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Founder Fridays: Oplene Group
South Africa continues to battle unequal access to assistive digital solutions for learners and citizens living with disabilities. When asked about the real gap in accessibility, Tieho Tsiane, founder of Oplene Group, answered in a way that cut through industry noise: “Internet access doesn’t equal independence. The missing link has always been clarity.” Tieho explained
THE MINING WRAP
BHP and Rio Tinto have taken delivery of the first Caterpillar battery-electric haul trucks for large-scale trials at their Pilbara iron-ore operations. Announced on 5 December 2025, the trials form part of Caterpillar’s Early Learner program, which partners with major miners to validate battery performance under real mining conditions. China tests new 5G autonomous mining
Galp and TotalEnergies Finalize Mopane Asset Swap Deal
Portugal’s Galp has reached an agreement with France’s TotalEnergies regarding the Mopane oil discovery offshore Namibia, according to international media reports citing a company statement released on Tuesday. The deal follows months of Galp’s efforts to secure a partner for Mopane, which emerged from its 2023–2024 drilling campaign. Under the agreement, TotalEnergies will assume operatorship
How Far Has Autonomous Haulage Come in African Mining?
Autonomous haulage arrived in Africa wrapped in bold promises, futuristic imagery and a wave of industry hype. It was sold as the breakthrough that would rewrite mining productivity, eliminate human-error risks and catapult operations into a fully digital era. But hype is one thing real transformation is another. So, has autonomous haulage actually delivered, and
Why Delaying Automation Will Become a Liability for SMEs in 2026
SMEs are reaching a point where manual management can no longer keep pace with the speed and volume of today’s markets. Ordinary Un-automated systems are now struggling under the demands of modern-day business speeds, exposing firms to operational friction, rising costs and a steadily shrinking competitive edge. As 2026 approaches, SMEs that remain tied to
Cameroon Edges Closer to Medusa Africa Cable Connection After MoU Completion
Cameroon has advanced its plan to join the Medusa Africa submarine cable network, a major upgrade to the country’s international connectivity. The memorandum of understanding has been completed and forwarded to the Presidency for sign-off, the final administrative step before the state confirms its participation. The Cameroonian segment is budgeted at 32.8 billion CFA francs
Libya to Award First Oil and Gas Concessions in 18 Years
Libya plans to reveal the companies selected for its new oil and gas concessions between February and March 2026, the National Oil Corporation (NOC) announced on Monday. This will be the country’s first exploration licensing round in 18 years. Scope of the Licensing Round The tender covers about 20 onshore and offshore blocks. Several major
Are Small African Businesses Moving Toward Flexible Talent Structures?
Flexible talent models have become a defining element of how small African enterprises navigate unpredictable markets. They emerged from necessity an environment marked by erratic demand, inconsistent revenue cycles and the rising cost of maintaining fixed payrolls. Entrepreneurs have learned to assemble teams that expand, contract and reorganize in response to real operational pressures. This
Askari Metals Secures Funding for Nejo Drilling Program in Ethiopia
Askari Metals Ltd announced on Friday that it has secured A$1.15 million (US$760,000) in commitments from both existing shareholders and new investors to advance work at its newly acquired gold project in Ethiopia. First Phase Drilling Program Ready to Begin The capital injection will fund the company’s initial drilling campaign of 3,000–5,000 metres at the
Why Flexible Capital Will Determine Which SMEs Survive 2026
It is clear that 2025 highlighted a blunt reality: access to practical, adaptable finance stood in the way of thousands of SMEs and entrepreneurs seeking to expand, modernise, or enter new markets. Many operated with ambition, reliable demand, and robust ideas, yet were held hostage by financial structures that were rigid, outdated, and disconnected from
Digital Skills Training as a Pathway for Women in Mining Operations Now
Mining operations are steadily integrating advanced tools ranging from sensor-driven equipment to remote operating platforms creating new entry points for women who were historically excluded from on-site production roles. As control rooms replace manual interfaces and data dashboards guide decision-making, digital skills training has become a practical route for women to build long-term careers across
Founder Fridays: LeeConnect
South Africa continues to battle unequal access to higher-education guidance and career information, especially for learners outside major advisory networks. Amid these challenges, education and tech entrepreneur Lindelwa Mahlalela is expanding access through Leeconnect, a step-by-step education guidance platform that helps young people understand university entry requirements, choose qualifying courses, prepare CVs, build interview skills,
THE MINING WRAP
Ivanhoe Mines has begun the heat-up and commissioning phase of its 500,000 tpa direct-to-blister copper smelter at the Kamoa-Kakula Complex. The facility will significantly increase in-country processing capacity, reducing the need for third-party smelters while improving value retention within the DRC’s copper supply chain. Sandvik Technology Unlocks Higher Throughput in GhanaGold operation in Ghana has
Are Hydrogen Haul Trucks Ready for Mining and Are Costs Finally Falling?
The mining industry is under rising pressure to decarbonise, modernise its fleets, and cut the lifecycle costs associated with diesel-heavy operations. Among the technologies gaining global attention, hydrogen-powered haul trucks stand out as one of the most daring and ambitious attempts to rethink mining mobility. But the key questions remain, Is the technology ready, and
Vodacom Tanzania Unveils M-Pesa Global Payments
Vodacom Tanzania has rolled out a major expansion of its mobile money capabilities with the debut of M-Pesa Global Payments, a cross-border payment service built to speed up, streamline, and secure international transactions for both consumers and businesses. Unveiled on 27 November 2025, the service allows M-Pesa customers to settle payments with merchants across the
What Small Businesses Need to Thrive in 2026
Small businesses continue to play a critical role in economic growth, job creation and community development However, Inflationary pressure, increasing digital adoption, supply chain disruptions, evolving consumer behavior and shifting labor markets have all created the need for agility and resilience. As a result, sustaining operations is no longer enough. To grow, adapt and survive,
Ivanhoe Begins Heat Up of Africa’s ‘Largest, Greenest’ Copper Smelter in DRC
Ivanhoe Mines has begun the heat up phase of its 500,000 t/y direct to blister copper smelter at the Kamoa-Kakula complex in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), marking a major milestone toward full commissioning. The first feed of concentrate is expected by year-end, the Canadian miner said in a statement issued on December 1.
Zimbabwe Introduces 15% Tax on Foreign Digital Services
Zimbabwe has announced a 15% tax on payments made to foreign digital-service platforms, denoting a tighter approach to taxing cross border digital consumption. Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube introduced the measure during the 2026 national budget presentation, confirming that the levy will take effect on 1 January 2026. The tax applies to all transactions routed to
Wise Secures Regulatory Go Ahead for South African Market Entry
Global fintech firm Wise has secured conditional approval from the South African Reserve Bank (SARB). The licence allows Wise to operate as a Category 2 Authorised Dealer in Foreign Exchange with Limited Authority. This approval brings Wise closer to its South African launch and is the company’s first licensed market in Africa. Cross-Border Payments Market
Why Africa’s Job Statistics Start with Small Businesses
Africa’s employment arithmetic begins long before national agencies convert reality into reports. The continent’s job statistics originate in small businesses because hiring momentum is set by proximity to demand. Growth reflects daily commerce, service pressure, supply expectations, maintenance cycles, deliveries, sales, and the improvisational endurance of founders who expand patiently, incrementally, and often invisibly. Small