Author: Victor Olayiwola

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, February 25, 2026 As South Africa accelerates the expansion of its critical minerals sector – including plans to unlock an estimated R40 trillion in iron reserves – skills development has become a cornerstone of its long-term growth strategy. By targeting R2 trillion in investment over the next five years, the country recognizes that a well-trained workforce not only drives operational efficiency but also strengthens investor confidence, positioning South Africa as a globally competitive hub for critical mineral investment. Skills Development and National Critical Minerals Strategy Enhancing skills development supports South Africa’s broader agenda of increasing employment…

CARACAS, Venezuela, February 24, 2026 The African Energy Chamber (AEC) (https://EnergyChamber.org) this week advanced a structured program of cooperation with Venezuela during a high-level working visit aimed at aligning both regions on hydrocarbon development, trade expansion and capacity building. The visit opened with meetings with the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela’s Vice Minister for Africa, Yuri Pimentel, where discussions focused on formalizing stronger South–South collaboration across upstream investment, gas monetization and downstream industrial development. As major hydrocarbon regions navigating similar developmental pressures, both sides emphasized a shared priority: using oil and gas resources to confront energy poverty and accelerate industrialization. Rather…

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, February 24, 2026 Converge Africa is proud to announce that Amazon South Africa has confirmed its role as a Diamond Partner of Converge Africa 2026, reinforcing its commitment to accelerating digital commerce adoption, marketplace growth, and seller enablement across South Africa. Converge Africa has become South Africa’s leading digital commerce and retail technology conference, bringing together decision makers from eCommerce, fintech, fulfilment, digital marketing, cybersecurity, and customer experience under one roof. At Converge Africa 2026, Amazon.co.za will deliver a series of seller masterclasses, hands-on workshops, and platform demonstrations aimed at both existing sellers and businesses exploring…

LAGOS, Nigeria, February 23, 2026 Grey (https://Grey.co), a provider of cross-border payments solutions, has expanded its business banking offering to include USD business accounts, bulk payments, and USDC stablecoin support on a single platform. The expanded offering is designed to help businesses receive international payments, manage large-scale cross-border transactions, and reduce the cost and complexity typically associated with international banking. Through Grey, businesses can now open a USD corporate account, manage payments from international clients, and make payouts to over 170 countries, including bulk payments, in minutes. Cross-border payments remain a significant challenge for businesses in emerging markets. According to…

PRILLY, Switzerland, February 23, 2026 Swiss technology company SICPA (www.SICPA.com) secured a landmark traceability contract, in partnership with Spectra Systems Corporation’s subsidiary, Cartor Security Printers (Cartor), reinforcing its global leadership in secure track and trace (T&T) technology. The program will deliver robust traceability solutions to His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) for vape products in the United Kingdom. Building on SICPA’s proven experience in deploying secure T&T systems for excisable products and leveraging Cartor’s advanced security printing capabilities, the consortium will deliver a robust solution combining banknote‑grade security features with state‑of‑the‑art digital systems to effectively combat the illicit trade of…

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, February 23, 2026 With the demand for critical minerals projected to quadruple by 2040 and traditional commodities such as gold reaching record highs in 2026, Africa is increasingly positioned at the center of global supply chain strategies and investment flows. The continent hosts the world’s largest reserves of platinum group metals, chrome and manganese – minerals essential to the energy transition and advanced manufacturing. At the same time, the continent remains the leading producer of diamonds and gold, reinforcing its strategic importance to both the global jewelry market and national wealth preservation. Ahead of African Mining…

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, February 23, 2026 Africa’s mining sector maintains its role as a key contributor of employment creation, fuelled by rising global demand for critical minerals. According to the Compendium of Africa’s Strategic Minerals 2026, released last week by the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), the continent holds an estimated $29.5 trillion in mineral wealth – about 20% of global reserves – with $8.6 trillion still untapped. The study highlights a clear opportunity for the continent to accelerate industrialization and job creation by focusing on value addition across downstream industries, including aluminium, fertilizers, battery materials and alloys. Expanding Production,…

CAIRO, Egypt, February 22, 2026 CANEX Creations Inc. (CCInc), the intellectual property investment subsidiary backed by Afreximbank’s Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA), announced its investment in the feature film Clarissa, a Nigerian-produced drama directed by twin filmmakers Arie and Chuko Esiri. The film has been acquired for worldwide distribution by NEON, which will oversee theatrical release in the United States and international markets, with NEON International handling foreign sales. A contemporary reimagining of Virginia Woolf’s novel relocated to Lagos, Clarissa was shot on 35mm in Lagos and Delta State. The film follows society woman Clarissa as she prepares to host…

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, February 20, 2026 EBITDA increased by an impressive 184% to AED 458.5 million in 2025, up from AED 161.4 million in 2024 – marking the company’s highest EBITDA performance since ADX listing in 2022 Revenue rose to an all-time high of AED 13.3 billion in 2025 from AED 8.9 billion in 2024 Net profit reached AED 227.6 million in 2025, up 37% year-on-year Commodity transaction volumes increased by 73% year-on-year to 14.2 million metric tonnes Total equity reached AED 1.4 billion in 2025, compared with AED 1.2 billion the previous year The Board recommended a cash…

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, February 20, 2026 Africa’s Green Economy Summit (24–27 February 2026) will present a curated, deal‑ready pipeline of climate projects from more than 25 African countries. Since 2023 our mission has been unchanged: connect global capital with Africa’s ventures. This year’s portfolio spans early‑stage SMMEs and bankable expansion and infrastructure opportunities, together seeking approximately USD 3.09 billion in funding – roughly USD 90 million for SMME-stage pitches and nearly USD 3 billion for expansion and infrastructure. The projects cover energy, waste, e-mobility and circular economy, food and agriculture, blue economy, built environment and nature‑based solutions, offering investors…