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New open cast mine set to drive job opportunities and economic activity on East Rand

Source: APO

Privately owned mining house Upward Spiral 1471 (Pty) Ltd (www.UpwardSpiral1471.co.za) is set to commence full-scale mining at its recently acquired Snake Road Mining Right in Benoni on the East Rand.

The proposed mining operation will target an established gold-bearing reef that laterally extends from the Snake Road area to Upward Spiral’s Van Ryn surface mining operation in Benoni.

Exploration work began in late 2025 following the successful transfer of mining rights and associated licences from the previous operator. Once regulatory approvals were finalised, Upward Spiral 1471 initiated exploration, geological modelling and detailed open-cast planning.

“The Snake Road mine represents a controlled, compliant and sustainable mining development that balances production with safety, environmental responsibility and meaningful community participation,” said Jackie Pahad, Managing Director, Upward Spiral 1471. “This project allows us to unlock value from an established mineral resource while creating long-term benefits for surrounding communities.”

Historically, the site had been used primarily for aggregate mining, with only limited gold extraction through surface-level reef picking. However, the current gold price environment has enabled Upward Spiral 1471 to pursue a selective, lower-impact mining approach.

“The flexibility of this operation is one of its key strengths,” said Thabang Masuku, Metallurgical Manager. “At the planned production rate, the mine is economically sound, and should conditions justify it, we can expand throughput by installing a second mill, doubling monthly processing capacity while maximising value during favourable gold-price cycles.”

The Snake Road Project is a near-surface, conventional gold mining operation with a well-defined development plan and an inferred mineral resource estimated at approximately 128,603 oz of gold. The operation is designed to scale production in response to economic and financial conditions, with peak output expected to increase from 579 troy ounces to up to 1,158 oz of gold per month under favourable market conditions.

Critically, the operation is projected to be profitable, with earnings ensuring long-term environmental stewardship through dedicated funding for rehabilitation and a strong commitment to safety. The defined resource base supports an initial 10-year mine life, with potential for increased scale and accelerated production if a second processing plant is added. This profile represents a small to mid-tier, financially sustainable gold mining project.

In order to limit the environmental impact of the operation, Upward Spiral 1471 will not build a tailings dam at Snake Road but will instead blend its filtered tailings from incorporated belt filter with sand dump cleanup of another rehabilitation programme for maintaining viable grades to be subjected to toll treatment and safe disposal at much larger volume. The process water will be acquired from filtered water and thickener overflow water circulated.

The project is expected to create sustainable employment and will employ approximately 68 permanent staff, with employment increasing as operations expand.

While smaller than some of the company’s larger operations, the Snake Road plant will operate on continuous shift cycles, creating stable long-term employment.

The majority of employees will be recruited from surrounding communities, including through and graduate development and skills-training programmes.

The operation is fully licensed, with mining rights formally transferred and all amendments approved by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR). Compliance includes environmental authorisations, water-use and waste-management approvals, updated environmental management programmes and applicable air-emissions licensing.

“Our approach is to exceed regulatory requirements rather than meet the minimum,” said Pahad, “Strong governance and responsible mining are fundamental to our long-term strategy.”

With construction already underway and plant commissioning targeted for later this year, Snake Road represents another step in Upward Spiral 1471’s commitment to responsible resource development and delivering economic value while leaving behind land that is safe, stable and productive for future generations.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Upward Spiral 1471.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Thandi Chaotsane-Moticoe
Email: thandi@prconsultancy.co.za
Cell : +2771 600 2429

About Upward Spiral 1471:
Upward Spiral 1471 (Pty) Ltd is a fully Black-owned, South African-based group providing comprehensive industrial and environmental services through its three specialised divisions: Upward Mining1471, Upward Water1471, and Upward Logistics1471. Committed to sustainable development and economic empowerment, over a decade of sustained growth and a proven track record, the company has established a strong reputation for reliability, innovation, and environmental responsibility.

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TNPA enhances its investment in vessel mooring assets

Source: Government of South Africa

TNPA enhances its investment in vessel mooring assets

Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) is ramping up investment in critical port infrastructure with the delivery of eight new hydraulic shore tension mooring units to improve container shipping efficiency at the ports of Cape Town, Durban and Ngqura.

The latest investment forms part of TNPA’s broader port development programme aimed at strengthening vessel safety and maintaining cargo handling operations during adverse weather conditions. It also supports Transnet’s strategy to align its freight logistics operations with key commodities that contribute to South Africa’s economic growth.

The move comes as South Africa’s container sector continues to show steady growth, driven largely by agricultural exports. Between April and December 2025, TNPA recorded container throughput of approximately 3.4 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), exceeding budget by 2.3% for the period. The authority expects this upward trend to continue, forecasting container volumes of 4.5 million TEUs in the 2025/26 financial year, above the annual budget of 4.4 million TEUs.

Designed to securely moor large and newer vessels, each hydraulic shore tension unit measures 7.4 metres in length, 0.58 metres in width and 2 metres in height. The units use high-strength mooring lines to keep vessels safely alongside the berth, improving operational stability and productivity along the quay.

Of the eight units delivered, four are already operational at the Port of Cape Town’s container berths. The ports of Durban and Ngqura have each received two units, which are nearing completion of the commissioning process.

The delivery brings the total number of mooring units received by TNPA to 32, out of a planned acquisition of 52 units. The Port of Cape Town currently has the highest allocation, with 14 units. The overall investment of R534 million is expected to help reduce vessel delays and improve port efficiency.

TNPA Acting Chief Executive Mohammed Abdool said the new assets arrive at a critical time, as climate change increasingly exposes ports to strong winds of between 35 and 50 knots and sea swells exceeding 3.5 metres.

He said the investment in reliable port infrastructure is essential to meeting growing container demand and improving service levels for customers. The initiative is expected to support shipping lines and terminal operators by improving cargo handling turnaround times and enhancing the ease of doing business at South African ports. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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Africa’s Green Economy Summit 2026 aims to unlock global capital

Source: APO

Sanlam Investments returns as the headline sponsor of the 2026 Africa’s Green Economy Summit (AGES), for the third consecutive year, reinforcing its long-term commitment to unlocking global capital for Africa’s sustainable future. The Summit will take place in Cape Town from 24 to 27 February 2026.

Over four days, AGES will accelerate Africa’s transition to a just and inclusive green economy by directly connecting global investors with projects that can transform communities, industries and ecosystems. AGES connects global capital to African opportunities by showcasing investment-ready projects across renewable energy, green transport, water, waste, sustainable agriculture, green buildings, the blue economy and climate tech.

Now in its fourth year, AGES has showcased more than 90 investment-ready initiatives to date worth over US$8.7 billion. These initiatives range from entrepreneurial start-ups to national-scale infrastructure projects – proving Africa’s green economy is not just vision, but viable opportunity.

Carl Roothman, CEO of the Sanlam Investment Group, emphasised that the company’s philosophy of “holistic return” means measuring success not only in financial terms, but in the lives improved, jobs created, and ecosystems restored. “Performance matters – and so does its impact on people and planet. Our intention is to deliver competitive, risk‑adjusted returns and measurable social outcomes, investing in our collective future. Through platforms like AGES, we drive our purpose of backing businesses that create and retain jobs, scale renewable energy and fund critical infrastructure in Africa,” he said.

AGES 2026 will once again explore the full scope of the green and blue economy, with more than 40 investment-ready projects featured across two dedicated pitch stages. The Summit’s investor-driven format enables delegates to explore the full green economy through investor roundtables, deal rooms and curated matchmaking with DFIs, venture capital funds, banks and asset managers. Nature and biodiversity finance will also take centre stage, highlighting the emerging markets for biodiversity credits and nature-based finance.

“Africa stands at the frontier of sustainable growth and opportunity,” said Roothman. “From renewable energy to the blue economy and circular industries, the continent is leading a new era of sustainable growth; one defined by innovation, inclusion and long-term value creation.

“We recognise that meaningful change requires collective action through strategic partnerships, which is why we are supporting AGES for the third year. Every investment, every solution we implement, creates lasting returns for ecosystems, communities and investors. Now is our moment to invest in the future we need.”

Join global investors, innovators, and changemakers at AGES 2026 in Cape Town, 24 to 27 February. Secure your place today via the AGES website and be part of Africa’s sustainable growth story. Register via the AGES website (https://apo-opa.co/4tdTjfD).

Outcomes from AGES 2026 will advance Africa’s pipeline of green economy projects, supporting the translation of commitments made in Cape Town into long-term investment and measurable impact across the continent.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

Additional Links:
https://apo-opa.co/4kiGMn5
https://apo-opa.co/4tdTjfD
https://apo-opa.co/3NPNEw9

About Sanlam Investments:
Sanlam Investments is one of South Africa’s largest black-owned asset management firms, managing assets of over R1.5 trillion. The company’s purpose extends beyond wealth creation – it is dedicated to investing in the long-term sustainability of people, planet and profit to drive measurable impact.

About Africa’s Green Economy Summit (AGES):
Africa’s Green Economy Summit is part of the green economy portfolio of VUKA Group, which has over 20 years of experience serving Africa’s business community. The summit connects global investors with African green projects to drive inclusive, sustainable growth across the continent.

VUKA Group:
Africa’s Green Economy Summit is part of the green economy portfolio of VUKA Group (https://WeAreVuka.com), which has more than 20 years’ experience in serving the business community across Africa. 

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Address by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Innovative Building Technologies Summit, Nasrec, Johannesburg

Source: President of South Africa –

Programme Director,
Minister of Human Settlements, Ms Thembisile Simelane,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
Premiers,
Leaders of industry, labour and civil society,
Representatives of academia, research institutions and professional bodies,
Development finance partners,
Guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
 
Good Morning.

It is a great pleasure to address this critical gathering, which places the built environment at the centre of human development.

The right to adequate housing is a basic human right, reflected both in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and in our own Constitution.

Having shelter that provides privacy, safety and freedom is inextricably bound to human dignity.

Housing is not merely about shelter, but it is about belonging, security and opportunity.

South Africa, like many countries in the world, faces a growing demand for housing.

Since 1994, the democratic Government has been able to provide more than 5 million housing opportunities.

This achievement stands among the most ambitious social programmes on our continent. It has transformed millions of lives.

Yet, despite this progress, more than 2.5 million families are today still on the waiting list for housing throughout the country.

Inadequate supply, limited land availability, rising construction costs and delays in project delivery are all contributing to a situation of scarcity.

This has a number of consequences.

For the middle class, prices and rents are being pushed upwards.

For the poor, homelessness and the proliferation of informal settlements are exacerbating already dire conditions.

The delivery of basic services to unplanned settlements is stretching the capacity and the resources of the State.

Rapid urbanisation, population growth, migration and climate change are reshaping our human settlements on an unprecedented scale.

It is estimated that by 2050, nearly eight out of every ten South Africans will live in cities.

Many will live in informal settlements, often located on land vulnerable to floods, drought, heat stress and environmental degradation.

In recent years, many parts of our country have borne the brunt of climate change.

It is always the poorest and most vulnerable who suffer first and who suffer most.

If we continue to build in the old way – on the same land, with the same vulnerabilities, using the same methods – then we are not solving the housing challenge.

We must make a change.

We must embrace the tide of technological progress to future-proof human settlements.

This is a social imperative and an economic necessity.

The right to adequate housing must not be the sole privilege of those with money. It is an aspiration for all that our Constitution compels us to progressively realise.

This Summit has been convened because it is time to think differently.

We have to think beyond traditional brick-and-mortar.

We must embrace technological solutions that enable housing to be delivered faster, better and at scale.

This Summit brings together Government, regulators, financiers, innovators, municipalities, professional bodies, community organisations, youth formations and international partners in support of modernising human settlements.

We are united in our resolve to turn innovation into a coordinated national pathway for housing delivery at scale.

We are learning from global experience while building solutions that are locally embedded, socially accepted and owned by our people.

At the G20 Leaders’ Summit held in Johannesburg in November last year, South Africa reaffirmed a principle that now defines leadership in the 21st Century.

We said that resilience is not merely the ability to recover. It is the foresight to prepare.

Resilience is about choices made before disaster strikes.

It is about building systems that protect lives, conserve resources and endure over time.

Resilient human settlements require such foresight.

Buildings are among the world’s largest sources of carbon emissions and resource consumption.

Traditional construction methods, while familiar and trusted, are no longer sustainable on their own.

Water scarcity, rising energy costs, climate risk and the urgency of scale demand that we modernise how we build.

Innovative building technologies offer us a strategic opportunity.

When appropriately regulated, financed, socially accepted and locally embedded, innovative building technologies allow us to build faster and at scale.

They enable us to reduce carbon emissions and water use, improve energy efficiency, and enhance durability and quality.

Innovative building technologies are an essential part of a diversified, modern construction system capable of meeting today’s challenges.

In South Africa, innovation in construction takes place within an established regulatory framework.

Agrément South Africa provides rigorous scientific and technical certification of innovation systems while the National Home Builders Registration Council safeguards quality, compliance and consumer protection during implementation.

Together, these institutions ensure that innovation strengthens public trust.

Innovation without standards erodes confidence, while innovation with oversight builds legitimacy.

The 2024 White Paper on Human Settlements provides the policy foundation for the innovative shift we need to make.

It calls for resilient building typologies, sustainable local materials, rapid emergency housing responses and stronger partnerships across society.

At the heart of this Summit is a Social Compact on Innovative Building Technologies.

This Compact represents a shared national commitment to move innovative building technologies from pilot projects and demonstrations into the mainstream of South Africa’s human settlements.

The Compact aligns policy and planning, regulation and standards, finance and insurance, research and skills development, and implementation across all spheres of Government.

Most importantly, it establishes shared responsibility and accountability.

The Innovative Building Technologies Programme focuses on areas where impact is most urgent.

These areas include disaster recovery and emergency housing, climate-resilient settlements, energy-efficient and water-saving technologies, and local manufacturing and supply chains.

Scaling innovation requires confidence from financiers and insurers.

Through the Social Compact, Government, development finance institutions, banks and insurers have committed to align funding instruments, de-risk these projects, and recognise certified IBT housing as financeable and insurable assets.

Without this alignment, innovation stalls.

As we proceed along this path, we need to address concerns that these innovative building technologies will cost jobs.

We must work together to protect jobs. We must draw on the international experience that shows that innovation does not eliminate work, but rather transforms it.

International experience shows bricklayers becoming technicians, contractors becoming manufacturers, and communities becoming producers, not just beneficiaries.

Innovative building technologies enable us to align housing delivery with technical training, artisan development, digital skills and local manufacturing.

Through this, we must provide opportunities for young people in particular to learn and to work.

We must use this transition to address the persistent exclusion of women from the built environment sector.

Through targeted procurement, access to finance and support for women-owned enterprises and cooperatives, innovative building technologies can create space for women as entrepreneurs, innovators and leaders.

Inclusion must also be built into the design of our settlements.

For persons with disabilities, housing is about access, independence and dignity.

Innovative building technologies allow universal design principles to be integrated from the outset, not retrofitted as an afterthought.

This Summit is a commitment to action.

The Social Compact will guide coordinated implementation, supported by structured governance, monitoring and accountability.

Delivery is now the measure of our seriousness.

Resilience is the difference between recovery and repeated loss, between dignity and displacement, between success and failure.

We have the technology to build for the present and to be prepared for the future.

Now we need leadership. We need partnerships.

We need to be creative.

We need to build faster and better.

Let us work together to build a resilient, inclusive South Africa which is a home to all our people, and in which all our people have a decent home.

I thank you.

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Military veterans called to participate in verification drive

Source: Government of South Africa

Military veterans called to participate in verification drive

The Department of Military Veterans (DMV) has urged all eligible applicants in KwaZulu-Natal and across the country to participate in its verification drive to finalise their status and gain access to benefits.

The department, through the Database Verification, Cleansing and Enhancement (DVCE) Work Stream under the Presidential Task Team, is continuing its national verification programme aimed at validating applications for inclusion in the National Military Veterans Database.

The DVCE Work Stream verifies and validates applications to ensure that the DMV maintains a credible and reliable database. The process confirms eligible military veterans so they can access benefits provided by the department.

The programme mainly targets non-statutory force (NSF) members, who did not integrate into the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), as well as applicants who submitted applications between 2016 and 28 February 2022.

In a statement, the DMV said the programme has already been implemented in Gauteng, the Eastern Cape, Limpopo, North West, Free State, Mpumalanga and the Northern Cape.

“The verification process will now proceed to KwaZulu-Natal from 2 February 2026 to 18 July 2026,” the department said.

KwaZulu-Natal verification schedule:
•    Newcastle: 2 February 2026 – 5 SAI Battalion.
•    Pongola: 3–4 February 2026 – OPS Corona Base.
•    Ulundi: 5–6 February 2026 – OPS Corona Base.
•    Richards Bay: 7 and 9 February 2026 – 121 SAI Battalion.
•    Port Shepstone: 10–12 and 16–17 February 2026 – Banana Beach Resort.
•    Durban: 18 February–1 June 2026 – Army Support Base KZN.
•    Pinetown: 2–3 June 2026 – Venue to be confirmed.
•    Pietermaritzburg: 8 June–16 July 2026 – Ingoma-Makhosi Base.
•    Esigodini: 17–18 July 2026 – Ingoma-Makhosi Base.

Applications will be assessed from members of the following groups:
•    Former Umkhonto weSizwe (MK);
•    Azanian People’s Liberation Army (APLA);
•    Azanian National Liberation Army (AZANLA);
•    Self-defence units; and
•    Former political prisoners with prison numbers.

The department noted that applicants who already have force numbers or Certified Personnel Register (CPR) numbers are not required to attend the verification process.

Verification requirements
•    Applicants must attend in person for face-to-face verification.
•    A valid South African ID document or ID card must be presented.
•    Only applicants with complete and submitted files will be invited.

Sessions will be scheduled according to location and submitted applications.

Definition of a military veteran

In terms of the Military Veterans Act 18 of 2011, a Military Veteran is a South African citizen who rendered military service, completed training, no longer serves, and was not dishonourably discharged. More information is available at www.dmv.gov.za – SAnews.gov.za
 

GabiK

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NERSA clarifies Small-Scale Embedded Generation regulations

Source: Government of South Africa

NERSA clarifies Small-Scale Embedded Generation regulations

The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) has moved to provide clarity on the regulatory requirements for Small-Scale Embedded Generation (SSEG).

This after a media article claimed that members of the public had been threatened with fines or disconnection if they did not register their SSEG systems.

“NERSA wishes to clarify the applicable regulatory position to avoid public confusion and ensure that electricity consumers, installers and other stakeholders are correctly informed of the legal requirements governing embedded generation.

“According to the Electricity Regulation Act of 2006 (as amended), read with the Exemption and Registration Notice, the requirement to register an embedded generation facility is determined by whether the installation has a point of connection to the electricity grid and its installed capacity and not by whether electricity is exported to the grid or consumed on site,” the regulator said in a statement.

What this means

  • Small-scale embedded generation facilities with an installed capacity of 100kW or less, and with a point of connection to the electricity grid, are required to register with the relevant distributor (Eskom or the applicable licensed municipality).
  • Embedded generation facilities with an installed capacity of more than 100kW and a point of connection to the grid are required to register directly with NERSA.

“Embedded generation facilities without a point of connection to the electricity grid are exempt from registration requirements.

“These regulatory requirements exist to support the safe, reliable and efficient operation of the electricity system, including compliance with applicable technical standards, system planning and network protection.

“While a Certificate of Compliance confirms that an installation meets electrical safety requirements, registration serves a distinct regulatory purpose and does not duplicate safety certification processes,” the statement continued.

The regulator outlined the purpose behind these rules.

“NERSA emphasises that registration is not intended to discourage the uptake of renewable energy technologies, but rather to ensure that the integration of embedded generation occurs in a manner that protects the integrity of the electricity network and the interests of all electricity users.

“NERSA remains committed to enabling South Africa’s transition to a more diverse and sustainable electricity supply while ensuring compliance with the legislative and regulatory framework. Stakeholders are encouraged to engage with their licensed distributors or NERSA directly for accurate guidance on registration requirements,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB

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Tourism a jewel in SA’s crown – President Ramaphosa

Source: Government of South Africa

Tourism a jewel in SA’s crown – President Ramaphosa

President Cyril Ramaphosa says government is “determined to strengthen the regulatory and policy environment to further grow” the tourism sector. 

The President addressed the nation through the weekly newsletter following the Tourism Department’s announcement that South Africa welcomed some 10.48 million international visitors last year, an increase of some 17.6% compared to 2024.

It is also the highest number of arrivals on record – surpassing pre-COVID-19 numbers in a “vote of confidence in a sector that continues to show great potential for further growth”.

“An increase in international visitors is also a vote of confidence in South Africa’s brand appeal, and in our reputation as a safe, reliable, value-for-money tourism destination.

“As government, we are determined to strengthen the regulatory and policy environment to further grow the sector. We are equally committed to deepening collaboration with the private sector, labour and other stakeholders to further bolster the industry,” President Ramaphosa said.

Building blocks

Last year, Cabinet endorsed the Tourism Growth Partnership Plan with initiatives aimed at improving the performance of the sector.

Tourism currently contributes nearly 9% to the South African Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

“[Initiatives] include the expansion of the Electronic Travel Authorisation system, which was successfully piloted during the G20 Summit last year, and is currently being rolled out in key tourism markets.

“We will also be strengthening the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme launched last year, which streamlines visa processes for groups whose applications are submitted by vetted tour operators. A significant number of tourists from key markets like India and China are already using group tour operators for a more structured, tailored travel experience.

“Improving connectivity is also being prioritised. We have seen an increase in direct flight routes to South Africa from key markets such as Australia and France,” he explained.

Additional tourism monitors have been deployed and a crime call centre by the private sector has been established to ensure the safety of tourists.

Furthermore, tourism infrastructure is also under improvement.

“At last year’s inaugural Tourism Infrastructure Investment Summit, eight projects worth R1 billion were launched, signalling renewed investor confidence in our tourism sector.

“Our strategic destination marketing efforts continue, as does the focus on niche markets such as halal and green tourism to attract diverse visitors,” the President noted.

Citizens are also being encouraged to “embrace the burgeoning tourism industry”.

“[The] Department of Tourism offers fully funded Mandarin language training for registered freelance and employed tourism guides to enable them to better support tourists from the growing Chinese market. We also continue to support the transformation of the industry through various support programmes.

“Retaining our reputation as a tourism destination of choice is a society-wide effort, one in which communities have a particularly important role to play. 

“Every South African should be a tourism ambassador and every community a potential tourist attraction. Our country is rich in natural beauty, history and culture, with much of this potential untapped,” President Ramaphosa said.

He noted that foreign visitors contribute to the country’s foreign earnings, “support local businesses, bolsters local economies and helps to create and sustain jobs”.

“Working together as government, communities and tour operators, we can popularise and attract more tourists to regions and locations that don’t traditionally feature highly as destinations for tourists.

“Working together as Government, industry, communities and civil society we can realise even greater value from this jewel in our nation’s crown,” President Ramaphosa concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB

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African Power & Energy Elites 2025/2026: Celebrating Visionary Leadership and Transformative Projects

Source: APO

ESI Africa proudly announces the release of the 10th Anniversary Edition of African Power & Energy Elites: Projects and People, a landmark publication spotlighting the executives, engineers, infrastructure projects and innovations shaping Africa’s power, energy, water, transport, agriculture and healthcare sectors.

The 2025/2026 edition is themed “Energy, Water & Transport Beyond Borders”, capturing Africa’s infrastructure renaissance in real time. From mega transmission projects and smart water systems to renewable energy corridors and digital platforms, the magazine chronicles how long-term strategy is becoming infrastructure, and how vision is translating into systems that endure.

The print edition will officially launch at Mining Indaba in February and will be distributed at key industry events throughout the year, including Enlit Africa in May. The digital edition is already available online.

What’s inside the African Power & Energy Elites 2025/2026 Edition

  • Leadership interviews: Industry trailblazers from across the continent share insights and experience, including Logan Moodley, Isabel Fick and Leria Arinaitwe.
  • Case studies: Showcasing Botswana’s transformative smart water metering project, South Africa’s first grid-forming renewable energy facility, and an innovative sustainable mining solution.
  • Project profiles: Highlighting landmark developments such as the Sejnane Drinking Water Supply Project in Tunisia, the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project in Tanzania, and the Cazombo Photovoltaic Park in Angola.
  • Future outlook: Expert predictions for 2026 covering energy access, mobility, climate resilience and integrated infrastructure systems.

Editor-in-Chief Nicolette Pombo-van Zyl asks:
“Do you hear the construction works underway as Africa’s future rises in steel, concrete, fibre, electrons and flowing water?”

She adds:
“Long-term strategies and carefully considered policies support this build-out. While the leaders and projects featured in this 10th edition of The Elites may differ in geography, scale and sector, they are united by a shared ambition to translate vision into reality.”

The publication also explores emerging trends such as decentralised energy systems, AI-driven grid optimisation and circular water solutions, offering readers a comprehensive view of Africa’s evolving infrastructure landscape.

African Power & Energy Elites 2025/2026 is published in collaboration with Conlog, African Legal Support Facility, GPT Renewable, Mzansi Energy, Shell and STS Association.

The digital edition is available at:
https://apo-opa.co/4qk3VXJ

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

Media Contact:
Nicolette Pombo-van Zyl
Editor-in-Chief, ESI Africa
Email: nicolette@wearevuka.com
Website: www.ESI-Africa.com

About ESI Africa:
ESI Africa is the continent’s leading source of power, energy and sector-coupling news, delivering trusted insights and connecting industry stakeholders for more than three decades.

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Africa Finance Corporation Acts as Financial Adviser on Landmark Power Sector Bond Issuance under Nigeria’s Presidential Power Sector Financial Reforms Programme

Source: APO

Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) (www.AfricaFC.org), the continent’s leading infrastructure solutions provider, is pleased to announce its role as Co-Financial Adviser on the successful issuance of the inaugural tranche of bonds under the Federal Government of Nigeria’s Presidential Power Sector Financial Reforms Programme (“PPSFRP” or the “Programme”).

The issuance of ₦501,000,000,000 (Five Hundred and One Billion Naira), marks a critical milestone in the implementation of the ₦4 trillion Power Sector Bond Programme, designed to resolve over a decade of legacy debt obligations within the Nigerian electricity supply industry.

The Programme was overseen by the Presidential Power Sector Debt Reduction Committee (PPSDRC), with the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Energy providing technical leadership and implemented through Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET)’s special purpose vehicle – NBET Finance Company Plc. The issuance proceeds will settle verified, overdue receivables owed to Power Generation Companies (GenCos) for electricity supplied between February 2015 and March 2025, extinguishing legacy claims and injecting liquidity into the electricity industry.

This transformational initiative by the Federal Government of Nigeria is designed to restore financial stability, enhance liquidity and strengthen the balance sheet of Nigerian GenCos through the clearance of outstanding arrears. By addressing these legacy obligations, the initiative is expected to boost domestic and international investor confidence and attract fresh capital across the entire electricity sector value chain.

The transaction received strong support from the pension fund investment community with about 50% of the total financing secured from Pension Fund Administrators, successfully mobilizing domestic capital for critical electricity infrastructure in Nigeria.

AFC provided comprehensive financial advisory services to the Federal Government of Nigeria on this landmark transaction, including the design of the Programme’s negotiation strategy framework, support in negotiating and executing Settlement Agreements with GenCos, and in the structuring of the bond issuance. Working in partnership with CardinalStone Partners as co-Financial Advisers, this transaction reflects AFC’s deep and local market expertise in delivering complex, high-impact policy advice and financial solutions that catalyse sector-wide reforms.

Olu Verheijen, Special Advisor to the President on Energy said:

“The Programme represents a decisive reset of Nigeria’s electricity market, combining debt resolution with broader financial and structural reforms. AFC brought strong sector expertise, deep local market knowledge, and a clear understanding of the market’s commercial complexities, playing a critical role in delivering a credible outcome that supports liquidity restoration, investor confidence and long-term sustainability.”

Banji Fehintola, Executive Board Member and Head, Financial Services at Africa Finance Corporation said:

“The successful issuance of the inaugural tranche under the Power Sector Bond Programme underscores AFC’s commitment to supporting transformative reforms in Nigeria’s power sector. By resolving long-standing liquidity challenges and restoring confidence among investors and operators, this transaction lays the foundation for sustainable growth and improved electricity supply across the country.”

When completed, the Programme will impact approximately 5,398MW of electricity generation capacity by Nigerian GenCos, effectively finalizing settlement of payments for 290,644.84GWhr of electricity billed since February 2015 and providing a strong foundation for new investments into capacity enhancement and expansion by companies serving 12 million active registered customers across the country.

The Programme forms a fundamental aspect of the energy sector reforms by the Nigerian government, alongside significant ongoing investments in consumer metering and transmission infrastructure, and a transition to bilateral electricity trading between wholesale counterparties based on market-reflective pricing. Together, these reforms are aimed at ensuring the evolution of a viable and sustainable electricity market in Nigeria to support long-term industrial growth and development.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Finance Corporation (AFC).

Media Enquires:
Yewande Thorpe
Communications
Africa Finance Corporation
Mobile: +234 1 279 9654
Email: yewande.thorpe@africafc.org

About AFC:
AFC was established in 2007 to be the catalyst for pragmatic infrastructure and industrial investments across Africa across Africa. AFC’s approach combines specialist industry expertise with a focus on financial and technical advisory, project structuring, project development, and risk capital to address Africa’s infrastructure development needs and drive sustainable economic growth.

Seventeen years on, AFC has developed a track record as the partner of choice in Africa for investing and delivering on instrumental, high-quality infrastructure assets that provide essential services in the core infrastructure sectors of power, natural resources, heavy industry, transport, and telecommunications. AFC has 48 member countries and has invested US$18.5 billion across Africa since inception.

www.AfricaFC.org

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APO Group Strengthens Advisory Leadership with the Promotion of João Marques to Executive Director, Strategic Advisory

Source: APO

APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), the leading multi-award-winning, pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service, is pleased to announce the promotion of João Marques to Executive Director, Strategic Advisory. The appointment, effective 1 December 2025, reflects APO Group’s commitment to strengthening its strategic advisory capabilities for clients across Africa and around the world.

João, who previously served as Director of Strategy, brings more than 15 years of experience in international strategy, corporate positioning, and high-level advisory support. Since joining APO Group, he has led the company’s Strategy Division, advancing its narrative design frameworks, thought-leadership programmes, and executive advisory offerings for governments, global corporates, and development institutions.

A multilingual strategist fluent in English, Portuguese, French, and Spanish, João has worked across Africa, Europe, Asia, and Latin America, advising organisations such as the United Nations Global Compact, Nestlé, Emirates, Canon, NBA Africa, and Afreximbank. His expertise blends strategic consulting with creative storytelling, helping clients articulate policy and business priorities with clarity, credibility, and global resonance. João is also a published author and a recognised speaker and moderator, bringing deep expertise in geopolitical and sectoral issues to senior leaders navigating Africa’s communications landscape.

In his new role as Executive Director, Strategic Advisory, João will oversee APO Group’s strategic consulting portfolio, expand C-suite advisory services, and strengthen the company’s positioning as a trusted partner for organisations seeking to enhance reputation, influence, and impact across Africa’s key markets.  He will also lead the development of strategic pathways for high-growth industries and deepen APO Group’s ability to convert advisory work into long-term commercial value.

Bas Wijne, CEO of APO Group, said, “João has been a driving force in elevating our strategic advisory practice and strengthening our value proposition to businesses across the continent and beyond. His appointment as Executive Director is a natural evolution of his contributions to APO Group’s growth, reputation, and strategic direction. I look forward to working even more closely with him as we continue to expand our advisory capabilities and deliver world-class strategic counsel to our clients.”

“Africa’s communications landscape is transforming, and organisations across the continent need partners who can help them articulate ambition, build trust, and shape narratives with long-term impact. I am proud to take on this role at a moment when APO Group is expanding its strategic advisory footprint, and I look forward to contributing to work that strengthens African institutions, industries, and ideas,” added João.

João also serves as a strategic advisor to various international initiatives that support innovation and sustainable development in emerging markets, further reinforcing APO Group’s commitment to driving positive impact across Africa.

With this appointment, APO Group continues to invest in top-tier strategic talent and strengthen its leadership in the African communications and advisory landscape.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of APO Group.

Media contact: 
marie@apo-opa.com 

About APO Group: 
Founded in 2007, APO Group (www.APO-opa.com) is the leading award-winning pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service. Renowned for our deep-rooted African expertise and expansive global perspective, we specialise in elevating the reputation and brand equity of private and public organisations across Africa. As a trusted partner, our mission is to harness the power of media, crafting bespoke strategies that drive tangible, measurable impact both on the continent and globally.   

Our commitment to excellence and innovation has been recognised with multiple prestigious awards, including a PRovoke Media Global SABRE Award and multiple PRovoke Media Africa SABRE Awards. In 2023, we were named the Leading Public Relations Firm Africa and the Leading Pan-African Communications Consultancy Africa in the World Business Outlook Awards, and the Best Public Relations and Media Consultancy of the Year South Africa in 2024 in the same awards. In 2025, Brands Review Magazine acknowledged us as the Leading Communications Consultancy in Africa for the second consecutive year. They also named us the Best PR Agency and the Leading Press Release Distribution Platform in Africa in 2024. Additionally, in 2025, we were honoured with the Gold distinction for Best PR Campaign and Bronze in the Special Event category at the Davos Communications Awards. 

APO Group’s esteemed clientele, which includes global giants such as Canon, Nestlé, Western Union, the UNDP, Network International, African Energy Chamber, Mercy Ships, Marriott, Africa’s Business Heroes, and Liquid Intelligent Technologies, reflects our unparalleled ability to navigate the complex African media landscape. With a multicultural team across Africa, we offer unmatched, truly pan-African insights, expertise, and reach across the continent. APO Group is dedicated to reshaping narratives about Africa, challenging stereotypes, and bringing inspiring African stories to global audiences, with our expertise in developing and supporting public relations campaigns worldwide uniquely positioning us to amplify brand messaging, enhance reputations, and connect effectively with target audiences.  

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