I see huge promise for growth in sub-Saharan Africa. The region is home to six of the 10 fastest growing economies in the world. A majority of Africans will belong to the middle class within a generation. There is enormous potential for development to accelerate rapidly. Despite this potential, I remain struck by the contradictions and counterforces that are working against growth. Without electricity, clean water and basic healthcare,.... Read more »

Posted on : Saturday , 29th November 2014

 The manufacturing sector is seen as a key driver for inclusive growth, job creation and poverty alleviation, but it has been in decline for the past three decades. This has prompted South Africa to commit resources to building and supporting it. Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies pointed out that the demise of South Africa's tool, die and mould making (TDM) sector over the last 30 years had resulted in a loss of more than 80% of the.... Read more »

Posted on : Friday , 28th November 2014

 Africa industrialisation day is an annual event celebrated to showcase relevant actions and success stories that promote Africa’s industrial development.   The event will take place under the theme “Inclusive and sustainable industrial development (ISID): Agro-industrial development for food security.”   Also, African Union 2014 was designated as the year of Agriculture and Food Security, while the UN.... Read more »

Posted on : Friday , 28th November 2014

 “Although we have been one of the top three electrical equipment suppliers in the country for some time, we have now set our sights firmly on becoming South Africa’s number one motor control centre and container sub-station manufacturer," said Bevan Richards, managing director of Shaw Controls. “The upgrades we are implementing during 2011 and 2012 are part of a five year growth strategy designed to take us a quantum.... Read more »

Posted on : Friday , 28th November 2014

 The IDC has been trying to secure sufficient energy supplies to convert its plans into a reality, since the plans to launch a new steel mill were revealed last year. The IDC is part of a group including Chinese steel producer Hebei Iron and Steel, which acquired a 74.5 per cent stake in Palabora Mining from Rio Tinto and Anglo American. Palabora’s main asset, a copper mine in Limpopo, has amassed a 240mn tonne dump of magnetite,.... Read more »

Posted on : Friday , 28th November 2014

 Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaska recently visited Kenya during the East African nation's 50th independence ccelebrations. The visit was intended to open new collaborative economic opportunities for the governments and their respective private sectors.  Eight Memoranda of Understandings including agreements on bilateral relations, bilateral trade and economic and technical cooperation were signed. New.... Read more »

Posted on : Thursday , 27th November 2014

 Kenya’s government is currently considering the final iteration of a bill that would establish three special economic zones (SEZs) within the country. The SEZs will allow lower levels of taxation and fewer regulatory hurdles, and will focus primarily on industrial activity, in particular textile production. The SEZ bill is part of a broader initiative to boost the manufacturing sector, diversify the country’s exports and.... Read more »

Posted on : Thursday , 27th November 2014

  Kenya-based steel company Devki Group will invest US$321.2mn in the manufacturing of metal sheets used to produce roofing sheets and key automobile components The company will start the production of Aluzinc, which is used in making exhaust pipes and chassis. Devki has plans to export up to 40 per cent of its Aluzinc to automotive industries in South Africa and Europe. The firm has confirmed that work will commence as early as.... Read more »

Posted on : Thursday , 27th November 2014

 The first phase of the project, which is targeted to produce 40,000 tonnes of ferrochrome annually, will be set up in Selous. The company recently said the project would require 100,000 tonnes of chrome ore and 24,000 tonnes of coke annually. “Most of the raw materials for the processing of ferrochrome, including chrome and coke, are readily available in Zimbabwe,” a company official said. According to the company, the.... Read more »

Posted on : Thursday , 27th November 2014

Africa Standard Chartered Private Equity head Yemi Osindero said, “We are excited to have invested in a long-term Standard Chartered client that has become a fast-growing manufacturing company. “From its initial production plant in Nigeria, GZI has followed a very profitable growth path and established itself as an integral member of Nigeria’s beverage sector.” Ashmore Group research co-head Jan Dehn said, “This.... Read more »

Posted on : Thursday , 27th November 2014

 According to Reuters, Guinea’s minister for mines and geology, Mohamed Lamine Fofana, said the deal included a US$4bn contract for building an alumina refinery and port and a US$1bn agreement to extract and export bauxite to the UAE. Fofana added, “The bauxite will be ready for export by 2017 and the refinery with a capacity to produce two million tonnes per annum, will become operational by 2022.” The port is expected.... Read more »

Posted on : Wednesday , 26th November 2014

 Saudi Arabian conglomerate SABIC, which is 70 per cent-owned by the government and has interests in chemicals production, fertilisers, industry polymers and metals, has been exploring the Atomai Mines in Zouerate, northern Mauritania and has been conducting a series of feasability studies. The site is believed to hold more than 500mn tonnes of iron ore reserves, according to initial estimates. Technical studies reveal that there could be.... Read more »

Posted on : Wednesday , 26th November 2014