Zimbabwe to Build 600MW Floating Solar Power Plant on Lake Kariba to Tackle Energy Shortages Zimbabwe plans to begin construction of a floating solar power plant on Lake Kariba, the world’s largest man-made reservoir, as part of a renewed effort to address persistent electricity shortages and diversify its energy mix. Information Minister Jenfan Muswere said construction of the first phase of the 600-megawatt project is expected to start in the second quarter of 2026, according
Dangote Dismisses Claims Trump Opposes Dangote Refinery, Confirms Strong U.S. Crude Supply Ties Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Refinery, has dismissed reports circulating on social media suggesting that United States President Donald Trump is displeased with the establishment of Africa’s largest oil refinery in Nigeria. Speaking with journalists, Dangote described the claims as baseless and inconsistent with existing commercial relationships, emphasizing that the United States remains a major supplier of crude oil to the
Botswana Diamonds Leverages AI to Diversify Into Critical Minerals While Advancing High-Value Diamond Projects Despite a challenging year for the global diamond industry, AIM-listed Botswana Diamonds reports significant progress in its strategic expansion efforts. Reflecting on the financial year ending June 30, 2025, and the first half of its 2026 financial year, the company has strengthened its asset base across diamond and critical mineral exploration and adopted advanced technologies to enhance its projects in South
De Beers Announces Leadership Change as Tracr CEO Wesley Tucker Exits in February 2026 De Beers Group has announced that Wesley Tucker will step down as chief executive officer of Tracr—its blockchain-based diamond traceability platform—at the end of February 2026. Tucker joined the company in April 2021 as head of digital transformation before taking over leadership of Tracr. During his tenure, Tucker played a central role in evolving Tracr from a pilot program into the
Zambia Breaks Ground on Kafue Gorge Lower 100MW Solar Project to Boost National Energy Security Zambia’s ambition to strengthen long-term energy security has received a major boost with the groundbreaking of the Kafue Gorge Lower 100MW Solar Project in Sikoongo Chiefdom, Chirundu District, Southern Province. The initiative features a 100MW solar power plant, a 33/330kV substation, and a 15-kilometre transmission line connecting the facility to the Kafue Gorge Upper grid. Construction is expected to be
U.S. and EU Renew Support for Lobito Corridor to Boost Peace, Trade and Minerals in Central Africa The United States and the European Commission reaffirmed their “joint commitment to promoting peace, security, and economic growth” in Africa’s Great Lakes region on Thursday, in a statement focused on the Lobito Corridor and investment in Central Africa. Published by the U.S. State Department, the declaration emphasizes Washington and Brussels’ intention to “create the conditions necessary for increased
Namibia Names Modestus Amutse as New Mines, Energy and Industry Minister Amid Push for 2030 Oil Production Namibia’s President has appointed Modestus Amutse as the country’s new Minister of Mines, Energy and Industry, the presidency announced on Tuesday. Amutse replaces Natangwe Ithete, who was removed from the position in October. The appointment comes at a pivotal time for resource-rich Namibia, which is aiming to achieve its first crude oil production by 2030 following a series
Lucara Diamond Corp Selects Group R for Major Lateral Development Works at Karowe Underground Mine in Botswana Canada-headquartered Lucara Diamond Corporation has awarded the lateral development contract for its Karowe Underground Project (UGP) in Botswana to Group R Mining and Exploration Botswana. The contract covers all underground lateral development linking the production and ventilation shafts to the orebody. This includes construction of the extraction level, underground crushing chamber, fine ore bins, pump stations with vertical
Pensana Targets Fivefold Increase in Heavy Rare Earth Output at Longonjo Project Following a comprehensive review of the Longonjo processing flowsheet, London-listed rare earths producer Pensana says it has identified significant potential to increase the content of heavy rare earths in its high-value mixed rare earth carbonate (MREC) product by more than five times. The evaluation was launched in response to rising demand from offtake partners seeking secure supplies of both light and heavy rare
Petra Diamonds Appoints Permanent Joint CEOs and Strengthens Board Following Annual Meeting London-listed Petra Diamonds has announced a refreshed leadership structure and several board changes following its Annual General Meeting held on November 27. The company confirmed the appointment of Vivek Gadodia and Juan Kemp as permanent joint CEOs, solidifying the roles they have held in an interim capacity since February. Under the new structure, Gadodia will continue to lead Petra’s corporate functions, while Kemp
