Category: Africa

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South Africa welcomes China’s zero-tariff preference scheme

Source: Government of South Africa

South Africa welcomes China’s zero-tariff preference scheme

The Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, has welcomed the announcement by the Government of the People’s Republic of China that introduces a temporary zero-tariff preference scheme for 20 non-least developed African countries, including South Africa.

The measure follows an announcement by Chinese President Xi Jinping on 14 February 2026 that China would implement zero-tariff treatment for African countries with which it has diplomatic relations. 

Least developed countries are already benefiting from duty-free access to the Chinese market following commitments made at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

Under the scheme, qualifying South African goods exported to China between 1 May 2026 and 30 April 2028 will benefit from zero customs duties, provided exporters comply with the applicable tariff schedules and rules of origin.

Exporters have been advised that access to the preference scheme is conditional on meeting prescribed rules of origin requirements, including product-specific conditions, and submitting a valid Certificate of Origin for customs clearance in China.

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) said it is working with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) on customs procedures and legislative amendments required for implementation, including processes relating to the issuing of certificates of origin.

The department added that for products already in transit, where a certificate of origin has not been issued before or at the time of shipment, importers will be required to pay a deposit. 

The deposit may be refunded once the requested documentation has been submitted. 

In such cases, the certificate of origin must be marked “issued retrospectively” and will remain valid for one year from the shipment date.

While the scheme applies to a broad range of products, certain goods may still be subject to specific conditions, including tariff rate quotas. 

Exporters are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the detailed tariff schedules and rules of origin documentation to ensure compliance and maximise the benefits of the preferences.

According to the dtic, the preferential market access framework presents a strategic opportunity for South Africa to strengthen export competitiveness, diversify into higher value-added products, and expand market access for agricultural, industrial and beneficiated goods.

The department said the initiative also supports broader national objectives, including industrial development, employment creation and export-led economic growth.

The dtic, together with relevant government departments and stakeholders, has initiated processes to facilitate implementation of the preference scheme.

An Export Help Desk within the dtic will serve as a central point of contact for guidance, queries and assistance relating to compliance and market access processes. Exporters can contact the help desk at exports@thedtic.gov.za.

The dtic also announced that a comprehensive Frequently Asked Questions document for exporters will be published on its website.

Minister Tau said the zero-tariff treatment preference scheme reflects the strong relationship between China and the African continent and represents a significant outcome of FOCAC 2024.

He added that the scheme offers South African exporters an opportunity to expand into one of the world’s largest and most dynamic consumer markets, while complementing the dtic’s diversification strategy aimed at strengthening the resilience of the South African economy. – SAnews.gov.za

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Liquid Intelligent Technologies revitalises access to cloud and cyber security services in support of improved national digital resilience

Source: APO

Liquid Intelligent Technologies (https://Liquid.Tech), a business of Cassava Technologies, a global technology leader, brings cloud and cyber security solutions and services to businesses and enterprises of all sizes in Botswana. The announcement comes as Liquid celebrates a decade of operations in the country.

These services will be available to existing and potential customers in Botswana, and at the centre of the new offering is Secure360, the company’s integrated security framework that enables organisations to move beyond reactive breach response towards proactive intelligence, protection and assurance. The solution combines local delivery with continental-scale infrastructure and global technology partnerships to provide organisations with enterprise-grade digital security and cloud capabilities aligned with national digital priorities.

“Over the last decade, Liquid has deployed over 1174.08 km of fibre, bringing multi-terabit capacity and unmatched resilience to the region. By establishing a 730km backbone along the A1 road, we’ve positioned Botswana as a critical hub, linking networks from Zimbabwe, South Africa, Kenya, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Sudan,” said Odirile Tamajobe, Managing Director of Liquid Intelligent Technologies Botswana. “Now, by bringing the cloud and cyber security services into the country, we are empowering local businesses with world-class digital solutions, ensuring they can compete and win on the global stage.”

The expansion of Liquid’s offerings in the market reflects the broader Cassava strategy to deliver integrated digital infrastructure and platforms through its One Cassava approach.

“When organisations engage with Liquid Intelligent Technologies in Botswana, they are connecting to the strength of Cassava’s integrated digital ecosystem,” said Ziaad Suleman, CEO of Cassava Technologies SA and Botswana. “Beyond cloud and cyber security, customers can access data centres, AI readiness reviews, and tailored technology journey roadmaps, all within a unified platform designed to support secure innovation and long-term digital resilience”.

As Botswana advances on its Vision 2036 ambitions to expand digital services across government, financial services, telecommunications, and critical infrastructure sectors, Cassava’s digital services aim to strengthen national digital resilience, fostering pride and confidence in the country’s progress.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Liquid Intelligent Technologies.

About Liquid Intelligent Technologies:
Liquid Intelligent Technologies is a business of Cassava Technologies (Cassava), a global technology leader with operations in 40-plus markets across Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, where the Cassava group companies operate. Liquid has firmly established itself as the leading provider of pan-African digital infrastructure with a 110,000 km-long fibre broadband network and satellite connectivity that provides high-speed access to the Internet anywhere in Africa. Liquid is also leveraging its digital network to provide Cloud and Cyber Security solutions through strategic partnerships with leading global players. Liquid is a comprehensive technology solutions group that provides customised digital solutions to public and private sector enterprises and SMEs across the continent. For more information, visit https://Liquid.Tech

About Cassava Technologies:
Cassava Technologies is a global technology leader providing a vertically integrated ecosystem of digital services and infrastructure enabling digital transformation. Headquartered in the UK, Cassava has a presence across Africa, the Middle East, Latin America and the United States of America. Through its business units, namely, Cassava AI, Liquid Intelligent Technologies, Liquid C2, Africa Data Centres, and Sasai Fintech, the company provides its customers’ products and services in 94 countries. These solutions drive the company’s ambition of establishing itself as a leading global technology company of African heritage. www.CassavaTechnologies.com

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Transformative African Leadership (TAL) Redefines Leadership Across the Continent

Source: APO

The Transformative African Leadership (TAL) (www.TALJourney.com) programme is a new pan-African initiative reshaping how leadership is practised across the continent. It moves beyond conventional models, grounding leadership in African realities and placing collective responsibility at the centre of how leaders are developed. 

Launched on 23 March 2026, TAL is a 10-month, practice-led executive journey for mid-career professionals across government, private sector stakeholders, entrepreneurs and civil society who are already operating within systems where decisions carry real consequences.  These sector leaders navigate complex environments, where aligning stakeholders and managing uncertainty shape organisational performance and long-term growth.  

The programme begins in September and includes two in-country residencies in Kenya and Morocco. It is open exclusively to African citizens, including those living or working abroad. 

TAL is the first programme of its kind, delivered through a historic collaboration between four leading African universities: the Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance at the University of Cape Town (lead coordinator), Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar and the Institute for Development Studies at the University of Nairobi. Supported by Agence Française de Développement, TAL brings together a selective cohort of approximately 25–30 participants from across the continent. 

Anchored in the principles of Ubuntu, TAL takes a different approach to leadership development. It prioritises demonstrated experience over formal qualifications and brings together a cross-sector cohort. The focus is on leadership and how we drive meaningful change. Its hybrid structure combines flexible online learning with in-person residencies, allowing for both application and reflection. Delivered through a pan-African institutional network, the programme exposes participants to diverse regional perspectives while reinforcing the shared responsibility of leadership across borders. 

Dr Penny Parenzee, Senior Programme Manager at the Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance, explains: “TAL was born from a deep desire to strengthen African leadership practices rooted in Ubuntu and Agenda 2063’s vision of ‘The Africa We Want’. It brings together partners who aspire towards leadership models that embed the vision of a thriving continent and reflect the values of solidarity. Together, we have created a space for mid-career Africans to lead with authenticity and collective wisdom and to respond to persistent challenges such as inequality, fragmentation and the need for more self-determined governance.” 

The programme is being introduced at a critical moment. As the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) advances and the continent faces immense governance challenges while also navigating increasingly complex global pressures, leadership within institutions will shape outcomes. TAL is designed to help leaders rethink systems, make grounded decisions and drive long-term change. 

Dr Parenzee says: “This moment calls for leaders who are willing to challenge existing systems, rethink how institutions function and make bold yet grounded decisions with long-term impact. TAL focuses on strengthening exactly these capacities. It provides a space for current and emerging leaders to reflect on their roles, engage with peers across sectors and countries and develop the tools needed to lead transformation within their organisations and beyond.” 

TAL ultimately aims to equip a new generation of leaders to take ownership of Africa’s future and drive structural transformation — strengthening institutions, bridging divides and shaping more integrated, self-determined systems across the continent. 

For more information, visit: www.TALJourney.com 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Transformative African Leadership.

Media Contact:
For interviews or more information, please contact:  
Claudia Pillay 
PR Director: AZ Media PR 
Claudia.pillay@gmail.com
+27 84 88 44 317

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World Mining Investment Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Didier Rault Joins African Mining Week (AMW) Advisory Board

Source: APO

Didier Rault, CEO of World Mining Investment, has joined the advisory board of African Mining Week (AMW) 2026 – The Most Influential Mining Conference in Africa – scheduled to take place from October 14–16 in Cape Town.

Rault’s appointment is timely with African markets seeking fresh capital to fast-track projects development and capitalize on rising global demand for critical minerals which is expected to triple by 2030. As an AMW advisory board member, Rault will provide strategic insights on investment trends, financing structures and partnership models that can help connect African mining projects with international capital.

With more than 25 years of experience in international finance and investment, Rault has worked extensively on complex government and corporate transactions across multiple jurisdictions. Through strategic government collaborations and investment scouting initiatives across Africa, Rault plays a huge role in connecting mining opportunities with international investors and development partners. In 2025, Rault was involved in facilitating an exploratory collaboration on critical minerals at presidential-level with an African nation, highlighting the growing global interest in the continent’s resource potential.

As an increasing number of international markets rally towards securing African minerals to strengthen their supply chains, Rault’s expertise in opportunity identification, risk assessment, due diligence and project evaluation will be crucial in strengthening industry cooperation between Africa and global partners.

Rault’s global expertise – having worked in Malaysia, France, China, Australia and Tajikistan – will help shape AMW’s discussions on innovative financing mechanisms, technical partnerships and policy reforms needed to build a more transparent and investor-friendly mining environment across Africa.

His expertise will contribute to shaping AMW’s agenda as the event seeks to support African countries in mobilizing capital to unlock the continent’s estimated $29.5 trillion in mineral wealth, representing roughly 20% of global reserves.

AMW 2026 will be held under the theme Mining the Future: Unearthing Africa’s Full Mineral Value Chain, bringing together governments, mining companies, financiers and technology providers to accelerate investment and strengthen Africa’s role in global mineral supply chains.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Indaba an opportunity to profile SA’s national parks 

Source: Government of South Africa

Indaba an opportunity to profile SA’s national parks 

Africa’s Travel Indaba provides a powerful continental and global platform to position national parks not only as tourism destinations, but as offerings that contribute meaningfully to nature, community development, cultural heritage, and economic inclusion.

This is according to the South African National Parks (SANParks) Chief Executive Officer, Hapiloe Sello, who spoke on the sidelines of the Indaba that is currently underway in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

The Indaba, which kicked off on Tuesday, was addressed by President Cyril Ramaphosa and is being held under the theme: “Unlimited Africa: Growing Africa’s Tourism Economy”.

READ | Africa’s Travel Indaba showcases tourism as driver of growth and jobs

As part of its Indaba programme, SANParks is today hosting its flagship “Conversations about Conservation” dialogue as a platform that ensures improved understanding about the contribution of conservation to South Africa’s tourism economy. 

This year’s discussion will reflect on the centenary of the Kruger National Park. The centenary commemorates 100 years since Kruger’s formal proclamation as a national park, alongside more than a century of evolving conservation practice rooted in the establishment of the Sabi Game Reserve in 1898.

“Kruger National Park’s centenary is both a moment of commemoration and reflection.

“It honours extraordinary conservation achievements, while also acknowledging lessons learned from the painful past of land dispossession and displacements. As we look ahead, our focus is firmly on inclusive conservation models that ensure national parks deliver lasting value for both nature and people,”Sello said.

Wednesday’s dialogue will reflect on lessons learned that must shape the future.

The session brings together conservation leaders, tourism stakeholders, media and partners to engage openly on the role of tourism in funding conservation, creating employment, and supporting inclusive growth in and around protected areas.

Half of the SANParks branded exhibition stand at the Indaba is dedicated to Kruger National Park’s centenary, where it profiles the diversity of SANParks’ tourism offerings across its network of 21 national parks.

Illustrating the organisation’s intentional investment into a future of inclusivity, a dedicated small, medium and micro Enterprise (SMME) support stand is showcasing 16 SANParks-supported enterprises operating across the ecotourism value chain. 

These enterprises, drawn from communities adjacent to national parks, represent SANParks’ ongoing commitment to build an inclusive conservation economy in line with Vision 2040.

The supported enterprises span the accommodation, tour guiding, cultural heritage, adventure tourism, wildlife economy projects, crafts, and hospitality sectors, with strong representation by women-owned, youth-owned, and community-owned businesses. 

Through its presence at the Africa’s Travel Indaba 2026, SANParks aims to reinforce its position as a leading conservation and tourism authority, demonstrating the economic and social value of national parks by inviting the global tourism community to be partners in shaping the next century of conservation. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Verdant IMAP Act as Financial Advisor and Arranger to Metro Africa Xpress (MAX) on its USD 8 Million in Debt Capital Raise

Source: APO

Metro Africa Xpress (MAX), Africa’s leading electric mobility platform, has secured USD 8 million in debt funding from Triple Jump, marking a key milestone in scaling its clean mobility operations.

Triple Jump, a Netherlands-based impact investment manager with a strong track record of financing inclusive financial institutions and clean energy businesses across emerging markets, represents one of MAX’s first international institutional lenders. Its participation underscores confidence in MAX’s operating model, asset-backed lending structure, and long-term scalability within Africa’s evolving mobility sector.

The funding will support:

  • Expansion of MAX’s electric vehicle (EV) fleet
  • Rollout of battery swap infrastructure
  • Continued development of its Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) financing platform

MAX’s model is designed to lower barriers to asset ownership for commercial drivers (“Champions”), enabling income generation through access to productive mobility assets while reducing operating costs relative to internal combustion alternatives.

Operating across Nigeria, Ghana, and Cameroon, with Nigeria as its core market, MAX is building an integrated ecosystem comprising:

  • Purpose-built EVs adapted for local conditions
  • Battery swapping infrastructure to address charging constraints
  • IoT-enabled fleet management systems
  • Embedded financing solutions for underserved drivers

Verdant IMAP acted as sole financial advisor and arranger on the transaction, supporting structuring, investor engagement, and execution. The transaction establishes a foundation for further institutional capital deployment into the business.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Verdant Capital.

Media enquiries:
Verdant IMAP
Orient Mahonisi
T: +27 10 140 3700
E: orient.mahonisi@verdant-cap.com

About Verdant IMAP: 
Verdant IMAP is a leading pan-African investment bank specialising in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and private capital markets. Combining international investment banking experience with a deep understanding of local markets, Verdant IMAP helps clients access global capital and strategic partnerships to drive growth and transformation across the continent. Verdant IMAP has extensive experience in the Metals & Mining sector in Africa.  Verdant IMAP is the IMAP partner firm for its region. IMAP, established in 1973, is a global M&A partnership with over 600 professionals across 51 countries and completing around 300 transactions per year is consistently ranked among the top 5 advisors worldwide for mid-market transactions. www.Verdant-Cap.com

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Verdant IMAP agit en tant que conseiller financier et arrangeur pour dans le cadre de sa levée de dette de 8 million USD

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Metro Africa Xpress (MAX), principale plateforme de mobilité électrique en Afrique, a obtenu un financement par emprunt de huit millions USD auprès de Triple Jump, marquant une étape clé dans l’expansion de ses activités de mobilité propre.

Triple Jump, gestionnaire néerlandais d’investissements à impact social disposant d’une solide expérience dans le financement d’institutions financières inclusives et d’entreprises d’énergie propre sur les marchés émergents, figure parmi les premiers bailleurs institutionnels internationaux de MAX. Sa participation témoigne de la confiance accordée au modèle opérationnel de MAX, à sa structure de financement adossée à des actifs ainsi qu’à la pérennité et à l’évolutivité de son activité dans le secteur africain de la mobilité, en pleine croissance.

Le financement soutiendra :

  • l’expansion du parc de véhicules électriques (VE) de MAX
  • le déploiement de l’infrastructure d’échange de batteries
  • la poursuite du développement de sa plateforme de financement Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO)

Le modèle de MAX vise à réduire les barrières à l’accès à la propriété d’actifs pour les conducteurs commerciaux, les « Champions », en leur permettant de générer des revenus grâce à l’accès à des actifs de mobilité productifs, tout en réduisant les coûts d’exploitation par rapport aux alternatives à moteur à combustion interne.

Présente au Nigeria, au Ghana et au Cameroun, avec le Nigeria comme marché principal, MAX développe un écosystème intégré comprenant :

  • des VE spécialement conçus et adaptés aux conditions locales
  • une infrastructure d’échange de batteries répondant aux contraintes de recharge
  • des systèmes de gestion de flotte compatibles avec l’IoT
  • des solutions de financement intégrées destinées aux conducteurs mal desservis par les systèmes financiers traditionnels

Verdant IMAP a agi en qualité de conseiller financier et d’arrangeur exclusif de l’opération, accompagnant la structuration, les échanges avec les investisseurs et l’exécution de la transaction. Cette opération ouvre la voie à un déploiement accru de capitaux institutionnels au sein de l’entreprise.

Distribué par APO Group pour Verdant Capital.

Relations avec les médias :
Verdant IMAP
Orient Mahonisi
T : +27 10 140 3700
E : orient.mahonisi@verdant-cap.com

À propos de Verdant IMAP :
Verdant IMAP est une banque d’investissement panafricaine de premier plan spécialisée dans les fusions-acquisitions et les marchés privés de capitaux. Alliant une expertise internationale en banque d’investissement à une connaissance approfondie des marchés locaux, Verdant IMAP accompagne ses clients dans l’accès à des capitaux internationaux et à des partenariats stratégiques afin de soutenir la croissance et la transformation à travers le continent. Verdant IMAP dispose d’une vaste expérience dans le secteur des métaux et de l’exploitation minière en Afrique. Verdant IMAP est le cabinet partenaire d’IMAP pour sa région. Fondé en 1973, IMAP est un partenariat mondial spécialisé dans les fusions-acquisitions, regroupant plus de 600 professionnels dans 51 pays et réalisant environ 300 opérations par an. IMAP est régulièrement classé parmi les cinq meilleurs conseillers mondiaux pour les opérations du marché intermédiaire. www.Verdant-Cap.com

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President Ramaphosa to address the Blackrock Infrastructure Investment Conference

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa will this morning, 13 May 2026, address the opening of the BlackRock Infrastructure Investment Conference in Cape Town.

The conference forms part of the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen investor relations, following the 6th South Africa Investment Conference held on 31 March 2026, which mobilised substantial investment commitments and reinforced the country’s focus on infrastructure-led growth.

The discussions at the conference will focus on critical sectors, including energy infrastructure; transport, port and rail systems; digital and data infrastructure; and water infrastructure.

The conference will also examine South Africa’s improving macroeconomic conditions, deep capital markets, ongoing structural reforms, and its role as a gateway to African growth and global trade.

NOTE TO MEDIA: The Conference is not open to media, however the President’s address will be live streamed on Presidency digital platforms from 09h20am.

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to President Ramaphosa – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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Minister and Deputy Minister in The Presidency to Lead Stats SA Budget Vote 14 Debate in the National Assembly

Source: President of South Africa –

The Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, together with the Deputy Minister in The Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli, will lead the Statistics South Africa (StatsSA) Budget Vote 14 debate before the National Assembly.

The Budget Vote debate provides an opportunity to outline the department’s priorities and plans for the 2026/27 financial year, as well as the role of official statistics in supporting evidence-based planning, monitoring and decision-making across government.

Details of the Debate are as follows:
Date: Wednesday, 13 May 2026
Time: 16:45
Venue: Marks Building, Room M46, Parliament Precinct, Cape Town

Members of the media are invited follow and cover the debate on the parliamentary channel. 

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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La plateforme Renegade Intel de African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 placera le secteur pétrolier et gazier au cœur de la dynamique mondiale des centres de données Intelligence artificielle (IA)

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

L’African Energy Week (AEW), le principal événement énergétique africain, place l’évolution mondiale des centres de données IA au premier plan de la transformation énergétique de l’Afrique avec le lancement d’une plateforme dédiée : Renegade Intel. Se déroulant dans le cadre du programme stratégique du 12 au 16 octobre au Cap, la plateforme mettra en relation les producteurs d’énergie africains, les entreprises technologiques, les financiers et les développeurs d’infrastructures numériques à un moment charnière pour l’avenir industriel du continent.

Ce lancement intervient alors que les gouvernements africains et les investisseurs privés considèrent de plus en plus les centres de données non seulement comme des actifs d’infrastructure numérique, mais aussi comme des catalyseurs de l’électrification, de la croissance industrielle, de la monétisation du gaz et de la sécurité énergétique à long terme. Renegade Intel se concentrera sur l’intersection entre l’IA, la production d’électricité, le gaz naturel, la souveraineté des données et le financement des infrastructures, tout en examinant comment l’Afrique peut construire son propre écosystème industriel basé sur l’IA plutôt que d’exporter à l’étranger à la fois ses ressources brutes et sa valeur numérique.

Le lancement de Renegade Intel intervient à un moment charnière pour le continent, alors que la demande croissante en matière d’IA, de cloud computing, de fintech et de connectivité mobile étendue devrait stimuler la croissance du marché émergent des centres de données. Alors que le marché africain des données en est encore à ses balbutiements, les prévisions indiquent que le secteur passera de 2,2 milliards de dollars en 2026 à environ 4,3 milliards de dollars d’ici 2031, soulignant une opportunité unique – et de plus en plus stratégique – tant pour les producteurs d’énergie que pour les entreprises technologiques.

Pourtant, les infrastructures restent le principal goulot d’étranglement. Des réseaux électriques peu fiables et de faibles taux d’électrification entravent le développement du marché des centres de données d’IA sur le continent – mais l’intégration d’investissements entre les secteurs pourrait inverser cette tendance. La demande liée à l’IA transforme déjà les marchés mondiaux de l’électricité. Aux États-Unis, les services publics avertissent déjà que les installations d’IA à très grande échelle pourraient augmenter considérablement la pression sur le réseau et les prix de l’électricité dans des régions clés. L’opportunité pour l’Afrique pourrait toutefois résider dans le fait d’éviter complètement ce modèle en construisant des écosystèmes « gaz-électricité » dédiés, spécialement conçus pour l’exploitation des centres de données.

L’Afrique du Sud est actuellement à la pointe de l’expansion des centres de données sur le continent, avec des zones cloud de Microsoft et AWS déjà opérationnelles et Google qui devrait suivre. Alors que les pénuries d’électricité et l’instabilité du réseau continuent de freiner l’expansion économique, le gaz est de plus en plus positionné comme un combustible de transition stratégique capable de soutenir une infrastructure numérique à grande échelle. Le pays peut non seulement se prévaloir d’importantes découvertes offshore dans les bassins d’Orange et d’Outeniqua, mais il détient également d’importantes ressources de gaz de schiste dans le bassin du Karoo. Combinées au rôle croissant du Cap et de Johannesburg en tant que pôles de connectivité numérique et cloud, ces ressources pourraient soutenir une nouvelle génération de projets d’énergie au gaz dédiés aux centres de données et aux infrastructures d’IA.

Le Nigeria offre une opportunité commerciale encore plus importante. Avec plus de 200 000 milliards de pieds cubes de réserves prouvées de gaz naturel – les plus importantes du continent –, le pays s’intéresse de plus en plus à la monétisation du gaz au-delà des exportations de GNL. Ce modèle permet d’utiliser le gaz associé et le gaz actuellement brûlé à la torche pour la production d’électricité nationale destinée aux installations hyperscale, tout en réduisant les émissions, en luttant contre la précarité énergétique et en accélérant le développement gazier en amont. La logique commerciale est de plus en plus simple : monétiser les ressources gazières nationales par le biais d’accords d’approvisionnement en électricité à long terme directement liés au développement des centres de données. Renegade Intel placera ce modèle commercial au cœur des discussions au Cap.

« L’Afrique ne peut pas se permettre de rester en marge de la révolution de l’IA tout en exportant son gaz, ses données et en important des infrastructures numériques. Renegade Intel vise à rassembler les entreprises énergétiques, les sociétés technologiques, les financiers et les développeurs d’infrastructures afin de construire un modèle africain commercialement viable pour la croissance de l’IA. La conversion du gaz en électricité, la souveraineté des données et l’industrialisation font désormais partie du même débat », déclare NJ Ayuk, président exécutif de la Chambre africaine de l’énergie.

Le lancement de Renegade Intel marque une évolution plus large dans la manière dont l’avenir énergétique de l’Afrique est envisagé. Plutôt que de considérer le pétrole, le gaz et les infrastructures numériques comme des secteurs distincts, l’AEW 2026 les positionnera comme des piliers interdépendants de la croissance industrielle, de la production d’électricité et de la compétitivité économique. Alors que la demande en IA redéfinit les investissements mondiaux dans les infrastructures, Renegade Intel offrira une plateforme aux entreprises technologiques, aux financiers et aux producteurs de pétrole et de gaz pour forger les partenariats nécessaires à la construction de la prochaine génération d’infrastructures numériques africaines soutenues par l’énergie.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Energy Chamber.

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