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Nigeria Suspends Gasoline Import Licences as Domestic Refining Ramps Up
Nigeria’s downstream petroleum regulator has suspended gasoline import licences for a second consecutive month, according to local media reports on Wednesday. The move points to a growing reliance on domestic refining capacity. Regulatory records show that no import licences were issued in February. The Council of Petroleum Marketers of Nigeria (CORAN), which represents local refiners,
Ore Sorting Before Grinding: Energy Savings African Mining Is Leaving in the Pit
Energy has become central to African mining’s operational reality. The industry has invested heavily in securing energy, from building solar plants to negotiating more stable grid access. But far less attention falls on how efficiently that energy is used once ore reaches the processing plant. Large volumes of barren rock still pass through grinding circuits
Econet Zimbabwe Partners with Ericsson to Expand AI-Driven Network Infrastructure
Econet Wireless Zimbabwe (EWZ) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Swedish telecommunications equipment manufacturer Ericsson to strengthen its network infrastructure using artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies. Through this partnership, the two companies aim to improve network performance, enhance service reliability and deliver a more consistent user experience across Econet’s mobile services. Focus on
Zimbabwe Weighs Social Media Ban for Children Under 18
Zimbabwean authorities are preparing measures that would restrict minors from accessing social media platforms such as Facebook, TikTok and Instagram. The proposal is linked to a national effort to strengthen child protection online. Information and Communication Technology Minister Tatenda Mavetera announced the plan on Sunday, March 8. She made the remarks during a speech in
Bioleaching in the Copperbelt: Science Fiction or Strategic Advantage?
Bioleaching has long stood outside the mainstream of copper extraction in the Central African Copperbelt, where conventional methods such as flotation and smelting have dominated processing for decades. These techniques remain effective for high-grade deposits. But as ore grades decline and production costs rise, mining companies are increasingly examining alternative technologies that can unlock value
Mercedes-Benz Unveils VLE Electric Van with 700 km Range
Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the VLE as part of its evolving electric van strategy toward fully electrified multi-purpose vehicles aimed at passenger transport and premium mobility services. The model sits within the company’s next-generation electric van portfolio, which combines long-range capability with increasingly digitalised cabin environments. Powertrain and Driving Range Mercedes-Benz introduced the VLE in VLE
Niger Declines to Renew Savannah Energy Permits in Agadem Basin
Niger has declined to renew oil exploration permits held by Savannah Energy in the Agadem basin, the country’s main oil-producing region. Most of Niger’s exploration and production activity takes place in this area. The Council of Ministers confirmed the decision during a meeting on March 3. It affects exploration blocks R1, R2, R3 and R4
Modernizing Customs Procedures for Seamless AfCFTA Implementation
Creating a continental free trade market is one thing, making goods move efficiently across borders is Clearly another. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) aims to expand trade within the continent by lowering tariffs and opening access to a market of more than a billion people. Yet the practical reality of trade is shaped
Vodacom backs technology-driven education programme for learners with disabilities
The Vodacom Foundation, in partnership with the Gauteng Department of Education, has invested R2 million in the School of Excellence model at Usizolwethu Special Needs School in Daveyton. The initiative aims to empower learners with intellectual disabilities through technology and digital skills. This initiative strengthens Vodacom’s commitment to inclusive and quality education. It also demonstrates
Digital Twins Without Infrastructure: Can African Mines Make Them Work?
The mining industry’s enthusiasm for digital twins is growing rapidly. Boardrooms, technology vendors and equipment manufacturers increasingly promote simulation platforms that promise to mirror entire operations in real time. From haul trucks and drilling rigs to ventilation systems and processing plants, every component of a mine can theoretically be replicated in a digital environment where
Paperwork Before Profit: Compliance Barriers for African Startups
For many African startups, expansion into a neighbouring market is presented as the logical next step once a business gains traction at home. Regional trade agreements and the promise of a more integrated continental market suggest that scaling across borders should be easier than before. In practice, however, founders frequently discover that growth beyond their
Ghana Explores Smartphone Assembly Project with Huawei
The government of Ghana is discussing plans with Chinese technology firm Huawei to establish a digital device assembly plant in the country. The goal is to make affordable smartphones available to Ghanaian consumers and nearby markets. The discussions took place during the Mobile World Congress held this week in Barcelona. Ghanaian officials say the proposal
Ericsson Extends East African Network Strategy from Kenya to Ethiopia
Ethiopia’s state-owned telecommunications provider Ethio Telecom has entered into a new agreement with Swedish telecom infrastructure supplier Ericsson aimed at upgrading and expanding sections of the country’s mobile network. The agreement was disclosed on March 5 during the Mobile World Congress currently taking place in Barcelona. Under the arrangement, Ericsson will support a program to
Gulf Conflict Could Raise New Questions for African Mining Supply Chains
The escalating conflict in the Gulf involving the United States, Israel and Iran has raised concerns about potential disruptions to global energy markets and maritime trade routes. While much of the discussion has focused on oil prices and shipping security, the effects could extend further into industrial supply chains. For Africa’s mining sector, which supplies
Founder Fridays: The Legacy Collective Academy
Leadership is often associated with titles, authority, and visibility. For Khanyisa Malamule, leadership begins much earlier and in places that are often overlooked. These spaces include families, communities, and everyday responsibilities. Through her work, she is challenging traditional definitions of leadership. She also encourages women to see influence not simply as a role they inherit,
Murphy Oil Bets on Third Well to Advance Offshore Côte d’Ivoire Prospects
Murphy Oil has continued its offshore exploration campaign in Côte d’Ivoire with the drilling of the Bubale-1X well in block CI-709. Industry publication Upstream Online reported that the company is relying on the results of this well to determine whether it will proceed with development plans around the Paon prospect. Murphy had previously considered submitting
THE MINING WRAP
The global mining industry is seeing strong activity in technology development, acquisitions and strategic investment. Recent announcements highlight growing momentum in digital mining, critical minerals supply chains and energy-transition infrastructure. Companies are repositioning portfolios to meet rising demand for copper, lithium and rare earth elements. Rio Tinto approves Zulti South investment Rio Tinto approved a
Microwave Pre-Treatment in African Mining: Too Advanced or Ignored?
Mining companies spend a large portion of their energy breaking rock. Before valuable minerals can be extracted, ore must be crushed and ground into smaller particles. This process, known as comminution, is one of the most expensive and energy-intensive stages of mining. As deposits become more complex and minerals occur in finer grains, mines often
Policy Uncertainty and Political Risks in African Trade Governance
Trade policy in Africa often moves faster than the businesses it governs. Companies invest in supply chains, logistics networks, and export relationships that take years to build. Regulations, however, can shift overnight. A new tariff appears, a licensing rule changes, or a temporary export restriction is introduced to calm domestic political pressure. For firms operating
Safaricom Partners with Ericsson to Expand 5G Network in Kenya
Kenyan telecommunications operator Safaricom has entered into a new partnership with Swedish technology company Ericsson to support the continued rollout of its 5G network. Announced on March 2, the agreement focuses on deploying additional microwave links aimed at strengthening network capacity and improving reliability as Safaricom expands 5G coverage across the country. Expanding Network Capacity