Major International Business Headlines Brief ::: 03 June 2025

[Bulls n Bears]

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Major International Business Headlines Brief :::  03 June  2025 

 


                                                                                  

 


 <mailto:info at bulls.co.zw> 

 


 

 


 

ü  Gabon: French Mining Group Digs in as Gabon Tightens Grip on Manganese Exports

ü  Ethiopia: PM Abiy Says Goodwill Dev't Projects Underway As Part of Ethiopia's Rural Corridor Initiative

ü  Southern Africa: SADC 34th Meeting of Committee of Ministers of Trade Kicks Off in Harare

ü  Africa: Bill Gates to Direct Majority of $200bn Pledge Towards Africa's Future

ü  Nigeria: Regulators Order Electricity Company to Refund Over 20,000 Customers for Overbilling

ü  South Africa: Public Works to Study Final George Building Collapse Report

ü  Gambia: Jammeh Accuses Senegal, Coalition Govt of Stealing Gambia's Oil

ü  Gabon: French Mining Group Digs in As Gabon Tightens Grip On Manganese Exports

ü  Tanzania: SGR Tests Dar-Dodoma Cargo Train Service

ü  South Africa: Troubling Questions As Minister Gives Ithuba Another Year to Run Lottery

ü  Mauritius: Chagos Islands - How Mauritius Can Turn a Diplomatic Triumph Into Real Economic Growth

ü  Africa: Fruit Peels Could Help Power Your Smartphone's Camera Flash - Here's How

ü  Uganda's Coffee Charms At World Travel Expo

ü  Kenya, France Deepen Energy Cooperation With Sh12bn Grid Project

 


 <mailto:info at bulls.co.zw> 

 


Gabon: French Mining Group Digs in as Gabon Tightens Grip on Manganese Exports

French mining group Eramet has pledged to safeguard over 10,000 jobs in Gabon as Libreville pushes forward with a plan to ban raw manganese exports from 2029.

 

The move, led by President Brice Oligui Nguema, was announced at the weekend as part of a broader national strategy to industrialise Gabon’s economy and add more value to its abundant natural resources.

 

Eramet, the main shareholder in Comilog – Gabon’s leading manganese mining firm – said it has acknowledged the government’s decision and will continue to engage with officials “in a spirit of constructive partnership and mutual respect”.

 

The French firm also committed to preserving the 10,460 local jobs sustained by Comilog and its transport arm, Setrag.

 

'Upskilling' Gabon's workforce

 

President Oligui, who took power following a 2023 coup and was elected in April 2025 with nearly 95 percent of the vote, is seeking to reshape Gabon’s economic model.

 

Manganese – a key ingredient in steelmaking and increasingly in electric vehicle batteries – is one of Gabon’s top export earners alongside oil and timber.

 

The export ban on unprocessed manganese, which will take effect from 1 January 2029, is designed to encourage local processing, upskill the workforce, and boost tax revenues.

 

“Gabon is giving the mining sector three years to prepare,” the government said in a statement on Saturday, outlining plans to support the transition with a new public-private investment fund.

 

Push for domestic refining

 

The policy shift echoes a growing trend across Africa, with countries such as Guinea, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania also moving to retain more value from their mineral wealth by restricting raw material exports and encouraging domestic refining and processing.

 

Eramet – which operates the world’s largest manganese mine at Moanda – processes some ore locally in Gabon but still relies heavily on exports to international markets including China, Europe, and the United States.

 

The company had temporarily suspended operations in Gabon during the 2023 coup and scaled back production targets in 2024 amid market headwinds.

 

What's at stake for French businesses after the coup in Gabon?

 

Stock market turbulence

 

Shares in Eramet fell by over five percent in Paris on Monday following news of the ban, before recovering slightly to trade 4 percent lower by mid-morning.

 

Analysts say the impact of the export restrictions will depend on how quickly Gabon and its partners can develop local processing capacity.

 

Despite its natural wealth, around one-third of Gabon’s 2.3 million people live in poverty.

 

The government hopes that keeping more of the value chain within the country will change that.

 

While the path ahead presents challenges, there are signs of optimism, as  Eramet has already shown its willingness to adapt in Indonesia, where it recently signed a memorandum of understanding to invest in local nickel processing – a similar transition, after Jakarta banned raw nickel exports.

 

Read or Listen to this story on the RFI website.

 

 

 

 

Ethiopia: PM Abiy Says Goodwill Dev't Projects Underway As Part of Ethiopia's Rural Corridor Initiative

Addis Ababa, — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed emphasized that a series of goodwill development projects are currently being implemented in connection with the national rural corridor development initiative.

 

As part of the ongoing efforts, a pilot project has been launched to establish a model rural village in Dubancho Kebele, located in Lemo Woreda of the Hadiya Zone, he noted.

 

In a social media post, Prime Minister Abiy underscored that the demonstration village aims to improve the quality of life for local farmers.

 

"The construction of these demonstration villages is expected to improve farmers' quality of life while supporting their continued engagement in agriculture." PM Abiy stated.

 

Read the original article on ENA.

 

 

 

 

Southern Africa: SADC 34th Meeting of Committee of Ministers of Trade Kicks Off in Harare

SOUTHERN African Development Community (SADC) member states continue to register commendable progress in implementing the SADC Free Trade Area (FTA) and regional programmes.

 

SADC Senior Officials chairperson Ambassador Albert Chimbindi said this Monday as the 34th meeting of the Committee of SADC Ministers of Trade (CMT) and 24th Ministerial Task Force on Regional Integration (MTF) kicked off in Harare.

 

Chimbindi told regional delegates that "it is heartening to note that despite the prolonged hiatus since the last CMT meeting in July, 2023 member states have continued to register commendable progress in implementing the SADC Free Trade Area (FTA) and related regional programmes.

 

"This demonstrates our unwavering resolve to advance the SADC regional integration agenda, even amid global economic turbulence."

 

He, however, challenged member states to equally acknowledge that several decisions from previous CMT meetings remain outstanding and unimplemented due to various challenges, including the prolonged hiatus that the regional bloc witnessed.

 

"I, therefore, call upon all member states and the Secretariat to redouble efforts toward the full and timely implementation of all the pending decisions.

 

"Only through coordinated action and a sense of urgency can we deliver on our shared aspirations. Intra SADC trade, participation at these trying times globally, should be at the centre of what we do. Trade is so key to regional developments and industrialisation that we should never again allow ourselves to fail to meet," Chimbindi said.

 

The meeting is taking place against a background of profound global economic disruptions, marked by increasing protectionism, shifting trade alliances, and unpredictable supply chains.

 

Added Chimbindi, "In this complex and zero-sum trading environment, adaptation is not optional; it is imperative. We must collectively understand the changing dynamics, anticipate future dynamics and disruptions and adopt responsive policies if we are to remain relevant players in the global economy.

 

"Collective action is key."

 

According to the Ambassador, there has been a growing convergence of views within the region on the need to build greater resilience and deepen intra-regional trade, which must be matched by action.

 

"We, the member states, hold the key to translating intent into tangible outcomes. Our people expect nothing less from us.

 

"It is encouraging that our agenda today prioritises critical trade facilitation issues. These are essential levers for improving regional trade cooperation, eliminating all forms of barriers and unlocking the full potential of our industrialisation agenda.

 

"Simplifying trade procedures, harmonising standards, and investing in digital and physical infrastructure will not only boost trade flows but also stimulate innovation and sustainable growth."

 

He warned members that they should deliberate, being aware of the far-reaching implications the decisions for the SADC trading ecosystem in the context of an ever-evolving global landscape.

 

The Senior Officials Meeting of the 34th SADC Committee of Ministers of Trade (CMT) is a precursor to the CMT session scheduled to be held this Thursday, June 5, 2025, convening in Mount Hampden, New Parliament Building.

 

The meeting marks a critical juncture in our collective efforts to deepen regional integration, enhance trade facilitation, and drive industrial development across the SADC region.

 

Read the original article on New Zimbabwe.

 

 

 

 

Africa: Bill Gates to Direct Majority of $200bn Pledge Towards Africa's Future

Bill Gates, chair of the Gates Foundation, has urged African leaders to seize the moment to accelerate progress in health and development through innovation and partnership, despite current challenges, stating that most of the $200 billion will be directed to Africa.

 

In an address on Monday at Nelson Mandela Hall in the African Union, Gates announced that most of his $200 billion commitment over the next 20 years will be directed towards Africa. He will focus on collaborating with governments that prioritise the health and well-being of their citizens.

 

"I recently made a commitment that my wealth will be distributed over the next 20 years. Most of that funding will be dedicated to helping you tackle challenges here in Africa."

 

Speaking to over 12,000 government officials, diplomats, health workers, development partners, and youth leaders both in person and online, he emphasised the critical role of African leadership and ingenuity in shaping the continent's health and economic future.

 

"By unleashing human potential through health and education, every country in Africa should be on a path to prosperity - and that path is an exciting journey to be part of," Gates stated.

 

Following his address, Gates joined Dr Paulin Basinga, the foundation's Africa director, in a fireside chat to discuss Africa's development agenda and the investments and partnerships required to drive future progress. Notable African leaders, including Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, director-general of the World Trade Organisation, and Amina J. Mohammed, deputy secretary-general of the United Nations, called for collaboration and shared responsibility.

 

Renowned advocate for women and children, Mrs Graça Machel, described the current situation as "a moment of crisis" and emphasised the importance of enduring partnerships in Africa's development journey. "Mr Gates' long-standing partnership with Africa reflects a profound understanding of these challenges and a respect for African leadership, ideas, and innovation," she remarked. "We are counting on Mr Gates' unwavering commitment to continue walking this path of transformation alongside us."

 

Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala highlighted that Africa's health progress is the result of strong government leadership, resilient communities, and partnerships that deliver tangible results.

 

Gates called for prioritising primary healthcare, underscoring that "investing in primary healthcare has the greatest impact on health and wellbeing."

 

"With primary healthcare, we've learned that ensuring mothers are healthy and well-nourished before and during pregnancy delivers the strongest outcomes. Providing children with good nutrition in their first four years makes all the difference."

 

Gates' speech highlighted how countries like Ethiopia, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Nigeria, and Zambia demonstrate what is possible when bold leadership embraces innovation. From expanding frontline health services and utilising data to reduce child mortality to deploying advanced tools against malaria and HIV, and safeguarding primary healthcare despite fiscal constraints, these country-led initiatives are driving scalable, homegrown progress.

 

After over two decades of engagement on the continent, Gates said, "I've always been inspired by the hard work of Africans, even in places with very limited resources." He added, "The kind of fieldwork being done to provide solutions, even in the most rural areas, has been remarkable."

 

Gates discussed the transformative potential of artificial intelligence, noting its significance for the continent's future. He praised Africa's young innovators, saying he was "seeing young people in Africa embracing this and thinking about how it applies to the problems they wish to solve." Drawing a parallel to the continent's mobile banking revolution, he added, "Africa largely bypassed traditional banking, and now you have the opportunity, as you build your next generation of healthcare systems, to consider how AI can be integrated into that."

 

He cited Rwanda as an early example of this potential, noting, "Rwanda is using AI to enhance service delivery. For instance, AI-enabled ultrasound is being used to identify high-risk pregnancies earlier, helping women receive timely, potentially life-saving care."

 

This week, Gates will visit Ethiopia and Nigeria to witness firsthand the state of health and development priorities in light of cuts to foreign aid. He will reaffirm his and the foundation's commitment to supporting Africa's progress in health and development over the next twenty years.

 

"Our foundation has an increasing commitment to Africa," Gates stated. "Our first African office was established here in Ethiopia about 13 years ago. We now have offices in South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, and Senegal. This is a great way for us to strengthen partnerships."

 

While in Ethiopia, Gates met with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and heard about how Ethiopia is maintaining momentum on critical reforms, expanding essential services, and remaining resilient amid shifting global aid dynamics. Gates also participated in a roundtable with the Ethiopian Public Health Institute regarding the country's iodine-folic acid double-fortified salt initiative.

 

>From Addis Ababa, Gates will travel to Nigeria to meet with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and engage with federal and state leaders to discuss Nigeria's primary healthcare reforms. He will also participate in a Goalkeepers Nigeria event focused on Africa's innovation future and meet with local scientists and partners shaping Nigeria's national AI strategy and scaling up health solutions.

 

Gates's trip follows the foundation's historic announcement on 8 May that it would invest $200 billion over the next 20 years to advance progress in saving and improving lives, alongside Gates' commitment to donate virtually all of his wealth to the foundation within that time frame. Over the next two decades, the foundation will collaborate with its partners to achieve three primary goals: end preventable deaths of mothers and babies; ensure the next generation grows up free from deadly infectious diseases; and lift millions of people out of poverty, placing them on a path to prosperity. At the end of 20 years, the foundation will cease its operations.

 

Over the past two decades, the Gates Foundation has worked alongside African partners to save lives, develop vaccines, and strengthen systems. Through Gavi and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria, it has helped catalyse over 100 innovations and saved over 80 million lives.

 

Read the original article on Leadership.

 

 

 

 

Nigeria: Regulators Order Electricity Company to Refund Over 20,000 Customers for Overbilling

"MainPower shall refund the over-bill to the affected customers within the June 2025 billing cycle, but not later than the July 2025 billing cycle," it said.

 

The Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission (EERC) has ordered MainPower Electricity Distribution Company to refund over 20,000 customers over "wrongful billing" by the company.

 

MainPower is an electricity company in charge of power supply in Enugu State.

 

In a public notice released by the EERC on Monday, the commission said the order followed many complaints by MainPower's customers against the firm's alleged overbilling.

 

The notice of the order was jointly signed by the Chairperson of the Regulatory Commission, Chijioke Okonkwo, and the Commissioner in charge of Market Operations, Reuben Okoye.

 

"Pursuant to Section 35 of the Enugu State Electricity Law 2023 and other extant rules, this is to inform customers in Enugu State that the Commission has issued an order to MainPower to refund the affected customers the overbilled units for energy consumed in April 2025," the commission said in the notice.

 

The commission said the list of the affected customers has been published on its website.

 

It advised the customers who were not refunded at the expiration of the timeframe for the refund to contact the commission through a designated phone number and email address.

 

Deadline for the refund

 

According to the notice, the commission said MainPower had been given until July 2025 billing cycle at most to refund the customers. Failure would attract a daily fine of N500,000 until the company complies.

 

"MainPower shall refund the over-bill to the affected customers within the June 2025 billing cycle but not later than the July 2025 billing cycle.

 

"Where MainPower fails or neglects to comply with this order, the commission shall invoke its powers under section 32 (5) of the Enugu State Electricity Law 2023, which authorises the Commission to impose a fine not exceeding N500,000 for each day that MainPower may be in default of compliance with this order," it said.

 

The commission said the order and the daily fine were in line with the extant law of the Enugu State Electricity Law, 2023.

 

The commission stated that it started tracking the estimated billing practices of MainPower in October 2024, when it assumed full regulatory control in Enugu State from the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

 

It said it had complained to MainPower in a letter dated 16th December 2024, but the company allegedly failed to adequately address the complaints in its response dated 14 January.

 

In another letter dated 4 April, the commission stressed that it further called MainPower's attention to its continuous estimated billing violations from October 2024 to February 2025.

 

It added that it demanded a "significant improvement" in the next two billing cycles and that failure would force the commission to commence enforcement action against the company.

 

"The commission, in its letter to MainPower dated 6th May 2025, called MainPower's attention to the suspiciously striking similarity between MainPower's estimated billing reports in February and March 2025 and gave MainPower 14 days from the date of receipt of the letter to provide an explanation, if any.

 

"The 14 days given to MainPower to respond to the Commission's letter dated 6th May 2025 expired on 23rd May 2025 without any response from MainPower," it stated

 

"The commission recently reviewed MainPower's April 2025 estimated report and observed that the degree of violation of the caps on estimated billing by MainPower had further deteriorated from the 24 per cent observed in February and March 2025 to 34 per cent in April 2025."

 

It said it had "established that MainPower is in deliberate breach of the commission's stipulations in the terms and conditions of MainPower's Interim Licence with respect to the capping of estimated billing."

 

Background

 

In October 2024, the Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission licensed Mainpower Electricity Distribution Limited to replace the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company in distributing power supply in Enugu State.

 

This followed the complete transfer of regulatory oversight to the commission by the NERC.

 

The National Assembly, in 2023, passed 16 constitutional amendment bills, one of which allowed states to generate, transmit and distribute electricity.

 

The Enugu State Government, consequently, enacted the Enugu State Electricity Law, 2023, which established the Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission, an agency responsible for the distribution and regulation of power in the state.

 

In June 2024, President Bola Tinubu assented to the electricity bill, which authorises states, companies, and individuals to generate, transmit and distribute electricity.

 

In April this year, NERC, a power regulatory agency in Nigeria, began handing Enugu's commission the regulatory power over the state's electricity market.

 

The handover process, which had a six-month transition period, was completed in October 2024.

 

Read the original article on Premium Times.

 

 

 

 

South Africa: Public Works to Study Final George Building Collapse Report

The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) is set to study the final report into the deadly George building collapse that claimed the lives of 34 people.

 

This as Minister Dean Macpherson has received the final report on the tragic building collapse in George on 6 May 2024 which claimed the lives of 34 people and injured 28 others.

 

In a statement on Monday, the DPWI said the Minister received the final report from the Council for the Built Environment (CBE), through its body Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA).

 

The department said the report marks a critical step in its commitment to uncover the truth behind the disaster and to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

 

"As the department, we will now carefully study the report to develop a pathway forward to ensure that a tragedy such as the George Building collapse never happens again. As I have previously committed, after studying the report, I will personally return to George to present the findings of this report to the families affected by this tragedy. They deserve to hear directly from us, not through the media, about what went wrong and how we intend to rectify it," said the Minister.

 

He also emphasised that the collapse was the result of systemic failures across various regulatory bodies and a lack of cooperation among key stakeholders. He reiterated that accountability cannot be optional when human lives are lost due to human error.

 

The department will continue to work with the South African Police Service (SAPS), the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), and other relevant regulatory bodies to ensure accountability.

 

"As I have said before, the collapse of the George building was entirely preventable, and we will therefore work towards accountability and address any errors which may have been identified. By working together, we are ensuring a safe and secure construction sector for all stakeholders," said the Minister.

 

Last month marked the one-year anniversary of the building collapse which saw the Minister address the community at the George Town Hall.

 

READ | Report on George building collapse expected by month-end

 

In April, an independent forensic investigation into the collapse in the Western Cape revealed systemic failures at multiple levels.

 

The findings, presented by Human Settlements Minister, Thembi Simelane, revealed a series of procedural and structural failures, including irregular project enrolment, inspection lapses, poor material quality, and violations of occupational health and safety (OHS) protocols.

 

Read the original article on SAnews.gov.za.-BBC

 

 

 

 

 

Gambia: Jammeh Accuses Senegal, Coalition Govt of Stealing Gambia's Oil

In a controversial audio, former Gambian President Yahya Jammeh, has accused Senegal of illegally stealing oil from Gambian territorial waters, and blaming the coalition government of being an accomplice.

 

Speaking in an audio message circulated, Jammeh expressed his deep disappointment in Senegal's current leadership, particularly Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, for allegedly allowing the continued exploitation of Gambian natural resources by Senegal. He claimed that the theft of oil has been ongoing and was facilitated by what he described as a covert alliance between Macky Sall and President Barrow.

 

Upon the announcement of oil discovery in The Gambia, Macky Sall commented that The Gambia would soon resemble the Emirates, and jokingly said, "you know we can steal it." He accused the coalition government of being complicit in the theft of the oil.

 

"After the coalition government's election victory, a visit was made to Senegal to meet with Macky Sall." An agreement was signed during this visit, which he claimed was for coalition to receive a share of the oil.

 

"Macky Sall is a well-known thief," Jammeh declared. "He used Adama Barrow to steal our oil. And now Sonko, who I once thought had integrity, is allowing Senegal to continue these criminal acts against Gambia."

 

Jammeh, also issued a strong warning to the Senegalese government. He claimed that any attempt by Senegal to annex Gambia or undermine its sovereignty would be met with fierce resistance.

 

"If Senegal tries to annex Gambia, I will wipe them out," he said. "The Senegalese army is full of cowardice. They cannot stand against true patriots."

 

The remarks have sparked outrage on social media and among political observers across the subregion. Critics warn that Jammeh's remarks could rekindle tensions between the two neighbouring countries.

 

Neither the Senegalese government nor Gambian authorities have officially responded to the allegations as of time of filling this report.

 

Tributes pour in for Journalist Fatou Samba

 

'Gambia's oil prospects high but'...

 

Read the original article on The Point.

 

 

 

 

Gabon: French Mining Group Digs in As Gabon Tightens Grip On Manganese Exports

French mining group Eramet has pledged to safeguard over 10,000 jobs in Gabon as Libreville pushes forward with a plan to ban raw manganese exports from 2029.

 

The move, led by President Brice Oligui Nguema, was announced at the weekend as part of a broader national strategy to industrialise Gabon's economy and add more value to its abundant natural resources.

 

Eramet, the main shareholder in Comilog - Gabon's leading manganese mining firm - said it has acknowledged the government's decision and will continue to engage with officials "in a spirit of constructive partnership and mutual respect".

 

The French firm also committed to preserving the 10,460 local jobs sustained by Comilog and its transport arm, Setrag.

 

Gabon military leader Oligui Nguema elected president by huge margin

 

'Upskilling' Gabon's workforce

 

President Oligui, who took power following a 2023 coup and was elected in April 2025 with nearly 95 percent of the vote, is seeking to reshape Gabon's economic model.

 

Manganese - a key ingredient in steelmaking and increasingly in electric vehicle batteries - is one of Gabon's top export earners alongside oil and timber.

 

The export ban on unprocessed manganese, which will take effect from 1 January 2029, is designed to encourage local processing, upskill the workforce, and boost tax revenues.

 

"Gabon is giving the mining sector three years to prepare," the government said in a statement on Saturday, outlining plans to support the transition with a new public-private investment fund.

 

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Accept Manage my choices Push for domestic refining

 

The policy shift echoes a growing trend across Africa, with countries such as Guinea, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania also moving to retain more value from their mineral wealth by restricting raw material exports and encouraging domestic refining and processing.

 

Eramet - which operates the world's largest manganese mine at Moanda - processes some ore locally in Gabon but still relies heavily on exports to international markets including China, Europe, and the United States.

 

The company had temporarily suspended operations in Gabon during the 2023 coup and scaled back production targets in 2024 amid market headwinds.

 

What's at stake for French businesses after the coup in Gabon?

 

Stock market turbulence

 

Shares in Eramet fell by over five percent in Paris on Monday following news of the ban, before recovering slightly to trade 4 percent lower by mid-morning.

 

Analysts say the impact of the export restrictions will depend on how quickly Gabon and its partners can develop local processing capacity.

 

Despite its natural wealth, around one-third of Gabon's 2.3 million people live in poverty.

 

The government hopes that keeping more of the value chain within the country will change that.

 

While the path ahead presents challenges, there are signs of optimism, as Eramet has already shown its willingness to adapt in Indonesia, where it recently signed a memorandum of understanding to invest in local nickel processing - a similar transition, after Jakarta banned raw nickel exports.

 

Read or Listen to this story on the RFI website.

 

 

 

 

Tanzania: SGR Tests Dar-Dodoma Cargo Train Service

Dodoma — THE ongoing trial runs for the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) freight service recorded another milestone on Sunday, with a successful test journey from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma.

 

According to a statement issued by the Government Spokesperson through official platforms, the trial was completed, with the train arriving safely at the Dodoma station.

 

The statement further noted that a return trial journey from Dodoma to Dar es Salaam is scheduled for today, as part of continued testing and evaluation of the railway system.

 

According to the statement, if all goes according to plan, commercial freight transport on the electric-powered SGR line is expected to begin in July 2025, assuming no major challenges arise.

 

The launch of SGR freight services is expected to ease cargo movement between key regions and boost economic activity by offering a faster, safer, and more efficient mode of transport.

 

Tanzania is building in phases some 2,561 kilometers of the SGR Line, which will connect the Indian Ocean port of Dar es Salaam to Mwanza on Lake Victoria and Kigoma on Lake Tanganyika.

 

The modern railway will eventually run to Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo ( DRC) and Rwanda.

 

The three countries largely use the Tanzanian port to import and export goods.

 

According to TRC, Tanzania received 264 wagon,s which are part of a large batch of 1,430 being manufactured by the Chinese company CRR under a contractual agreement..

 

TRC also said in March that LATRA conducted inspections on all 264 wagons, including 200 container carriers and 64 designed for loose cargo.

 

The authority confirmed that the wagons met the required design speed of 120 kilometers per hour and performed well in critical systems such as braking and handling curves, it stated.

 

Read the original article on Daily News.-BBC

 

 

 

South Africa: Troubling Questions As Minister Gives Ithuba Another Year to Run Lottery

The minister responsible for the Lottery has awarded an "emergency" 12-month temporary licence to Ithuba Holdings, the company that has operated the national lottery for the past ten years.

 

The awarding of the temporary licence was made just hours before Ithuba's contract ended at midnight on Saturday.

 

According to the Lotteries Act, an operator's licence is valid for eight years but may be extended once for a maximum of two years. Ithuba's original licence, issued in 2015, was extended for two years in 2023 and ended this past Saturday.

 

It is unclear on what grounds Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau granted a further year to Ithuba Holdings. This means it will operate the lottery for 11 years, rather than the eight it was originally given when its licence was awarded.

 

In terms of the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the temporary licence, only the eight consortia that bid for the permanent licence could tender for the temporary one. Ithuba Holdings did not apply for the new operator licence. Instead, a sister company, Ithuba Lottery, with which it shares seven directors, a physical address and a website, applied.

 

 

Tau's decision to award the temporary licence to Ithuba Holdings (and not Ithuba Lottery) raises several troubling questions. (Even choosing Ithuba Lottery would have been questionable, since they are only two different companies in a strict legal sense; practically they are the same company. The creation of Ithuba Lottery was in effect a sleight of hand.)

 

Despite two damning court rulings, Tau has used Section 13B in a 2015 amendment of the Lotteries Act, which gives the minister wide powers to issue a temporary licence in certain circumstances. But that does not explain why he chose Ithuba Holdings, a company which, on the face of it, should have been excluded.

 

Asked for the reason for Tau's decision, as well as other questions about the awarding of the temporary licence, his spokesperson, Yamkela Fanisi, said, "Thank you, we are on it. We are faced with many media requests. We will revert".

 

He had not responded by the time of publication.

 

Similar questions were also sent to National Lottery Commission (NLC) board chairperson Barney Pityana, who had also not responded by the time of publication.

 

Ticking clock

 

A recent judgment set aside Tau decisions to issue a RFP for a one-year temporary licence and to extend the bid validity of the main licence for another year. The court found that the tender was unfair as it favoured Ithuba, the only one that could deliver from 1 June.

 

But the order by Judge Potterill declaring the temporary licence invalid was suspended for five months. This meant that the licence could still be granted but only for five months, after which the new licence holder, the Sizekhaya Consortium, which has Goldrush Holdings as a major shareholder, would have to take over.

 

The NLC then unsuccessfully applied to vary this judgment, which raised the prospect of the sale of lottery tickets being suspended at midnight on 1 June.

 

The NLC's application, which was heard urgently on Thursday at the high court in Pretoria, was opposed by Wina Njalo, one of the companies that bid on the lottery licence tender.

 

Wina Njalo is still considering its legal options.

 

Tense negotiations

 

The NLC had entered into negotiations with Ithuba Holdings to run the temporary licence. It is unclear why Ithuba Lottery dropped out and was replaced by the incumbent Ithuba Holdings (which are for practical purposes the same company).

 

What followed were tense negotiations that were still ongoing on Saturday, with Ithuba sticking to its guns and arguing that it was not financially viable to run the temporary licence for five months, GroundUp was told.

 

GroundUp was told on Saturday, as the clock ticked down to the midnight deadline for a temporary licence to be concluded, that the minister would issue a statement by noon.

 

But several hours later, Ithuba had not signed the agreement that would ensure that ticket sales would not be disrupted.

 

Had the negotiations been unsuccessful, the NLC recently told Parliament, there would be no disruption of grants as it had R4.3-billion in reserve to continue to fund worthy causes.

 

Tau finally issued a statement after 6pm, with less than six hours to go, and the prospect of the lottery ticket sales being suspended looming.

 

In the statement Tau said: "I am pleased to report that I have concluded, on advice of the [National Lotteries] Commission, successful negotiations with Ithuba Holdings (RF) (Pty) Ltd and have signed a Temporary Licence Agreement for them to operate the National Lottery and Sports Pool on a temporary basis for a period of 12 (twelve) months with effect 01 June 2025. The Temporary Licence will ensure the continuation of the lottery operations in the period that transition is required from the Third to the Fourth Licence operations."

 

Tau also said he would appeal the NLC's failed appeal and quoted from the judgment by Judge Mooki to justify his decision. Mooki had said: "It would be a surprise to the court that the Minister is unable to appoint an operator, on a temporary basis, for a whole year. This is more so because the Minister has more latitude in appointing a temporary operator, as opposed to a fully licensed operator."

 

Tau said, "It is in the context of both the [earlier] 21 and [Mooki's] 30 May 2025 judgments that I received and accepted the advice from the Commission, that I appoint a temporary licence operator on an urgent basis."

 

Read the original article on GroundUp.

 

 

 

 

 

Mauritius: Chagos Islands - How Mauritius Can Turn a Diplomatic Triumph Into Real Economic Growth

The decades-long Chagos islands dispute has finally entered a new chapter. The UK officially agreed to return the sovereignty of the archipelago to Mauritius.

 

The Indian Ocean islands are strategically situated near key shipping lanes and regional power hubs.

 

Mauritius was granted independence from British colonial rule in 1965. But not the Chagos islands, which had been part of Mauritius but became a new colonial territory. The residents of the largest island in the archipelago, Diego Garcia, were forced off the land. This was used as a base to support US military operations.

 

Read more: Mauritius' next growth phase: a new plan is needed as the tax haven era fades

 

Now Mauritius has regained control over the islands while leasing Diego Garcia to the UK for a 99-year period for US$136 million a year. This gives the UK (and its ally the US) access to a vital maritime corridor for global trade and power projection.

 

But now that the deal has been signed, there's a more pressing question. Can Mauritius use it as the foundation for justice and economic progress?

 

As scholars of strategic economic development we often focus on Africa and Mauritius in particular. We believe the agreement marks an important geopolitical moment. It rights a colonial wrong, honours international justice and cements Mauritius's global standing.

 

It also presents an opportunity to fund inclusive development and sustainability initiatives for Mauritius. It could boost investments in education, health and infrastructure. It could also support the resettlement of displaced Chagossians, and advance marine conservation, renewable energy and climate resilience programmes in the archipelago.

 

 

The real challenge facing the Mauritian government is how to turn a diplomatic triumph into tangible national progress. We argue that what's needed is a forward looking and inclusive strategy.

 

The development challenge

 

Reparations can offer short-term financial relief. But without visionary planning, there's a risk of these funds being absorbed into recurrent government spending. Or used for symbolic programmes with limited structural and socio-economic impact.

 

The real value lies in what Mauritius does next. Investment in strategic sectors such as the blue economy, renewable energy, digital infrastructure and sustainable tourism is the key.

 

Investment should strengthen partnerships with regional neighbours, international donors, and strategic allies like the US, China and India. Mauritius must position itself as a forward-looking state with global relevance.

 

Read more: How the US and UK worked together to recolonise the Chagos Islands and evict Chagossians

 

The reparations should be treated as seed funding to invest in its own future. This means using the funds to drive bold, long-term transformation. The country needs to build a more resilient, innovative and globally competitive economy.

 

Mauritius is heavily reliant on offshore services and short-term fiscal gains. It is vulnerable to slow diversification, rising youth unemployment, climate-related risks, lagging digital and technological progress, and growing global scrutiny of its financial sector.

 

To remain competitive in the current volatile global context, the country must develop more broadly.

 

3 steps to take

 

1. Investment

 

Mauritius has historically relied on external financial inflows like tourism revenue, offshore finance and foreign aid. By channelling funds into capacity-building, skills development and innovation ecosystems, the country can cultivate a self-sustaining economy. This would position it better to seize opportunities in the green economy, digital transformation and knowledge-intensive industries.

 

More specifically, it needs to:

 

secure investment in green energy, AI-digital infrastructure and high-tech manufacturing

offer tax incentives and streamlined regulatory processes to attract foreign direct investment in these sectors

establish public-private partnerships to develop innovation hubs and research centres focused on emerging technologies

launch workforce development programmes to upskill the labour force.

2. Economic diplomacy, alliances and regional leverage

 

The government should forge stronger partnerships with the UK and the US. Key areas include defence, cybersecurity, climate and sustainability innovations and regional logistics infrastructure.

 

It needs strong ties as power blocs shift and competition over strategic resources and trade routes grows.

 

Joint military exercises and intelligence sharing could improve forces' ability to help each other. Investing in advanced cyber defence capabilities, for instance, can help counter emerging digital threats, such as data breaches affecting financial services and e-governance systems.

 

These steps would bolster national security and reinforce Mauritius' position as a reliable partner.

 

The resolution of the Chagos dispute provides an opportunity for Mauritius to use its geopolitical position. It could expand trade, diplomatic influence and strategic partnerships across Africa, Asia and beyond.

 

Being located between Africa, the Middle East, South Asia and Southeast Asia places it along major maritime trade routes.

 

Mauritius enjoys political stability, democratic governance and strong legal framework. It is well placed to help resolve regional disputes over maritime boundary conflicts, fishing rights, and freedom of navigation. These involve countries like India, Sri Lanka and Madagascar, and even China and the US.

 

It can also lead in developing shared logistics and resupply hubs to support regional trade, disaster response and maritime security operations.

 

3. Chagossian justice

 

Mauritius must make the Chagossian community part of its next national success story. Including them in economic plans is a legal, moral and strategic necessity.

 

Steps should include:

 

incorporating Chagos representatives in economic discussions and decision-making processes

establishing programmes for Chagossian cultural preservation and economic development

giving Chagossians a voice in shaping the future of their ancestral lands.

Dev K (Roshan) Boojihawon, Associate professor of Strategy and International Business, University of Birmingham

 

Samuel Adomako, Associate Professor of Strategy and Innovation, University of Birmingham

 

This article is republished from The Conversation Africa under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Africa: Fruit Peels Could Help Power Your Smartphone's Camera Flash - Here's How

Ngoyi Kitenge transformed mangosteen peels into specialised carbon materials that he used to make supercapacitor energy storage cells. He came up with a simplified way to do this, hugely reducing the cost. This breakthrough converts agricultural waste into valuable components for energy storage technology. He sets out how it works and what's needed to make it happen.

 

What is a supercapacitor?

 

Supercapacitors are a type of energy storage cell, similar to a battery, but with some key differences. They are standalone devices that store and release energy on their own.

 

The biggest difference between a supercapacitor and a battery is how quickly a supercapacitor can charge and release energy. While batteries are designed to provide energy steadily over a longer period (like minutes or hours), supercapacitors are built to deliver energy very quickly - within seconds or minutes.

 

This makes them perfect for applications that need a quick burst of power. You probably use supercapacitors every day without realising it. They help devices like flashes in your smartphone camera, portable jump starters for cars, fitness trackers, and smartwatches that need quick energy boosts to work efficiently.

 

Read more: Understanding how ions flow in and out of the tiniest pores promises better energy storage devices

 

When making devices, the manufacturers choose whether to use a battery or a supercapacitor. This decision is based on how much power is needed and how fast it's needed. Most of the time, consumers aren't even aware of whether there's a battery or supercapacitor inside their devices.

 

 

In energy storage cells where electrical charges are stored, electrodes are key. Supercapacitors' electrodes can be made with activated carbon. This can be made from biomass waste, such as coconut shells, banana peels, mangosteen peels, and coffee grounds. I used mangosteen peels in my research.

 

What are supercapacitors used for?

 

Apart from camera flashes and emergency doors, supercapacitors are useful in renewable energy. They act like super-fast energy sponges that can quickly soak up extra electricity when solar panels or wind turbines produce too much. They can also quickly release this energy when too little is produced. This helps keep the power flow steady even when it's not sunny or windy.

 

Supercapacitors are still a small player in the energy storage world, with sales at around US$3 billion to US$4 billion yearly. To put this in perspective, the sales of lithium-ion batteries are US$50 billion to US$60 billion annually. Most are made in China and Japan, with some production in Europe and America too.

 

Supercapacitors haven't caught on widely yet. This is why scientists continue to work to increase supercapacitors' total energy storage while maintaining their speed and longevity.

 

What role can mangosteen peels play?

 

There has been little research into using the peels of the mangosteen fruit to create carbon. Yet, mangosteen trees grow abundantly from the east coast of South Africa to Somalia and Guinea, and they can withstand drought and rainstorms.

 

Their peels naturally contain 35%-45% carbon-rich compounds. When processed through drying, oxygen-free heating and chemical activation, these peels transform into activated carbon.

 

Through my research, I developed a simplified method to transform mangosteen shells into highly porous activated carbon. By combining the dried shells with potassium carbonate and directly heating to 700°C in a single step, I created valuable activated carbon from agricultural waste.

 

Read more: Contact lens material could produce electric cars that recharge in minutes

 

Usually, creating activated carbon is a longer process of pre-heating fruit peels, and reheating. So my method speeds the process up. This faster method makes activated carbon much cheaper by eliminating the initial five hours heating phase at 400-500°C. This saves on electricity, and reduces both production costs and the amount of time the furnace needs to operate. This then makes it more affordable for widespread commercial use.

 

Using fruit peels to create activated carbon also prevents them from being dumped on landfill sites and instead uses them to make valuable energy storage devices. Just three to five kilograms of fruit peels are enough to produce hundreds of supercapacitors. The global demand for supercapacitors is projected to grow significantly over the coming decade. This demand will be driven primarily by electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and consumer electronics markets seeking high-power, rapid-cycling energy storage solutions.

 

Citrus peels can also be used to make activated carbon. Worldwide, the citrus juice industry generates 15 million tonnes of wasted peels, pulp and seeds every year. This waste could be used to make supercapacitors.

 

What's needed to make this happen?

 

Some companies are already turning food and agricultural waste into activated carbon. For example, Haycarb, based in Sri Lanka, turns coconut shells into activated carbon. Takachar in the US is also developing small-scale technology to turn agricultural waste into useful products like activated carbon.

 

In Africa, fruit processing plants could set up facilities to turn their waste into activated carbon. They could then sell it to energy storage companies or other industries that need it.

 

Read more: Clever chemistry turns ordinary bricks into electricity storage devices

 

To make this happen, experts are needed to further develop the science. Governments and the private sector will need to fund equipment and facilities. Then, the factories making supercapacitors need to be connected with industries that could buy them (electric vehicle, renewable energy and electronics manufacturers).

 

Making supercapacitors from fruit peels could create jobs and support Africa's renewable energy goals.

 

Vianney Ngoyi Kitenge, Postdoctoral Fellow, iThemba LABS

 

This article is republished from The Conversation Africa under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

 

 

 

 

 

Uganda's Coffee Charms At World Travel Expo

As the curtains closed on the World Travel, Trade and Taste 2025 Expo, it wasn't a commercial jingle or political speech that left the final imprint, but it was aroma from Ugandan coffee.

 

It was the unmistakable, earthy, citrusy warmth of Ugandan coffee, freshly brewed and proudly poured by none other than Allan Kajik, Uganda's High Commissioner to Canada.

 

In a gesture that was both humble and strategic, Kajik didn't just hand out coffee,he served it.

 

With sleeves rolled, smile wide, and vision sharp, he branded the final guests with wrist bracelets bearing the iconic Visit Uganda emblem.

 

"This isn't just a cup of coffee," he told one mesmerized guest, "it's a sip of our soil, our story, our soul."

 

As Canadian attendees leaned in to inhale the rich scent of Uganda's golden brew, they weren't just tasting a product, they were encountering a country.

 

Each cup was paired with roasted beans and a deeper truth that Uganda is no longer content to be a raw supplier but is becoming a storyteller, exporter, and partner on its own terms.

 

By turning the closing ceremony into an interactive showcase of authentic Ugandan culture and taste, the High Commissioner did more than represent his country, he reintroduced it.

 

To seal the moment, Ambassador Kajik gave guests with 'Visit Uganda' wrist bracelets, a symbolic token and a direct call to experience the land where coffee grows with soul and purpose.

 

"Every bean has a story. Ours is written in volcanic soil, picked with ancestral pride, and brewed with the spirit of a rising nation," he said.

 

"We don't just export coffee--we export identity, resilience, and partnership."

 

Uganda is Africa's second-largest coffee exporter and the eighth-largest globally, contributing over 5 million 60-kg bags annually to the international market.

 

In 2023, Uganda exported coffee valued at $940 million USD, primarily to markets in Europe, North America and the Middle East.

 

Its specialty Arabica, particularly from Mount Elgon and Sipi Falls, has garnered international acclaim for its distinctive wine-like acidity and floral undertones.

 

As global consumption trends shift towards origin-conscious products, Uganda is strategically positioning itself to lead. The "Golden Brew" is no longer merely a commodity; it is becoming the signature of a nation asserting its place on the global stage.

 

Read the original article on Nile Post.

 

 

 

 

Kenya, France Deepen Energy Cooperation With Sh12bn Grid Project

Nairobi — The Ministry of Energy and Petroleum and the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company Limited (KETRACO) hosted Thani Mohamed Soilihi, the French Minister Delegate for Francophonie and International Partnerships, for a site visit to the National System Control Centre (NSCC) project in Embakasi, Nairobi.

 

The visit reaffirms Kenya's strategic energy partnership with France, which has committed €82.7 million (Sh12 billion) to the NSCC through concessional loans from the French Development Agency (AFD) and the French Treasury. The project is being implemented by a consortium of GE Vernova and Larsen & Toubro (L&T).

 

"France is committed to supporting critical infrastructure that enhances sustainability, energy reliability, and economic growth. This project is a strong testament to the enduring partnership between Kenya and France," said H.E. Arnaud Suquet, French Ambassador to Kenya.

 

The NSCC, part of the broader €94 million AFD RETNET programme, will deliver a state-of-the-art grid management system designed to enhance real-time electricity supervision, and improve renewable energy integration, amobg others.

 

The main control centre will be located at Embakasi substation, with a backup Emergency Control Centre at Suswa, both outfitted with advanced SCADA/EMS and Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) systems.

 

"This initiative demonstrates the Government's commitment to building a modern and intelligent power system," said Dr. (Eng.) John Mativo, KETRACO Managing Director.

 

EU Support for Regional Grid Integration

 

Also in attendance was H.E. Henriette Geiger, EU Ambassador to Kenya, who highlighted the EU's broader commitment to cross-border energy connectivity through the Global Gateway strategy, aimed at mobilizing up to €300 billion in public and private investments by 2027.

 

"Together with the NSCC and the recently launched Zambia-Tanzania Interconnector, we are investing in infrastructure that enables cross-border energy trade and expands transmission capacity across East and Southern Africa," she said.

 

The NSCC is scheduled for completion by February 6, 2028, and will elevate KETRACO's role as Transmission System Operator, aligning Kenya's grid with national policies and regional market readiness under the Eastern Africa Power Pool (EAPP).

 

Read the original article on Capital FM.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 


 


 Invest Wisely!

Bulls n Bears 

 

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INVESTORS DIARY 2025

 


Company

Event

Venue

Date & Time

 


 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 


Companies under Cautionary

 

 

 


 

 

 

 


CBZH

GetBucks

EcoCash

 


Padenga

Econet

RTG

 


Fidelity

TSL

FMHL

 


 

 

 

 


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DISCLAIMER: This report has been prepared by Bulls ‘n Bears, a division of Faith Capital (Pvt) Ltd for general information purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy or subscribe for any securities. The information contained in this report has been compiled from s believed to be reliable, but no representation or warranty is made or guarantee given as to its accuracy or completeness. All opinions expressed and recommendations made are subject to change without notice. Securities or financial instruments mentioned herein may not be suitable for all investors. Securities of emerging and mid-size growth companies typically involve a higher degree of risk and more volatility than the securities of more established companies. Neither Faith Capital nor any other member of Bulls ‘n Bears nor any other person, accepts any liability whatsoever for any loss howsoever arising from any use of this report or its contents or otherwise arising in connection therewith. Recipients of this report shall be solely responsible for making their own independent investigation into the business, financial condition and future prospects of any companies referred to in this report. Other  Indices quoted herein are for guideline purposes only and d from third parties.

 


 

 


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