Improving regional interconnectivity in the Horn of Africa (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Initial work is set to commence on a planned new road linking Djibouti with Somaliland after the African Development Bank (AfDB) published a request for consultancy services on the first phase of the cross-border project

In a statement published on the bank's website, the government of Somaliland said it had received financial assistance from the AfDB for the construction of phase one of the Lowyaddo-Borama road — stretching from Lowyaddo to Zeila, a distance of 30km — as part of a broader highway project known as the Negad-Lowyaddo-Borama road project.

The first phase of the project, estimated to cost around US$44mn, is being managed by the Somaliland Roads Development Agency in Hargeisa.

Earlier in the year, the AfDB also invited bids from contractors for the upgrading of the road to bituminous standard, including a seven-metre-wide wide carriageway, drainage and other ancillary works.

The flexible pavement structure comprises asphalt concrete surfacing, crushed stone base and gravel sub-base.

Construction of the first 30-km section of road is expected to take 15 months after initial groundbreaking works.

The overall goal, according to the AfDB, is to boost regional integration and trade links between Somaliland and its neighbours in the Horn of Africa and beyond.

The bank says the project will also improve transport and communication along the road corridor by reducing travel times and costs, as well as enhancing safety.

The new consulting agency to be hired will provide expert assistance to the Somaliland Roads Development Agency in procurement and contract management services as the project advances.

Separately, the AfDB is moving ahead with plans for a one-stop border post at Lowyaddo on the Somaliland-Djibouti border again as part of efforts to improve regional communications links and connectivity.

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Installation of the first precast T-beam. (Image source: CCECC/YangYu)

China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) has erected the first precast T-beam on the Minna Township Roads Rehabilitation Project in Nigeria

It marks the start of the project’s beam erection phase, laying the foundation for subsequent construction work, which is located in the country’s Niger State, north west of the federal capital Abuja.

The overall development involves the prefabrication of a total of 216 pre-stressed beam segments for five flyovers.

Once operational, the roads project is expected to alleviate traffic congestion in and around Minna's urban areas, enhancing the efficiency of the regional road network, and stimulating economic activity.

Zambia roads project

Separately, CCECC has announced that it has recently begun work on the Blue Lagoon Road upgrade project in Zambia.

The 98-kilometre project connects the M9 road in Zambia with the Blue Lagoon National Park, located in the northern part of the Kafue Flats in the country’s Central Province.

It will upgrade the existing unpaved dirt road to a two-lane asphalt road with double surface treatment, along with building two new bridges and supporting works.

The package of works also includes key feeder roads linking Situmbeko–Chimbotela, Situmbeko–Mutumbi and Kasalu–Keezwa.

Once completed, the projects will open up a new route connecting Lusaka, Central Province and Southern Province, shortening the journey time down from four hours to just 1.5 hours.

In a statement, CCECC noted that it will slash logistics costs in the country to boost the local economy and create nearly 1,000 jobs.

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Sany milling machine at work on Gauteng roads project 

Lifting solar panels during installation (Image source: SkyJacks)

South Africa’s solar energy market is surging, particularly in the commercial and industrial (C&I) sectors

As businesses seek cost-effective, sustainable solutions to manage rising electricity costs, solar power has become an increasingly attractive investment.

While load shedding has eased in recent months, energy costs remain high, prompting companies, especially those operating in agriculture, engineering and manufacturing to turn to rooftop solar to manage long-term operational expenses.

But while the benefits of solar are clear, the road to installation is not always smooth.

Installation challenges

“Transporting and installing solar panels presents a unique set of logistical challenges,” said Alistair Bennett, managing director at SkyJacks.

“These panels are not only bulky and fragile but getting them safely onto rooftops using traditional lifting methods can be time-consuming, risky, and expensive.”

Large-scale solar panels, often used in commercial and industrial projects, are delicate by nature and susceptible to damage from mishandling.

Rooftops can be difficult to access, and using the wrong equipment can lead to costly breakages and long project delays, issues that weigh heavily on contractors who operate on tight budgets and timelines.

Breakages don’t just increase hardware costs; they ripple through the entire project lifecycle.

“When panels are damaged during lifting or installation, it’s not just about replacing the equipment,” said Bennett.

“There are lead times for new panels, and in some cases, entire teams are idled while waiting. It impacts the bottom line and the contractor’s reputation.”

A smarter, safer way to install solar

The GEDA Solarlift is a lifting solution designed specifically for the solar industry.

With its modular, compact design and a lifting height of up to 19 metres, it provides an efficient, safe and cost-effective way to transport photovoltaic panels onto rooftop: whether in urban centres or remote agricultural settings.

“The GEDA Solarlift was developed with the realities of solar projects in mind,” said Bennett.

“It’s lightweight and easy to set up, even on uneven ground or in tight construction sites. The adjustable platform holds solar panels securely during the lift, reducing manual handling and lowering the risk of both damage and injury.”

This has made the system particularly valuable for rooftop installations in industrial parks, warehouses and commercial farms, where rooftop access and project scale can vary significantly.

For installers working in remote regions, such as those popular for utility-scale solar in the Northern Cape, the solution’s portability and quick setup offer added advantages.

Flexible rental model

SkyJacks, the local supplier of the GEDA Solarlift in South Africa, has introduced a ‘pay-as-you-use’ rental model that reduces barrier to entry for contractors and renewable energy developers.

“Our rental model is designed to be as flexible and supportive as possible,” said Bennett.

“There’s no need for a big upfront investment, which helps ease cash flow constraints. And all equipment is fully serviced and tested before each use, so contractors know they’re getting equipment that’s safe, reliable, and ready to go.”

He said the model allows small and mid-sized contractors to compete on larger projects without committing capital to own specialised equipment.

It also helps solar providers scale their operations more easily; renting additional lifts as needed without incurring permanent overheads.

Hands-on support

SkyJacks’ offering extends beyond equipment. The company provides end-to-end support, including site assessments, technical advice, and on-site setup assistance.

“We work closely with our clients to make sure the Solarlift is properly integrated into their workflow,” added Bennett. “Our technical teams are available to assist with setup, troubleshooting, and compliance, which takes pressure off the contractors.”

This package of support ensures that even less experienced contractors can safely and efficiently operate the Solarlift, helping them meet deadlines and reduce costly mistakes.

“Innovation isn’t just about panels or batteries, it’s about the tools that help make clean energy accessible and viable at scale,” he added. “The GEDA Solarlift is a practical solution to a very real problem in the industry, and we believe it’s going to play a big role in how South Africa builds its solar future.”

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