First WATT Renewable Limited and MTN Nigeria have entered into a strategic renewable energy infrastructure partnership aimed at reducing reliance on diesel power, enhancing resilience at critical telecommunications facilities, and supporting renewable energy solutions for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across selected MTN locations in Nigeria

The initiative consists of two key components. The first involves an Energy-as-a-Service deployment that will deliver approximately 34 MWp of solar photovoltaic generation capacity and 40 MWh of battery energy storage across selected MTN facilities nationwide. These locations include data centres, switch facilities, cable landing stations, customer service centres, and other network-critical sites.

The second component focuses on providing renewable energy infrastructure to support 60 kW EV charging stations at eight MTN facilities in Ikoyi, Matori, Ojota, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Asaba, Kano, and Ibadan.

Together, the projects are designed to reduce dependence on diesel-powered systems, decrease operational emissions, improve uptime, strengthen business continuity, and increase the adoption of renewable energy solutions across MTN’s operational facilities and EV charging locations.

With digital services continuing to expand, dependable energy infrastructure has become increasingly important for maintaining telecommunications networks and supporting the broader digital economy. Through this partnership, MTN Nigeria aims to improve the resilience of its critical operations while increasing the integration of renewable energy across selected sites.

Based on current project assumptions, the programme is expected to help avoid approximately 25,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions (tCO₂e) over five years, subject to operational performance and final emissions assessments.

Commenting on the partnership, Oluwole Eweje, CEO of WATT Renewable Corporation, said, “This partnership is a defining milestone for First WATT and an important step in strengthening the energy infrastructure that supports Nigeria’s digital economy. By deploying solar photovoltaic generation and battery energy storage across selected MTN facilities, we are helping to improve energy reliability at critical locations where uptime is essential.

“The EV charging component also demonstrates how renewable energy infrastructure can support Nigeria’s transition to lower-carbon mobility. By providing renewable power systems for EV charging sites, this programme helps address one of the key requirements for wider EV adoption: reliable and cleaner energy supply.”

Speaking on the initiative, Tobechukwu Okigbo, chief corporate services and sustainability officer at MTN Nigeria, stated, “As Nigeria’s energy and mobility landscape evolves, renewable energy will play an important role in building cleaner and more reliable infrastructure. This partnership supports our efforts to reduce diesel dependence, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen the resilience of the systems that power connectivity.

“It is also aligned with Project Zero, under our Doing for Planet sustainability pillar, through which we are focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving energy efficiency, and increasing the use of renewable energy across our operations.”

IVECO and Atlas Véhicules Industries Group have handed over 50 IVECO S-Way heavy-duty trucks to Abrar Industries during a delivery ceremony held at the company’s facility in Casablanca, Morocco

The fleet consists entirely of IVECO S-Way 480 models equipped with hydraulic systems and will be deployed across Abrar Industries’ heavy-duty transport operations.

Abrar Industries Group is one of Morocco’s leading industrial companies, with activities spanning construction, infrastructure development and the production of building materials. The company plays an important role in supporting major public and private sector projects throughout the country. It operates under Abrar Invest, a Moroccan holding company established in 2001 with interests in construction, industry and real estate.

Bouzroud Abderrahmane, deputy general manager at Abrar Industries, commented, “IVECO is a trusted brand, known for its reliability and quality support. It provides professional service and attentive assistance to meet customer needs.”

Giovanni Coraggio, IVECO business manager for Morocco, added, "We are particularly proud to announce the conclusion of a highly significant strategic agreement with a major partner in Morocco, Abrar Industries, a renowned company leader in the public works, industry, and real estate. This transaction represents an important step forward in strengthening our presence in Morocco and confirms the competitiveness and reliability of our solutions in the industrial vehicle sector."

"This achievement is the result of close collaboration with the customer, aimed at addressing the specific operational and logistical needs of the territory and teamwork based on continuous commitment of all our company’s departments, as well as the strength of the relationships we have built over time with Abrar Industries and our local partner Atlas Véhicules Industriels. We look to the future with great confidence, with the goal of further consolidating our presence in the country and continuing to support the development of increasingly efficient, sustainable, and cuttingedge transport systems."

IVECO S-Way the driver-centric heavy-duty truck

The IVECO S-Way forms part of the IVECO Way range and has been developed as a business-focused solution for fleet operators while providing a comfortable and efficient working environment for drivers. Building on the success achieved since its European debut in 2019, the truck combines fuel efficiency, advanced technologies and lower operating costs.

The latest version incorporates an updated powertrain and next-generation rear axle, helping improve fuel economy while maintaining the strong performance levels associated with the model. The vehicle has earned positive feedback from operators for its reliability and ownership costs, while drivers continue to value its comfort and usability.

For transport and logistics companies operating in highly competitive markets, fleet productivity and uptime remain critical. The IVECO S-Way has been designed to address these requirements through a combination of vehicle technologies, connectivity and support services that extend throughout the truck’s operational life cycle.

Designed to maximise fuel efficiency

The vehicle’s cab has been completely redesigned with a strong focus on reducing fuel consumption and improving operational efficiency.

Its aerodynamic profile has been refined to minimise drag, with the roof seamlessly integrated into the front section of the vehicle to create a smoother airflow path. A retractable front step provides convenient access to the windshield while remaining concealed during operation.

Additional aerodynamic enhancements include a redesigned grille, integrated headlights, updated bumpers with built-in deflectors and reshaped wheel arches. Together, these features contribute to improved airflow around the vehicle.

Further gains are achieved through an optimised aerodynamic kit featuring rubber extensions that reduce the gap between the tractor and semitrailer. The redesigned door structure extends to the second step, creating a smoother side profile and reducing turbulence during highway travel.

A new cab designed around the driver to provide superior driving comfort on board

Driver comfort and usability were central to the development of the new cab. The interior layout has been redesigned to improve ergonomics, accessibility and overall driving experience.

Key controls are positioned within easy reach, while the multifunction steering wheel incorporates 22 switches, enabling drivers to access essential functions without removing their hands from the wheel. The dashboard and central console have also been updated to enhance convenience and operational efficiency.

Features such as the Start/Stop engine button and electronic key slot are strategically located near the DNR controls for improved accessibility.

The cab offers a standing height of 2.15 metres at its centre, while the redesigned roof and wider upper section create additional interior space. Access to storage compartments and the upper bunk has also been improved.

The sleeping area combines practicality with comfort through a symmetrical design, integrated controls, USB charging points and conveniently positioned storage solutions. Climate control systems, including air conditioning and optional parking cooler and heater systems, help maintain comfortable cabin temperatures in all operating conditions.

Designed for driver safety

Safety has been a key consideration in the development of the IVECO S-Way. The reinforced cab structure complies with ECE R29.03 crash standards and delivers high levels of occupant protection.

Visibility has been enhanced through one-piece side windows and improved mirror positioning. Full LED lighting further improves illumination, extending visibility and increasing obstacle detection capabilities in low-light conditions.

The truck is also equipped with a comprehensive suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems designed to support safer driving, improve vehicle control and reduce driver fatigue.

When parked, security is strengthened through the redesigned door structure, which leaves only the lowest step exposed, while an additional mechanical door lock inside the cab provides further protection.

A renewed line-up for high business productivity and TCO performer

The updated engine range complies with Euro III and Euro V emissions standards. Customers can choose from Cursor 9 and Cursor 13 engines, with outputs ranging from 360 hp to 560/570 hp. Engine performance and efficiency have been enhanced through the introduction of a Common Rail fuel injection system.

Both engine families are paired with the Hi-Tronix 12-speed automated transmission, which improves clutch control, durability and overall vehicle performance.

Additional technologies aimed at reducing fuel consumption include the Ecoroll function, which disengages the driveline on gentle descents to maximise momentum, and Ecoswitch, which adjusts engine performance according to vehicle load and operating conditions.

The Tyre Pressure Monitoring System also contributes to fuel efficiency and safety by continuously monitoring tyre pressures and alerting drivers to any deviations.

Crane and hoist manufacturer Condra has expanded its maintenance programme to include hands-on training for customers’ own service personnel

The company is also to introduce remote diagnostics for on-screen assistance at isolated sites, rolling out these improvements at installations in Saudi Arabia and in all African countries where Condra has a presence.

Over time, the diagnostics will combine with remote specialist oversight to aid repairs by the customer’s own technicians.

Electricians at Condra’s factories already add diagnostic chips to frequency drives during crane manufacture — the plan is to extend this capability to other crane components, delivering on-screen assistance to any site with an internet signal.

Until now, Condra’s maintenance programme has incorporated only selected agents and technical teams from its own factories.

In future, where customers have their own maintenance crews, it will be these personnel who will execute this type of work, helped either by visiting teams, or remotely by specialists at Condra’s technical centre in Johannesburg.

On-demand emergency repairs will continue to be managed by Condra technicians sent to site.

Marc Kleiner, Condra’s managing director, said the goal is to lower the customer’s service costs and to further improve machine uptime and productivity.

“We want to expand the capabilities of our customers’ maintenance personnel, who sometimes have difficulty repairing to OEM standard,” he said.

“We will work with them to identify the wrinkles, then let them get on with fixing those while our own people identify potential wear and take steps to correct it.”

Kleiner said that Condra teams would execute repairs only after quoting. Once accepted, support staff at Condra’s head office would then assemble spare parts and arrange all export documentation for shipping. Spares lists would normally include parts needed for the long term, based on predictions of likely wear.

“The idea is that a Condra team will oversee the mine’s own service personnel wherever possible, helping them carry out the repair themselves,” Kleiner said. “This will allow hands-on training under specialist direction.

“What we’re trying to overcome is the too-common practice of working a machine until it fails, then buying a new one, something often seen in mining applications.

“What we’re saying is this: If you buy the correct machine in the first place and look after it by carrying out scheduled maintenance, the life expectancy of your machine will increase along with your financial return. But if you wait until that machine breaks down, production will have to stop while you wait for the spares to arrive. This is not clever. With a little bit of support from our side, your machine will run more reliably and for much longer, and production can continue uninterrupted.”

Outlining the improved schedule, Kleiner said Condra will re-visit Ivory Coast and Angola during July and August, followed by Zambia and Namibia. After that will come Sierra Leone. Other countries appearing on the schedule include Liberia, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Botswana, DRC, Mauritania, Ghana, Mali, Cote d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone and Senegal.

Twelve service teams will carry out these visits (up from two teams five years ago), each one comprising either an electrical specialist accompanied by mechanical assistant, or vice versa.

Expanding on Condra’s plans for remote diagnostics, Kleiner said the company would work in conjunction with specialists in England and Australia to allow customers to receive prompt assistance in most of the world’s time zones, combining a phone call with on-screen visuals presented to the customer’s technicians at the installation site.

“We want to develop a library of repair videos to complement this diagnostic service,” he said.

“The idea is that, long term, Condra teams will be present for critical support only. We will achieve this through proactive maintenance schedules supported by remote fault diagnosis, and complemented by instructional repair videos.”

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Spiro has announced a US$215mn investment to accelerate the deployment of its electric mobility and battery-swapping infrastructure across Africa

Building on the support of long-standing institutional partners such as FEDA, its latest equity round draws capital from Europe and Africa, with investors such as Impact Fund Denmark and Equitane.

In a statement, Spiro said it confirmed growing global confidence in scalable infrastructure-led business models in Africa and other emerging markets.

The company added that it is looking to execute its next chapter of pan-African expansion.

“This investment will support the expansion of Spiro’s battery-swapping network, strengthen its industrial and assembly footprint, accelerate technology development and support the company’s entry into new high-growth African markets,” it noted.

With operations across seven African markets — Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Togo, Benin, Nigeria, Cameroon — it now looking to further expand local production and enter new territories, including Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

“This past year marked a defining strategic milestone for Spiro,” said Gagan Gupta, founder of Spiro and chairman of Equitane, an investment platform committed to African long-term growth.

“Across seven active markets, our deployment of 100,000 electric vehicles and 2,500 smart-swap stations has turned sustainable mobility into an affordable, everyday reality.”

Gupta also noted that Spiro has become a major driver of local industrialisation, value creation and manufacturing across African markets with 6,000 sustainable direct and indirect jobs.

Its industrial footprint includes manufacturing plants in Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda, alongside a state-of-the-art battery recycling facility in Nigeria.

“Supported by our global pool of investors, we are entering our next growth chapter to deliver clean, cost-effective energy and transport alternatives to millions of riders across the continent.”

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Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) has reached financial close and disbursed €43mn under the Poro Power Green Bond, to be used to fund construction of a 66 MW solar power plant in the northern Korhogo region in Cote d’Ivoire

Structured as a €65mn dual-currency facility in euros and CFA francs, it marks the first project finance green bond in Cote d’Ivoire and across the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU).

The solar power plant, developed by Poro Power, is expected to be operational in 2027 and will become the country’s largest solar plant.

The solar plant is expected to provide electricity to more than 100,000 households and avoid over 72,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually, contributing to greater energy access and the country’s target of increasing the share of renewables in the energy mix to 45% by 2030.

AFC acted as lead underwriter and co-arranger, helping to structure the innovative dual-currency green bond that creates what it called a ‘replicable model’ for mobilising African capital into bankable infrastructure.

It also called the transaction a milestone for Côte d’Ivoire’s capital markets and for African infrastructure more broadly.

Historically, long-term infrastructure financing in the country has depended heavily on international capital.

By contrast, the Poro Power Green Bond was African-led, structured, and fully funded by African institutions.

Samaila Zubairu, president and CEO of AFC, said the Poro Power Green Bond sets a new benchmark for sustainable infrastructure financing in Africa.

“This landmark transaction demonstrates the growing capacity of African institutions to mobilise domestic capital and expertise to deliver transformative infrastructure projects,” said said Zubairu.

“We are not only helping to close the infrastructure gap, but also creating scalable, homegrown financing models that can be replicated across the continent.”

The transaction builds on AFC’s track record in Côte d’Ivoire across the power and transport sectors.

In the energy sector, it includes the 44MW Singrobo-Ahouaty hydropower project, Côte d’Ivoire’s first private hydro independent power producer.

Its investments in the country also include the 1.5km Henri Konan Bédié Bridge, which has eased congestion by 30% since commissioning and improved mobility in Abidjan.

In 2024, AFC also supported the Ivorian government in awarding six road development contracts worth €691.6mn.

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At the heart of IVECO’s industrial operations is its Madrid facility, the only manufacturing site in Spain dedicated to heavy-duty industrial vehicles

The plant produces the company’s complete heavy truck range for international markets including Italy, Germany, Spain and Turkey.

Covering 374,000 m², the facility is built around a 1 km main assembly line and is capable of delivering close to 40,000 different vehicle configurations. With 267 core models and more than 2,800 customisation options available, production is designed around highly specific customer demands. On average, the same truck configuration is assembled just three times annually.

“Every truck we build is essentially a one-off, custom-made to meet specific requirements,” commented José Manuel Jaquotot, director of IVECO’s Madrid and Valladolid plants.

“Each vehicle has a unique identifier that allows us to track it from cab production in Valladolid to final assembly in Madrid, ensuring full traceability and quality.”

Manufacturing operations at the Madrid site rely on a flexible and tightly coordinated production system supported by automation and intelligent logistics. Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) transport units across the line, enabling takt times to shift according to the complexity of each build while maintaining uninterrupted workflow across the plant.

Truck cabs arrive from the IVECO Valladolid Plant already painted and welded before being fully equipped in Madrid with dashboards, seats, bunks and airbags. The dashboard assembly process alone includes more than 100 electrical checks and is managed on a separate production line because of its technical complexity.

A major milestone in the process is the integration of the chassis and cab, commonly referred to as the “marriage” stage. Once combined, the vehicle progresses through the fitting of exterior parts, wheel installation and a series of final inspections. These include leak detection, geometry calibration and full functional testing before completion.

The site’s workforce remains central to its operational success. More than 2,700 employees support production activities, bringing the expertise and adaptability required to manage constant product evolution. During 2025, the plant successfully introduced ten new launches.

Sustainability also plays a defining role across operations. The Madrid facility operates entirely on renewable electricity and, in 2025, recycled almost 90% of the water used throughout production processes. Alongside the Valladolid plant, the site forms part of Iveco Group’s broader sustainability strategy and participates in a solar self-consumption initiative with Edison Next Spain, a project expected to help prevent around 500 tons of CO₂ emissions every year.

IVECO’s focus on decarbonisation extends beyond the vehicles themselves to the manufacturing ecosystem behind them. The Madrid plant reflects this broader ambition by combining advanced production technologies, large-scale customisation and sustainable industrial practices in one integrated operation.