Author: Victor Olayiwola

LONDON, United Kingdom, February 25, 2026 Liquid Intelligent Technologies, a business of Cassava Technologies (www.CassavaTechnologies.com), has today confirmed the full repayment of its ZAR term loan and USD revolving credit facility. In tandem with this repayment, Liquid has agreed $410 million in new ZAR and USD credit facilities from a syndicate of commercial and development finance lenders. Cassava Technologies is further reinforcing Liquid’s financial position by injecting $195 million in fresh capital into the business. Commenting on these developments, Hardy Pemhiwa, President and Group CEO stated: “These transactions, alongside the recent sale of a minority stake in a data centre…

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, February 25, 2026 Just days ago, Shell announced that newly issued U.S. general licenses for oil and gas exploration in Venezuela would allow it to advance its long-stalled Dragon gas project, tapping into an estimated 4.5 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves off Venezuelan shores and potentially bringing first production online within three years. The development reflects broader shifts in investor sentiment and regulatory frameworks in one of the world’s most resource-rich but politically complex energy landscapes – and holds timely lessons for African energy producers seeking foreign capital and technical partners. Since the Trump…

NAIROBI, Kenya, February 25, 2026 Emirates (www.Emirates.com), the world’s largest international airline, has introduced a first-of-its-kind split-payment solution for travellers in Kenya, through a longstanding strategic partnership with Cellulant, Africa’s leading payments technology company. The split-payment capability, enabled by Tingg, Cellulant’s payment gateway, has debuted in Kenya and is expected to roll out to other African markets in the coming months. Available on Emirates’ website, Tingg’s split payment feature, offers greater financial flexibility by allowing customers to combine multiple payment methods across mobile money, mobile banking and local credit and debit cards. The partnership also enables customers to make an…

CARACAS, Venezuela, February 26, 2026 Venezuela is positioning itself for accelerated oil and gas growth, targeting a near-term increase in production from 1.1 million barrels per day (bpd) to 1.2 million bpd, with a 2027 objective of 1.5 million bpd and a longer-term return toward its installed capacity of 2.8 million bpd. For African investors and service companies, the message is clear: there is structured opportunity, backed by regulatory reform, defined contract models and political commitment at the highest levels. This strategic direction was reinforced during high-level engagements between the African Energy Chamber (AEC) and Venezuela’s petroleum leadership. Part of…

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…