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What’s Holding African Small Businesses Back in Global Trade
For many small businesses, exporting represents the difference between stagnation and growth. Domestic markets can only absorb so much, particularly for producers working in agriculture, manufacturing, and specialised goods. Entering international markets offers access to larger customer bases and stronger currencies. However, many African SMEs still find it difficult to break into export markets. Financing
Rwanda Launches National AI Partnership with Anthropic
The Government of Rwanda has signed a three-year memorandum of understanding with US-based AI research company Anthropic to introduce artificial intelligence tools across public institutions. The agreement, announced on 17 February 2026, sets out a coordinated, government-wide approach to AI deployment a first of its scale on the continent. Under the deal, software teams within
Is Connectivity and Safety Tech in African Mining Proactive or Simply Compliant?
Connectivity and safety technologies have long been framed as essential upgrades for African mining operations. However, uptake has consistently trailed global benchmarks. High capital costs, infrastructure capacity shortfalls, and competing operational demands have slowed deployment across both open-pit and underground sites. Of course, one might argue that progress is visible, but it remains far from
THE MINING WRAP
Caterpillar finalised the acquisition of RPMGlobal Holdings Limited on February 18, 2026, adding mining schedule and simulation software to its portfolio and enabling direct integration of equipment performance data into mine planning systems. The integration improves alignment between haulage output, maintenance intervals and production schedules, particularly in high-tonnage operations in South Africa and Zambia, where
Green Bonds and the Capital Realities of Africa’s Energy Transition
The central constraint in Africa’s energy transition lately has not been technology, but funding. Expanding electricity access to hundreds of millions of people while moving toward cleaner power sources will require capital at a scale few national budgets can sustain. That financing gap is precisely where green bonds are beginning to gain traction and feature
MTN Tables R35.3bn Offer to Buy Out IHS
MTN Group has agreed to buy out minority shareholders in IHS Towers. The deal would bring nearly 29 000 telecom towers across Africa back under its direct control. It reverses years of divestments in which MTN sold passive infrastructure to tower operators. The IHS board has accepted an offer of US$8.50 per share, a 9.7%
Malawi Suspends New Mining Licences and Bans Raw Mineral Exports
Malawi has suspended the issuance of new mining licences and banned the export of raw, unprocessed minerals. The change introduces tighter control over how mineral resources are licensed and commercialised at a time when mining is drawing increased policy attention. Government officials have announced a review of the national mining licence registry and indicated that
Africa’s Venture Capital Growth — Sustainable or Speculative?
Venture capital has changed significantly across Africa’s financial ecosystems over the past years. Investor activity has expanded beyond a limited circle of development-backed funding into a more competitive and commercially driven market. International venture firms are allocating larger pools of capital across the continent, while domestic funds are becoming more structured and sector focused. Startups
Toyota Confirms Sixth-Generation RAV4 Line-Up for South Africa in 2026
Toyota South Africa has confirmed its local specification strategy for the sixth-generation RAV4 and plans to launch the SUV in the first half of 2026. Executives revealed the details during the company’s ninth annual State of the Motor Industry (SOMI) briefing, where Toyota outlined its broader product roadmap for the domestic market. Toyota positions the
U.S. Listed Firm Acquires Butembo Copper Project in Eastern DRC
African Discovery Group (AFDG) has acquired the Butembo copper project in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, a region affected by insecurity. The U.S.-traded company confirmed it signed a definitive share purchase agreement with Grabin Mining SAS, which holds the exploration permit. The transaction was structured as a reverse takeover. Through the issuance of shares to
Rethinking Supply Chains for SMEs After a Volatile 2025
Volatility in 2025 did not affect every business equally. SMEs felt the pressure quickly and directly. Shipping delays, tightening payment terms and rising input costs strained businesses operating with limited buffers. For many startups and small firms, a delayed shipment translated into missed revenue, while sudden supplier price increases erased already thin margins. Exchange-rate movements
How Far Has Gearless Mill Drive Technology Advanced in African Mining?
Gearless Mill drive (GMD) technology has been part of global large-scale mining for decades, particularly in high-tonnage copper and gold operations in South America and Australia. In Africa, however, its trajectory has been more measured. The technology is neither new to the continent nor widespread across all operations. Instead, its adoption has been selective, concentrated
Harith Agrees to Acquire FlySafair in Major Aviation Deal
South African private equity firm Harith General Partners has agreed to acquire budget airline FlySafair. The deal expands Harith’s transport portfolio across the continent. The firm manages approximately $3 billion in assets. It said the transaction is at an advanced stage but remains subject to regulatory approvals, including clearance from competition authorities and two aviation
Africa’s Mining Tech Supply Chain: Is There Still Room for SMEs?
Mining in Africa has changed in ways that go beyond equipment upgrades or software installations. What was once a sector driven primarily by output targets and commodity cycles now operates under a broader set of performance metrics. Boardroom discussions increasingly centre on automation, emissions reporting, safety performance and operational risk. As predictive maintenance systems, environmental
Founder Friday: Icons of Africa Awards
In many parts of Africa, recognition often arrives after international endorsement. Local impact is frequently overlooked until it is validated elsewhere. For Natasha Mncube, this was not just an industry observation. It was a structural gap she experienced firsthand while working across media, events and leadership platforms. Rather than accept a reactive system, she chose
THE MINING WRAP
Sandvik has acquired ThoroughTec Simulation, a Durban-based provider of OEM-agnostic mining simulators used for training operators across surface and underground fleets. The acquisition adds simulation software and performance analytics to Sandvik’s existing equipment portfolio. Mines are using these systems to measure operator efficiency, reduce equipment misuse and lower incident rates. The integration allows real-time performance
Uber Exits Tanzania Over Regulatory Differences
Uber has exited Tanzania after extended disagreements with regulators over how ride-hailing platforms should operate, closing a chapter in a prolonged standoff over pricing, commissions and market structure in East Africa’s digital transport sector. The company informed users through its app that services in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Dodoma, Mwanza and Zanzibar would no longer
Can Bootstrapping Sustain Africa’s Fintech and Agritech SMEs?
After several years of aggressive venture capital deployment across African tech, the funding environment has tightened. Investors have become more selective, deal sizes have moderated, and early-stage founders are facing longer fundraising cycles. In response, many fintech and Agritech entrepreneurs are reverting to bootstrapping building companies through personal capital, retained earnings and disciplined cost control.
Exploration Activity Builds Across the Gulf of Guinea
The Gulf of Guinea is once again emerging as a major exploration zone for oil majors, supported by offshore discoveries and regulatory reforms. The renewed activity comes as energy demand remains resilient. Companies are under pressure to replace reserves, with Wood Mackenzie estimating that commercial stocks could be depleted within roughly 20 years at current
Can Technology Extend Mine Life?
Every mine progresses through distinct phases, exploration, development, ramp-up, steady-state production, maturity, and eventual closure. Each phase carries different risk profiles, capital constraints, and return expectations. Technology choices that make sense in one stage may be financially unjustified in another. During exploration and early development, the priority is geological certainty and capital discipline. Investments in