Category: English

Source: APO

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The global digital economy is driving an unprecedented surge in electricity demand from data centers and IT infrastructure. Worldwide, uninterruptible power supply demand for IT equipment alone is forecast to reach 249 GW by 2030, with total installed capacity, including cooling and ancillary loads, expected to climb to 374 GW. For Africa, where digitalization, cloud adoption and mobile services are accelerating, this trend presents both a challenge and an opportunity. According to the African Energy Chamber’s (AEC) (https://EnergyChamber.org) State of African Energy 2026 Outlook, data centers are poised to become a transformative force within the continent’s power markets, reshaping investment priorities ahead of African Energy Week (AEW) 2026.

Data Centers as Catalysts for Power Investment

Africa’s digital transformation is gaining momentum, particularly in markets such as South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria and Egypt. The growing demand for cloud infrastructure is emerging as a powerful driver for electrification, positioning data centers as stable, long-term anchor customers for power systems. Unlike traditional loads, data centers require large volumes of reliable, uninterrupted electricity, creating predictable and bankable demand. This reliability strengthens the case for new generation capacity and grid expansion.

The effects extend beyond power markets. Data center development supports job creation, stimulates technology ecosystems and enhances Africa’s competitiveness in the global digital economy. Hyperscale operators are increasingly prioritizing sustainability and efficiency, accelerating innovation in renewable energy procurement, storage and demand management – trends that align closely with Africa’s long-term energy transition goals.

Challenges to Address

Despite the potential, Africa’s data center-driven power transformation faces structural hurdles. Reliable electricity supply remains uneven, with frequent outages and limited redundancy undermining operational resilience. Sustainable cloud infrastructure also depends on coordinated policy frameworks, investment incentives, robust telecom regulation and regional collaboration.

Historically, Europe-based data centers serviced much of Africa’s digital demand. Rising latency requirements and growing data sovereignty regulations, which increasingly mandate local storage, are making this model unsustainable. In response, global cloud providers are adopting pan-African strategies, establishing local presence, and accelerating demand for domestic data center capacity. Unlocking this opportunity will require governments, investors and utilities to strengthen grids, enable multiple supply points, and create an environment conducive to long-term infrastructure investment.

AEW 2026 will play a central role in facilitating these discussions, bringing together policymakers, financiers, developers and the broader energy industry to explore collaboration as a driving force behind Africa’s data-driven power development.

Emerging Case Studies

Successful examples illustrate the transformative potential of data centers for power investment. South Africa is Africa’s largest and most mature data center market. With cloud zones from Microsoft and AWS already live and Google expected to follow, the country is evolving from a telecom-driven colocation model to a wholesale data center hub. Current utilization exceeds 83%, projected to surpass 94% by 2030, with demand concentrated around Johannesburg and Cape Town. Strong foreign investor interest reinforces South Africa’s role as a regional anchor market.

Kenya is emerging as East Africa’s fastest-growing hub, with around 40 MW of IT load capacity and a projected 30% CAGR through 2028. The market is being shaped by proactive digitalization policies and flagship initiatives such as the Konza National Data Centre under Vision 2030. By 2029, total supply is expected to exceed 155 MW, positioning Kenya as a critical node in Africa’s distributed cloud future.

“Data centers are no longer just a technology story – they are an energy story. If Africa gets the power framework right, digital infrastructure can unlock investment, strengthen grids and accelerate inclusive growth across the continent,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, AEC.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Source: APO – Report:

It is the moment the industry has been waiting for.

The winners and runners-up of Mining Elites in Africa 2026 have officially been revealed, recognising the leaders, companies and projects that are making a meaningful impact across the African mining sector.

The annual publication highlights individuals and organisations that are not only driving performance and innovation within their own operations, but are also contributing to broader sustainability outcomes. These include positive impacts on host countries, local communities and regional economies.

Readers can now download their free digital copy (https://apo-opa.co/4agfnP7) to discover this year’s Mining Elites and learn more about the work shaping the future of mining on the continent.

Selecting the 2026 winners and runners-up was a rigorous process, supported by an experienced advisory panel made up of respected industry professionals. Mining Elites in Africa extends its sincere appreciation to the panel members for their time, insight and expertise.

Advisory panel

• Bokang Kelepa (https://apo-opa.co/3LVH2eQ), Chief Growth Officer, Baletsema Holdings
• Laura Nicholson (https://apo-opa.co/4t3D8RO), Product Director, Investing in African Mining Indaba
• Marcin Wertz (https://apo-opa.co/3M8xNYT), Principal Mining Engineer and Partner, SRK Consulting
• Marcus Courage (https://apo-opa.co/4q5rCTB), Chief Executive Officer, Africa Practice
• Selina Zhuwarara (https://apo-opa.co/3Lzrc9S), Principal Consultant, Autem Mining Consultancy
• Yandi Mini (https://apo-opa.co/3NFfqeF), Principal and Partner, Boston Consulting Group

Contributing to a greater cause

Mining Elites in Africa 2026 also acknowledges and thanks its sponsors for their continued support of this flagship publication. Their products and services play an important role in advancing responsible, efficient and sustainable mining practices across Africa.

Lead sponsor

• Consulmet

Premium partners

• SSC Group
• Gold Ore
• Credeq Africa

Category partners

• Goodwin
• Armco
• Council for Geoscience
• Innomotics
• OIA Global
• Geobrugg
• Guardrisk
• AKS Lining Systems
• TLT Turbo
• Xylem
• Invincible Valves

The Mining Elites in Africa 2026 digital publication is available to download now (https://apo-opa.co/4agfnP7).

– on behalf of VUKA Group.

Source: APO

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The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training concluded a successful oversight visit to the University of Venda yesterday, where it expressed satisfaction with the institution’s level of preparedness for the 2026 academic year.

The visit marked the start of the committee’s week-long oversight programme, aimed at assessing higher education public institutions’ state of readiness ahead of the 2026 academic year. The committee found no major areas of concern or operational challenges during its engagement with the university.

The Chairperson of the committee, Mr Tebogo Letsie, commended the university’s leadership for demonstrating strong governance, effective planning and visible progress in infrastructure development. “We are satisfied with what we have observed at the University of Venda. The institution has shown clear commitment and capable leadership, particularly in ensuring that previously stalled infrastructure projects are revived and completed without loss of public funds,” said Mr Letsie.

The committee was particularly impressed by progress at the Health Sciences precinct, where construction challenges have been addressed and the building is now fully operational. The facility includes state-of-the-art nursing and clinical simulation laboratories, as well as modern hospital simulation rooms that enhance teaching and learning.

“The quality of facilities we saw, especially in the Health Sciences building, reflects serious investment in academic excellence. The leadership of the Vice-Chancellor, executive management, Council Chairperson and the entire Council is commendable,” Mr Letsie added.

The university reported to the committee that approximately 70 per cent of students have already been registered, and it is confident that enrolment targets will be fully met by the end of this week. “Based on the information presented and what we observed on the ground, the University of Venda is ready for the 2026 academic year,” emphasised Mr Letsie.

ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION, MR TEBOGO LETSIE.

For media enquiries please contact the committee’s Media Officer:
Name: Jabulani Majozi (Mr)
Parliamentary Communication Services
Cell: 083 358 5224
E-mail: jamajozi@parliament.gov.za

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Source: APO

The Islamic Development Bank Group (www.IsDB.org) hosted IsDB Day in Chad on Monday, deepening cooperation with the Central African nation.

The event follows the successful launch of “Chad Connection 2030” in Abu Dhabi a few months ago, which signaled IsDB’s commitment to support development projects aligned with Chad’s National Development Plan.

Chad’s Prime Minister Allamaye Halina attended the January 26 event in N’Djamena, organized in partnership with the Ministry of Finance, Budget, Economy, Planning and International Cooperation.

Dr. Issa Faye led the IsDB Group delegation, representing IsDB President Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser. Cabinet ministers, senior officials and representatives from regional financial institutions and private companies also participated.

The event aimed to deepen cooperation and align IsDB Group support with Chad’s National Development Plan.

H.E. Allamaye Halina, Prime Minister of the Republic of Chad, stated: “Chad is entering a phase where translating vision into concrete projects is essential. The Islamic Development Bank Group is a trusted partner in this effort, particularly in strengthening financial implementation, capacity building and mobilising investment that deliver tangible impact for our population.”

H.E. Tahir Hamid Nguilin, Minister of Finance, Budget, Economy, Planning and International Cooperation of the Republic of Chad, stressed the following: “Our priority is to boot trade through coherence between public policy, effective financing mechanisms and private sector mobilisation. The IsDB plays a key role in supporting this approach, notably through project structuring, risk mitigation instruments and blended financing solutions”.

Dr. Issa Faye, IsDB Director General for Global Practices and Partnerships, and Group Head of Delegation, stated: “The IsDB Group’s commitment to Chad is focused on delivering integrated solutions that combine financing and technical assistance. During the country engagement dialogue, IsDB team, in conjunction with relevant authorities will explore all available solutions from both public and private sector sources  to ensure that the co-created  development solutions are holistic. Through closer coordination with national authorities and local stakeholders, we aim to accelerate project delivery, building resilience and support high-impact initiatives aligned with  Chad Connection 2030. particularly in agriculture, technology and infrastructure.”

One of the main features of the program was a panel discussion on Chad’s development priorities and the role of IsDB Group, aimed at formulating practical avenues of cooperation and forging strategic partnerships to support Chad’s path towards sustainable and inclusive development.

A series of bilateral (B2B and B2G) meetings were held amongst representatives of the IsDB Group, business leaders, investors, and financial institutions to explore opportunities for cooperation and partnerships with the Islamic Development Bank Group. Inspiring success stories implemented in Chad in partnership with local entrepreneurs as well as local and international institutions were presented

The event also highlighted the activities, services, and initiatives of IsDB Group institutions, including the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC), the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD), the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC), the Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI), and the Islamic Development Bank Group Business Forum (THIQAH).

The day concluded with a reaffirmation of the Islamic Development Bank Group’s commitment to continue working with the Chadian government and the country’s private sector to further build strategic partnerships, expand investment opportunities, and enhance the business environment, thereby contributing to the achievement of sustainable development in Chad.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Islamic Development Bank Group (IsDB Group).

About Islamic Development Bank (IsDB):
The Islamic Development Bank is a multilateral development bank that works to improve the lives of those it serves by promoting social and economic development in Muslim countries and communities around the world and making a difference at scale. Through collaborative partnerships between communities in its 57 member countries, the Bank seeks to equip communities to drive their own economic and social progress at scale and put the infrastructure in place to enable them to realize their potential. The Bank’s new business model of “making markets work for development” contributes to enhancing the competitiveness of our member countries in strategic industries in order to improve participation and upgrading in global value chains. This is in the field of food and agricultural industries, textiles, clothing, leather, shoes, petrochemicals and petroleum, construction, and Islamic finance. The Bank also promotes innovative and sustainable solutions to the biggest development challenges in the world and takes advantage of the scientific potential in technology and innovation as strategic drivers of economic growth, and we also work to achieve the United Nations sustainable development goals.

About the National Development Plan, Chad Connection 2030: 
Structured around four main areas of intervention, implemented through 17 programs comprising 268 projects and reforms, Chad Connexion 2030 aims to bring about a deep and systemic transformation of Chad’s economy and society through:

• The acceleration of the development of critical strategic infrastructures (expansion of electricity and water access across the country, digitalisation of the economy, enhancement of transport networks and international corridors, as well as improved navigability of lakes and major rivers), and the strengthening of institutions to ensure efficient and sustainable management of public services; 
• The reinforcement of social policies, particularly in education, youth, health, vocational training, and employment, to promote human capital development and social inclusion;
• The amplification of economic diversification and the promotion of Made in Chad, especially through the development of export-oriented industrial sectors, agriculture, livestock, fisheries, hydrocarbons, mining, and tourism;
• The continued improvement of the business climate, deployment of economic diplomacy, and enhancement of the country’s attractiveness to investors.

The plan’s ambition is to generate an average annual real GDP growth rate of 8% between 2025 and 2030. This will enable Chad to join the ranks of middle-income economies by creating more wealth and private-sector jobs, increasing urban electricity access to 90% and national access to 60%, providing safe drinking water to an additional 11 million people, raising life expectancy by at least 8 years, significantly expanding the road network, doubling agricultural production, increasing mobile phone penetration from 65% to 80%, reducing maternal and neonatal mortality by 50%, and raising primary school enrolment from 43% to 80%. 

To fulfil these ambitions, Chad Connexion 2030 plans to mobilise USD 30 billion (CFAF 18,000 billion) in investments from both public and private sources, domestic and international and aims to make Chad a destination of choice for investors. In November 2025, Chad announced in Abu Dhabi the successful securing of USD 20,5 billions dollars thanks to an exceptional private-public mobilisation. 

Find out more on : https://TchadConnexion2030.td

Source: APO

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The Portfolio Committee on Transport has expressed concern over the stagnation of the Integrated Public Transport Network System programme in Pietermaritzburg’s Msunduzi Local Municipality.

The committee Chairperson, Mr Donald Selamolela, said the successful implementation of the programme had the potential to be a catalyst for economic growth and job creation. “The programme, otherwise known as the BRT [bus rapid transport] system, need not to have failed, as it seems in Pietermaritzburg, especially after so much money had already been spent. This programme ought not only to have benefited commuters but should have provided employment opportunities for our people,” he said.

Mr Selamolela continued: “We need not be lamenting what could have been. We are disappointed and we are concerned with what we found in Pietermaritzburg [Msunduzi Local Municipality]. The programme is going to become a white elephant if nothing is done.”

Meanwhile on Tuesday, the National Department of Transport informed the committee that the project is being wound down and will be discontinued. Mr Selamolela said the plan should be around innovative uses of the infrastructure that has been already laid out.

The committee began its visit with a meeting and a walkabout of the troubled programme’s transport system. Mr Selamolela said it is further concerning that the national Department of Transport’s understanding and expectations of the project differs to that of the municipality’s. “This speak to the silo mentality and the lack of alignment of thought around project implementation. It is not enough to cite the taxi industry as the reason for non-implementation of projects when the municipality has failed,” he said.

He added: “Now we are sitting with a situation where the national department says stop, and the municipality says it has continuation plans. That does not work; the municipality should use the available funding, developing comprehensive work plans to repurpose the already laid-out infrastructure.”

ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORT, MR DONALD SELAMOLELA.

For media inquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact:
Mr Sibongile Maputi
Cell: 081 052 6060
Email: smaputi@parliament.gov.za

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Source: APO

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The Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies will tomorrow, 28 January 2026, visit the Universal Services and Access Agency of South Africa (USAASA) and the Universal Services and Access Fund (USAF) as part its three-day oversight visit to Gauteng.

During its visit, the committee will focus on governance and institutional stability, financial management and audit outcomes, USAF’s operations and programme delivery, operational realities, as well as slippery project timelines, often leading into unspent allocation for universal connectivity.

Details of the meeting: 
Date: Wednesday, 28 January 2026
Venue: USAASA head office (Building 1, Thornhill Office Park, 94 Bekker Road, Vorna Valley, Midrand)
Time: 08:30

The three-day oversight visit is focusing on the Media Development and Diversity Agency, USAASA and USAF, as well as Broadband Infraco as part of the committee’s ongoing efforts to ensure accountability, effective governance and the efficient use of public resources within the sector.

ISSUED BY PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES, MS KHUSELA SANGONI-DIKO

For media enquiries or to request an interview with the Chairperson, please contact Media Officer:
Justice Molafo (Mr)
Cell: 081 424 7481
Email: jmolafo@parliament.gov.za

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Source: APO

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Communities in Muwango Village, Chipinge District, are strengthening forest-based livelihoods and climate resilience through community-led tree planting and innovative biochar production, with technical support from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO),  the Forestry Commisison and partners, and financial support from the Government of Italy under the Miombo Transboundary Initiative (MTI).

Restoring forests while meeting local energy needs

The initiative was showcased during Zimbabwe’s National Tree Planting Day, when community members, government officials and development partners came together to establish a 2.5-hectare community woodlot. The woodlot will provide a sustainable source of firewood and construction poles, reducing pressure on nearby indigenous forests, including Chirinda Forest and surrounding miombo woodlands.

The Provincial Forestry Extension Manager commended the community for taking a proactive approach to forest restoration and sustainable resource use, noting that the woodlot would not help meet future household energy needs while strengthening the community’s beekeeping activities.

“Muwango village is demonstrating how local leadership and partnerships can deliver practical solutions that protect forests while supporting livelihoods,” said the Provincial Forestry Extension Manager, Philip Tom, “The community woodlot will ease future energy needs and directly support ongoing beekeeping activities by enhancing bee forage.”

A total of 71 participants, 68 percent of them women, attended the event, during which 300 seedlings were planted, with a further 1 000 seedlings scheduled for planting. The community plans to plant at least 1600 Eucalyptus seedlings per year over the next three years.

Located along the boundary with Chirinda Forest, the woodlot is expected to serve as a buffer zone, reducing pressure on protected areas and contributing to improved forest conservation.

Linking conservation, livelihoods and FAO support

Muwango Village is implementing diversified livelihood initiatives, including horticulture, aquaculture and apiculture, with long-standing support from the Green Institute, a local community-based organization.  FAO is building on this existing foundation to strengthen and scaleup community initiatives.

In October 2025, the community harvested around 100 kg of honey, sold it to the Forestry Commission and earning about USD 300, demonstrating growing capacity to participate in sustainable forest-based value chains.

The community currently has 30 hives 12 of which are colonized. The project will support the group with 10 more Kenyan Top Bar hives and timber for local hive construction, which is expected to double the number of hives by end of the year. If all 60 hives are colonized, honey production could reach around 900 kg per harvest, generating an estimated income of USD 1 800 at a wholesale price of USD 2 per kilogram..

Speaking at the event, the FAO National Project Coordinator, Maxwell Phiri, outlined FAO’s mandate to support food security, agricultural production and sustainable natural resources management. He introduced the Miombo Transboundary Initiative, implemented by FAO in Zimbabwe and Mozambique, and highlighted planned 2026 activities, including beekeeping, capacity building, equipment provision, fire management training, and support for community-based forest monitoring.

“Through the Miombo Transboundary Initiative, FAO is working with communities and government partners to strengthen livelihoods while conserving critical forest ecosystems,” said the FAO National Project Coordinator.

Turning an invasive species into a climate-smart solution

The programme also featured a practical demonstration on producing biochar from the invasive species Vernonanthura polyanthes. Forestry Commission specialists showed how the biochar can be mixed with manure or fertilizer to improve soil fertility and nutrient retention, while simultaneously helping to control the spread of the invasive plant. Community members were encouraged to avoid charcoal production from indigenous trees to protect natural forests.

To ensure environmental safeguards in the production of biochar, the Forestry Commission has a resident officer who will be supporting the group and there will be strict adherence to the FAO and Forestry Commission’s standard operating procedures and guidelines on creating biochar.

“Community members will also be trained to avoid risks associated with, carbon monoxide fumes and fire hazards,” added Maxwell Phiri.

The Village Head of Muwango thanked FAO, government institutions and partners for their continued support and called for sustained capacity development to ensure the long-term success of community initiatives.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Regional Office for Africa.