedded technology can increase cycle times, reduce fuel consumption, and enhance operator awareness.

Dozers

Two next-generation dozers will be featured with advanced steering systems and operator-focused cabs. Their technologies are designed to help operators of varying skill levels achieve consistent results while boosting efficiency and productivity on the jobsite.

Haul Trucks

Komatsu will showcase the HD605-10 with enhanced performance and Smart Quarry integrations, along with Smart Quarry Autonomous solutions for both new and retrofit trucks. An all-new high-payload articulated truck with innovative traction control will also be unveiled.

Komatsu emphasises an integrated approach to supporting owners and fleet managers at every stage, from equipment selection and operator training to fleet management, performance analysis, and future planning. The company’s aim is to make operations easier, provide actionable insights, and help businesses achieve sustainable and profitable results.

This includes advancements in autonomous operation, software-defined vehicles, and AI technologies across Komatsu’s product line, driven by recent partnerships and developments.

“Owners and fleet managers want equipment and technology that work together to create value across the entire enterprise, not independently as one-off solutions,” said Rod Bull, CEO, Komatsu North America. “Connected performance is our commitment to deliver machines, data and services that help make better decisions, improve daily productivity and build long-term value in their operations.”

The company will also highlight expanded capabilities in My Komatsu, its central enterprise platform. Visitors can explore personalized digital experiences showing how fleet information, planning tools, and support resources integrate in one interface, leveraging AI and data analytics to shorten decision cycles and improve fleet performance. Smart Construction digital solutions will be demonstrated through hands-on displays and live demos, including tools like Smart Construction Dashboard mobile for planning, tracking, and precise digging.

Additional offerings at the booth will cover forestry applications, drilling equipment, and crushing solutions. Attachments from Komatsu-owned manufacturers Montabert, Lehnhoff, and Hensley will demonstrate increased versatility and efficient material handling across jobsites. Montabert and Hensley will also exhibit in adjacent booths to showcase end-to-end solutions for the construction and mining industries.

Sandvik Rock Processing has finalised a comprehensive OEM-level refurbishment of a Sandvik BR3288i hydraulic breaker and a Sandvik BB8094R breaker boom for a leading gold mining operation in Ghana

The project restored a key component of the site’s primary crushing circuit, with the rebuild, reinstallation and commissioning delivering measurable gains in equipment availability and output. Ongoing quarterly inspections and technical support from the company’s Kumasi-based team continue to reinforce performance.

The refurbishment was carried out at Sandvik Rock Processing’s fully equipped workshop in Kumasi. The breaker and boom assembly are installed at the mine’s run-of-mine grizzly, where oversized rocks generated during blasting are reduced to prevent blockages and maintain smooth material flow into the crusher.

“This project restored a vital asset that plays a central role in the mine’s primary crushing circuit,” commented Amos Fordjour, senior service technician at Sandvik Rock Processing. “Our extensive rebuild has returned the machine to OEM performance standards, significantly improving the mine’s reliability and production continuity.”

After more than five years in operation, the equipment was scheduled for refurbishment. Work commenced on site, where the 11 tonne boom assembly was dismantled using the mine’s crane infrastructure before being transported over a three-hour journey to the Kumasi workshop.

“Once in the workshop, our technicians stripped the units completely - checking for critical components such as pins, bushings, cylinder seals and mounting brackets that required replacement,” remarked Fordjour. “The boom was sandblasted and inspected for cracks, the hydraulic cylinders were rebuilt and pressure-tested and the hammer was fully refurbished.”

Haqq Abdul Rahman, graduate technician at Sandvik Rock Processing, highlighted the importance of parts availability in reducing turnaround times. He explained that mines frequently face challenges with oversized rocks at the run-of-mine grizzly, and temporary mobile breakers often require considerably more time to handle the material.

“It was important that we controlled the turnaround time on this project so the mine could put the equipment back to work as soon as possible,” said Rahman. “This particular unit breaks oversized rocks much faster than the smaller mobile units that the mine had to rely on while this one was being refurbished.”

The Sandvik BB8094R breaker boom, rated at 55 kW input power, provides a maximum reach of 12.7 m, with nominal horizontal and vertical reaches of 9.8 m and 9 m respectively, and a full 360° swing capability. The 2.3 tonne Sandvik BR3288i hydraulic breaker incorporates an operating principle that optimises stroke length, blow energy and includes an idle blow protector, enabling adaptability across applications while enhancing hydraulic efficiency and operational safety.

Fordjour underscored the role of strict quality control procedures throughout the refurbishment.

“We follow strict operating procedures and standards in everything we do,” continued Rahman. “This includes using only genuine Sandvik parts which allows us to guarantee the quality of both the components and the workmanship.”

Following workshop completion, Sandvik Rock Processing teams returned to site for installation and commissioning. The three-week process required detailed coordination around crane usage, electrical integration, positioning and safety compliance.

“We work very closely with customers during removal, installation and commissioning,” Fordjour noted. “In this case, the mine provided the cranes and support equipment and we handled all the technical work; that collaboration is critical.”

Rahman explained that the restored boom and breaker now offer enhanced structural integrity, precise OEM clearances and improved swing performance, supporting efficient energy transfer and high twist resistance under demanding impact conditions.

“For the mine, the biggest impact is uptime and production,” said Rahman. “Without this breaker, their crushing circuit slows down considerably; now that it is back to full performance and production is consistent again.”

Post-commissioning support remains ongoing, with Sandvik Rock Processing conducting quarterly inspections to assess pins, seals and overall structural condition, while maintaining readiness for service interventions whenever required.

The Emerging Africa & Asia Infrastructure Fund (EAAIF) has announced €40mn of sustainability-linked financing package to support the further upgrade and expansion of Cape Verde’s national airport network

The investment will fund development across seven airports, strengthening connectivity and airport environmental objectives and boost tourism to the country.

Specifically, it will support Phase 1B of a 40-year concession awarded in 2023 to Cape Verde Airports, operated by Vinci Concessions, to fund critical capacity upgrades, runway extensions, terminal expansions across four international and three domestic airports.

The programme is designed to accommodate sustained growth in passenger traffic while improving service quality and safety, in a country where air connectivity underpins economic development and tourism.

Sustainability measures include on-site solar PV and battery storage, energy-efficient terminal upgrades, water recycling, drainage and wastewater treatment, and commitments to reduce airport emissions by 30% by 2030, with a pathway consistent with Vinci Concessions objective to net zero by 2050.

Thanzi Ramukosi, investment specialist at Ninety One, the fund manager of EAAIF, said the investment in Cape Verde Airports reflects a commitment to financing essential transport infrastructure while limiting greenhouse gas emission increases.

“The sustainability-linked facility advances a programme that improves air connectivity and resilience in a Small Island Developing State, where aviation is fundamental to economic activity and tourism.”

Since the financial close of Phase 1A in 2023, traffic across Cape Verde’s airport network has recovered ahead of expectations, exceeding pre-pandemic levels, supported by new routes and additional airlines.

International traffic now accounts for approximately 80% of total passenger volumes, providing a resilient euro-denominated revenue base and underpinning the project’s robust financial profile.

On 13 January, 2026 Vinci Concessions announced the completion of the first phase of works, worth €80 million, to modernise and decarbonise airport operations.

It also announced record traffic growth with a 60% increase between 2022 and 2025, driven by 35 new air routes and initiatives to enhance connectivity.

The EAAIF funding contributes to a €142mn next phase over the coming three years for additional improvements.

Read more:

Etihad celebrates Johannesburg connection

Air Peace to build West Africa air maintenance facility

Ethiopia gets AfDB backing for mega airport

The countries of sub-Saharan Africa are set to become more important as the global economy realigns in the face of wider geopolitical shifts, a new report suggests

South Africa, as one of the so-called BRICS nations, also stands to prosper.

The report, by Boston Consulting Group, suggests that global trade will show some resilience, and could grow 2.5% annually through to 2034 despite rising fragmentation.

According to the report, nations in the so-called ‘Rest of the world’ category — which includes all of sub-Saharan Africa, with the exception of South Africa — look set to gain overall on the back of strategic neutrality.

“These free agents, however, will become increasingly important in the future, both as markets and suppliers of goods and services,” the report notes.

While there are a wide range of trade scenarios, reflecting current volatility, small non-aligned countries appear to be relatively isolated from any potential negative fallout.

The BRICS+ nations — including South Africa, and countries that joined later, such as Egypt and Ethiopia — will also seek to expand relationships within the Global South.

“BRICS+ countries have been taking steps to collaborate with each other on trade, which they see as a driver of growth,” the report notes. But their approach to trade differs, with some negotiating deals with other groupings and some not.”

BRICS+ nations (excluding China) could see 3% growth with the rest of the world over the period as well as trade growth among themselves, it adds.

“Global trade isn’t retreating, it’s reorganising,” said Marc Gilbert, managing director and senior partner, Global Leader of the Center for Geopolitics, and a co-author of the report.

“Leaders who embed geopolitics in capital and strategic decision-making will be best positioned to navigate the next decade of change to secure resilience as well as growth.”

Read more:

AFC, Eaglestone share the Lobito limelight

Afreximbank backs Heirs Energies expansion

Dangote secures landmark US$4bn refinancing deal

SANY Group has officially begun operations at its first global engineering machinery remanufacturing hub, the SANY Hunan-Hainan Intelligent Manufacturing Industrial Park

The launch marks a major step in SANY’s globalisation and sustainability strategy, with the company securing CNY100 million (US$14.27mn) in orders from clients in Southeast Asia and Africa on the opening day.

The Park represents China’s first industrial facility co-developed by a pilot free trade zone (FTZ) and a pilot free trade port, advancing cross-regional collaboration between Hunan and Hainan provinces. By leveraging both provinces’ industrial strengths and policy incentives, the Park is designed to support Chinese enterprises in expanding their international footprint.

Construction of the Park began in August 2023, covering approximately 10 hectares (150 mu). With a total investment of CNY600 million (US$85.62mn), it is expected to reach an annual output value of CNY750 million (US$107.02mn) when operating at full capacity.

Positioned as a regional remanufacturing hub and resource distribution platform, the Park focuses on the maintenance and remanufacturing of core engineering machinery components as well as second-hand equipment from domestic and international markets. The facility promotes the circular reuse of industrial resources, aligning with SANY’s commitment to sustainability.

Operating under the Hainan FTZ framework, eligible value-added processing activities enjoy tariff preferences, while remanufacturing operations under bonded supervision may qualify for corporate and personal income‑tax incentives. The Park benefits from the “Dual 15%” tax-incentive policy, receiving approval for outsourced processes to enjoy a 15% corporate income-tax reduction.

“The project represents a key strategic initiative for SANY to deepen its globalisation, digitalisation, and low-carbon transformation. Moving forward, SANY will continue to actively explore new models for remanufacturing, promote the circular reuse of industrial resources, and jointly advance the global engineering machinery industry's transition toward a greener, low-carbon future,” said Tang Xiuguo, chairman of SANY.