Author: Roy Mulenga

As the beneficiation of African minerals becomes a reality, two critical factors come into play across the continent’s mining firms, laser alignment and bulk material handling operations. Mineral processing relies heavily on conveyor belts, which serve as the arteries of industrial production moving vast quantities of material efficiently and continuously. Yet even minor misalignments can lead to material spillage, accelerated wear, downtime, and safety hazards. Laser alignment technology has emerged as a game changing solution, providing precise and rapid adjustments that optimize both efficiency and safety. By ensuring that belts, pulleys, and idlers operate in perfect harmony, laser alignment systems…

Governments and non-governmental organizations, alongside various platforms across Africa, have continued to recognize and identify SMEs as the backbone of the continent’s economic growth driving innovation, job creation, and local development. However, despite their central role in shaping Africa’s economies, many SMEs continue to face challenges in achieving gender equity. Women remain underrepresented in leadership positions, often earn less than their male counterparts, and frequently lack access to mentorship and flexible workplace policies that support their advancement. Creating equitable workplaces for women in SMEs is not only a moral responsibility but a strategic necessity. Gender-inclusive practices enhance innovation, improve decision-making,…

Airtel DRC has joined the Democratic Republic of Congo’s National Digital Training Program, a large-scale initiative that equips 250,000 citizens with essential digital skills. The government launched the program in September alongside U.S. tech firms Cisco and Cybastion to prepare young Congolese for the fast-changing demands of a technology-driven economy. Airtel’s Strategic Support On Saturday, October 11, Airtel announced its involvement, giving the program a major boost in reach and effectiveness. The telecom operator will deliver free internet connectivity to all participants, ensuring smooth access to learning materials and virtual modules. Airtel also plans to build a dedicated training facility…

Independent power producer SOLA has commissioned the 195-megawatt Springbok Solar Power Project, advancing South Africa’s renewable energy transition. The R2.8 billion facility, completed ahead of schedule, introduces Africa’s first utility-scale, multi-buyer solar model that changes how electricity is produced, transmitted, and consumed. Power Wheeling at Scale Power wheeling forms the project’s foundation. This system allows electricity generated in one location to move through the national grid and reach multiple users. Springbok delivers Africa’s first large-scale example of this model, creating a more flexible and efficient approach to energy distribution. Corporate clients including Amazon Web Services and Sibanye-Stillwater serve as anchor…

South Africa’s logistics sector has long struggled with moving medium to large loads efficiently, leaving a gap that traditional courier services don’t fill. That’s where Abdul Moosa saw an opportunity. With over two decades of experience in IT, Business and digital transformation spanning cybersecurity, cloud platforms, and enterprise infrastructure Abdul as leveraged his technical capability to launch Mr. Transport (Mr. T), a platform designed to bring reliability, transparency, and innovation to heavier goods delivery. Inspired by e-hailing models, Mr. T combines owned and independent fleets to offer real-time scheduling, upfront pricing, and secure, insured transport across South Africa. As Abdul…

Microsoft’s decision to end support for Windows 10 points to a critical shift for Africa’s digital economy. As startups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) increasingly depend on technology to operate and compete, the loss of updates and security support poses serious risks. This challenge is further compounded by the continent’s persistent digital literacy gaps, which leave many businesses more vulnerable to cyber threats and operational disruptions. For African startups and SMEs, the transition offers both a wake-up call and an opportunity to rethink digital strategies, strengthen cybersecurity, and invest in affordable, sustainable tech solutions that can future-proof their growth.…

Ethiopia is accelerating its shift toward cleaner transport by expanding its ban on internal combustion engines (ICE) vehicle imports to include gasoline and diesel trucks. Announced on Thursday last week, this move builds on the country’s earlier restriction on private ICE vehicles introduced in January 2024, indicating a clear commitment to cutting fossil fuel dependence and decarbonizing its transport sector. The ban fits within Ethiopia’s Climate-Resilient Green Economy (CRGE) strategy, which targets carbon-neutral growth by 2030. By reducing ICE imports, the government also aims to ease the strain on its balance of payments, which faces an annual $7 billion burden…

ExxonMobil has been honored with the Environmental Social Governance (ESG) Leader of the Year award at the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference. The recognition celebrates the U.S. energy major’s long-term commitment to advancing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education across Africa, promoting workforce development and inclusive growth. Empowering the Next Generation Through STEM Building on this recognition, the award also highlights the success of STEM Africa, a program launched in 2024 by the ExxonMobil Foundation in partnership with Junior Achievement Africa. Designed to equip young Africans with essential skills for careers in energy and technology, the…

Modern African mining operations are increasingly driven by advanced technology. These advancements enhance efficiency, improve safety, and ensure environmental accountability. Today’s mining equipment relies heavily on integrated digital platforms, smart automation, and real-time data analytics. However, the benefits of these technological improvements hinge on one often-overlooked factor: proper equipment calibration. This need becomes even more pronounced in African mines, where operations face uniquely harsh and unpredictable environments. Equipment is exposed to extreme temperatures, dust, heavy rainfall, and constant vibrations all of which can degrade sensor accuracy over time. Without regular calibration, instruments can drift from their intended settings, producing inaccurate…

In a major advancement for Sub-Saharan Africa’s rail infrastructure, Airtel Africa recently tested satellite-powered internet connectivity on a moving train, marking a significant development for the region’s transport and digital sectors. Conducted in partnership with Eutelsat OneWeb, the pilot demonstrated that uninterrupted high-speed broadband can be maintained across a remote and forested section of Sub-Saharan Africa. Using Airtel Satellite for Business its enterprise connectivity Arm the network remained stable through most of the journey, achieving download speeds of up to 100 Mbps and uploads of 20 Mbps. This successful test stresses the transformative potential of satellite internet in areas where…