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With several long weekends, school holidays, and first-quarter fatigue setting in, South Africans seem to be taking time off in April to travel. Consumers also become a little more generous around this time – but not as much as before. Standard Bank data shows an uptick in spending on donations and charity in April – …
Monday, 14 April 2025: Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd has issued an Invitation To Tender (ITT) for firms with a proven track record in establishing renewable energy businesses to assist Eskom in accelerating the deployment of renewable energy solutions. Eskom will evaluate applicants on criteria that includes the requirement for a proven track record in establishing...
Monday, 14 April 2025: Exxaro Resources and Eskom today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that focuses on collaboration on strategic initiatives, research, and projects in the areas of Carbon Emissions Reduction, Air Quality and Just Transition. This is consistent with South Africa’s commitment to achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement, international environmental standards,...
Friday, 11 April 2025: Loadshedding remains suspended, with the power system remaining stable. Emergency reserves are adequate and being used strategically to meet peak demand, while ongoing planned maintenance continues at 14.85% of generation capacity, marking a 3.8% increase compared to the same period last year. The high level of planned maintenance aims to enhance...
For many South Africans, the Easter holidays mean cross-country camping trips or coastal escapes with caravans or trailers in tow. The open road spells freedom, relaxation and adventure, but travellers should also take steps to protect themselves from risks from road accidents and theft to unexpected weather damage. “Caravans and trailers are valuable assets, often …
Curious to know what other MyZA domains there are available in the world? Below is a complete list – head on over to https://cp.reachtrust.co.za to get hosting for your new domain. First on the list is: https://MyZA.co.za – a South African focused resource offering news, business, directory, events and podcasts with free submissions. Of the …
The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) warns the public to be cautious when conducting financial services business with a person on Telegram purporting to be associated with financial service provider (FSP) 1nvest Fund Managers (Pty) Ltd (1nvest Fund Managers) (FSP Number 49955), and its representative Ms Telita Koorsen (Ms Koorsen). The FSCA has been made …
Nornickel (https://NorNickel.com) has unveiled its strategy for the development of palladium-based technologies at the PGMs Industry Day, an international conference held in South Africa. The company's experts shared insights into new technological developments that have the potential to redefine the use of platinum group metals (PGMs) extracted on the African continent, particularly in the fields of energy, electronics, and green technology.
The presentation attracted considerable interest from conference participants. Industry representatives noted the practical relevance of Nornickel's innovations for the market, as well as the significant potential of palladium in emerging high-tech applications.
Nornickel is the world's largest producer of palladium and high-grade nickel, and one of the leading global suppliers of platinum, copper, cobalt, and other precious and base metals. The company's Palladium Centre focuses on the development and implementation of innovative palladium-based solutions aimed at enhancing industrial efficiency.
Palladium is the most extracted metal among the PGMs and benefits from a geographically diversified supply chain. Russia and South Africa, the two major producing regions, ensure stable global supply.
From a chemical perspective, PGMs complement each other in many applications. Nornickel's research shows that palladium alloys with other PGMs frequently outperform individual metals in terms of efficiency and durability.
Nornickel's approach to palladium innovation is closely aligned with key global megatrends: the energy transition, sustainable development, and digitalisation. Promising application areas include solar and hydrogen energy, biofuels, and next-generation electronics, where palladium can help reduce the cost of conductive components, hard drives, and OLED displays. In existing markets, the company is focused on improving performance and economics for end users.
Nornickel is actively building a global partnership network to co-develop and commercialise palladium-based solutions. The company is committed to long-term collaboration with scientists, manufacturers, and end users to accelerate the adoption of advanced technologies and products.
"Our goal is to become a technological partner for producers of PGM-based products. We focus on identifying applications where palladium delivers a strong competitive edge, bringing together leading scientific teams to develop prototypes, conducting large-scale industrial trials, optimising the product, and transferring the technology to manufacturers. This approach allows us to create more efficient materials and open up new markets for palladium applications," said Dmitry Izotov, CEO of Nornickel's Palladium Centre.
Since its launch, the Centre has built a portfolio of 25 products. By 2030, the portfolio is expected to exceed 100 projects, generating an additional annual demand of 40–50 tonnes of palladium.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Nornickel’s Palladium Centre.
If selling your property is on your 2025 to-do list, now is the time to start planning for success. With buyers actively searching for well-priced homes, sellers who take the right approach can achieve great results. But where do you start? David Jacobs, Regional Sales Manager for the Rawson Property Group, shares expert advice on …
Building on its successes since launching in 2024, Standard Bank’s support programme for emerging entrepreneurs, is coming to Mpumalanga on Wednesday, 16 April 2025 at Emnotweni Casino, Nelspruit. In 2024 the bank launched support programmes for emerging entrepreneurs in Soweto (Gauteng), Umlazi (Kwa-Zulu Natal) and Khayelitsha (Western Cape) and achieved huge success. Hundreds of entrepreneurs …
Stellantis has announced the expansion of its multifranchise dealer network with the addition of the FIAT and Jeep® brands to the existing CMH East Rand dealership in Boksburg in Gauteng. This expansion continues to strengthen Stellantis’ commitment to making these iconic brands more accessible to customers, offering a seamless and convenient experience. CMH East Rand …
A pause in US tariffs offers relief, but global and local instability keeps straining SA households with rising costs, job insecurity, and mounting debt. Sebastien Alexanderson weighs in. 10 April 2025 – A brief reprieve in the form of a 90-day pause on punitive US tariffs has brought some short-term relief to South Africa’s strained …
The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) warns the public to be cautious of a person impersonating Mr. Luzuko Nomjana of Prescient Investment Management (Pty) Ltd an authorised Financial Services Provider (FSP number 612) (Prescient). The Compliance Officer of Prescient (Ms. Nazley Herandien) confirmed that Prescient received communication from a complainant who has been scammed and …
Vertex Bergbaumaschinen, a pioneer in crushing equipment technology, has unveiled its latest innovations in jaw crushers and cone crushers, setting new industry standards in performance, efficiency, and sustainability. As the demand for more efficient, eco-friendly machinery continues to grow in the mining and construction sectors, Vertex is leading the way with its cutting-edge solutions designed …
Businesses have ranked political risks and violence as a top 10 global risk for the past three years, according to the Allianz Risk Barometer 2025 demonstrating that it has become a key concern for companies of all sizes. According to a new report from Allianz Commercial, civil unrest ranks as the biggest concern for more …
The Ford Ranger is built to handle tough jobs with confidence, and that includes towing heavy loads with ease. In South Africa, where road trips and outdoor adventures are a way of life, towing caravans, trailers, and boats is an integral part of exploring the country’s breathtaking landscapes. With the Ranger’s combination of power, precision, …
Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) (www.AfricaFC.org), the continent's leading infrastructure solutions provider, has announced its strongest financial performance to date, with total revenue for the year ended 31 December 2024 surpassing US$ 1 billion for the first time in the Corporation's history.
This record performance marks a significant milestone in AFC's mission to close Africa's infrastructure gap through scalable, de-risked investments that attract global capital and deliver tangible development outcomes. The Corporation posted a 22.8% increase in total revenue to US$1.1 billion and a 22.3% rise in total comprehensive income to US$400 million, up from US$327 million in 2023.
AFC's earnings growth was driven by improved asset yields, prudent cost-of-funds management and sustained traction in advisory mandates.
Further significant financial highlights include:
Throughout 2024, AFC continued to scale its impact by mobilising capital for landmark projects across energy, transport, and natural resources. These included the Lobito Corridor – a cross-border railway development spanning Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Zambia. AFC led the initiative to secure a concession agreement within one year of the initial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), an unprecedented achievement for a project of its scale. In the DRC, AFC also invested US$150 million in the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex, Africa's largest copper producer and one of the most sustainable globally, thanks to its high-grade ore and renewable-powered smelter.
Other milestones transactions included financing support for the commissioning of the Dangote Refinery, the largest in Africa, and continued progress on AFC-backed Infinity Power Holding's 10 GW clean energy ambition, with power purchase agreements secured in Egypt and South Africa. AFC also invested in the 15GW Xlinks Morocco-UK Power Project, providing US$14.1 million to support early-stage development of a transcontinental renewable energy pipeline between North Africa and Europe.
AFC strengthened its capital base and expanded its investor network through several landmark funding initiatives. These included a US$ 1.16 billion syndicated loan - the largest in its history, a US$500 million perpetual hybrid bond issue, and the successful execution of Nigeria's first-ever domestic dollar bond, which raised US$900 million at 180% oversubscription. AFC also returned to the Islamic finance market after eight years, closing a US$400 million Shariah-compliant facility.
The year also saw strong momentum in equity mobilisation, with US$181.8 million in new capital raised from ten institutional investors. These included Turk Eximbank - AFC's first non-African sovereign shareholder - the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), and several major pension funds spanning Cameroon, Seychelles, Mauritius, and South Africa. Ratings agencies affirmed AFC's robust credit profile, with AAA ratings from S&P Global (China) and China Chengxin International, and a stable A3 Outlook from Moody's.
“These results send a clear message that strategic investment in African infrastructure creates lasting value for both beneficiaries and investors,” said Samaila Zubairu, President & CEO of AFC. “In 2024, we exceeded the billion-dollar revenue mark, delivered game-changing projects, and reinforced our financial resilience—demonstrating the scalability of our unique model that blends purpose with performance to accelerate Africa's economic transformation.”
Read the full annual report here (https://apo-opa.co/424qlmR)
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Finance Corporation (AFC).
Media Enquiries:
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. 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 45 member countries and has invested over US$15 billion in 36 African countries since its inception. www.AfricaFC.org
Wednesday, 9 April 2025: Eskom acknowledges a decline in criminal activities targeting its electrical infrastructure, including mini-substations, high-voltage pylons, and transformers, compared to the previous year. However, these incidents remain high and a serious concern, with widespread consequences for electricity supply and public safety. Eskom commends the South African Police Service (SAPS) for its recent...
SOS Childrens’ Villages together with Stellantis, one of the world’s leading automakers, are combatting youth unemployment in South Africa by teaching participants driving skills that will enable entrepreneurship to thrive courtesy of a driving license. The initiative will provide 800 young people supported by SOS Childrens’ Villages across the country with the skills and resources …
AI is no longer a ‘what if’ – it’s a ‘what now’ for PR professionals. From media monitoring to content creation and campaign strategy, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is fundamentally reshaping the way PR agencies operate—streamlining tasks, unlocking smarter insights, and transforming how stories are told and shared. “AI’s ability to handle repetitive tasks is a …
Standard Bank Group has announced the appointment of Sim Tshabalala as Interim Chief Executive of The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited (SBSA) with effect from 8 April 2025, subject to regulatory approval. Accordingly, Sim will serve in a dual capacity as Chief Executive of Standard Bank Group and SBSA, and as executive director on …
South African medtech disruptor hearX Group, with Futuregrowth as its largest South African institutional investor, has merged with US-based hearing aid manufacturer Eargo to form a new hearing health company, LXE Hearing. The merger is supported by an additional $100 million investment from Patient Square Capital (PSC). This marks the first major merger in the …
South Africa’s film industry continues to thrive, attracting R2.52 billion (€132 million) in foreign investment from international productions between November 2023 and June 2024, according to UNESCO mapping studies. Nigeria’s Nollywood is also a powerhouse, producing approximately 2,500 films annually. And with the rapid rise of streaming platforms, content consumption across the continent has never …
With school holidays underway and the Easter weekend fast approaching, many South Africans are preparing for road trips to reconnect with family and explore new destinations. To help ensure a smooth and stress-free journey, WesBank urges drivers to prioritise safety by planning ahead and making necessary vehicle checks before setting off. Pre-trip vehicle checklist A …
