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Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) is deeply alarmed by the tragic escalation of gun violence in the Western Cape this past weekend. The lives lost and communities impacted underscore the dire need for effective policing and resources to combat crime. Unfortunately, the root of these ongoing issues is a persistent lack of resources from …
This summer, join the Ceasar and Oliver families for a magical evening of live music, comedy, and festive cheer at “It’s Family! It’s Festive!”, an outdoor picnic experience at the Baxter Theatre Garden on Sunday 29 December. Starting at 5:30 PM, this one-of-a-kind event brings together jazz legend Richard Ceasar, his talented children Maxine and …
Ewald Bonzet, NSRI ASR (Airborne Sea Rescue) duty controller, said: At 11h38, Sunday, 10 November, a 22 Squadron SAAF (SA Air Force) Oryx helicopter was prepared for a medical evacuation of a German tourist suffering a medical emergency from a cruise liner off-shore of Cape Agulhas. NSRI Agulhas was placed on alert. The Air Force …
Mörda, Mafikizolo, Ouma Sarie, Dr Victor & the Rasta Rebels and more on line-up for this year’s grand event that kicks off the Cape Town summer season with panache on Sunday, 1 December. Get ready, Cape Town! This year’s Festive Lights Switch-On Adderley Street is gearing up to be an unforgettable day of music, laughter, …
TNPA appointed Zutari for implementation plan for the Port of Durban
The Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has appointed Zutari, a leading infrastructure and advisory firm, as the transaction advisor to validate the Island View Precinct Strategy and implementation plan for the Port of Durban.
This appointment is a pivotal move aimed at transforming the liquid bulk sector in South Africa while ensuring security of supply.
“The Island View Strategy, originally approved in 2019, is set to undergo a comprehensive revision to ensure it remains relevant in today’s rapidly evolving landscape.
“Zutari’s role will be to analyse current market trends, review existing strategies and develop a revised comprehensive plan aimed at enhancing the sector's sustainability and operational efficiency. This initiative aligns with TNPA's commitment to implementing global best practices,” it said in a statement.
The Port of Durban’s Island View precinct is a South African national key point, managing approximately 74% of South Africa's liquid bulk imports.
With 12 terminal operators over a 1 545 000 m² area, it handles a variety of products, including petroleum, chemicals and agricultural goods. As part of the country’s transition to sustainable energy, the port will also facilitate the handling of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and other cleaner energy sources.
Zutari’s role includes ensuring that the strategy benefits both TNPA and the liquid bulk industry while safeguarding supply chain integrity, especially in this major petrochemical hub.
TNPA is committed to ensuring security of supply, improved terminal operational efficiencies, operational continuity, risk management and job preservation with the precinct supporting nearly 2 000 direct and indirect jobs as of 2022.
Mpumi Dweba-Kwetana, Acting TNPA Managing Executive for the Eastern Region, said the Island View Strategy aims to accelerate transformation, ensure a reliable supply of liquid bulk commodities, and increase throughput efficiency.
“The appointment of Zutari is a significant milestone towards achieving these goals. Our collaborative engagement with stakeholders, including Fuels Industry Association of South Africa (formerly known as SAPIA), the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA), the Chemical and Allied Industries’ Association (CAIA), and terminal operators, has been crucial in building confidence and identifying areas for cooperation in safeguarding the liquid bulk sector,” said Dweba-Kwetana.
Transnet National Ports Authority is responsible for the safe, effective, and efficient economic functioning of the national port system, which it manages in a landlord capacity. It provides port infrastructure and marine services at the eight commercial seaports in South Africa – Richards Bay, Durban, Saldanha, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, East London, Mossel Bay and Ngqura.
It operates within a legislative and regulatory environment and is governed by the National Ports Act (Act No. 12 of 2005).
For more information visit www.transnetnationalportsauthority.net – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 11/11/2024 - 10:43
South Africa's Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Gwede Mantashe on Thursday reiterated that the country was committed to developing its oil and gas sector, despite external pressures to transition to a greener economy.
Speaking at African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2024, in Cape Town, Mantashe noted that with President Cyril Ramaphosa assenting to the Upstream Petroleum Resources Development Bill, which seeks to accelerate petroleum exploration and development and includes provisions to address unconventional gases like shale gas, South Africa was well on its way to become a competitor in the international oil and gas space.
“While we are getting pinned down not to take these steps, we needed to [explore oil and gas], lift the moratorium on shale gas, as we are still a developing economy. Whether we lifted the moratorium or not, critics would always be there. Gas is described as a transitional technology . . . and is part of the green transition,” he stated.
Earlier this year, Mantashe invited written comments on his intention to investigate the Karoo Basin through large-scale land seismic and airborne surveys to explore for oil and gas that may lie below the ground. The surveys aim to assess geological risks and examine whether there are enough resources to justify extraction.
“[These projects] will improve our gross domestic product by 8%,” he said, noting that across the border in Namibia and Mozambique there have already been significant economic turnarounds with the discovery and development of oil and gas.
Meanwhile, Mantashe emphasized the need to balance economic development with climate change initiatives. “Development and environmental stewardship must coexist . . . and we must responsibly manage natural resources. Mine responsibly, drill responsibly, protect the climate, indigenous plants and land, but don't stop developing. If you stop that, you will have consequences further down the line,” he noted.
Mantashe further noted that he did not expect to see South Africa move away from coal-fired power stations by 2030. “Not in my lifetime,” he said, adding that the country can transition into new technologies, but it should “never dismantle old technologies. I am a great believer of mixed technologies [and with coal we have] a very strong base load technology.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
Africa's holds significant reserves of minerals critical for the global energy transition. The continent boasts roughly 30% of the world's mineral reserves, including immense deposits of cobalt, manganese, natural graphite, copper, nickel, lithium and iron ore.
As such, this year's Critical Minerals Africa (CMA) 2024 Summit – held from November 6-7 in Cape Town – convened industry leaders, policymakers, service providers and investors to address the urgent demands of Africa's critical mineral value chain. The Summit featured a robust agenda that sought to shine a spotlight on opportunities for Africa to accelerate its mining sector while utilizing its natural resources to promote value addition and drive socioeconomic development.
CMA 2024 featured a Ministerial Forum that included the participation of mining ministries from Eswatini, Malawi and Argentina, as well as representatives from Tanzania. High-level speakers during the forum showcased a number of projects aimed at maximizing mineral production while discussing how to leverage mineral resources to promote economic growth and sustainability.
The Republic of Malawi's Minister of Mining Monica Chang'anamuno highlighted several ongoing projects in the country, such as the Kasongo Initiative, which aims to increase the production of rare earth metals, graphite and lithium resources.
Meanwhile, Eswatini's Minister of Natural Resources and Energy Prince Lonkhokhela announced ambitious targets to raise to the contribution of the country's mining sector to its GDP. With aims to increase the share from 1% to 50% in the short- to medium-term, the strategy is supported by new surveys revealing commercial deposits of lithium, copper, cobalt and other base metals.
To bolster investment in mid- and downstream infrastructure, the Summit also featured the participation the President of the Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe Thomas Gono, who stated, “Historically, we exported raw materials, missing out on the potential benefits. With Africa's young workforce, we now have an opportunity to drive revenue and create jobs through skills development and local beneficiation.”
With the participation of Tanzania's Chamber of Mines, it was announced that the country aims to expand exploration in critical mineral-rich basins from 16% to 50% as part of a strategic push into rare earths, lithium and tanzanite production. Meanwhile, Zambia's Chamber of Mines discussed ongoing strategies aimed at helping the country address logistics and energy deficit challenges in the mining sector.
The Summit featured a panel discussion with high-level representatives from mining companies and development institutions including Pensana, the Africa Policy Research Institute and the U.S. Development Finance Corporation. The panel also featured the participation of Clifford Chance, Frost & Sullivan and Chatham House and explored how regional initiatives – such as the Lobito Corridor – have the potential to fast-track Africa's critical minerals market expansion.
An Investment Forum held during the Summit showcased innovative financing measures to advance the flow of capital across the African market. The session featured representatives from finance institutions the World Bank, ABSA, Moshe Capital, the African Finance Corporation and ASAFO & Co.
Additionally, midstream and downstream opportunities were showcased during a panel session that featured the participation of organizations such as Orion Minerals, AZ Arnaturen, Women in Green Hydrogen, Isondo Previous Metals and the Southern African – German Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The panel also featured representatives from Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, the SA-DRC Chamber of Commerce, the Curtin Institute for Energy Transition, the Electric Mobility Association of Kenya and the Congolese Battery Council.
At CMA 2024, research firms including Rystad Energy, Moore Global and Project Blue presented insights on market trends in the global mining industry, while Tronic Metals, Tanzania's State Mining Corporation and South Sudan's state-owned Nilepet provided updates on their activities across the mining value chain.
A Leaders Forum during the Summit featured the participation of international mining companies Glencore DRC and KoBold Metals as well as representatives from the University of Cape Town and the Minerals Council of South Africa. The forum showcased how governments across Africa can promote innovation in the continent's mining space to attract new investment and increase critical minerals production to drive socioeconomic and GDP growth.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.
Audi South Africa is proud to announce the successful sale of the final-edition Audi RS 6 Avant GT during an exclusive auction in Cape Town on 7 November 2024. The event featured the only RS 6 Avant GT available in Africa, number 74, making it a true collector’s item for local automotive enthusiasts. After a …
At the prestigious Green Building Council of South Africa (GBSA) Convention, the Western Cape Department of Infrastructure (DOI) was named runner-up in the Transforming Tomorrow (Existing Building Performance) category. This award recognises leaders who have contributed to market transformation through innovative sustainable management and operations of their buildings’ performance. The GBCSA Convention is an annual …
On Wednesday, 6 November 2024, Premier Alan Winde chaired a regular meeting of the Western Cape Government (WCG) Cabinet. “This week, the world is looking at us, the Western Cape and Cape Town, as we host Earthshot Week 2024. The opportunity to host this prestigious event has given us a platform, not just as a …
The Greater Tygerberg Partnership (GTP) has unveiled a game-changer for Bellville’s informal waste pickers—innovative new trolleys designed to make waste collection easier, safer, and more efficient. Developed in collaboration with the City of Cape Town’s Urban Waste Management Department and partners like The Institute of Waste Management of South Africa, Bens Bike and MES, are …
Dr Cleeve Robertson has been announced as the 2024 winner of the International Maritime Rescue Federation’s Lifetime Achievement in the Maritime Search and Rescue sector: Former NSRI CEO, Dr Cleeve Robertson has been announced as the 2024 winner of the International Maritime Rescue Federation’sLifetime Achievement in the Maritime SAR Sector. Cleeve has been recognised for …
Cape Town, Friday, 8th November 2024: Capping off what has been evident as an eventful and successful Earthshot 24 week, that focused on environmental sustainability, on the fourth and final day of HRH Prince William’s visit to Cape Town, Thursday, 7th November, the NSRI’s Simon’s Town Patti Price Sea Rescue station 10 accommodated Prince William, …
Players within Africa's energy transition sector highlighted innovative financing mechanisms which can help drive the industry maximize value addition and beneficiation to local economies during the Leaders Forum at Critical Minerals Africa Summit on Thursday.
Marie-Chantal Kaninda, President, Glencore DRC announced that the firm contributed approximately $1 billion in revenue for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) through royalty taxes in 2023.
She said the firm invested in processing facilities at two of its operational mines in the DRC (https://apo-opa.co/3AvKgjI) to enhance value addition of copper and cobalt resources.
“We export hydroxide cobalt, which is an intermediary product, and produce copper cathodes ready for cable manufacturing,” Kaninda explained, adding that 95% of Glencore's workforce in the DRC is sourced locally, with many employees holding senior positions.
Speaking on the challenges facing Africa's mineral value addition efforts, Carlos Lopes, Professor at the Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance, University of Cape Town, noted that a lack of adequate funding is a primary barrier.
Despite Africa's GDP having doubled since 2000, he said, the continent is still perceived as a high-risk market by some investors. Lopes called for innovative local financial solutions to meet capital needs for value-addition projects.
“Africa pays the world's highest interest rates, yet our potential is undervalued. We must be strategic in policy-making to fully capitalize on our resources,” he stated, emphasizing the drawbacks of exporting raw minerals for overseas processing.
Mfikeyi Makayi, CEO of KoBold Metals, underscored the role of innovation in reducing the high costs associated with critical mineral exploration and value addition. She highlighted the company's AI-enabled exploration efforts backed by Silicon Valley investment, stating, “With 60 projects across 40 countries, including flagship initiatives in Zambia and new ventures in Namibia and Botswana, we're focused on leveraging digital mining solutions to drive industrialization across the continent.”
Makayi added that the data generated through digital mining is vital for attracting investment and creating a more competitive and inclusive sector.
Sietse van de Woude, Senior Executive of Modernization and Safety at the Minerals Council South Africa, discussed the Mandela Mining Precinct initiative, a public-private partnership designed to fund and support mining sector innovation.
“Innovation is essential for critical minerals mining,” van de Woude said, adding that the initiative offers a platform for industry stakeholders to share best practices and collaborate on advancing operational efficiency and safety.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.
Last night, the five 2024 Earthshot Prize Winners were announced at a star-studded awards ceremony in Cape Town, South Africa, hosted by Emmy, Grammy and Tony Award winner Billy Porter and award-winning television presenter Bonang Matheba. The 2024 Winners, selected from this year's 15 Earthshot Finalists, will be awarded £1 million each to accelerate and scale their game-changing environmental solutions.
Following a rigorous selection process focused on identifying impactful, inspiring and inclusive environmental solutions, the five Winners are:
Speaking during the Awards Ceremony, Prince William said:
“I believe our world can be rich in possibility, in hope, and in optimism. That is why The Earthshot Prize exists. To champion the game-changers, the inventors, the makers, the creatives, the leaders; to help them build upon the amazing things they've already achieved; to speed their innovations to scale and to inspire the next generation to create the future we all need."
Descriptions of the five Winners, by category:
WINNER for Fix Our Climate:
Advanced Thermovoltaic Systems (https://apo-opa.co/48EySP6), USA
Nominated by: Herbert Smith Freehills LLP
Advanced Thermovoltaic Systems (ATS) has developed a simple, safe and scalable technology to capture waste heat and convert it into electricity, offering a game-changing solution for heavy industries like cement and steel production. These industries require extremely high temperatures, which generate vast amounts of waste heat that is typically lost. ATS's technologies have the potential to save gigatonnes of CO2.
“At ATS, we are proud to lead the way in converting this waste into clean, usable electricity. Winning the 2024 Earthshot Prize underscores the transformative potential of our technology. Tonight is a key moment for us as we focus on scaling up production in larger manufacturing facilities.” – Kelly Adams, CEO, Advanced Thermovoltaic Systems.
WINNER for Revive Our Oceans:
High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People (https://apo-opa.co/3AxM7Ew), Global
Nominated by: Campaign for Nature
A groundbreaking alliance of 119 countries with the ambitious goal to protect 30% of land and oceans by 2030, High Ambition Coalition identifies technical, financial and knowledge gaps and connects governments with technical assistance and funding. They've already achieved a major milestone with the adoption of the “30×30” target in the 2022 UN Global Biodiversity Framework.
Rita Maria El Zaghloul, Director, High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People said, “On behalf of the alliance, we are deeply humbled to be a Winner of this year's Earthshot Prize. Today's award validates the hard work and dedication of all involved in the 30x30 initiative and fuels our excitement and determination to protect 30 percent of the world's land and oceans by 2030. Together, we can achieve a more sustainable and biodiverse future.”
WINNER for Build a Waste-Free World:
Keep IT Cool (https://apo-opa.co/3AAGjdr), Kenya
Nominated by: Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation, Katapult Ocean
Keep IT Cool (KIC) addresses the challenge of food spoilage by providing sustainable, localized refrigeration systems that help small farmers and fishers preserve their produce. By installing solar-powered cold storage units where fish are landed, KIC significantly reduces spoilage and waste by ensuring the catch stays fresh and managing its transport to market. With plans to grow into East Africa and beyond, KIC is now working to expand their activities in poultry, fruit and vegetables and aims to bring their solution to more communities.
Francis Nderitu, Founder and Managing Director of Keep IT Cool said, “We are on a mission to revolutionise the food supply chain in East Africa. We are grateful for the recognition from The Earthshot Prize, and it is an important milestone for Keep IT Cool. We will continue to enhance market access, reduce waste and build climate resilience for small-scale fish and poultry farmers throughout the region.”
WINNER for Protect and Restore Nature:
Altyn Dala Conservation Initiative (https://apo-opa.co/3NWG3Zk), Kazakhstan
Nominated by: United Nations Environment Programme
Altyn Dala Conservation Initiative has achieved the almost unprecedented feat of saving the critically endangered Saiga antelope from extinction. This mission has grown into one of the world's largest conservation projects and is focused on protecting and restoring Kaakhstan's Golden Steppe, one of the world's least protected natural ecosystems.
Vera Voronova, Executive Director, Altyn Dala Conservation Initiative said, “We are thrilled to be receiving the 2024 Earthshot Prize for Protect and Restore Nature. Altyn Dala demonstrates that when governments and civil society work together with a shared vision, we can achieve remarkable results. The restoration of the Saiga antelope population and the revival of the Central Asian steppe are not just triumphs for wildlife but for the local communities that depend on these ecosystems.”
WINNER for Clean Our Air:
GAYO, Green Africa Youth Organization (https://apo-opa.co/3NVrpSe), Ghana
Nominated by: Clean Air Fund
A youth-led, gender-balanced organisation, GAYO uses its “Zero Waste Model” to drive behavioural change in waste management practices across Africa that cut greenhouse gas emissions and particle pollution, while also bringing additional income to communities. Their goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and particle pollution in Ghana by 70%, compared to open burning, as well as divert a total of 4,000 tonnes of waste by 2030. GAYO's plans to scale would make them the leading model for waste management on the continent.
Desmond Alugnoa, Co-Founder of the Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO) said, “We are incredibly honored to be winning the Prize, which is a testament to the power of community-driven solutions and the importance of empowering those most affected by climate challenges. Our work in Ghana demonstrates that sustainable waste management isn't just a possibility—it's a necessity. The recognition by The Earthshot Prize fuels our commitment to replicating these models across Africa, proving that local solutions can have global impacts.”
The five Winners of the 2024 Prize cohort were selected by Prince William and The Earthshot Prize Council, a diverse group of experts, advocates and individuals dedicated to championing urgent and innovative action to protect our planet. The Earthshot Prize Council is chaired by The Earthshot Prize Board of Trustees Chair, Dame Christiana Figueres, architect of the Paris Agreement.
Members of The Earthshot Prize Council include: His Royal Highness Prince William, Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah, José Andrés, Sir David Attenborough, Cate Blanchett, Ernest Gibson, Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, Wanjira Mathai, Stella McCartney, Nemonte Nenquimo, Luisa Neubauer, Indra Nooyi, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Naoko Yamazaki.
In addition to the five £1 million prizes supporting the growth of Winners' solutions, each of the 15 Earthshot Prize Finalists will receive dedicated mentorship, resources and technical support through the year-long Earthshot Prize Fellowship Programme.
That support includes access to the Prize's robust network of influential experts and partners, including The Earthshot Prize's Global Alliance of Partners (https://apo-opa.co/4fh0E6D), comprised of some of the world's largest businesses, donors, investors and environmental organisations committed to climate action.
Finalists will also have access to Launchpad (https://apo-opa.co/3O1bhi2), Earthshot's bespoke online finance platform to matchmake Earthshot solutions to a growing community of members made up of mission-aligned donors and investors seeking to speed proven environmental solutions to scale.
The Earthshot Prize is already gearing up for the 2025 Earthshot Prize. Nominations for the Prize's fifth cohort of innovative solutions and entrepreneurs are now open.
If you missed last night's spectacular live event you can watch repeat broadcasts of the star-studded ceremony from 07 November on DStv Catch Up, Showmax, and on multiple DStv channels across Africa from 08 November. Check your local television schedules for more details.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of MultiChoice Group.
NOTES FOR EDITORS:
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About The Earthshot Prize:
Founded by Prince William and incubated in the The Royal Foundation in 2020 for a year before becoming an independent platform/organisation, The Earthshot Prize is a global environmental prize and platform designed to discover, accelerate and scale ground-breaking solutions to repair and regenerate the planet. Inspired by President John F. Kennedy's Moonshot, which united millions of people around the goal of reaching the moon, The Earthshot Prize aims to catalyse an Earthshot challenge to urgently encourage and scale innovative solutions that can help put the world firmly on a trajectory towards a stable climate, where communities, oceans and biodiversity thrive in harmony by 2030. The five challenges are: Protect and Restore Nature; Clean Our Air; Revive Our Oceans; Build a Waste-Free World; and Fix Our Climate.
The Prize aims to turn the current pessimism surrounding environmental issues into optimism by championing inspiring leadership and helping to scale incredible cutting-edge solutions. It will discover 50 winners over 10 years with the power to repair the planet. More than an award, The Earthshot Prize works in partnership with a Global Alliance of Partners to support the scaling of the solutions discovered and selected each year.
The Global Alliance Founding Partners are a group of leading global organisations and philanthropists, which act as strategic funding partners to the Prize, including Aga Khan Development Network, Bezos Earth Fund, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Breakthrough Energy Foundation, Coleman Family Ventures, DP World in partnership with Dubai EXPO 2020, Eleven Eleven Foundation, Giving Grousbeck Fazzalari, Holch Povlsen Foundation, Jack Ma Foundation, Law Family Charitable Foundation, Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, Marc and Lynne Benioff, Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, Rob Walton Foundation, Sandy and Paul Edgerley, Standard Chartered Bank, Temasek Trust, and Uber.
Global Alliance Partners are non-profit environment and sustainable development organisations that bring expertise, global reach and serve as nominating organisations each year. For a full list of our Global Alliance Partners, visit: https://apo-opa.co/4fh0E6D.
Global Alliance Members are some of the world's largest and most influential companies and brands that will support The Earthshot Prize, implement ambitious changes within their businesses and accelerate the advancement of the solutions of Prize Finalists and Winners. They are Arup, Bloomberg L.P., Deloitte, Herbert Smith Freehills, Hitachi, Ingka Group (IKEA), Microsoft, The Multichoice Group, Natura &Co, Safaricom, Salesforce, Unilever, Vodacom Group, and Walmart.
For more information about The Earthshot Prize, visit: www.EarthshotPrize.org.
Fishers and activists want government to reverse environmental authorisation
Luvuyo Vimba died after a clash with police
Professor Benedict Okey Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors at African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com), has been awarded the prestigious Mohammed S. Barkindo Lifetime Achievement Award at the African Energy Awards, held on the sidelines of the African Energy Week (AEW) 2024: Invest in African Energy conference, happening between 4-8 November in Cape Town, South Africa.
The award, named in honour of the former Secretary-General of OPEC, the late Dr Mohammed Barkindo, recognizes individuals who have made exceptional and lasting contributions to Africa's oil, gas, and energy sectors. This honour represents the highest accolade in African energy, awarded to individuals whose work has had a transformative impact on the continent's energy sector. Notable past recipient of the Mohammed S. Barkindo Lifetime Award in 2023 is Keith Hill, former President and CEO of Africa Oil Corp.
For over three decades, Prof. Oramah has played a critical role in driving sustainable development across Africa by channelling essential funding into major oil, gas, and infrastructure projects. Since assuming leadership of Afreximbank in 2015, he has pioneered innovative financing structures that have democratised energy access and accelerated industrialization and the growth of Africa's strategically critical energy sector.
Under Prof. Oramah's leadership, Afreximbank has made substantial contributions to the growth of Africa's energy sector. Under his stewardship, the Afreximbank has facilitated the mobilization of over USD 70 bn to support Africa's energy sector. Included in this is more than USD 5bn for refineries in Nigeria, Angola and Senegal, to further Africa's refined product independence and reduce the continent's Foreign Exchange drain.
In Nigeria, Afreximbank now acts as Adviser and Settlement Bank for NGN denominated crude sales to Nigerian refineries. Replicated across the oil producing states in Africa, this will save several USD 100mn per annum in transactional charges alone. Ranking among President Oramah's most significant achievements is the historic signing of the Establishment Agreement and the Charter of the Africa Energy Bank (“AEB”) in Egypt in June 2024, in partnership with the African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO). This landmark initiative aims to mobilize funding to support investments across Africa's entire energy system, aligning with the continent's energy needs and its environmental sustainability goals.
Professor Oramah has led the energy transition agenda through the Bank's support in renewable energy transactions including, but not limited to, the EUR1.3 bn ECA import facility Project Gleam in support of the import of sonar panels for rural electrification in Angola, the EUR 147mn Government of Cameroon solar power project and the US$363 million Gasmeth Energy Rwanda gas extraction and processing project.
Significantly, the majority of the above-mentioned transactions received numerous industry awards for their impact on the continent, their complexity and their unique structures.
Prior to joining Afreximbank, Professor Oramah distinguished himself in international trade finance and development. Beginning his career at the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), he played an instrumental role in shaping Nigeria's export development strategies. Prof Oramah holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics from Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria.
Acknowledging the award, Prof. Oramah commented:
“It is a great honour to be awarded the Mohammed S. Barkindo Lifetime Achievement Award. Whilst a great honour for me personally, this award reflects the work and dedication of many others, including my colleagues at Afreximbank and our various partners. At Afreximbank, we remain deeply committed to reducing energy deficit on the continent and ensuring we are self-sufficient.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.
Media Contact:
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Manager, Communications and Events (Media Relations)
Email: press@afreximbank.com
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About Afreximbank :
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra-and extra-African trade. For 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa's trade, accelerating industrialization and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank is setting up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries to effectively participate in the AfCFTA. At the end of December 2023, Afreximbank's total assets and guarantees stood at over US$37.3 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$6.1 billion. The Bank disbursed more than US$104 billion between 2016 and 2023. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A), Moody's (Baa1), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) and Fitch (BBB). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure, (together, “the Group”). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt.
For more information, visit: www.Afreximbank.com
As Africa continues to expand its energy infrastructure on a continent where energy poverty remains the reality for millions of its population, addressing the challenges of energy efficiency and demand side management become increasingly crucial. There is a pressing need to optimize energy consumption and promote sustainable development across the continent.
During a panel discussion sponsored by the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI), South Africa's successful history of promoting energy efficiency in the country through the implementation of its National Energy Efficiency Strategy was highlighted.
Ngoanathari Maja, Programme Manager for Energy Efficiency in Public Buildings & Infrastructure Programmes at the SANEDI set the tone of the discussion as the panel moderator. Panelists included Professor Sampson Mamphweli, General Manager at the Department of Science and Innovation and Energy Secretariat at SANEDI; Stalin Ndlovu, Acting General Manager of Energy Efficiency and Demand Side Management at SANEDI; Nqobile Ngcobo, Energy Performance Certificates Program Lead at SANEDI and Salifou Camara, Deputy National Director of Energy at the Ministry of Energy, Hydraulics and Hydrocarbons in Guinea-Conakry.
Mamphweli discussed how energy efficiency and demand side management measures had a significant impact on South Africa's energy availability when the country experienced its first period of loadshedding in 2008. The measures implemented by Eskom, SANEDI and the private sector managed to contain loadshedding at the time.
“Through energy efficiency and demand side management measures you can save a lot of energy that can be distributed to those who do not have access to energy,” he said.
Mamphweli added that although South Africa has the National Energy Efficiency Strategy, the country's draft Integrated Resource Plan 2023, which provides a roadmap for meeting South Africa's forecasted electricity demand, does not make provision for this. It is important for energy efficiency and demand side management to feature in the country's long-term energy planning, he said.
To meet the country's future energy needs, Ndlovu reiterated the importance of resource efficiency on both the energy supply side and energy demand side, noting that countries must optimize their energy use.
Also drawing on the topic of resource efficiency, Ngcobo said that we can only start expanding electrification on the continent once we consume energy efficiently.
Maja raised the concern that despite the strides made towards improving energy efficiency in South Africa, there is not enough uptake of energy efficiency and demand side management measures in Africa.
In response to this, Mamphweli highlighted the various stumbling blocks in Africa, including funding, skills, and awareness of energy efficiency. “Selling the idea of energy efficiency takes time for people to buy into,” he said.
Camara provided insight on the barriers faced in adopting energy efficiency measures in Guinea-Conakry, noting that consumers simply buy appliances that are not energy efficient.
“We need [to] raise awareness among consumers to improve the country's energy efficiency as our population needs to better understand how to better save and use energy, to ensure sufficient energy for all,” he said.
In line with this, Mamphweli called for action against using Africa as a dumping ground for energy inefficient technologies, emphasizing the need for behavioral changes towards using existing and proven energy saving technologies in Africa at both a household and commercial level.
Ngcobo addressed the importance of viewing energy efficiency as the first step in managing demand. “There is no point in increasing energy supply when we are unable to effectively manage what we are using on the end user side,” she said.
The panel discussion formed part of African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies' ‘Powering Africa Summit'. The summit aims to advance investment, technology, and innovation to harness Africa's renewable and non-renewable energy mix and optimize the continent's power generation and distribution capabilities to improve energy access and meet the rising power needs of Africa's rapidly expanding populations.
Set to reach 2.5 billion people by 2050, Africa is home to the world's fastest-growing population. The continent's crude oil and gas resources, combined with its vast solar and hydropower resources represent the pathway to improving energy access and rising power demands.
SANEDI is a Bronze Sponsor of the AEW: Invest in African Energies 2024 conference, which is being held in Cape Town this week.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
Private power and Independent Power Producer (IPP) investments are pivotal for Africa's energy future if it is to improve energy access and end energy poverty on the continent. The procurement of new, often renewable sources of energy, is a way for countries to improve energy supply but also meet transition goals.
During a panel discussion titled ‘Maintaining the Momentum for Private Power Provision' that formed part of African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2024 ‘Powering Africa Summit' South Africa's IPP procurement program was highlighted as a benchmark on how to successfully develop private, independent power generation capacity in Africa, which is challenged by a lack of generation capacity, aging power plants and poorly run state-owned utilities and a lack of affordable capital.
Bernard Magoro, Head of South Africa's Independent Power Producers Office said that although the country has overcome the challenge of loadshedding, it needs to decommission 15-20 GW of coal-fired power by 2035, half of which will be replaced by renewables which requires between four and five times the baseload capacity that you are replacing.
The IPP program, which has been running for 14 years, has delivered over 8 GW of capacity, 7.2 GW of renewable energy and 1 GW of open cycle gas turbine capacity, Magoro pointed out. This equates to about 10% of South Africa's energy from IPPs on an annual basis, he added.
The enabling environment that Magoro referred to as “the IPP energy ecosystem” that was created in South Africa to support IPP integration is what has supported the success of the program, the learnings of which he said was being shared with the rest of the African continent.
Panel moderator, Hasnayn Ebrahim, Managing Director of management consultancy Africa International Advisors noted the important aspect of cross-border collaboration, knowledge sharing and capacity support as a potential enabler to advance private power provision in Africa, a sentiment echoed by Mirlan Aldayarov, Infrastructure Program Leader at the World Bank who said the South African Power Pool (SAPP) exists as a good mechanism that can help to leapfrog some of the IPP development challenges in Africa.
This idea was supported by Simphiwe Jantjies, Head of East, Central and West Africa at development finance institute the Development Bank of Southern Africa who said the existence of regional power pools, in addition to liberalizing the energy market can play an important role in extending the role of IPPS in providing power.
“Development finance institutions can…play a meaningful role in the entire project development value chain…pulling the entire financing structure of a project together and ensuring it is bankable,” Jantjies said.
Aldayarov highlighted the pace of reforms to support IPPs in South Africa as “phenomenal” noting that the Bank is involved in long term energy planning, policy and regulatory reforms, energy offtake and supporting the development of a pipeline of bankable projects to create an enabling environment going forward.
In trying to maintain the momentum of the IPP program in South Africa, where there is over 100 GW worth of energy capcity at different readiness stages waiting to be developed, the country is faced with needing to expand the energy grid. “We have run out of grid capacity,” he said.
“Between now and 2032 we need to build 14,000 km of transmission lines,” which Eskom cannot do alone, Mogoro said, noting that the private sector, like the role it is playing in the IPP space, would need to assist in expanding the strained transmission network.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
Durban Academy gears up to host UCI Pump Track World Championships
The City of Durban is gearing up to host the prestigious 2024 Velosolutions Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Pump Track World Championships Finals, which will take place at the GO!Durban Academy, KwaMashu site, on 9 November 2024.
The event marks the tail end of the 2024 season and is set to bring together the world’s top riders from approximately 20 countries to compete for the World Championship Title.
The first ever to be hosted in a township, the KwaMashu GO!Durban Academy Park was chosen over Cape Town.
Established in 2016, the GO!Durban Cycle Academy features a world-class Velosolutions asphalt pump track right in the heart of KwaMashu.
Velosolutions pump tracks are both playgrounds and training facilities for bikers, skateboarders and scooter riders of all skill levels. Asphalted tracks are hotspots for all kinds of riders, who seek a fun and action-filled sports experience.
EThekwini Transport Authority Acting Head, Nelisiwe Zama, said being chosen to host an event of such magnitude is demonstration of the high standard infrastructure that the GO!Durban Academy has to offer.
“An event of this nature does not only place us on the world map in relation to the cycling sport but has great impact on local tourism, with 60 international riders, accompanied by their teams, and fans staying in Durban. This influx of international visitors will help put Durban on the global tourism map as a 'must visit' destination in South Africa,” Zama said.
The event is also set to benefit youth from townships, as various community-based cycling races will be hosted in the week leading up to the finale.
The top four of the community bike series, including the men and women elite category, will officially qualify for the UCI Pump Track World Championships on Saturday.
“The two winners will receive free hotel accommodation, like all other international winners. The second, third and fourth placed riders will be invited to join the afterparty, rider's briefing, welcome presentation, and will be transported daily from their township to the locations,” Zama said.
Tickets for the UCI Pump Track World Championships finals will be sold at the gate at R50 per person. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 11/07/2024 - 10:36
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