Africa

Botswana is blessed with a rich seam of natural resources, from diamonds and gold to coal. Indeed, coal is the driving force that has made the African nation what it is today: a stable and progressive country.

At the heart of this economic advancement are two coal-fired power stations, Morupule A Power Station, which opened in 1986, and Morupule B, which came into service in 2012. However, none of the country's electrical needs would be possible without the coal needed to fire the plants. 

Logistics leader Threeways Shipping Services has successfully navigated the stormy waters of recent years and is now stepping up its game, including playing a pivotal role in TotalEnergies' Tilenga project in Uganda. Written by Andy Probert.
 
Threeways Shipping Services is once again one of Uganda's cutting–edge intra-field logistics specialists. Focused on keeping the wheels of the developing nation's economy turning, it is currently gaining major traction on oil and gas projects, where it has become the first local Tier 1 provider to global clients, such as TotalEnergies.

The potential of constant electricity supply to catalyze development across West Africa cannot be overstated. With a population exceeding 400 million, the region grapples with persistent power shortages that stifle economic growth, limit educational opportunities, and constrain healthcare services. However, there is hope on the horizon. By examining the transformative effects of reliable electricity in other parts of the world and exploring a strategic power mix suitable for West Africa, we can chart a path from power scarcity to prosperity.

Botswana's President Mokgweetsi Masisi recently unveiled the majestic Okavango River Bridge in Mohembo, marking a significant milestone in the nation's infrastructure development. With a price tag of 1 billion pula (£36.4 million), this iconic cable-stayed bridge spans the Okavango River, serving as a vital artery for transportation and connectivity in the heart of Southern Africa. Let's delve into the history, specifications, and socio-economic significance of this engineering marvel.
 

As copper increasingly becomes a much-wanted resource across global industry, exciting times are emerging from the Kalahari Copper Belt in Botswana where Australian company, Sandfire, has officially opened the Motheo Copper Mine.
 
Over its initial ten-year life, Motheo is expected to deliver significant value to the people of Botswana through taxes and royalties, and long-term employment, training and development opportunities.
 

At Senegal's first gold mine, Sabodala-Massawa, many ongoing activities and plans are afoot to consolidate its position as a cornerstone of the country's raw materials production and a vital pillar of Endeavour Mining's portfolio.
 
In addition to expanding the mine, Endeavour is also installing a new BIOX processing facility, which will add incremental production of 1.35Moz at a low AISC of $576/oz over its mine life. It is also primed to build a 37 MWp photovoltaic solar facility for $55 million to complement the 36 MW heavy fuel oil power plant currently onsite.
 

Egypt remains a land of mystery: the Pharaohs, Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and the Nike River. But the Sukari Gold Mine, the nation's first large-scale gold mine, is anything but. 

In recent years, Ghana's mining industry has undergone a remarkable transformation, propelled by the twin forces of digitalization and an increasing focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. As one of the leading gold producers in Africa, Ghana's mining sector stands at the forefront of innovation and sustainability, embracing technological advancements while prioritizing responsible practices.

Digitalization Driving Efficiency

Nestled in the heart of Mali, a country steeped in the historical riches of Mansa Musa's golden legacy, B2Gold's Fekola mine has emerged as a modern testament to the nation's enduring association with natural riches.

Over the past quarter century, the population of West African nation Senegal has more than doubled from slightly under 9 million to just under 18 million. While this population growth has several positive side effects, including one of the world’s youngest workforces, it creates challenges on several levels. And with doubling the population, all things being equal, doubles the aggregate demand for vital services.