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Many of the major problems facing educators today, in Africa and around the world, revolve around student motivation and engagement. In several African countries, this is reflected in a need to go beyond the “chalk-and-talk” style that has been in use for decades to achieve robust engagement in young minds.&nbsp;



One of the techniques identified is gamification, or the process of integrating gaming elements in non-game contexts to create immersive and interactive experiences. According to <a href="https://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-gamification-in-education-definition-research-strategies.html#:~:text=Gamification%20in%20education%20is%20the,one%20big%20first%2Dperson%20game.">Study.com</a>, “gamification endeavours to literally create a game out of learning by theming all components of your classroom in a game metaphor, making your class like one big first-person game,” usually through the use of individual or class-wide competitions that put students at the centre of the learning process.&nbsp;



Globally, software developers work to deliver gamification content to learners and create mechanisms that help in assessing their competency. Reflecting on its significant presence in the tech sector, the May 2024 edition of EdTech Mondays sought to explore the benefits and challenges of gamification within the specific context of the African education landscape.&nbsp;&nbsp;



Kagisho Masae, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Matric Live in South Africa, says it’s possible to leverage the time learners spend on their gadgets after school in a way that brings not just fun but deeper comprehension of subjects they may have struggled with in class during the day.&nbsp;Masae’s organization runs a multifunctional education app that is reinventing the way pupils learn by making learning contextual, visual, and based in real life.&nbsp;&nbsp;



“In South Africa, learners spend a lot of time on their phones after school. We want to make ourselves part of that attention by prioritizing our interface with nice pop-ups. In case a learner did not comprehend much in class, then instead of spending time on social media, that time can be used to challenge each other out of the classroom,” says Masae. “As mobile technology penetration in Africa increases, the younger generation is getting immersed in its use without the same inhibitions that held back the previous generation that mostly relied on the teacher as the only source of knowledge.”&nbsp;



According to Rosemary Onyancha, a science teacher at Moi Forces Academy in Kenya and the African Union Teacher of the Year 2023/2024, the current crop of learners is bold enough to experiment with gamification.&nbsp;



“We are dealing with 21st-century children who are critical thinkers, in contrast to the previous generation that feared to interact with learning materials. The current learners want to see the outcomes of their learning. Gamification helps them to create collaboration which is needed in the current job market,” says Onyancha.&nbsp;



Teachers especially need to determine the appropriate level of gamification for learners’ physical and mental capabilities while accounting for the lessons learners need. Since gamification is about teaching deeper concepts in an easy-to-understand manner, a teacher will need to develop concepts that capture everyday principles.&nbsp;



“A child can learn a lot just by playing a game. In addition to maths, English and science, they can learn an array of other skills such as financial literacy, digital literacy and even about becoming an entrepreneur – it is all about fun learning,”&nbsp;says Titilope Adewusi, Co-Founder and Chief Executive of 9ija Kids in Nigeria.



In some African countries where technology penetration is a challenge, teachers have employed such gamification concepts to teach complex subjects with ease. During the May 2024 edition of EdTech Mondays, two children below the age of 10 used the widely publicized balloon-skewer test to show how air molecules in a balloon hold up even when the balloon is poked from top to bottom where the polymers are least stretched.&nbsp;&nbsp;



The balloon-skewer principle teaches both teachers and learners that gamification can be found in everyday situations and play items and that science is not learnt through fluke but in provable experiments.&nbsp;



“Gamification concepts help to demystify science and can be done in any school regardless of the economic level,” says Tracey Shiundu, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer at FunKE Science in Kenya.



“They help to break the notion that science is magic. In the balloon experiment, we just complemented what happens in science lessons. We need to show schools that they must not have potassium permanganate for experiments but can substitute it with baking powder and achieve similar results in class. Simplifying gamification means the learner does not feel intimidated,” adds Shiundu.&nbsp;&nbsp;



Still, both teachers and educational content creators have a role to ensure that any forms of gamification do not distract the very young, who can be easily carried away by the “fun” part of this learning technique.&nbsp;



At 9ija Kids, Adewusi says this works by highlighting the positive aspects of using the internet for gamification purposes “since we all delve into things that we enjoy.”&nbsp;



In South Africa, Masae says highlighting the practical aspects of the internet-based gamification concepts through case studies helps young people focus on learning aspects while online.&nbsp;



“I have a friend who got a laptop at 17 years old and soon learned how to code on YouTube and began to create games. Those in his age group came to see that using the internet for learning has positive outcomes. Teachers can also learn from this and look at technology, not as an alternative but an integral part of teaching and that they too can search the web for gamification techniques,” says Masae.&nbsp;



Shiundu says that in areas underserved and underserviced by technology, schools can partner with service providers (such as internet companies) to create enabling infrastructure that makes web-based gamification possible.&nbsp;



“Most schools in Africa are not equal in terms of class sizes and the number of teachers. We need to work with education partners, including the Mastercard Foundation, to improve learning infrastructure. Education being a social good, [we] all need to be on the same level in terms of access,” says Shiundu.&nbsp;



Yet, for gamification to be an integral part of the education system, it requires systems change and alignment with governmental guidelines for use in schools. This, according to the panellists, requires collaborative measures with governments that are responsible for updating study guidelines.&nbsp;



Once that is in place, educational content creators can develop content that aligns with such guidelines.



“We have an example where we integrated gaming in financial literacy, and it was approved by the National Department of Basic Education in South Africa. Still, this requires humility on both content creators and education officials who must get over their egos, since it is all about the learner. Again, for this collaboration to happen you need to leverage on big partnerships around you,” Masae says. 



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<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-watch-may-s-edtech-mondays-episode-on-gamification-in-education">Watch May&#8217;s Edtech Mondays episode on Gamification in Education</h3>



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EXPLORING THE ROLE OF GAMIFICATION IN AFRICA’S EDUCATION SYSTEMS

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At this year’s Mobile World Congress held from February 26-29 in Barcelona, Spain, 41 sessions focusing on artificial intelligence (AI) were held. With over 90,000 attendees, this was one of the global events where a deep dive into this subject was conducted as more became interested in its growth, impact, and potential to change human lives.



Globally, AI is being touted as the game-changer in how commercial firms conduct their business operations with its limitless potential applications coming into play. According to leading professional services firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), “AI could contribute up to $15.7 trillion to the global economy in 2030, more than the current output of China and India combined” That is a 14 percent increase in global GDP generated through AI.



“As humans and machines collaborate more closely, and AI innovations come out of the research lab and into the mainstream, the transformational possibilities are staggering,” states PwC in their report, <a href="https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/issues/data-and-analytics/publications/artificial-intelligence-study.html">Sizing the Prize</a>.



Among the sectors that will derive such “transformational possibilities” from this growing form of technology is education, where it can help educators analyse data quickly and efficiently thus leapfrogging learners and teachers from manual processes to machines. 



According to the 2023 <a href="https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/artificial-intelligence-ai-in-education-market">Global Markets Insights report</a>, AI in the education market reached $4 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow by more than 10 percent from 2023 to 2032, “owing to the growing inclination towards personalized learning”.  According to the report, adoption of AI in the education market is growing through “comprehensive data collection and analysis for offering valuable insights to educators, administrators and policymakers”.



With such growing attention toward AI, the April 2024 edition of the Mastercard Foundation’s EdTech Mondays delved deeper into the role of this technology in education within the African framework.



“AI is transforming the global economy and will have a major impact in education. For example, we can teach machines how to mark exams while teachers take on higher roles,” says Mutembei Kariuki, Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Fastagger. “We are teaching machines to think and do things that humans do. Leaving AI to handle routine matters will then elevate teachers to where they are supposed to be, as mentors to the learners.”



Kariuki’s views are in line with the role played by AI, a phrase that has technology geeks’ antennas up in the air but whose full impact is yet to be felt especially in developing countries. In education, AI presents opportunities and challenges—opportunities in that it can teach students new things with individualized perspectives. On the other hand, the key challenge for educators and policymakers is the need to change their mindsets to incorporate the new reality.



“AI is coming and is very disruptive as people grapple with what it can do,” says Matthew Grollnek, Future of Work Lead at the Mastercard Foundation. “People are grappling with what it can do, while few know the answers. Some people think it is scary and that we will not be able to contain it. It will present a big shift as education moves to a new system replacing one that has been there for over 100 years. The question is how to maximize the benefits and address the risks.”



However, lack of clear policy framework is a key impediment to the full realization of AI benefits in many African countries. As is the case in many areas of development, technological practices have been moving ahead of policy and forcing governments to play catch up. That though, is set to change as the African Union moves to assert its influence on AI deployment through the <a href="https://au.int/en/5thstccict">Continental Strategy on AI</a> that has prioritized education and preservation of African languages as key sectors to benefit from this technology.



The AU strategy will address one key concern relating to the limited use of Africa datasets with the continent relying on processes developed from outside Africa. The&nbsp;African Union Digital Education Strategy and Implementation Plan, covering the 2023-2028 timeframe, has established a framework for engagement and acceleration of digital technologies to align with Africa’s digital education.



The areas where technology, including AI, will be deployed include teaching, learning, research, assessment, and administration; strengthening digital literacy and skills for all, especially for teachers and students; and building the capacity of AU member states in requisite infrastructure for digital education.



Already some African countries are leapfrogging the process. &nbsp;Rwanda, as an example, is the first African country to have an <a href="https://www.minict.gov.rw/index.php?eID=dumpFile&amp;t=f&amp;f=67550&amp;token=6195a53203e197efa47592f40ff4aaf24579640e">AI policy</a> that acts as a roadmap to harness the benefits and mitigate associated risks, especially those associated with sharing children’s data with those who should not have access to such information.



“AI is ready for some subjects including coding and some mathematical equations. This will reduce the workload for teachers, especially those trained on how to use it responsibly. It will also bring inclusion and equity to learners with various impairments since Africa lacks enough schools for children with special needs,” says Christine Niyizamwiyitira, Scholar in Residence at Carnegie Mellon University.



According to the <a href="https://mastercardfdn.org/our-strategy/young-africa-works/">Mastercard Foundation&#8217;s Young Africa Works strategy</a>, by 2030, Africa&#8217;s workforce will reach a billion people, with 375 million young people entering the job market. These will require a shift in education strategies, and AI programs could equip them with new skill sets needed in the job market.



As the panelists stated, AI will not replace teachers but enhance their role to include the ability to curate learning experiences while holistically supporting a learner’s growth and emotional well-being in the classroom. The future of AI in education is indeed now.



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<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-watch-april-s-edtech-mondays-episode-on-artificial-intelligence-in-education">Watch April&#8217;s Edtech Mondays episode on Artificial Intelligence in Education</h3>



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THE ROLE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN EDUCATION

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On Monday, May 20, the National Basketball Association (NBA) revealed its new NBA Finals campaign, “The Toast”, which is now streaming across all NBA social platforms and the NBA App.&nbsp; NBA Legend and three-time NBA Champion Dwyane Wade gathers a cast of former champions and famous NBA fans – Ray Allen, Mike Breen, Ken Jeong, Magic Johnson, Jimmy Kimmel, Isiah Thomas, Queen Latifah and the newest members of the Chicago Sky Kamilla Cardoso and Angel Reese – to celebrate the pinnacle of the NBA season with a toast “to the Finals.”&nbsp;



The road to the NBA Finals continues this week, with Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and the 17-time NBA champion Boston Celtics taking on Pascal Siakam (Cameroon), Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers, and Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving and the 2011 NBA champion Dallas Mavericks facing Anthony Edwards, Karl-Anthony Towns and the Minnesota Timberwolves in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference and Western Conference Finals series, respectively.&nbsp; It marks the fifth consecutive season without a defending champion in the Conference Finals, with the last four teams standing battling it out for a ticket to the Finals and a chance to compete for the Larry O’Brien Trophy next month. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;



&#8220;As the Playoffs near a close, we are arriving at the pinnacle of the NBA season: the NBA Finals,&#8221; said NBA Chief Marketing Officer Tammy Henault. &#8220;We wanted to ensure our creative captured the gravity of that, so the idea of bringing together the NBA community at a glamourous party to share in a celebration of the season behind us and in anticipation of what’s to come felt like the perfect way to tip off the Finals.”



“The Toast” opens with Wade hyping himself up as he prepares to deliver a tribute to the “the season that was and the champion to be” to an audience of former NBA champions, fans and celebrities at a glamorous affair.&nbsp; Creatively bottling the emotion that the road to the Championship evokes for all, Wade’s “Toast” honors the best of the game with references to iconic NBA moments, from Johnson’s signature no-look pass and Breen’s famous “bang!”, to Allen’s corner three and the Championship hardware itself, the Larry O’Brien Trophy.



The 2024 NBA Finals presented by YouTube tips off on the night of June 6 across Africa on ESPN, Canal+, (Pan-Africa), Afrosport (Nigeria), including select live and delayed games on Afrosport’s free-to-air affiliate channels, ZAP (Angola), SABC (South Africa) and NBA League Pass, the league’s premium subscription service.&nbsp; It will conclude the 78th NBA season, which delivered increased the league’s television viewership in Africa as well as increased engagement across the league’s localized social media accounts on the continent.&nbsp;



The more than 140 live game telecasts during the 2023-24 NBA regular season in Africa generated a 41% year-over-year increase in average viewership and nearly 6 million total watch hours.&nbsp; In addition, NBA Africa’s localized social media accounts generated nearly 90 million video views, while players born in Africa or with direct ties to the continent, Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs; France; ties to Democratic Republic of the Congo) and two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks; Greece; ties to Nigeria) were among the 10 most-viewed players globally on NBA social media this season, with 1.3 billion and 558 million views, respectively.&nbsp;

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NEW NBA FINALS CAMPAIGN CELEBRATES THE GAME

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In an era when the internet is often described as a necessity for personal and professional growth as well as a catalyst to advance commerce, healthcare, education, and economic development, only approximately 40% of people in Africa are currently connected. This figure is in stark contrast to the global average of about 70%.



For women and girls in Africa, the situation is even more lopsided and challenging: only two women are connected to the internet for every three men. There has been no improvement in the ratio of women to men utilizing the internet across the African continent over a three-year period. In Africa, this digital divide has far-reaching implications, affecting access to vital government services, educational opportunities, healthcare, public information, and entrepreneurial prospects for hundreds of millions of people. The lack of affordable access to the internet effectively blocks the gateway to a brighter future for many Africans.



At the same time, many companies throughout the world understand the commercial potential of increasing access to more users and providing affordable connectivity services to the burgeoning market in Africa. With a projected population of almost 1.7 billion people and projected spending of almost seven trillion U.S. dollars by 2030, Africa’s growth trajectory is remarkably upward-looking.



Following President Joe Biden&#8217;s promise of a new <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/12/14/fact-sheet-new-initiative-on-digital-transformation-with-africa-dta/">Digital Transformation with Africa</a> (DTA) and Vice President Kamala Harris&#8217; <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/03/29/fact-sheet-vice-president-harris-launches-global-initiatives-on-the-economic-empowerment-of-women-totaling-over-1-billion/">Call to Action</a>, a groundbreaking initiative, <a href="https://pdaa.com/">Partnership for Digital Access in Africa</a> (PDAA) was launched this week. The partnership brings together private and public sector leaders from Africa, the United States, and other parts of the world. It is driven not only by economic opportunities but also by the moral imperative to bridge Africa&#8217;s digital divide. PDAA will serve as a champion and accelerator for DTA and will support and amplify the efforts of all entities playing key roles in bringing affordable and accessible internet to Africa.



This announcement comes as President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden host President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto of Kenya for a State Visit at the White House. The visit marks the 60th anniversary of the U.S.-Kenya diplomatic relations and reinforces the strategic partnership between the two nations. It also represents the first State visit by an African leader since 2008.



“President and First Lady Ruto’s visit marks a historic moment in our shared journey towards digital accessibility and affordability. Concurrently, the launch of PDAA is not only timely but crucial, to ensure that we harness the power of digital innovation for the betterment of all Africans – especially women and girls – across the continent,” said Former Liberian President and PDAA Co-Chair Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. “In this era of rapid technological advancement, this initiative stands as a beacon of our commitment to inclusive growth for our people. Its importance to achieving our overarching goal of gender parity, including in digital access, further motivates our involvement and participation in the PDAA.&#8221;



For its part, PDAA has set forth an ambitious goal to double the number of people connected to the internet in Africa, from the current 500 million to a targeted 1 billion people by 2030.



“Only 40 percent of Africans are currently connected to the internet versus 68 percent globally,” said PDAA Interim-CEO Ibrahima Guimba-Saïdou. “With respect to women and girls, the goal is to increase connectivity from 30 percent to 80 percent. I am confident that PDAA, in collaboration with our partners, will dynamically transform Africa’s digital footprint.”



Guimba-Saïdou will lead PDAA to achieve DTA’s objectives along three core pillars:



<ol class="wp-block-list" start="1">
<li>Expand affordable internet and broadband services: To make the highest performance and lowest cost broadband available to as many Africans as possible;</li>
</ol>



<ol class="wp-block-list" start="2">
<li>Lower device cost: To improve accessibility by making such accessibility to internet-enabled devices (smartphones) and digital technology more affordable throughout Africa; and</li>
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<ol class="wp-block-list" start="3">
<li>Enhance digital skills: To assist in the upskilling of millions of Africans with the necessary capacity to more effectively and efficiently use digital technology.</li>
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The economic implications of this endeavor are significant. The results are likely to increase the potential to mobilize hundreds of billions of dollars into the annual GDPs of African nations. Along with its enormous potential, achieving this could place Africa at the forefront of global competition, commerce, and inclusive development.



PDAA has formed partnerships with public and private sector leaders, including the World Bank Group, M-KOPA, Smart Africa, African Leadership Group, Nokia, LifeHikes, and SpaceX. Each is committed to helping DTA realize its mission and objectives.



Across all of its initiatives and with all its partners, PDAA will focus on ensuring gender parity and equity in digital access and connection to the Internet. Increasing the number of women and girls connected and using the internet is crucial to providing them with opportunities for education, employment, entrepreneurship, and social and political participation, but it also can allow them to acquire new skills, address health disparities, and improve the overall quality of life – both for themselves and their families. To that end, PDAA’s collaborative efforts represent an unprecedented opportunity to work with Africa’s leaders to empower the people in Africa, reduce disparities, unlock the continent&#8217;s boundless potential, and help reach President Biden’s promise of a Digital Transformation with Africa. The rapid development of full digital capacity holds more than a promise for economic growth and job creation; its potential to improve gender equity, healthcare, increased trade among African countries and their global partners, food security, climate action, and cultural advancements is significant, both for the people in Africa and the world.



Africa&#8217;s time has come, and together, through collective action and collaboration, PDAA believes it is possible to break down barriers, bridge divides, and pave the way for a brighter and more prosperous future for Africa and the world.

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New Public-Private Partnership Supporting Digital Access in Africa Aims to Connect 1 Billion People in Africa to the Internet with Gender Parity

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="820" height="621" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/DSCF3832-820x621.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-479653" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/DSCF3832-820x621.jpg 820w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/DSCF3832-300x227.jpg 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/DSCF3832-119x90.jpg 119w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/DSCF3832-768x581.jpg 768w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/DSCF3832-1536x1163.jpg 1536w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/DSCF3832-scaled.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Hardy Pemhiwa, President and Chief Executive officer of Cassava Technologies.</figcaption></figure>



When it comes to Africa’s digital transformation, access <a>isn’t</a> <a>just about connectivity</a>; <a>it’s</a> the gateway to opportunity, says Hardy Pemhiwa, President and Group <a>CEO</a> of Cassava Technologies.



We at Cassava Technologies often talk about our vision of a digitally connected future in which no African is left behind. On a continent where more than half of the population reside-in rural areas, this doesn’t mean convincing these people to migrate to urban areas where connectivity and internet access are mostly readily available; it means taking connectivity and access to the areas that were previously excluded.



Africa&#8217;s <a href="https://au.int/en/agenda2063/overview">Agenda 2063</a> sets out a compelling 50-year vision for the continent, that of a unified, prosperous, and peaceful Africa, driven by its citizens and playing a role on the global stage. And the key to unlocking this vision lies in the digital transformation of our continent.



Digital transformation in Africa is more than just laying kilometres of fibre to connect communities. It also means providing opportunities to every African, regardless of their location, giving them the tools and resources they need to thrive in the digital age. Significant progress has already been made, with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.statista.com/forecasts/1146636/internet-users-in-africa">overall number of internet users on the continent</a>&nbsp;sitting at close to 646 million, mostly through these mobile devices. However, we must ensure that this access translates into meaningful opportunities for education, healthcare, agriculture, and economic empowerment in general.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-education-as-a-bridge-to-the-global-community">Education as a bridge to the global community</h2>



For instance, the integration of internet connectivity in education has the potential to transform learning experiences, making education more accessible and inclusive, across the continent. It brings with it the ability to access information, e-learning and online courses, supports professional development for educators, and connects African learners to the global economy. Recognising this, <a>we’ve</a> embarked on a mission to map schools across Africa, identifying their proximity to fibre broadband networks and the resources needed to connect them. And <a>we’ve</a> partnered with organisations like UNICEF, Microsoft, and Google, because this is a challenge that requires collaboration to solve. To date, of the 22,000 schools mapped, <a>we’ve</a> already connected 5,000 to high-speed internet, opening a world of educational opportunities for millions of children.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transforming-agriculture-using-technology">Transforming agriculture using technology</h2>



Another example is the transformative potential of technology in Africa’s agricultural sector, which &nbsp;<a href="https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2023/03/how-africa-s-free-trade-area-will-turbocharge-the-continent-s-agriculture-industry/#:~:text=Agriculture%20makes%20up%2035%25%20of,of%20agri%2Dproduct%20every%20year.">contributes 35% to the continent’s GDP</a> and employs a sizeable portion of the population. From mobile platforms that deliver real-time information that will help farmers increase their yields and improve their livelihoods, to technology that can help address post-harvest losses by deploying sensors and IoT devices to monitor storage conditions and transport routes, the potential is astounding.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bringing-e-healthcare-to-rural-communities">Bringing e-healthcare to rural communities</h2>



Given the far-flung nature of most rural communities, access to healthcare is a well-documented challenge. Internet connectivity in these areas means that people are no longer compelled to journey to urban centres to receive the medical advice they need. Again, this access should be used to create meaningful opportunities that can transform Africa’s healthcare landscape. This ranges from integrating digital tools into healthcare systems and investing in digital literacy, to providing solutions like telemedicine, digitised health records, online health resources, and mobile health applications.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-importance-of-empowering-rural-communities">The importance of empowering rural communities</h2>



<a>It’s</a> clear that infrastructure, education, and healthcare are the pillars upon which a prosperous Africa will be built. This leads to another <a>important point</a> – a prosperous Africa is, fundamentally, a prosperous rural Africa. Empowering rural communities with connectivity is essential for achieving a balanced and inclusive digital transformation. Bringing opportunities directly to people in these areas reduces the need for mass migration to urban centres, which in turn often leads to overcrowded cities and strained resources. Such opportunities extend from access to online education and telemedicine to participation in e-commerce and digital entrepreneurship.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-partnerships-are-key-to-reducing-costs">Partnerships are key to reducing costs</h2>



The cost of access remains a critical barrier to the digital transformation of Africa, particularly in bringing last-mile access to previously excluded communities. In fact, <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/1322483/average-price-for-mobile-data-in-africa/#:~:text=In%202023%2C%20the%20average%20cost,0.86%20U.S.%20dollars%20on%20average.">Statista</a> reports that the average cost of a gigabyte of data in Africa is among the highest in the world, which limits individuals and small businesses alike in taking full advantage of digital technologies. To help address this, we’re working on multiple fronts, including partnerships with global tech giants like Google and Microsoft to reduce the cost of data and cloud services. Partnerships with governments and regulators are also key to address policy reforms and the necessary regulation.



Africa cannot afford to allow the digital revolution to pass us by. The demographics of our continent, with a burgeoning youth population, make it imperative that we succeed. As the largest consumers of digital technology, the empowerment of our youth is crucial for the sustainability of our businesses and the continent’s future.



The Great African Digital Transformation is a journey that calls for intentionality, collaboration, and a relentless focus on creating opportunities. <a>It’s</a> about building a digitally connected future <a>that’s</a> inclusive by design, and that leaves no African behind. <a>That’s</a> our vision at Cassava Technologies.

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The Great African Digital Transformation: Bridging access and opportunity

Through its Impact series, Visa captures moments of inspiring impact across the globe, as individuals and merchants digitize their way to success



In the current digital age, the necessity for inclusive and advanced digital transaction methods is more critical than ever. The global landscape is changing, and with it, the demand for seamless, secure, and innovative financial services to engage in global commerce.



With roughly 1.4 billion people lacking access to formal financial services globally, Visa is committed to breaking barriers and enabling individuals, merchants and communities to thrive by delivering solution-oriented products, platforms, and programs that speak to a diversity of commerce needs.



A rise in mobile and internet usage across Sub-Saharan Africa presents a huge opportunity for enhancing connectivity and inclusion through digital wallets, mobile money, and tap-to-phone capabilities, among other key initiatives.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bringing-more-people-into-the-digital-era-by-enabling-smbs">Bringing more people into the digital era by enabling SMBs</h2>



To drive a healthy and thriving financial ecosystem, supporting small and medium businesses (SMBs) is essential. SMBs can uplift societies and economies by contributing to vibrant local communities, encouraging entrepreneurship, and creating crucial opportunities for work.



In Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa, SMEs play a vital role in both economic development and employment. Among the three, roughly 52 million SMEs can be found , which significantly contribute to the GDP and form a substantial part of the labor force in each country, enriching the job market and broader economy.



Through Visa’s expertise and vast partner network, it has to date enabled nearly 67 million SMBs worldwide – exceeding its three-year goal of digitally enabling 50 million SMBs globally by the middle of 2023. This reflects Visa’s commitment to empowering individuals and merchants to take small steps to get to where they want to be.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-empowering-entrepreneurs-to-take-the-next-step">Empowering entrepreneurs to take the next step</h2>



The Impact series documents Visa’s global impact on merchants and small businesses. Each episode highlights how Visa&#8217;s diverse solutions and initiatives have helped drive access, inclusion, prosperity, and transformative change worldwide.



From assisting smallholder farmers in Nigeria to enabling electronic payments for women-owned businesses in Morocco and empowering SMBs in Kyrgyzstan, the Impact series demonstrates the power of small steps in leading to significant change.



In Kaduna, Nigeria, Visa collaborated with Ayo Arikawe, the co-founder of fintech company Thrive Agric. Across Africa, smallholder farmers contribute about 80% of the food that the nation consumes . In Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya, Thrive Agric works with over 500,000 farmers to utilize data-driven insights in sustainably increasing yields, contributing to the broader agriculture sector, and enhancing the country’s GDP.



Thrive Agric is a regional and global winner of the Visa Everywhere Initiative (VEI), a program that connects innovative fintechs to the infrastructure they need to grow and create impact.Through this collaboration, Visa provided farmers with cards and bank accounts, which allowed them to save their funds, access a wider range of financial services, and plan for their future. Furthermore, Visa&#8217;s global money movement platform, Visa Direct, facilitated the disbursement of funds to farmers.



Meanwhile, Visa&#8217;s She&#8217;s Next initiative globally supports women entrepreneurs by providing funding and mentorship to recipients such as recipient Mariem Faghraoui. In Morocco, Faghraoui’s online marketplace, Neolli, fosters economic growth by facilitating digital payments among traditional artisans in Marrakech, Fez, Agadir, and Safi, contributing to a vibrant digital commerce landscape.



Thanks to Neolli, small brick-and-mortar businesses such as cosmetics shop Amal Ourika and the Marrakech Women’s Cooperative for Sewing are now able to offer electronic payments to locals and tourists, tapping into vital sales opportunities they might otherwise miss.



Meanwhile, in Kyrgyzstan, Visa met with Zarina, who runs a Korean cosmetics store at the vibrant Dordoi Bazaar along with her husband. Together, they started this business in 2009 by importing products from South Korea. However, like many other merchants at the bazaar, Zarina had lacked access to the digital economy.



The Dordoi Bazaar has an annual turnover of $3 billion but only 10% of its 60,000 merchants have a bank account. To help merchants like Zarina digitize and expand the bazaar&#8217;s cashless acceptance infrastructure, Visa partnered with the Dordoi Association and New Market Technologies, installing payment terminals, introducing tap-to-phone technology, and launching Visa Business Cards.



As this digital revolution continues to expand around the world, so does Visa’s dedication to enabling individuals and merchants to reap its rewards.



Through the lens of the Impact series, Visa will continue traversing the world to capture and share stories of collaborative impact from around the globe, showcasing its commitment to unlocking potential by securely powering transactions and helping small businesses to thrive – one small step at a time.

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Stories that drive us; small steps that change us

Exciting news for investors, financiers, and industry stakeholders: the programme brochure for Enlit Africa 2024 has just dropped! Circle the dates 21st-23rd May 2024 –these are the days the Cape Town International Convention Centre becomes the nexus for all things power, energy and water in Africa.



This iteration of the event once again provides insights into the foundational pillars of finance, investment, and management, amidst the broader exploration of smart energy solutions, transmission, distribution, and water – a crucial resource tightly interwoven with the provision of power across Africa.



Delegates from the finance sector will find unparalleled value in this year&#8217;s strategic tracks. Tailored sessions promise to deliver cutting-edge insights into emerging markets, investment strategies, and financial models driving the energy transition.



New this year are pitch sessions from start-ups and companies in search of capital. The Pitch Stage provides an exceptional opportunity to explore projects, carefully curated and vetted, from a variety of exciting entrepreneurs.



For exhibition visitors and conference attendees alike, the open-to-all complimentary CPD-accredited programmes – are perfect for broadening your knowledge within the energy landscape.



The Renewable Energy and Storage Hub spotlights opportunities ripe for investment. Corporates in the C&amp;I sphere keen on diversifying their energy portfolios will discover an array of solutions and content that speak to sustainability, resilience, and profit margins.



The Generation, Transmission, and Distribution Hub offers pragmatic, efficiency-enhancing solutions applicable to utilities and municipalities alike. 2024 sees the return of the Municipal Forum, an arena for addressing fiscal and infrastructural challenges that South African municipalities face.



A reminder to our professional community that these sessions grant CPD points in partnership with the South African Institute of Electrical Engineers, adding another layer of value to your participation.



The exclusive, invite-only CEO Forum is where industry visionaries and financial leaders will converge, unlocking doors to collaborative ventures and shaping investment trends.



For those who enjoy the tangible aspects of energy and water in action, our site visits on the 24th May provide a clear view of practical outcomes across dynamic energy and water sites amidst the stunning Cape Town landscape.



Enlit Africa 2024 is almost here. It’s the ideal platform for networking in the energy sector. Download the conference programme today to curate your experience and secure your delegate ticket or free expo pass now. Position yourself at the leading edge of Africa&#8217;s energy transition, where you can add your voice to determining the path to a sustainable and prosperous future. Join us at Enlit Africa 2024! <a href="http://www.enlit-africa.com">www.enlit-africa.com</a>



Please use the following links: Join us at Enlit Africa, get your free visitor pass: <a href="https://eu1.hubs.ly/H08kZN20">https://eu1.hubs.ly/H08kZN20</a>



Unlock more opportunities, get your delegate pass: <a href="https://eu1.hubs.ly/H08kYRv0">https://eu1.hubs.ly/H08kYRv0</a>



Let’s evolve the power, energy and water landscape, download the programme: <a href="https://eu1.hubs.ly/H08kXrZ0">https://eu1.hubs.ly/H08kXrZ0</a>

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Navigating Africa’s Energy and Water Transition: Highlights from Enlit Africa 2024 Programme

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="820" height="547" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/RS18753_Intersect_GESCI_Karuri_Secondary_School_Kenya_0010-lpr-2-820x547.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-465746" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/RS18753_Intersect_GESCI_Karuri_Secondary_School_Kenya_0010-lpr-2-820x547.jpg 820w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/RS18753_Intersect_GESCI_Karuri_Secondary_School_Kenya_0010-lpr-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/RS18753_Intersect_GESCI_Karuri_Secondary_School_Kenya_0010-lpr-2-135x90.jpg 135w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/RS18753_Intersect_GESCI_Karuri_Secondary_School_Kenya_0010-lpr-2-768x513.jpg 768w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/RS18753_Intersect_GESCI_Karuri_Secondary_School_Kenya_0010-lpr-2-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/RS18753_Intersect_GESCI_Karuri_Secondary_School_Kenya_0010-lpr-2.jpg 2000w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Teacher Maxwell Kayesi leads his Form 2 Physics class at Karuri High School in Kiambu, Kenya on 30 May 2017. Teachers are using digital technologies such as laptops, projectors, videos, and internet access. The dynamic learning experience is part of the GESCI African Digital Schools Initiative supported by the MasterCard Foundation. The goal is to promote 21st century skills in schools in Kenya and to increase student engagement and improve test scores using digital technologies. &#8220;In the long run, we will have self reliant citizens,&#8221; Maxwell Kayesi said. Citizens who are ready to meet the challenges of the digital world.</figcaption></figure>



Big data—two words that define the vast amount of information available online as the internet becomes widely available. Since 2020, educational organizations, policymakers, and other players in this space have had access to more data than ever before.



According to <a href="https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000385723">UNESCO</a>, the achievement of <a href="https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal4">Sustainable Development Goal 4</a> is dependent on opportunities and challenges posed by technology, with technology appearing in six out of the 10 targets on education. The implication of digital technology is that education systems have begun producing enormous amounts of data. Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, the Chief Minister and Chief Innovation Officer of the Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone, is quoted in <a href="https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000385723">this report</a> saying, “…When it works well, the data we generate in our education system is the best guide for the policies we need to implement to make things better.”



While big data is already changing the global education landscape and increasing opportunities for nations to use it in making sound decisions, governments and educational organizations in Africa are still in the nascent stages of conceptualizing data collection and lagging in their engagement with big data analytics.



The March edition of the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Mondays Africa explored how the continent’s educational leaders and policymakers can use big data to develop organizational capacity and improve outcomes for students, educators, and their communities. For this interaction to take place, it is vital to understand the wide scope of big data as outlined by one of the panelists, Chinedu Anarado, a Communications Specialist at the Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA), a pan-African network of policymakers, practitioners and researchers that sits within the African Development Bank.



“Big data in education refers to huge and diverse volumes of structured or unstructured data from different educational activities. There are different data sources, including audio, video and other day-to-day activities that underpin teaching and learning,” said Chinedu.



Such data is familiar, but the way we collect and store it may differ, according to Ciku Mbugua, Innovation Manager at Brink and Country Lead at EdTech Hub (Kenya). For big data to be helpful in education, she advises educators and civil authorities to question, “Why do we want big data? What is it that we want our education system to look like? Are we talking about quality and equity?”



Answers to these questions, says Ciku, will help address gaps in the education system and help learners know where they are before reaching the school summative stage “when nothing can be done for them because they have left the education system.”



Joshua Chijioke, a three-time tech startup founder who currently heads business development at MTN Chenosis in Nigeria, adds that any meaningful data in education should be used to modernize curricula taught in African schools, some of which are archaic. By deploying such data at the basic learning level, Chijioke is optimistic that learners in Africa will be exposed to extensive data analysis in the future and be at par with global education standards.



In much of the continent, however, such data sits in silos and is hard to navigate due to a lack of local mechanisms, although governmental authorities could use it as an indicator of social inequalities in education.



“Use of data helps governments to gauge why education stakeholders in marginalized areas may not be engaging with education in the way they should,” says Luke Stannard, a Senior Education Advisor at Save the Children. Luke has supported education authorities and teams with the design, implementation, and evaluation of education technology initiatives in humanitarian and development contexts worldwide. “For organizations with mandates around child rights, data allows them to encourage governments to be more accountable in their education systems and monitor where the students are falling behind.”



In addition, EdTech startups in countries such as Nigeria are being helped to curate support systems that use technology to address learning challenges.



For example, <a href="https://futureoflearning.cchub.africa/startup-directory/edutams/">EduTAMS,</a> an integrated cloud-based solution, is helping to automate and digitize education processes in schools while providing seamless data collection for interactive learning processes. EduTAMS is a platform designed to solve Nigeria’s education management challenges. It allows educators to gain insight into real-time data analytics on enrolment, payments, registration and student results across school divisions to take informed decision. Parents can track attendance and process student continuous assessment reports and end-of-term results.



EduTAMS is one of 36 EdTech companies accelerated in 2023 under the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship being implemented in partnership with Co-Creation Hub in Nigeria, Injini in South Africa, and iHub in Kenya. The Fellowship is an entrepreneurship acceleration program designed to support promising African EdTech ventures.



Solutions like EduTAMS are evidence that data is an opportunity within the education system.



In conclusion, while big data presents various challenges in infrastructure provision and resource constraints, as well as privacy and security concerns, the benefits this emerging technology can solve outweigh the challenges it presents. It is important for governments to strengthen data protection policies and ensure total inclusion by moving the conversation from equality to equity.



<div class="wp-block-group"><div class="wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained">
Watch the March episode of Edtech Mondays:



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<iframe loading="lazy" title="EdTech Monday: Emerging Technologies in EdTech" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hHrk_ctMgZo?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES IN EDTECH: THE ROLE OF BIG DATA IN ADVANCING EDUCATION

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="820" height="620" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Amith-Singh-1-820x620.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-465039" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Amith-Singh-1-820x620.jpg 820w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Amith-Singh-1-300x227.jpg 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Amith-Singh-1-119x90.jpg 119w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Amith-Singh-1-768x581.jpg 768w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Amith-Singh-1-1536x1162.jpg 1536w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Amith-Singh-1.jpg 1572w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Amith Singh, Head of Energy Finance at Nedbank</figcaption></figure>



&#8216;South Africa’s energy landscape is undergoing a significant transformation as independent power producers (IPPs) and offtakers seek new ways to access reliable and affordable electricity. As this quest intensifies, a pivotal player has emerged: the energy aggregator,&#8217; writes Amith Singh, Head of Energy Finance at Nedbank.



Mining, a cornerstone of South Africa’s economy, is undergoing an energy revolution driven by the need for energy security, tariff certainty and decarbonisation. Energy aggregators are the key players behind this evolution.



Aggregators are entities that bridge the gap between electricity generators and consumers. They buy electricity from multiple IPPs and sell it to various offtakers, including mining companies, industrial users, municipalities, and even Eskom. Their modus operandi involves using the existing transmission and distribution grid to &#8216;wheel&#8217; power from generation points to consumption sites, all while paying a wheeling fee to the grid operator. By combining the demand of multiple consumers into a single large volume, aggregators can negotiate better tariffs and terms with the renewable energy generators.



Since aggregators typically work with commercial and industrial consumers, their model also makes sense for mining and industrial companies with a multitude of sites. Negotiating bilateral deals for each mine with IPPs is time-consuming, and aggregators can help them to scale much faster. This model may also provide some flexibility in tenor of the power purchase agreement (PPA).



The percentage of renewable electricity that mines can achieve will be much higher if they use an aggregator to mix and match different projects to supply their energy. It’s hard to imagine the energy sector progressing without aggregators optimising distribution and enhancing market efficiency and accessibility.



The Electricity Regulation Amendment Bill, currently before the National Assembly, aims to create a competitive electricity market and points the way to a distributed model with multiple buyers and methods of generation.



However, in South Africa, our energy mix still has the highest carbon intensity in the world since Eskom electricity is produced primarily through coal-fired generation. Expert calculations suggest the least-cost development plan for a reliable and affordable electricity supply in South Africa involves a massive overbuild of solar, lots of wind and storage capacity, and natural gas as a form of peaking or mid-merit power.



It is in this landscape that aggregators will be a fundamental part of a liberalised energy market, not only for large consumers such as mines and industrial users, but for everyone. The change is already well underway. South African’s energy crisis coincided with the global climate crisis, forcing major industrial and mining complexes to make net-zero commitments. The result is accelerating procurement of new capacity on a scale that is consistent with the growth of renewable energy projects around the world.



Most of the utility-scale projects with an aggregator model are at various stages of implementation with an expected capacity of more than 10 GW. The Energy Council of South Africa estimates that the connection of new utility wind and solar projects will continue to scale up.



The stakes are high as mining accounts for about 8% of GDP and 40% of foreign currency inflows. And while decarbonisation is necessary for the planet, it is also existential because customers in the mining industry expect mines to do it.



Beyond mining, decarbonised electricity is vital for anyone in the exporting business, and part of a big global corporation or raising finance internationally. Most of the mining companies are aiming to become carbon-neutral by 2030, and some by 2050.



For now, and probably for quite a while, a renewable energy supply will also deliver savings. But it might be a challenge for some companies to sign 15-year or 20-year power PPAs because of the unwanted effects on their financial results and balance sheets. One of the benefits introcuced by the aggregator model is the flexibility in respect of the PPA/offtake agreement tenor as the aggregators will have portfolios of offtakers among which they can reallocate the power in case some of the short PPAs/offtake agreements are not renewed.



In this market, IPPs will focus on providing long-term sustainable generation opportunities to aggregators or traders as alternatives to Eskom or bilateral deals with large offtakers. For now, this is a fledgling market that is growing substantially, and we will see more projects closing in the near future.



As the market matures, aggregators will become more efficient in offering flexibility to offtakers in mining and elsewhere. They will be able to financially derisk projects, physically derisk them through demand and supply diversification, and provide system stability to utilities and customers.



With multiple sites, technologies and geographies, full ecosystem optimisation becomes possible. The excess energy that is often present in a bilateral PPA is reduced and costs fall.



It’s foreseeable that a fully fledged trading and aggregation market will go forward as it will provide offer energy users with affordable power while at the same time assisting them to meet their decorbaisation commitments.



In most of the renewables projects that Nedbank finances, there is some element of grid construction, and the private sector has been able to do it efficiently and use the funding of the total project costs to provide it. We know the Energy Council and the National Energy Crisis Committee (Necom) are in discussions with Eskom about privatisation models for grid construction, and we hope the private sector can play a role in the new National Transmission Company (NTCSA) and also in the implementation of the plans outlined in the Eskom Transmission Development Plan.



It will also be important to understand the NTCSA’s costs because the sustainability of the grid is what makes aggregation work. We have to enable transmission and distribution to ensure we have supply certainty over long periods and more capacity to solve the massive grid issue. We must also remember that a significant portion of &#8216;last mile&#8217; infrastructure belongs to municipalities, where the risk is large.



The wider risks lie around the novelty of this system. Aggregators are new in the market, and it will take a little time before they work efficiently. Investors faced with these intermediary entities will have to make sure they can be trusted and are well managed. And there is an element of risk in the regulatory framework that is covering issues such as the wheeling system, wheeling rules, and access to the grid. If regulations change disruptively, it will be seen as a risk by investors.



The Necom working groups and Eskom are working hard on the new market rules and, while nothing has been finalised as yet, there is clarity on the objectives.



We have the benefit of learning from other countries that have already liberalised their energy markets (i.e. European countries), and we can use their markets as our reference point in our journey to reberalise the South African electricity market.



For now, companies that can offer balance sheet guarantees are driving these projects, but ultimately the benefits that aggregators offer will be felt by every South African.



As Nedbank CIB, the lead financier in the energy space, we fully support the aggregator model and are already leading financing projects on the aggregator model.

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The critical role played by aggregators in mining decarbonisation

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="820" height="547" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/DSC_6437-820x547.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-461463" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/DSC_6437-820x547.jpg 820w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/DSC_6437-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/DSC_6437-135x90.jpg 135w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/DSC_6437-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/DSC_6437-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/DSC_6437-scaled.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /></figure>



On the 5th of February 2024, Enaex Africa participated in the 30th annual Mining Indaba, focusing on the theme &#8220;Embracing the power of positive disruption: A bold new future for African mining.&#8221;



This theme underscores the necessary adaptations required in the African mining sector through technological advancements to address current challenges.



Industry leaders highlighted the imperative need to enhance efficiency and reduce costs amid the challenging market characterized by high inflation, reduced demand, and low commodity prices.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-embracing-the-power-of-positive-disruption-a-bold-new-future-for-african-mining">&#8220;Embracing the power of positive disruption: A bold new future for African mining.&#8221;</h2>



As the third largest explosives company, Enaex strategically positions itself as a leader in the industry that is able to adapt to technological advancements within the mining industry.



Over a year ago, Enaex Africa inaugurated the DaveyTronic® plant in Secunda, introducing crucial technological capabilities to the African continent. This not only allowed for the training of local professionals but also marked a shift towards local manufacturing, reducing dependency on imported electronic initiation systems and improving cost efficiency.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-daveytronic-plant-allows-for-local-technological-training-advancements">“The DaveyTronic® plant allows for local technological training advancements.”</h2>



Enaex Africa is making significant investments in Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation, and new technologies to enhance business processes and support clients in increasing efficiency and reducing costs.



The establishment of a partnership with Stellenbosch University aims to fast-track the development of AI-enabled technologies, robotics, and automation in South Africa. This collaboration is expected to contribute to the growth of core engineering capabilities and skills among locals.



Sustainability remains at the forefront of Enaex Africa&#8217;s initiatives. The company continues to extend successful Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs, with a focus on education and PDI development since its inception in 2020.



Enaex Africa is committed to investing in the production of Green Ammonia, a product that counteracts regular ammonia by reducing CO2 emissions, showcasing their dedication to environmental conservation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-introduction-of-green-ammonia-to-enaex-africa-will-combat-co2-emissions">“The introduction of Green Ammonia to Enaex Africa will combat CO2 emissions”</h2>



The future deployment of teleoperations and robotics is a central focus for Enaex Africa, where its fundamental value &#8220;Our Priority: Life&#8221; is ingrained.



This advanced technology not only eliminates the risk of human fatality from challenges such as underground instabilities but also positions Enaex as the first company to offer remote blasting solutions, revolutionizing the blasting process.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-taking-people-out-of-the-ground-to-ensure-a-safe-working-environment">“taking people out of the ground to ensure a safe working environment.”</h2>



Enaex Africa undergoes an annual evaluation for The Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI), consistently scoring in the 91st percentile, placing the company in the top 10% of performing companies in the sustainability field.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enaex-africa-in-the-top-10-of-performing-companies-for-dow-jones-sustainability-index">“Enaex Africa in the top 10% of performing companies for Dow Jones Sustainability Index”</h2>



In addition to environmental efforts, Enaex Africa takes strong steps towards caring for its employees and surrounding communities, emphasizing upskilling initiatives and the introduction of autonomous and robotics systems to create job opportunities, including those for individuals with physical disabilities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-autonomous-and-robotic-systems-can-create-more-job-opportunities-in-the-african-mining-industry">“New autonomous and robotic systems can create more job opportunities in the African mining industry”</h2>



Educational upliftment is also a priority for Enaex Africa, demonstrated through CSR projects such as the renovation of Bohlale Day Care in Ga-Phasha village. This project involved renovating classrooms, building new ablutions, starting a feeding scheme, and providing training initiatives.



Women&#8217;s empowerment and gender equality are strong focuses of Enaex, aiming to increase the representation of women in the mining industry, considering the lack of significant change in the field&#8217;s representation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enaex-africa-focus-on-women-empowerment">“Enaex Africa focus on women empowerment.”</h2>



Established as a subsidiary of Enaex and forming a joint venture with Sasol in July 2020, Enaex Africa is a world-class blasting services company currently ranked among the top explosive companies globally.



Looking ahead, the company envisions growth and prominence in the African mining industry through embracing technological innovation, the maintenance of community relations, and a commitment to sustainability and cost efficiency.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enaex-africa-aims-for-success-in-the-african-mining-industry-through-its-innovation-and-sustainability">&#8220;Enaex Africa aims for success in the African mining industry through its innovation and sustainability.&#8221;</h2>

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Embracing the Power of Positive Disruption: Enaex Africa’s Focus on Future Sustainability and Key Business Achievements at Mining Indaba 2024.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="820" height="608" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Nivaash-Singh-820x608.png" alt="" class="wp-image-461460" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Nivaash-Singh-820x608.png 820w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Nivaash-Singh-300x222.png 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Nivaash-Singh-121x90.png 121w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Nivaash-Singh-768x570.png 768w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Nivaash-Singh.png 1072w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Nivaash Singh, Co-Head: Mining and Resources Finance at Nedbank CIB.</figcaption></figure>



The mining sector stands at the forefront of the fight against climate change and is supported by innovative financing mechanisms such as &#8216;green loans&#8217;. However, a delicate equilibrium must be struck because, while mining fuels the transition to renewable energy, it simultaneously relies on minerals that are crucial for clean technologies. As the industry navigates this intricate landscape, enabling responsible mineral extraction becomes paramount, writes Nivaash Singh, Co-Head: Mining and Resources Finance at Nedbank CIB.



Mining has always been more than just extracting minerals from the ground. In South Africa it remains a significant part of the economy, as well as a major employer, exporter, and a driver of infrastructure development. However, today’s mining companies grapple with the dual challenge of adapting to global warming while ensuring the resilience and sustainability of their operations.



These efforts extend beyond merely reducing carbon emissions. Mining companies now address water management, biodiversity conservation, supply chain resilience, community engagement, and regulatory compliance. In the formal sector mining companies have taken substantial steps toward cleaner, greener, and more accountable operations. They adhere to local and international laws and onerous listing requirements. For instance, the Canadian Securities Administrators mandate that mining companies must report relevant information on environmental, permitting, and social factors related to mineral exploration, development, and production activities. The Toronto Stock Exchange also emphasises this in its listing standards for mineral exploration and development-stage mining companies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sustainability-linked-loans-a-new-paradigm">Sustainability-linked loans: a new paradigm</h2>



Mining companies that raise sustainability-linked loans undergo periodic evaluations by lenders. These evaluations focus on carefully constructed key performance indicators (KPIs) that are directly linked to the climate impact of mining operations and improved governance. By aligning funding with sustainability goals, financiers encourage mining companies to invest in environmentally beneficial projects.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-favourable-terms-and-conditions">Favourable terms and conditions</h2>



Sustainability-linked loans and green loans come with more favourable terms and conditions than traditional financing options, provided targets are met. These benefits include lower interest rates, extended repayment periods, and potentially reduced fees. The intention is clear: to facilitate the transition towards more sustainable practices in the mining sector.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consequences-for-high-carbon-emitters">Consequences for high-carbon emitters</h2>



For mining companies emitting high concentrations of carbon and neglecting their environmental, social and governance (ESG) responsibilities, the future is challenging. Accessing capital in debt and equity markets will become increasingly difficult. Buyers worldwide are prioritising climate-conscious supply chains, making it imperative for mining companies to address their carbon footprint.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transparency-and-accountability">Transparency and accountability</h2>



Stakeholders often express scepticism about the accuracy of ESG reporting. To address these concerns, mining companies must enhance transparency and accountability. But there’s a more valuable currency beyond reports: the social license to operate. Communities affected by mining operations should be compensated and actively engaged in decision-making processes. Earning this social license is paramount.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-social-license-to-operate-a-precious-commodity">The social license to operate: a precious commodity</h2>



The social license to operate allows a mining company not only to establish operations in a specific area but also to operate alongside local communities while extracting minerals for profit. A robust social licence hinges on trust between the company and these communities. Trust is built through actions that are rooted in integrity, sincerity, fairness, and the ability to make and deliver on commitments.



When a mining company holds a firm social licence, its ESG reporting is readily accepted by stakeholders without scepticism. Conversely, without this trust, even the most transparent ESG reports may fall short. Therefore, the single most critical approval rating or operating credential for any mining company lies in its social licence to operate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kenmare-resources-a-model-for-success">Kenmare Resources: A model for success</h2>



London-listed Kenmare Resources exemplifies this principle. As the sole owner of the Moma Mine in the north-eastern parts of Mozambique, Kenmare produces 7% of the world’s titanium feedstocks (ilmenite and rutile) and zircon. With an estimated lifespan of over a century at current production levels, the company has gone to great lengths to ensure that the local community walks its journey alongside it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community-centric-initiatives">Community-centric initiatives</h2>



When Kenmare Resources began constructing the mine in 2004, it took a proactive step by establishing the non-profit organisation Kenmare Moma Development Association. This association drives development programmes within the host communities, focusing on livelihoods, economic development, education, and healthcare, as well as water and sanitation. In 2022, Kenmare invested $3&nbsp;million in community initiatives while reporting a record profit of $206&nbsp;million after tax. By prioritising transparency, accountability and social responsibility, Kenmare has maintained stakeholder trust, minimised social risks and achieved sustainable outcomes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mining-and-clean-energy-an-interdependent-relationship">Mining and clean energy: An interdependent relationship</h2>



While mining companies strive for decarbonisation, they face a delicate balance. On the 1&nbsp;hand, they are essential suppliers of critical minerals and crucial raw materials like manganese, nickel, cobalt, copper, vanadium, graphite, and lithium that are all needed for renewable energy technologies and are integral to wind turbines and batteries. On the other hand, mining operations themselves contribute to carbon emissions.



To navigate this challenge, mining companies can take several steps to decarbonise their operations, eg:



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Energy efficiency: Introduce energy-efficient technologies and practices.</li>



<li>Transport optimisation: Optimise transport and logistics.</li>



<li>Carbon capture and storage: Implement carbon capture and storage solutions.</li>



<li>Environmental stewardship: Invest in reforestation, land rehabilitation and water conservation.</li>



<li>Waste recovery: Extract valuable metals from waste streams.</li>
</ol>



Moreover, collaboration across the value chain is essential. Mining companies can partner with renewable energy firms, equipment manufacturers and engineering companies to accelerate the development and adoption of cleaner energy solutions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-setting-an-example-for-industries-worldwide">Setting an example for industries worldwide</h2>



By harnessing renewable energy, embracing technology, engaging with communities, and forging partnerships, the mining sector reshapes its own operations while setting an example for industries globally. As we harmonise the contribution of the mining industry to renewable energy and climate action, we recognise that the social licence to operate remains more valuable than any ESG report. Through this lens, mining companies can genuinely lead the change towards a sustainable future.

Nivaash-Singh

Harmonising the mining sector’s contribution to renewable energy and climate change

As we anticipate Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana&#8217;s upcoming national budget speech, it&#8217;s crucial to analyse key factors that will shape South Africa&#8217;s economic trajectory. The budget isn&#8217;t just about numbers on a spreadsheet; it&#8217;s a reflection of our nation&#8217;s priorities and commitments. Here, Associate Professor David Warneke, Partner at BDO South Africa, shares his insights into what we might expect and the resulting implications for our country’s economic future.



First, and as intimated by the President in his SONA address, it is almost a certainty that the Minister will announce a continuation of the Social Relief of Distress Grant. Having already factored in an extension of the grant in the medium term budget until March 2025, it is unlikely the minister will go back on this. The reason for this is simple. This grant, vital for around nine million South Africans, underscores the government’s commitment to supporting vulnerable segments of society, especially in an election year. That said, with a cost of approximately R44 billion a year, the grant’s long-term sustainability and impact on the national budget merits careful consideration.



Perhaps a more contentious issue will be the question of public service wages. Last year&#8217;s budget projected a 0% increase, with subsequent negotiations resulting in a 7.5% raise. As we approach another election cycle, the government may seek to avoid negotiations and go directly ahead with proposing a modest increase of around 5-6% to appease public servants.



Any sort of increase, however, does raise concerns around the sustainability of our public wage bill, particularly when compared to international standards. South Africa has one of the highest paid public sectors in the world, with a total wage bill 3.5% higher than the average of OECD countries. This makes up around a third of total government expenditure, and is not performance-based, meaning increases are applied across the board.



As for education, the need for an increase in funding for NSFAS is crucial, given recent medium term budget cuts that threatened around 87 000 students&#8217; access to higher education. Investing in education is investing in the future of our nation, but it must be done responsibly to ensure long-term economic benefits.



However, dreams of a basic income grant may remain deferred, given current economic constraints. In the past, Minister Godongwana rightly emphasised the need for sustainable economic growth to finance such initiatives. Implementing a basic income grant requires a stable economic foundation, which we must prioritise building before introducing such a measure into the budget.



The National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill looms large, yet substantial budget allocations may be deferred amid constitutional challenges. Similarly, the fate of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) remains uncertain, with discussions on mergers and closures ongoing. Any decisions must balance fiscal responsibility with the need to streamline operations and improve efficiency. Once again, given elections, it is doubtful that anything will be announced here as it might imply job cuts.



An SOE issue however that demands urgent attention is Transnet’s operational and financial woes. For some time now private sector involvement has been touted as a potential solution, with the previous announcement of a R47 billion guarantee given to Transnet to enable it to raise funding.



Another contentious proposal has been the potential use of some of the country&#8217;s gold and foreign currency contingency reserves — amounting in total to around R500 billion — to help alleviate public debt. While tempting, it is important to remain cautious of this option as it is a short-term fix for deeper structural issues, which are of our own making. South Africa must create an investor-friendly climate to stimulate growth and rather reduce reliance on reserve funds — in this case, there is no such thing as an easy out.



Tax hikes also present a looming spectre, with the Minister announcing the need to extract an additional R15 billion of taxes in the medium term budget. But doing so would risk further burdening an already strained populace, which the Minister may not want to do ahead of the polls. Additional tax may also be extracted through less than full inflationary relief from bracket creep.



Overall, the national budget, as always, will be a balancing act between short-term needs and long-term sustainability. The current trajectory of our public debt, especially given the high cost of interest, is a point of concern. It is important then that whatever measures the Minister proposes to fund current expenditure does not come at too great a risk to long term sustainability — or the scales will be further tipped against us.

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Predicting the Tides of South Africa’s National Budget

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="820" height="547" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/EDTECH-2023-DAY-1-545-820x547.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-457724" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/EDTECH-2023-DAY-1-545-820x547.jpg 820w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/EDTECH-2023-DAY-1-545-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/EDTECH-2023-DAY-1-545-135x90.jpg 135w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/EDTECH-2023-DAY-1-545-768x513.jpg 768w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/EDTECH-2023-DAY-1-545-1536x1026.jpg 1536w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/EDTECH-2023-DAY-1-545-scaled.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /></figure>



Over the next 30 years, most of the world’s workforce will come from Africa. This presents an opportunity for more attention and investment in the continent, specifically within Africa’s education system. Investing in education is an opportunity to not only support the development of the continent, but also to empower and lift a generation from poverty, inequality, and social disparities.



According to the <a href="https://au.int/en/AU_ECHO_2024_CALL_FOR_PAPERS#:~:text=Education%20is%20also%20associated%20with,of%20CESA%20and%20SDG4%20targets.">African Union</a>, progress in education has a far-reaching impact on all the other aspects of human capital development.



Building a new social contract for Africa through education and skills development is not just an aspiration; it is a commitment that the continent must make. These investments can take many forms, such as developing capacity for educators, building and operating infrastructure that will broaden access, investing in educational technology, providing scholarships, championing evidence-based policies and strategies and many more.



There is a need therefore, for a shift in the approach to education and skills development required to move beyond traditional models and embrace innovative methods that harness technology, creativity, and experiential learning.



The February edition of the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Mondays sought to explore what investments are needed to transform Africa’s education systems and what role EdTech plays in achieving transformative learning outcomes across the continent. What areas should be prioritized where investments in education are concerned and how countries can build resilient education systems were discussed at length.



Krista Davidson, the Executive Director of Injini, a South African EdTech accelerator and think tank, emphasized that more investment is required to address two critical issues: connectivity, and empowering teachers to comprehensively implement learner-centered models of education.



Panelists agreed that one area to prioritize where investments in education are concerned is teacher training. Teachers require adequate training and support. It was noted that the lack of thorough training for educators was an obstacle preventing the continent from achieving improved learning outcomes.



“South Africa, for instance, requires 25,000 new teachers annually, against the 6,000 available. There is a shortage of sufficiently qualified teachers,” Krista went on to state.



Nissi Madu, Managing Partner at Co-creation Hub (CcHUB), Africa’s foremost technology innovation centre in Nigeria, echoed Krista’s opinions. Nissi highlighted a need to monitor and evaluate the continent’s learning systems to ensure that learners get the right kind of education for today’s fast-changing digitally driven economies.



Nissi went on to note that addressing the teacher challenge is an issue that requires continuous support as this, in turn, strengthens the continent’s education systems.



The African Union declared 2024 as the year of education in Africa, with a reinforced focus on advocacy for increased investment and commitment to education.



John Kimotho, an education consultant and expert at EdTech Hub in Kenya, went on to note that “Africa needs to invest and focus on education systems that are learner-centered and that prepare the learner to be a global product capable of settling in and working anywhere in the world.”



While teacher training remains imperative, countries need to design curriculums that can be quickly adopted and that are flexible enough for the future.



“Each learner has their own unique potential. We just need the right content and teachers who can capably deliver this content. Digital skills are important in this regard as well. So, Africa just must be able to systematically tailor its educational content to deliver value to its learners,” John added. “While, at the moment, our investment in education is good, the question should be, are we organizing this investment in the right way?”



To achieve transformative change within our education systems, the panelists emphasized and further highlighted the importance of policy and partnerships, asserting that the onus is on the different industry players to inform the right policies by collaborating with policymakers in implementing policies geared towards building resilient educational systems.



“Learning is not learning until there are learning outcomes,” John Kimotho said, “If practice is ahead of policy, we the practitioners need to help the policy makers and guide the framework that is going to compliment the innovations that are coming to ensure that no learner is left behind.”



“Innovation and technology, can do a lot in enhancing the education systems continentally,” Krista added. “Policymakers need to be well informed so that the policies they develop, and implement are appropriate, and in line with the continent’s educational requirements now and in future.”



Nissi shared these views stating that “there must be collaborations between both the public and private sectors, and concerted efforts among all stakeholders to drive the adoption of EdTech, this will improve learning outcomes. Leveraging innovation and technology, offers an opportunity for even more improvements, more so, within the EdTech ecosystem.”



The panel of experts expressed their optimism, acknowledging that there have already seen positive investments and collaboration in the continent particularly in EdTech. Platforms such as EdTech Mondays by Mastercard Foundation facilitate critical conversations on the use of technology for teaching and learning by bringing together key stakeholders that include policy makers, EdTech entrepreneurs, teachers, and parents.



To get the right outcomes and achieve a paradigm shift in transformative education, investment in teacher training needs to be prioritized across the continent. Collaborations between policy makers, investors and players in the EdTech sector should be encouraged. There is a need to be intentional about learning outcomes and ensuring relevance of education to create learners for the future.



Watch February&#8217;s edition of Ed-Tech Monday: Investment in Education for Transformative Learning 



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</div></figure>

EDTECH-2023-DAY-1-545

Investment In Education for Transformative Learning

As the race for valuable commodities intensifies, it is increasingly evident that geopolitical competition will catalyse a wave of Mergers and Acquisitions (M&amp;A), reshaping the landscape of Africa’s resource-rich industries. India, the United States (US), Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are all poised to commit further investment to the continent and Africa will need to find ways to maximise its investment attractiveness amidst global upheaval.



The rise of the “metals of the future” has seen&nbsp;global demand for cobalt, copper, lithium and manganese, rare earths among other minerals, soar to levels where demand exceeds current production levels.&nbsp; China&nbsp;dominates critical mineral supply in many of these levels. &nbsp;It accounts for over 70% of rare earths extraction and 90% of processing including 90% of the world’s neodymium and praseodymium, the key metals for EV magnets ,and could potentially control up to a third of the lithium mining capacity by as early as 2025. &nbsp;



To feed this, China has taken an increasingly active role in Africa as it seeks to secure access to these key resources.



With shifting geo-politics across the globe, we have seen a number of parties respond with their own moves into Africa.



The current Biden Administration has declared that the United States is “all in on Africa, and all in with Africa,” meaning that the US is keen to assist African countries to use their critical mineral resources for economic development while helping to strengthen supply chains that are diverse, open and predictable. Historically, the USA has had limited commercial engagement with Africa so this change in strategic outlook is fundamental and will drive investment in the region.



This will be assisted by the US and its 2022 efforts in driving the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) which is made up of Australia, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Norway, the Republic of Korea, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union.



Its goal of catalysing public and private investments into sustainable, responsible critical supply chains (from mining and extraction, to processing and refining, to recycling) will have to have a real impact on Africa.



Saudi Arabia is a powerful ally for the United States. I Its proximity to Africa will enable it to play an increasingly important role in terms of M&amp;A in the mining sector – particularly as the sector has been identified as a critical element of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a government-led programme aimed at economic diversification away from oil.



It is clear that Saudi Arabia intends to operate across the globe and appears keener to hold equity in mining companies over actually operating them. Its recent invite to participate in the BRICS cluster may also accelerate its entrance into Africa.



As examples, Saudi Arabian Mining Co (Ma&#8217;aden)&nbsp;and the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) acquired 10% of Brazilian Vale&#8217;s base metal unit and have formed a joint venture called Manara Minerals as vehicle for further acquisitions. Ma’aden also acquired a 9.9% percent&nbsp;stake in Ivanhoe Electric, a U.S. mineral exploration group and is part of an equal<a href="https://www.barrick.com/English/operations/jabal-sayid/default.aspx"> joint venture agreement</a>&nbsp;with Barrick Gold for the Jabal Sayid copper mine.



Manara Minerals has indicated it has over $15bn to invest in mining assets globally over the next few years. &nbsp;



The support by Africa for Saudi is shown in that over&nbsp;<a href="https://www.futuremineralsforum.com/ministerial-roundtables/">25 African governments</a>&nbsp;were present at the Future Minerals Forum, held by the Saudi Arabian government, in Riyadh in January 2024.&nbsp;



The UAE is another Gulf player with its eye on Africa. The United Arab Emirates&#8217; International Resources Holdings is the new strategic equity partner in Mopani Copper Mines in Zambia and has also recently teamed up with London Stock Exchange (LSE) listed Jubilee Metals to process significant copper tailing deposits, again in Zambia.



Last but not least, India itself is a force to be reckoned with as China grapples with some of its internal economic challenges which has seen it focus inwardly on its own domestic market. India and Africa have been long-standing trade partners across multiple industries and mining and resources are no different. The total trade in the mining and mineral sector between India and Africa since 2001 stands at $43.13 billion, with Indian net imports around 77%.



Africa is attractively positioned as global powers seek to identify key investment assets on the continent. However, it is important that the continent focuses on two elements.



The first is that Africa has often struggled with a fractious relationship with international investors who have viewed their activities on the continent as extractive by nature. This has limited the economic benefit being realised by the countries and communities who are home to these valuable resources. It is key that this mining is done in a sustainable manner with a focus on long-term benefits.



The second is the importance of developing an environment which is attractive to the best long-term investors, rather than short-term partners. To obtain this financial and investment support, Africa will need to strengthen its governance practices, be more open and consistent in its regulatory frameworks and allow a broader distribution of benefits to its own people.



If Africa can get this right, it will reap the economic benefits for years to come.

2010003 Absa_Design Indaba_Homepage banner 1440×656 image Diamond

Shifting geopolitics brings multiple suitors to African mining M&A

African-based mining and resource companies which have invested in renewable energy infrastructure over the last few years are not only reaping the benefits through access to cheaper power but also achieving sustainability goals identified by stakeholders including lenders looking to fund expansion. &nbsp;



Sustainable financing is becoming an increasingly topical issue for both bank and non-bank financing institutions and mining companies will feel the pinch at the balance sheet level if they are not embracing a shift towards clean energy projects. This could be encapsulated in possibly lower funding costs for clean energy projects. Due to ‘Traceability’ considerations by certain markets – for example pending European Union (EU) legislation, or possible London Metal Exchange (LME) requirements &#8211; the price paid for certain commodities including green copper and green steel &#8211; could be higher. At the same time, the demand for commodities that do not meet this threshold could wane as the price becomes more expensive due to additional carbon and other taxes or restrictions imposed by such legislation or guidelines.



Some of South Africa’s largest mining and resource business have recognised this and have proactively invested in energy infrastructure which is not only supporting their operational needs through energy access but is also aligning with sustainability goals and growth strategies.



A key development in 2023 was the recognition that generation was only part of the equation when it comes to energy infrastructure and storage; transmission and distribution will be the focus areas in the foreseeable future.



The November announcement of the first four bidders for phase 1 of the&nbsp;Battery Energy Storage Independent Power Procurement (BESIPPP) Programme is an important milestone which will provide a catalyst for further energy storage projects on the continent. Traditionally, electricity is a commodity that could not affordably be stored &#8211; with very limited storage capacity existing mainly in the form of pumped storage.



BESS (Battery Energy Storage Systems) would allow for electricity storage and dispatchability on an ‘as-needed’ basis and will assist to unlock grid capacity in congested areas where surplus generation &#8211; for example from the Northern Cape &#8211; can be stored during the day and released during peak demand periods.&nbsp; The investment into transmission grid capacity would help unlock the bottlenecks that currently exist and allow for more generation capacity, including decentralised generation capacity, to be built.



While South African businesses have made significant progress in the rollout of renewable energy projects to support the mining sector and drive sustainability, most of the rest of Africa has not kept pace with SA. Notwithstanding this, there have been some very notable activity on the continent:



As an example:



1) Zambia has been an interesting country to watch as it is undergoing a significant shift in its energy infrastructure. The country has a relatively low generation base – roughly 2800MW – of which 85% is via hydro-electric power. Climate change has severely impacted rainfall patterns in the country and the State Owned Power utility (ZESCO) has been forced to implement load-shedding as a result of lower than expected hydro-generation capacity.&nbsp; This has curtailed investment in key sectors including agriculture and mining.



Considering that Zambia is one of the top 10 copper producers in the world, home to one of the largest nickel mines in Africa, a leader in gemstones and is considered a key supplier in the electric vehicle battery supply chain for battery minerals, these crippling power issues will &nbsp;impact the ability of the country to unlock its economic potential.



The country will experience increased investment in its clean energy sector to help diversify its generation base and provide stability to the mining sector, noting that mining companies are also turning to captive power initiatives to augment its grid power supply.



2) Egypt is another country which is worth watching closely – particularly with its ties to the Middle-East – and its proximity to Europe. &nbsp;



As a country which is rich in resources including oil, gas, gold, phosphate, tantalum and other minerals, developments in its energy sector are of paramount importance to support these energy intensive industries. The country enjoys a combination of flat terrain, glorious levels of sunlight and wind which makes it a destination of choice for renewable energy projects and capital-intensive green hydrogen projects.



Despite this, less than 10% of its nearly 60GW of installed capacity is delivered via non-fossil fuel sources. The country has set itself a goal of securing $1bn in new mining project investment by 2030 and through its abundance of clean energy sources – wind, solar and hydro – it has the potential to be a destination of choice for mining houses.&nbsp;



Investment in power is the precursor to any energy-intensive business. Mining and resource companies which have recognised that investments in distributed, affordable clean energy infrastructure will be a comparative advantage are likely to find themselves better positioned relative to peers who have under-invested in this area. As an active financier in the mining and renewable energy space, we look forward to continue working with our clients on transformative projects in 2024 and beyond.

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Energy infrastructure becomes a competitive advantage to Resources companies

Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) investments coupled with a focus on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) frameworks, could provide a powerful combination for developing local manufacturing capacity to support the African mining and resources sector.



Environmental factors within ESG are possibly the best-understood element of the framework while people are less familiar with the ‘Social’ and ‘Governance’ pillars.



The social pillar has been particularly difficult to define &#8211; and even more so to measure. Nonetheless, it remains critically important and can be a key contributor to growing the trust placed in organisations by their customers, employees and the broader society in which it operates.



Broadly defined, the ‘Social’ pillar refers to the organisation’s values including policies and practices related to business ethics, diversity and inclusion, supply chain management and the social impact of its operations.



From an ESD viewpoint our focus on the ‘S’ looks at driving localisation and financial inclusion which we believe ultimately assist in job creation.



In the past, the emphasis on local participation has been propelled by diverse local content frameworks, such as Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) in South Africa and Citizen Economic Empowerment in Botswana. These frameworks, encompassing various components, facilitate the sourcing of goods and services from local Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), contributing to the development of the industrial base in crucial production sectors and manufacturing.



The mining industry has effectively embraced these frameworks, demonstrating robust ESD programs throughout the continent. These initiatives not only emphasise granting SMEs and local businesses access to procurement opportunities but also ensure they receive the necessary funding and business development support to execute these opportunities sustainably. Consequently, procurement targets within ESD programs are nearing fulfilment.



However, a key shift is currently taking place with many ESD practitioners recognising that much of the local procurement is taking place through middlemen and agents rather than developing local capacity, resulting in organisations being unable to truly diversify their supply chains.



A recent visit to a client operating in the mining sector highlighted how they are starting to unpack their value chain to identify goods that can be manufactured and sourced locally. Items such as chemicals and lubricants, Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), and rollers used in conveyor belts have been identified as potential products for local manufacturing.&nbsp;



A focus on developing local manufacturing capacity will de-risk supply chains, create sustainable local businesses and most importantly, drive job creation. Mining businesses need to remember that a key part of their license to operate will be the sustainability of communities surrounding their operations. As such, ESD investments should be considered a key component of their stakeholder engagement.



Mining executives facing operational headwinds will, however, be walking a tightrope as they balance community obligations with investor pressure to deliver profits.



We need to be cognisant of the fact that certain resource sectors are facing operational headwinds including a pullback in commodity prices and higher debt-servicing costs. Spending for ESD programmes is typically linked to profitability. As such, the sustainability of initiatives may be impacted in the short-term.



This cyclical nature of commodity cycles further highlights the need for ESD investments to assist in creating sustainable businesses and industries through sponsoring projects that drive local manufacturing.



Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) including the African Development Bank and Development Bank of South Africa (DBSA) are focused on developing local manufacturing capacity. Governments and policymakers have also recognised that manufacturing is a capital-intensive sector that requires a combination of seed funding and Research and Development (R&amp;D) grants and incentives. We expect further funding to be made available here to de-risk ESD contributions from mining houses. &nbsp;



The mining sector across the continent is a large marketplace for manufactured goods and the future of ESD must promote local manufacturing which will drive the creation of jobs which all tie back to the ‘Social’ pillar in ESG. Mining executives have recognised the importance of working with skilled partners who have on-the-ground knowledge on the African continent to realise this opportunity. As a bank, we are looking forward to engaging in transformative projects that will unlock greater local manufacturing capacity in 2024.

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Mining sector ESD and ESG can be catalysts for African manufacturing

31 January 2024 &#8211; Davos, Switzerland.&nbsp; Africa Collective, with the AfCFTA Secretariat as patronage partner, scaled up its Davos presence during the time of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting between 15-19 January 2024, with the objective of providing a complementary platform to amplify and exchange on African topics at the gathering of world leaders. A key focus of the Africa Collective week was to discuss the investment climate on the African continent as well as how to leverage opportunities and resolve existing challenges in doing business, all in the context of accelerating the implementation of the AfCFTA.



The weeklong program included several high-level sessions, each bringing together between 50-80 key decision makers from the public and private sectors. The week commenced with a welcome luncheon entitled “Paving the Way: Commodity-led Industrialization on the African Continent” including panel insights from Denys Denya, Executive Vice President, Afreximbank; Sanjeev Gupta, Executive Director Financial Services, Africa Finance Corporation; and Eugene Mayne, CEO, Tristar Group. This was followed by a breakfast roundtable in partnership with Novartis, focused on the topic “Moving the needle: From health ‘spend’ to healthcare as an investment” with interventions by H.E. Wamkele Mene, Secretary General, AfCFTA Secretariat; H.E. Helene Budliger Artieda, State Secretary of the Swiss State Secretariat of Economic Affairs (SECO); Lutz Hegemann, President Global Health &amp; Sustainability, Novartis; Angela Gichaga, Founder &amp; President, Financing Alliance for Health; H.E. Christian Frutiger, Vice-director, Head of the Thematic Cooperation Division, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation. A digital &amp; art showcase networking cocktail then brought together global &amp; African leaders with talented African artists and high potential startups.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="820" height="547" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/TDU04184-820x547.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-451732" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/TDU04184-820x547.jpg 820w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/TDU04184-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/TDU04184-135x90.jpg 135w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/TDU04184-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/TDU04184-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/TDU04184.jpg 1620w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /></figure>



In partnership with Standard Bank, the final breakfast roundtable examined the topic “&#8217;Unleashing potential: Africa&#8217;s place in attracting future allocation of capital pools”, featuring contributions by Sim Tshabalala, CEO, Standard Bank Group; Leila Fourie, Group CEO, Johannesburg Stock Exchange; Jürgen Rigterink, First Vice President, European Bank for Reconstruction &amp; Development (EBRD); and Dr. Armstrong Takang, CEO, Ministry of Finance Incorporated (Nigeria).



The week concluded with the customary Africa Collective closing &amp; outlook luncheon. Under the theme “Navigating Business Realities for Scalable African Solutions”, four panelists &#8211; H.E. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation &amp; Digital Economy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; H.E. Wamkele Mene, Secretary General, AfCFTA Secretariat; Nonkululeko Nyembezi, Chairman, Standard Bank Group; and Lutz Hegemann, President of Global Health &amp; Sustainability, Novartis &#8211; discussed how the public and private sectors can concretely unlock opportunities on the continent. Interventions from invited private sector leaders provided concrete examples of corporate initiatives and investments throughout the continent.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="820" height="547" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/TDU04125-820x547.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-451734" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/TDU04125-820x547.jpg 820w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/TDU04125-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/TDU04125-135x90.jpg 135w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/TDU04125-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/TDU04125-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/TDU04125.jpg 1620w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /></figure>



Key learnings from the week center on how the private sector plays a key role in accelerating the implementation of the AfCFTA in a sustainable way. Across the diverse industries represented in the program, the following outcomes stood out from the conversations held throughout the week:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Collaboration and alignment between the public and private sectors are crucial for creating initiatives that positively impact the trajectory of the African continent.</li>



<li>Strong institutions and regulatory harmonization on the African continent ensure predictability and create an enabling environment for doing business. This nurtures trust with the business and investor communities.</li>



<li>While the AfCFTA provides an enabling environment for doing business, the private sector needs to leverage opportunities the free trade agreement has created and actively contribute to its implementation and development.</li>



<li>Physical and Digital Infrastructure are critical to driving industrialization on the continent and to leapfrog toward new forms of industrialization, services and business.</li>



<li>Strengthening value chains across different sectors requires a mix of efforts including but not limited to: investment in infrastructure; early stage investment in projects that support the strengthening of value chains; increasing sustainable power generation, transmission and distribution to build industrial capacity; skills development and training; and capacity building.</li>



<li>The private sector plays a role in the empowerment and wellbeing of communities through initiatives, job creation and providing access to healthcare and basic services.</li>
</ul>



These discussions were shaped by the following Africa Collective corporate partners: Lead Partners Novartis and Standard Bank Group; Corporate Partners Old Mutual Limited, Ringier AG and Tristar Group; Supporting Partners OmniBiz and Fin.



Lead Media Partner Business Insider Africa, CNBC Africa and African Business provided coverage throughout the week with CNBC Africa and African Business moderating three separate sessions of the agenda.



In the 12-month leadup to Africa Collective Davos 2025, the Africa Collective will be present at key events on the African continent, as it continues to grow its network of actionable exchange and collaboration on African opportunities.

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