With the ongoing geopolitical tensions and global supply chain disruptions, global leaders and industry stakeholders have increasingly emphasised the importance of Africa strengthening its energy security, industrial competitiveness and domestic resource development.

FutureCoal has announced its Africa Chapter expansion, uniting major coal-producing nations such as South Africa, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Botswana under a coordinated regional platform.

The announcement was made by FutureCoal Chairman and Africa Chapter Chairperson Mike Teke during his address at the Zimbabwe Chamber of Mines Annual Conference, currently underway at the  Elephant Hills in Victoria Falls. He highlighted the importance of regional collaboration as countries reassess their long-term energy and industrial development strategies.

Teke noted that recent disruptions in global energy markets have reinforced the vulnerability of international supply chains, highlighting the need for African countries to prioritise secure and reliable domestic energy systems.

While referencing the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, he warned that global energy stability remains fragile and subject to sudden shocks.

“The lesson for governments is not about a single shipping route; it is about ensuring countries have access to reliable domestic energy resources, resilient supply chains and secure industrial capacity. Energy security and affordability must come first, because without them there can be no stable or sustainable transition,” he said.

Teke added that Africa must adopt a more coordinated approach to its vast energy and mineral resources, particularly as the continent holds some of the world’s largest coal reserves.

He said fragmented approaches limit Africa’s influence in global energy discussions, especially as investment flows, technology development and supply chains become increasingly interconnected.

“This expansion ensures Africa engages with a unified and credible voice in shaping the future of energy and industrial development,” he said.

He also highlighted ongoing regional developments, including the deployment of High-Efficiency Low-Emission (HELE) technology at Hwange Power Station Units 7 and 8 as an example of practical implementation of Sustainable Coal Stewardship principles. Rehabilitation work on Units 1 to 6 and Zimbabwe’s exploration of coal gasification and Coal-to-X pathways were also cited as part of broader energy diversification efforts.

Hwange Power Station was also mentioned as a key site demonstrating how technology upgrades can improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact while maintaining energy output.

The expansion is anchored in FutureCoal’s Sustainable Coal Stewardship framework, which promotes responsible coal production, emissions reduction, technology adoption and industrial development as part of a balanced energy transition.

“The issue is not whether coal exists, but how it is produced, used, and its negative impacts mitigated,” Teke said. “Sustainable Coal Stewardship provides a practical pathway for responsible development. Africa has the resources, the capability, and the people – we must now act with coordination and confidence.”

FutureCoal has invited governments, industry players and investors across the continent to actively participate in the Africa Chapter to help shape a more secure, stable and investment-ready energy future for the region.

The Zimbabwe Chamber of Mines Annual Conference started on June 17, 2026, and will last until June 20, 2026. 

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The meeting was part of the formal start of implementation for its regional project focused on Fostering Environmentally and Socially Responsible, Decarbonised, Inclusive and Transformative Value Chains for Energy Transition Minerals in the SADC Region under the theme “Together, it is Possible.”

The meeting brought together senior government and sector stakeholders, including the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development Zimbabwe, Dr. Thomas Utete Wushe, and the representative of the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife Zimbabwe, Mr. Washington Zhakata, who serves as Chief Director for Environment, Climate and Wildlife, alongside officials from various government ministries, departments, and agencies.

Dr Wushe stressed the importance of accountability and responsible resource governance in Zimbabwe’s mining sector, noting that mineral development must deliver tangible national and community benefits while safeguarding long-term environmental sustainability. He emphasised that environmental impact assessments (EIAs) are a mandatory requirement rather than a procedural formality, and reaffirmed that mine rehabilitation and closure obligations will be strictly enforced.

Zimbabwe, he said, will not pursue growth at any cost. Instead, mineral wealth must translate into meaningful development outcomes for communities and the country at large.

Zhakata underscored the need to carefully balance economic development with environmental protection, warning that poorly planned mining activities can have severe consequences for ecosystems, climate, and biodiversity. He highlighted that sustainable development requires transparent and responsible decision-making in the national interest, with progress ultimately measured by tangible outcomes on the ground by 2030.

Adding to the discussion, stakeholders such as Chibaya emphasised the urgency of ensuring that mineral development benefits both people and nature.

“We cannot mine our way into development if we mine our ecosystems out of existence,” Chibaya said. “The decisions we make in the coming years will determine whether Zimbabwe becomes a model for responsible mineral development or not”

Through its new strategic direction, WWF Zimbabwe aims to strengthen collaboration across government, industry, and civil society to advance responsible mining practices, support climate and biodiversity goals, and ensure that the country’s participation in the global energy transition is both inclusive and sustainable.

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Originally launched in 2019, the project was placed on hold before activities resumed in November 2025. On June 8, 2026, Mozambique LNG announced a significant milestone in its community development programme with the successful installation of solar panels in every home in Quitunda village.

According to the company, the initiative forms part of its broader commitment to improving living conditions for resettled communities while promoting cleaner energy sources.

“A cornerstone of this effort is the installation of solar panels in every resettled home, delivering reliable, sustainable energy while contributing to reducing households’ electricity costs.

“Today, all 643 resettled families in Quitunda village live in homes powered by solar energy, marking a significant step toward a greener and more resilient future for the community,” Mozambique LNG said in a statement.

The solar-powered homes are expected to provide residents with more reliable access to electricity, reduce household energy expenses, and support Mozambique’s broader sustainability and energy access goals.

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The agreement forms part of Sonangol’s broader strategy to diversify its operations beyond oil and gas and increase its presence in the mining industry, particularly in the exploration and development of minerals that are essential to the global energy transition.

Critical minerals such as rare earth elements, lithium, cobalt and other strategic resources are increasingly in demand as countries accelerate the deployment of renewable energy technologies, electric vehicles and battery storage systems.

Under the partnership, Swakop Uranium and Sonangol will work together to identify and develop opportunities within the critical minerals value chain. The collaboration is expected to support Angola’s long-term economic development objectives while positioning the country to benefit from growing global demand for minerals required in low-carbon technologies.

The agreement also reflects increasing interest among African resource companies and governments in leveraging the continent’s vast mineral wealth to drive industrialisation, economic diversification and energy transition initiatives.

Swakop Uranium said it looks forward to collaborating with Sonangol to unlock new opportunities in the sector and contribute to the sustainable development of critical mineral resources.

The Project Development Agreement was signed by Swakop Uranium Vice-President Irvinne Simataa and members of Sonangol’s Executive Board.

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The HOA, signed on June 5, establishes a long-term strategic partnership to support South Africa’s gas-to-power ambitions. It is designed to strengthen energy security and facilitate the country’s transition to a lower-carbon energy future.

Under this agreement, Eskom will secure access to LNG infrastructure to support its planned 3,000 MW gas-to-power project, scheduled for development within the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone (RBIDZ) in KwaZulu-Natal. The initiative is supported by the Ministry of Electricity and Energy, the Ministry of Transport, and Transnet. It is expected to play a crucial role in facilitating gas-to-power development by providing flexible and dispatchable generation capacity needed to complement renewable energy sources and maintain grid stability.

Eskom Group Chief Executive Dan Marokane emphasised that natural gas will serve as a critical bridge fuel during South Africa’s transition to a cleaner energy system. “Gas is being used as a bridge fuel to support the transition to a low-carbon energy system. These gas plants are designed to complement intermittent renewable sources like solar and wind, ensuring reliable 24/7 power while clean energy technologies are developed and integrated onto the grid,” he said.

Marokane added that dispatchable generation is essential for integrating renewable energy into the national grid and for supporting industrial activity. “Securing foundation customer status at the Zululand Energy Terminal is a critical enabler for our 3,000 MW gas program. This long-term contracting approach aims to minimise volatility and support system reliability while aligning with the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2025 objectives.”

The IRP 2025 outlines a target of 6,000 MW of gas-fired generation capacity by 2030, with half expected to be procured through the Gas Independent Power Producer (IPP) Programme and the remaining 3,000 MW to be delivered by Eskom.

According to Eskom, this partnership addresses three key strategic priorities. First, it will enhance energy security by providing a reliable source of flexible generation capacity that can support the growing contribution of intermittent renewable energy while reducing reliance on coal-fired power generation.

Second, gas generation is expected to complement other grid stabilisation technologies, including battery energy storage systems and pumped hydro schemes, while helping to reduce diesel consumption for mid-merit operations.

Third, the project responds to South Africa’s anticipated “gas cliff” – the expected decline in domestic and imported gas supplies in the coming years. Beyond power generation, this development is also expected to support broader industrialisation efforts by creating infrastructure that can serve industrial gas users.

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A video clip broadcast by Newsroom Afrika unveiled the stark reality of a mining operation that has established itself alarmingly close to residential areas. The intrusion of industrial activity has had a profound impact, with residents like Thabisile Shabane expressing their distress over the situation. “Angikho happy ngalesimo esihlala kusona la ngoba into ekufanele siyibekezelele ngaso sonke iskhathi, umsindo day and night and ukugula, sihlezi sigula ngenxa ye dust, ikakhulukazi mangabe ku blast,” Shabane lamented. In English, she conveys a powerful sentiment: “I am not happy with our living conditions. We have to endure the noise day and night and get sick because of the dust, especially during blasts.”

To safeguard the livelihoods of the residents, the mining company was supposed to relocate them before commencing their mining operations. Shabane argues that it is unfair that the mining company is delaying relocating them because initially, the mining company said they would help them relocate to new areas. She adds that while they are so eager to move, it must be done accordingly, as per the Mine Community Resettlement Guidelines established by Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe in March 2022, which states that mining activities are strictly prohibited from commencing without a resettlement agreement for those affected. The guidelines mandate that appropriate compensation should be negotiated with landowners, lawful occupiers, and local communities prior to any mining activity taking place.

In light of these regulations, the actions of the mining company appear to contravene established laws aimed at safeguarding communities from such situations. Residents are now calling for immediate action to prioritise their rights and well-being over corporate interests. They argue that the mining company must adhere to the law, ensuring that they are all duly compensated and relocated before excavation begins.

The obligation of mining companies to respect the rights of local communities has never been more pressing. As more communities new Port Shepstone similar threats, authorities must enforce compliance with resettlement guidelines to prevent a repeat of Mzumbe’s plight.

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That’s the mission behind YDE Lumen30, a training programme launched in April 2025 by Yellow Door Energy (YDE), a leading renewable energy IPP, and Actis Acts, the charitable arm of investor Actis. The initiative recruited 30 young people from Alexandra, Johannesburg, equipping them with technical and business skills to deliver solar installations. Managed by DevRani Consult and implemented by Unnati Training Academy, the three‑month programme combined classroom learning with hands‑on experience.

Graduates proved their skills by installing an 18 kWp solar PV system and a 15 kWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at the Ububele Educational and Psychotherapy Trust. The hybrid system now powers the centre’s property, supporting lights, appliances, and therapy equipment, while programmable timers manage high‑load systems like geysers. Ububele’s leadership praised the installation as a “profound impact” on their ability to provide uninterrupted mental health services to children and families in Alexandra.

The programme’s success is already creating ripple effects. LF Electrical, the EPC partner, offered employment to three graduates, highlighting how renewable projects can drive social change beyond energy supply. “They provide the foundation for wider social change,” said MD Tsakani Mbowana.

For YDE and Actis Acts, the initiative embodies the principle of People, Planet, and Prosperity. “Renewable energy promises amazing prospects for communities,” said Jeremy Crane, Group CEO of YDE. “Solar training is giving people employable skills, while installations empower charities to do more.”

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Since the inception of this initiative, the project has already consumed US$1.5 billion, resulting in the creation of over 2,000 jobs in a country that has been wrestling with economic challenges for years. Situated strategically in a rural area, the Dinson project is aiding Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030, which aims to transform the nation into an empowered and prosperous upper-middle-income economy by the end of the decade.

During a recent media tour, Wilfred Motsi, the project manager, outlined the company’s plans to not only expand its steel manufacturing capabilities but also to construct a cement manufacturing plant, establish a training institute for technicians, and provide decent housing for employees. “The project aligns perfectly with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030, which aims to transform the economy, and we see ourselves as key contributors to the National Development Strategy 2,” Motsi told The Herald.

With the current phase of production producing a staggering 600,000 tonnes of steel annually, twice the national requirement of 300,000 tonnes, the company is aiming even higher. By the end of phase two, scheduled for completion by 2030, Dinson intends to double its output to 1.2 million tonnes of steel per year.

This production increase signifies not just an economic uplift but also a transformative impact on local communities. Motsi elaborated, “This plant is a catalyst for change; it has transformed this area into an urban setup because of the production we are doing. We are seamlessly integrating with rural industrialisation policies articulated by the government.”

The implications of this investment extend beyond job creation and economic revitalisation; it showcases a promising collaboration between Zimbabwe and international investors focused on sustainable industrial growth. As the Dinson Iron and Steel Company pioneers a new era of steel production in Zimbabwe, it ignites hope for a prosperous future marked by industrial advancements and increased employment opportunities.

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The thaw comes at a time when global demand for critical minerals is surging, driven by the energy transition and the race to secure supply chains for batteries, renewable energy technologies, and advanced electronics. Madagascar is already the world’s second-largest producer of graphite after China, prized for its large-flake, high-purity deposits. It also hosts the Ambatovy nickel-cobalt complex, one of Africa’s largest, and rare earth reserves comparable to China’s ionic clays.

This policy shift was preceded by youth-led protests against poverty and corruption, culminating in a coup in October 2025. Colonel Michaël Randrianirina’s military government now faces the challenge of balancing international interest with domestic stability. After being suspended by the African Union, Madagascar has been placed under enhanced scrutiny by the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).  

Global powers, including China, Japan, South Korea, the U.S., and the EU, are competing for access to Madagascar’s resources. Yet China remains indispensable, controlling over 90% of global graphite processing capacity. Without investment in local processing infrastructure, Madagascar risks remaining dependent on external players, limiting the economic benefits of its mineral wealth.

The country’s 2023 mining code introduced higher royalties and mandated the creation of social funds to support local communities. Whether the military regime will uphold these reforms remains uncertain. For Madagascar, the path forward hinges not only on resource abundance but also on governance. Transparent leadership, political stability, and investment in domestic capacity will determine if the nation can transform mineral wealth into sustainable development.

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According to Hugo du Plessis, Market Area Manager for KSB Pumps and Valves, farmers are under increasing pressure to reduce costs, which sometimes leads to risky purchases of untested or poorly supported equipment. By bringing its full complement of sales, technical, aftersales, and logistics experts to Nampo, KSB aims to ensure farmers receive the right solutions from the outset. This direct engagement strengthens the company’s long-standing partnerships with agents, who remain central to KSB’s distribution strategy.

Keith Hedges, Sales Manager for Valves, emphasises that KSB’s presence at Nampo reinforces confidence in the brand. With thousands of pumps and valves installed across South Africa in applications ranging from irrigation and boreholes to livestock operations and wastewater management, KSB has built a reputation for reliability over more than a century in the region. Its Germiston manufacturing plant and extensive dealer network across sub-Saharan Africa further support this legacy.

At the heart of KSB’s exhibition is the Etanorm pump, a trusted agricultural workhorse dating back to 1871. Farmers have relied on its durability for generations, and KSB continues to evolve the design by incorporating feedback from users. Alongside Etanorm, KSB will showcase advanced borehole and multi-stage pumps, the Corachrom borehole range engineered for harsh African conditions, and solar-compatible solutions. Locally produced self-priming pumps for sludge and manure handling, as well as submersible dewatering units, highlight the company’s commitment to practical, application-specific innovations.

Digitalisation is another key focus, with the KSB Guard system offering real-time condition monitoring for pumps. This technology is particularly valuable for remote or large-scale farming operations, helping farmers reduce downtime and maintenance costs.

On the valve side, KSB will present a range of irrigation and water management solutions, including butterfly valves, check and non-return valves, and resilient seated gate valves designed to withstand erosion and corrosion. Hedges stresses that while cheaper imports may appear attractive, the total cost of ownership, including maintenance, spares, and downtime, often makes KSB’s engineered solutions more cost-effective in the long run.

Both du Plessis and Hedges underline that KSB’s OEM presence at Nampo is about more than showcasing products; it’s about offering a full lifecycle approach. From procurement and installation to ongoing service, repair, and refurbishment to OEM standards, KSB provides farmers with a safer, more reliable option. The company’s depth of expertise allows farmers to engage in detailed discussions on system design, material selection, and application-specific challenges, ensuring the right solution is specified from the start.

Edited by Thobile Mazibuko

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