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Ivanhoe Mines has signed a memorandum of understanding with Lobito Atlantic International (LAI) to send copper concentrate mined in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to Angola’s Lobito Port by rail. Efforts to improve the route to market for copper and other transition/critical metals from the DRC and Zambia comes as demand is surging.

East African Power (EAP) has taken an 85% stake in two solar photovoltaic projects, the Kolwezi and Likasi independent power producers (IPPs), each with 133MWp capacity in Katanga province.

Toronto-headquartered Tantalex Lithium Resources' United Cominiere SAS subsidiary has started to commission an alluvial tin and tantalum plant in Manono.

Construction of the long-awaited Zambia-Tanzania-Kenya (ZTK) interconnector is expected to start by year-end, according to comments by Zambian utility Zesco’s managing director Victor Mapani to African Energy.

Meetings in July between United Arab Emirates state minister for foreign affairs Sheikh Shakhbut Bin Nahyan Al-Nahyan and leaders from around the continent gave further public expression to the UAE’s interest in promoting mining and other economic opportunities in Africa – along with promoting wider political ties and its hosting of the COP28 climate talks in November.

Barrick Gold has provided details of its plans to add solar PV capacity with battery energy storage at the Kibali gold mine, where its activities are now powered by off-grid hydroelectric power and diesel capacity. Kibali, Africa’s largest gold mine, is owned by Barrick in a joint venture with Johannesburg-headquartered AngloGold Ashanti and parastatal Société Miniére de Kilo-Moto (Sokimo).

The United Arab Emirates has often played a role in the illicit Congolese gold trade. A 2014 report by Partnership Africa Canada (Impact) noted that the number of individuals responsible for exporting illicit gold from Democratic Republic of Congo to Dubai was small.

Amid rising concerns about mining governance across sub-Saharan Africa – underlined by a new US advisory warning of ‘unique business risk’ – a contract awarding well-connected UAE company Primera Group the right to export and process much of Democratic Republic of Congo’s artisanal gold has attracted scrutiny and criticism within and well beyond DRC, writes Eleanor Gillespie.

Control over African mineral reserves means governments now hold a lot of the cards in negotiating with corporations and political leaders, during a period of rising global demand and shifting power balances. Industry players now argue that more equitable partnerships may finally be on the table.

Goma-based renewable energy developer Nuru closed a funding round in early July, the proceeds of which will be used to start construction work on three solar hybrid metro-grids in Goma, Kindu, and Bunia.

Lagos-headquartered multilateral the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) has set out its stall as a financier and partner for the continent’s energy transition, with a strategy to support renewable energy and critical minerals projects around the continent, as well as the development of battery manufacturing supply chains. The AFC also plans to continue supporting short- to medium-term energy needs by backing upstream and midstream gas projects and gas-to-power (GTP) developments. Marc Howard spoke to AFC executive director and chief investment officer Sameh Shenouda during the recent Africa Energy Forum in Nairobi.

The 1,290km Lobito corridor is being lined up for some $250m in financing from the United States’ Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and, reflecting the tone of recent US (re-) engagement with the region, the White House has also mooted an expansion of the Lobito corridor to the Tanzanian coast.

The Ministry of Hydrocarbons’ mid-May roadshow event in London was an effort to firm up international interest in a string of blocks across central DR Congo and along its eastern border. In a problematic region, one big element for success could hinge on linking any finds into export infrastructure due to be built in neighbouring Uganda.

Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) managing director Owen Silavwe has outlined hopes for the private utility to reach an agreement with Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) over outstanding debts of $192m. CEC has also set a target date for the commissioning of its 60MW Itimpi solar plant and provided an update on its DR Congo plans.

The International Monetary Fund has trimmed its economic growth expectations for sub-Saharan Africa in its latest World Economic Outlook to 3.6% for 2023. Low-income countries are expected to outperform most of their richer neighbours, but some analysts have warned the IMF is being overly optimistic.