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Africa’s $30 Billion Energy Push: Will Mission 300 Deliver?

Africa’s $30 Billion Energy Push: Will Mission 300 Deliver?

Last week, more than two dozen African heads of state gathered in Dar es Salaam for a high-stakes summit on Mission 300—an ambitious initiative backed by the World Bank and the African Development Bank (AfDB) to bring electricity to 300 million people across the continent by 2030.

While the goal is undeniably bold, those leading the charge insist it’s within reach.

Andrew Herscowitz, CEO of the Mission 300 Accelerator—established by the Rockefeller Foundation—believes the initiative’s targets are not just aspirational but achievable.

With a mapped-out pipeline of 130 projects and a funding pool of $30 billion in concessional loans and grants, Mission 300 aims to revolutionize energy access without placing undue financial strain on African governments.

A Game-Changer for Africa’s Energy Landscape

At its core, Mission 300 isn’t just about expanding electricity access—it’s about economic transformation.

Reliable energy is the backbone of industrial growth, job creation, and improved living standards.

With nearly 600 million Africans still lacking electricity, the initiative could unlock new opportunities in education, healthcare, and entrepreneurship.

Unlike past efforts that leaned heavily on private-sector funding, Mission 300 is taking a more balanced approach.

The World Bank and AfDB are offering concessional financing—some loans with 40-year terms and interest rates as low as 1%—while philanthropic capital is stepping in to remove bottlenecks that have stalled energy projects in the past.

But funding alone isn’t enough. Governments must also play their part by implementing crucial policy reforms and committing resources to accelerate project execution.

Governments Under Pressure to Step Up

One of the summit’s major outcomes will be the signing of energy compacts by around a dozen African nations.

These agreements will outline country-specific commitments to strengthening power generation, transmission, and distribution networks.

“It’s not going to happen without governments having some skin in the game,” says Herscowitz. “We need them to prioritize domestic resources and push through necessary policy changes.”

A key focus will be on making utilities financially viable while also ensuring electricity remains affordable.

Reforms to improve governance, enhance efficiency, and attract private-sector investment will be crucial to long-term success.

Diverse Solutions for a Diverse Continent

Mission 300 is taking a technology-agnostic approach, ensuring that the most cost-effective solutions are deployed in each region.

While about half of the new connections will come from grid expansion, the rest will rely on mini-grids and solar home systems—especially in remote areas where extending the national grid is not practical.

Strengthening regional power interconnections will also be a priority.

By enabling electricity trade between countries, Africa can make better use of its abundant renewable resources—such as geothermal power in East Africa and hydropower in Central Africa—to create a more resilient and sustainable energy network.

A Defining Moment for Africa’s Energy Future

The Dar es Salaam summit marks a turning point in Africa’s electrification journey.

Beyond setting ambitious targets, it’s about mobilizing the right mix of financing, political will, and technical expertise to turn vision into reality.

With Africa possessing 60% of the world’s best solar potential—and renewable energy technology becoming increasingly cost-competitive—there’s no better time to act.

If successful, Mission 300 won’t just light up homes and businesses; it will illuminate a new path for Africa’s economic and social development.

The time for talk is over—Mission 300 is Africa’s moment to power forward.

 

From Innovation to Inclusion: Six Key Takeaways from Davos 2025

From Innovation to Inclusion: Six Key Takeaways from Davos 2025

 

Davos 2025 has wrapped, and as always, the annual gathering of world leaders, CEOs,and policymakers left behind a storm of ideas, debates, and behind-the-scenes dealmaking.

While AI-generated buzzwords flooded panels, six themes stood out—not just for their dominance on stage but for their lasting impact on the business world.

If your LinkedIn feed felt like a nonstop Davos play-by-play, chances are these were the topics filling your timeline.

1. AI’s Rapid Advance: Innovation or Overreach?

The AI arms race was the undisputed headline-grabber this year. Tech executives sparred over whether the breakneck pace of AI development is a triumph or a ticking time bomb.

The U.S. announced a staggering $500 billion investment in AI infrastructure, reinforcing its ambition to outpace China and the EU. But alongside the excitement came sharp warnings.

Leaders from DeepMind and OpenAI called for stronger governance, while businesses debated how to regulate AI without strangling its potential.

The overarching question? Whether AI will be the greatest accelerator of economic growth or the biggest existential risk we’ve ever faced.

2. Climate Policy: Pushback, Progress, and Political Reality

If last year’s climate talks at Davos were filled with optimism, this year had a starkly different tone.

President Trump’s push for deregulation and increased fossil fuel production has sparked uncertainty about whether global climate goals will hold firm.

European leaders, under pressure to keep up with U.S. economic growth, are reconsidering some of their own restrictive policies.

The phrase “green pragmatism” kept surfacing—suggesting a shift from idealistic climate pledges to a more business-friendly approach.

Meanwhile, investors are paying close attention to whether sustainability initiatives will be driven by market forces rather than government mandates.

3. Europe’s Economy: Fight or Flight?

After a decade of sluggish growth, European business leaders faced tough questions about whether the continent is still competitive.

With U.S. markets booming and Asian economies surging ahead, Europe’s regulatory red tape is increasingly seen as a barrier rather than a safeguard.

Some CEOs hinted at shifting operations abroad if changes aren’t made. Others are pushing for deep structural reforms—integrated capital markets, streamlined regulations, and energy independence.

The big challenge? Whether Europe can modernize without losing the protections that have long defined its economic model.

4. The Future of DEI: Pivot or Persevere?

Corporate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives have taken a hit, especially in the U.S., where new policies have scaled back federal DEI programs.

At Davos, this sparked intense debate. Some businesses are rebranding diversity efforts under different names to sidestep political backlash, while others remain vocal about their commitment.

The key takeaway? While the language around DEI is shifting, most companies aren’t abandoning it altogether.

Instead, they’re finding ways to integrate diversity goals into broader business strategies, focusing on measurable impact rather than optics.

5. Biodiversity and Business: A New Financial Frontier

A lesser-discussed but crucial theme this year was the growing integration of biodiversity into business strategy.

Leaders from Singapore and the EU stressed the need for new financial models to fund conservation efforts, with a $700 billion gap looming in environmental protection.

One bold idea: linking biodiversity credits to carbon markets, essentially creating financial incentives for companies to invest in nature.

Skeptics argue the system is too complex to scale, but if successful, it could redefine how businesses approach sustainability—moving from philanthropy to profitability.

6. Geopolitics and Business: A Fractured Global Economy

While Davos is traditionally about economic collaboration, the shadow of global conflict loomed large this year.

The war in Ukraine, ongoing tensions in the Middle East, and rising economic nationalism have made supply chain stability a top concern.

Many business leaders admitted they are rethinking globalization—not abandoning it, but hedging their bets by diversifying operations across multiple regions.

The golden age of free trade may be over, but companies are now playing a more strategic, calculated game to navigate an increasingly fragmented world.

Final Thoughts

Davos 2025 made one thing clear: the world is shifting fast, and businesses that don’t adapt will be left behind.

AI, climate strategy, economic reform, and geopolitical uncertainty are no longer future concerns—they’re today’s realities.

While the official panels wrapped up, the real conversations are just beginning.

Major Tech Players Join Forces in $500 Billion Stargate AI Initiative

Major Tech Players Join Forces in $500 Billion Stargate AI Initiative

A bold new initiative, the Stargate Project, has been launched with an eye-catching initial investment of $100 billion, with plans to grow this figure to at least $500 billion over the next four years.

Backed by a powerhouse group of companies—including OpenAI, SoftBank, Oracle, Microsoft, Arm, Nvidia, and the Middle Eastern AI fund MGX—this ambitious project is designed to build a next-generation artificial intelligence infrastructure in the United States.

The goal: to strengthen national security and spark economic growth on a massive scale.

The Leading Teams Behind the Project

OpenAI, under CEO Sam Altman, is taking charge of the operational side of the project, bringing its deep expertise in AI technology to the table.

SoftBank, led by Masayoshi Son, is managing the financial side of things, with Son also stepping into the role of chairman for the Stargate Project.

This marks a significant step for SoftBank as it continues to double down on its investment in the U.S., further cementing its commitment to innovation and economic progress.

Meanwhile, Oracle will provide the vital cloud infrastructure and AI computing power needed to support the project.

Microsoft, which has just updated its long-term agreement with OpenAI to extend their collaboration through 2030, will continue to play a critical role as a technical partner.

On top of that, Arm and Nvidia will bring their industry-leading expertise in chip manufacturing and AI hardware to ensure the infrastructure can meet the needs of this enormous undertaking.

The Economic and National Security Benefits

While the project’s main focus is on building cutting-edge infrastructure, it’s set to play a key role in revitalizing American industry.

The Stargate Project has the potential to create hundreds of thousands of new jobs, contributing to the country’s reindustrialization and offering a much-needed boost to both the tech and manufacturing sectors.

There’s also a significant national security angle: by strengthening the U.S.’s AI capabilities, the project will help ensure the country is well-positioned to protect its interests, as well as those of its allies, in an increasingly tech-driven world.

The first of what’s expected to be several data centers will break ground in Texas. This facility alone will consume nearly a gigawatt of energy by 2026—enough to power around 750,000 homes.

The scale of the energy needed for these centers highlights just how big this project is. As the initiative expands, more data centers will be planned across the country.

According to estimates from Goldman Sachs, by 2028, AI could account for 19% of the electricity consumption in data centers nationwide, showing the growing demand for energy in the AI space.

What’s Next for Stargate

The Stargate Project is set to reshape the future of technology in the U.S. With an investment target of up to $500 billion, the project is positioned to make a lasting impact on both the tech industry and the economy as a whole.

The involvement of major players in the field—along with additional investments from specialized funds like MGX—demonstrates just how important this initiative is.

As the project unfolds, it’s expected to keep the U.S. at the forefront of AI technology, ensuring the country remains competitive on the global stage for years to come.

Global Nuclear Power Surge: IEA Predicts Record Output by 2025

Global Nuclear Power Surge: IEA Predicts Record Output by 2025

Nuclear energy is on track to hit a record high in 2025, signalling a resurgence for the clean, reliable power source, according to a new report by the International Energy Agency (IEA).

But this resurgence isn’t without its challenges. Delayed projects, rising costs, and tricky financing could hold back its full potential in an increasingly electrified world.

 The report, The Path to a New Era for Nuclear Energy, highlights global momentum for nuclear power, driven by new technology and growing interest from the private sector.

 More than 70 gigawatts of nuclear capacity are under construction—marking one of the biggest expansions in three decades.

 Much of this growth is fuelled by innovations like Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and countries prioritizing cleaner, more reliable energy sources.

 “It’s clear that the strong comeback for nuclear energy we predicted several years ago is well underway,” said Fatih Birol, IEA’s Executive Director.

 “Nuclear is set to reach record electricity output by 2025. However, timely project delivery, diverse supply chains, and sufficient financing are critical to sustaining this progress.”

 Why Nuclear Power is Gaining Momentum

 Today, nuclear energy generates nearly 10% of the world’s electricity, making it the second-largest source of low-emission power after hydropower.

 As demand for electricity surges—driven by artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, and data centers—nuclear’s reliability and ability to provide consistent energy make it a standout option.

 But the nuclear landscape is changing. While many existing reactors in advanced economies are nearing the end of their lifespans, new growth is happening elsewhere.

 China is leading the charge and is on track to surpass the U.S. and Europe in nuclear capacity by 2030.

Meanwhile, Russia’s dominance in uranium enrichment—accounting for 40% of global capacity—has raised concerns about overly concentrated supply chains.

 “Highly concentrated markets for nuclear technologies and uranium production pose significant risks,” Birol said. “Diversifying supply chains is essential to securing nuclear’s future.”

 The Role of Technology and Investment

 At the forefront of nuclear’s revival are Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)—compact, more affordable reactors that can be built faster and used flexibly. With the right backing, SMRs could contribute 10% of global nuclear capacity by 2040, the IEA estimates.

 Companies like Amazon are already exploring nuclear solutions. The tech giant has partnered on SMR development to further its sustainable energy goals.

 “Tackling climate change requires both speed and scale,” said Kara Hurst, Amazon’s Chief Sustainability Officer.

 Still, achieving this vision will require significant investment. Annual spending on nuclear projects will need to double to $120 billion by 2030 to meet growth targets. Public-private collaboration is also key.

 “We need clear policies, faster permitting, and international regulatory alignment to build investor confidence,” said Nomi Ahmad, CEO of GE Vernova’s Financial Services.

 A Strategic Moment for Nuclear Energy

Despite the hurdles, the IEA report is optimistic about the road ahead. Governments have a crucial role to play in setting a clear vision, creating stable regulations, and encouraging private-sector investment.

 With the right mix of policy and innovation, nuclear energy could unlock a new era of clean, secure power.

 As the world grapples with the dual challenges of energy security and climate change, nuclear energy stands ready to deliver—provided the global community can overcome the obstacles that lie ahead.

Hong Kong Steps Up Tech Ambitions with Launch of First Commercial HPC Service

Hong Kong Steps Up Tech Ambitions with Launch of First Commercial HPC Service

Hong Kong has just rolled out its first-ever commercial High-Performance Computing (HPC) service, marking a big leap toward becoming a global tech powerhouse.

The service, which is run by the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), offers advanced computing power that can help drive growth in industries like AI, big data, and high-tech manufacturing.

This launch is part of a broader push by the city to position itself as a leader in the digital age.

The Hong Kong government has set its sights on turning the city into a hotbed of innovation, and this new HPC service is a key part of that plan.

With cutting-edge infrastructure like this, local businesses and international companies alike can tap into the computing power they need to push boundaries in areas like AI, robotics, and microelectronics.

The goal? To ensure Hong Kong competes at the global level in some of the most forward-thinking industries.

Attending the launch event, Professor Sun Dong, the city’s Secretary for Innovation, Technology, and Industry, highlighted the importance of fostering a thriving tech ecosystem.

He said, “To truly drive innovation, we need strong industries that form the backbone of our economy. And we’re committed to making sure Hong Kong leads in the digital age.”

Located at HKSTP’s Tseung Kwan O InnoPark, the HPC service gives users access to resources they could have only dreamed of before—like running AI models and conducting complex data analyses that were once beyond reach for many small businesses.

The service is already attracting attention, with companies like Sensetime, a leading AI firm, and PanopticAI, a robotics startup, gearing up to make full use of the technology.

Dr. Sunny Chai, Chairman of HKSTP, stressed that the HPC service is just one part of a larger strategy to strengthen Hong Kong’s tech ecosystem.

“Creating an environment where collaboration can happen and innovation thrives is key,” he said. “Through services like HPC and the upcoming Microelectronics Centre, we’re positioning Hong Kong at the forefront of global technological innovation.”

What’s Next for Microelectronics?

Along with the HPC service, HKSTP is preparing to launch a brand-new Microelectronics Centre at Yuen Long InnoPark later this year.

This facility will focus on next-gen semiconductor materials like Gallium Nitride (GaN) and Silicon Carbide (SiC)—key components in emerging tech like electric vehicles and 5G networks.

The Centre will allow businesses to prototype and produce these materials at scale, helping Hong Kong further solidify its place in the tech world.

The microelectronics sector in Hong Kong is already growing fast, with more than 200 companies now operating in the field.

The new Centre will provide the infrastructure needed to help them grow and bring their products to market faster.

Hong Kong’s Vision for a Smart City

All these initiatives tie into Hong Kong’s larger vision of becoming a smart city. With AI, microelectronics, and data analytics at the core of its development plans, the city is positioning itself to take on the challenges of tomorrow and lead the charge in the global digital economy.

The launch of the HPC service is a significant step in Hong Kong’s journey. With continued investment in infrastructure and a focus on collaboration, the city is preparing for a future where technology and innovation go hand in hand.

EU regulation aims to streamline health tech assessments and cut red tape

EU regulation aims to streamline health tech assessments and cut red tape

The European Union has rolled out a major healthcare shakeup designed to get groundbreaking treatments to patients faster.

Known as the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Regulation, the new rules promise a streamlined approach to evaluating medicines and medical devices across the region.

While this marks a significant step forward for patient care, experts are already debating whether the changes will live up to the hype.

What’s changing?

Until now, each EU country handled its own review of new treatments, often duplicating work and delaying access.

The HTA Regulation changes that by introducing a single EU-wide process for assessing the clinical value of cancer medicines, advanced therapies, and eventually, all new drugs.

Developers will submit one dossier for evaluation, cutting out the repetitive red tape.

The system kicked off this month with cancer drugs and therapies like gene and cell treatments.

By 2030, it will cover every new medicine and high-risk medical device, aiming to reduce delays in getting these innovations into hospitals and clinics.

Faster access for patients

For patients, this could be a game-changer. The regulation is designed to reduce the time between drug approval and availability, especially for life-saving treatments in areas like oncology and rare diseases.

European Commissioner for Health Stella Kyriakides described the move as “a turning point for access to innovation.”

Faster evaluations mean that patients across the EU, no matter where they live, might face fewer disparities in access to cutting-edge care.

But not everyone is convinced. Critics worry about how smoothly the process will work in practice.

Coordinating between Member States is notoriously tricky, and without strong collaboration, the promised benefits could stall.

Balancing unity and autonomy

One of the regulation’s biggest challenges is balancing the need for EU-wide assessments with individual countries’ rights to decide how they spend healthcare budgets.

While the HTA aims to simplify clinical evaluations, each nation still makes its own pricing and reimbursement decisions.

Experts note that while this centralization of assessments is a significant improvement, some Member States may continue to conduct their own evaluations to account for national differences in healthcare needs and budget priorities.

This could complicate the intended efficiency of the system.

 

A mixed bag for developers

For pharmaceutical companies and medical device makers, the changes are a double-edged sword.

On the one hand, the single dossier approach cuts down on bureaucracy and costs.

On the other, tight deadlines—some assessments must be completed in just 30 days—could strain companies and regulators alike. Smaller companies, in particular, might struggle to keep up.

Some industry insiders also worry that the streamlined process could inadvertently leave out important national context, creating gaps in how evidence is evaluated.

A work in progress

The HTA Regulation is a bold move to fix long-standing inefficiencies in Europe’s healthcare system.

It’s a step in the right direction, but its success depends on how well Member States, developers, and EU bodies work together.

If the system runs smoothly, patients could see faster access to treatments that might have been stuck in administrative limbo before.

But if cooperation falters, the framework could end up adding new layers of complexity instead of cutting through them.

For now, the regulation represents both hope and uncertainty. It’s an ambitious attempt to build a fairer, more efficient healthcare system—one that will be closely watched as it unfolds.

AU Launches Bold 10-Year Plan to Transform African Agriculture

AU Launches Bold 10-Year Plan to Transform African Agriculture

The African Union (AU) has unveiled an ambitious 10-year strategy aimed at transforming agriculture across the continent.

The Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Strategy and Action Plan (2026–2035) was launched during a summit in Kampala, Uganda, and promises to tackle challenges like climate change, food insecurity, and economic instability.

Speaking at the summit, Uganda’s Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, stressed the importance of execution. “We must move beyond planning into implementation. These strategies must deliver real change for our people,” he said.

The summit brought together ministers from all 55 AU member states, along with policymakers, researchers, and representatives from farming communities.

Discussions focused on key obstacles to agricultural growth, including limited investment, outdated farming techniques, and underutilized arable land.

A Call to action for Africa’s potential

Africa’s population is projected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050, creating a pressing need to address skyrocketing food demand.

With a $100 billion annual food import bill, many leaders feel a sense of urgency to harness Africa’s agricultural potential.

Ugandan Vice President Jessica Alupo highlighted the irony of Africa’s situation, given the continent’s abundant resources. “Africa has fertile soils, fresh water, and a young workforce. Yet we struggle to feed ourselves. This summit must provide actionable solutions to reverse this trend,” she said.

The strategy emphasizes building climate-resilient agricultural systems, improving infrastructure, and reducing food waste.

Inclusivity is also a key focus, with plans to empower women, youth, and marginalized groups through access to resources and training.

Building on past Initiatives with a renewed vision


The 2026–2035 plan aligns with the AU’s Agenda 2063, a broader vision for a prosperous and self-reliant Africa. It also builds on the Malabo Declaration, a 2014 commitment to accelerate agricultural growth.

However, progress has been slow. Despite two decades of CAADP initiatives, the AU admits many targets remain unmet.

Estherine Fotabong, from the AU Development Agency, believes the new strategy marks a turning point. “This isn’t just another plan. It’s a continent-led effort to create sustainable and inclusive food systems,” she said.

Ethiopia’s Minister of Agriculture, H.E. Dr. Girma Amente, shared his country’s successes in integrating CAADP into its national policies.

Ethiopia has boosted agricultural investment, leading to consistent improvements in crop yields and resilience against climate shocks.

The summit will conclude with the Kampala Declaration, a formal commitment by AU member states to adopt the strategy.

Leaders hope it will provide a clear roadmap for addressing Africa’s food security challenges while boosting economic growth.

The road ahead won’t be easy. Climate change, conflicts, and population growth continue to strain Africa’s food systems.

Yet there is optimism that with the right investment and cooperation, the continent can achieve agricultural self-sufficiency.

For Uganda’s Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, the message is clear: “Our future depends on our ability to feed ourselves. Let this strategy be the catalyst for a brighter, more sustainable future for Africa.”

Uganda joins BRICS as Africa’s role in global trade grows

 

Uganda joins BRICS as Africa’s role in global trade grows

Uganda has joined the BRICS bloc as one of 13 new partner countries, marking a pivotal step in its efforts to establish a stronger presence on the global stage. 

BRICS, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, represents a powerful coalition of emerging economies with ambitions to reshape global economic dynamics. 

This move signals Uganda’s intention to build stronger ties with non-Western economies while reducing its reliance on traditional financial sources. 

The partnership also highlights Uganda’s broader strategy to diversify its economic alliances and seek alternatives to Western-led institutions like the IMF and World Bank. 

While Uganda’s role is currently that of a partner country rather than a full member, Brazil’s Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira has indicated that full membership could be on the horizon. 

The process, which requires consultations and a detailed vetting procedure, may take up to a year to complete. 

For Uganda, this new relationship with BRICS could open doors to significant economic opportunities, potentially positioning the country as a key player in the evolving global economy. 

Why Uganda? 

Uganda’s selection as a BRICS partner has, perhaps predictably, sparked plenty of discussion, particularly since it’s the only East African Community country on the list. 

This is especially notable given Kenya’s larger economy, more advanced development, and greater regional influence. 

So why Uganda? Analysts believe its strategic location and openness to aligning with non-Western trade systems likely played a decisive role. 

Uganda now stands alongside Ethiopia—one of BRICS’ newest full members—as just the second East African nation associated with the bloc. 

BRICS now represents over 3.3 billion people and contributes a staggering $28 trillion to global GDP. 

The bloc is positioning itself as an alternative to traditional Western-led institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank. 

By joining BRICS, Uganda has aligned itself with a group aiming to promote multilateral economic cooperation while reducing global reliance on the US dollar for trade. 

Opportunities for Uganda 

This new partnership opens several doors for Uganda, especially through the BRICS New Development Bank. 

Established to offer alternatives to traditional funding options, the bank provides fairer lending terms than institutions like the IMF. 

For Uganda, where external financial aid has been shrinking, the prospect of borrowing at an annual interest rate of just 2% is a game-changer. 

These funds could be critical for developing infrastructure and funding other national projects. 

Uganda’s economy, which is largely driven by agriculture and resources such as oil, minerals, coffee, and tea, stands to benefit from access to larger markets and more diverse trade agreements. 

Patricia Kishemeire, Uganda’s International Municipal BRICS Forum ambassador, sees huge potential in these partnerships. 

Following the announcement she pointed out that working with BRICS nations could lead to stronger trade deals, increased foreign investment, and a more influential role on the diplomatic stage. 

Challenges on the Horizon 

Despite this, challenges remain. Uganda’s status as a partner country, not a full member, means it doesn’t yet have voting rights or the full privileges that come with membership. 

Achieving full member status requires unanimous approval from the bloc’s five founding nations. 

That means that if even one of them raises an objection, Uganda’s application could be blocked. 

As a result, the path ahead is far from certain. Uganda will need to carefully navigate the internal geopolitics of BRICS to fully benefit from this association. 

A “bold step” towards global integration 

Uganda’s inclusion in BRICS reflects a broader shift in global alliances, with African countries playing an increasingly prominent role on the world stage. 

For Uganda, this is an opportunity to reduce reliance on Western lenders and explore alternative financial systems.

While full membership may still be a way off, the partnership itself signals a bold step towards greater global integration.

With the right mix of diplomacy and strategy, Uganda could position itself to reap significant economic and trade rewards in the years to come.

First Textile Recycling Unit Opened in Dubai by Landmark Group

First Textile Recycling Unit Opened in Dubai by Landmark Group

Retailer Landmark Group has agreed to open the first textile recycling facility in the Dubai World Central area. This is an essential step towards promoting sustainability in the Middle East, as it aims to reduce waste and give used fabrics a new chance to be employed and worn.

The company started a takeback program last year at the Centrepoint at Max Fashion stores, allowing customers to donate old clothes, no matter the brand. Customers who participated in the program would be rewarded for helping with this initiative.

Now, with the new recycling facility, textile waste will be reduced significantly while creating new fashion pieces that people will love.

Uncollected Waste and Funds for Recycling

Back in December 2023, the United Arab Emirates announced that a tax on packaging was taken into consideration. The reason was to obtain funds for recycling.

In 2022, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development said that there is about 40% of uncollected or mismanaged litter in the Mena area. More than 50% of the waste is sent to landfills, with 5% being recycled and 1% being incinerated.

As a result, a recycling unit would come in handy, giving new materials the chance to a new life and decreasing waste in plenty of regions.

The First Textile Recycling Facility in the Middle East

Dubai will be home to the first textile recycling facility in the area. Following the takeback program from last year at different stores, Landmark Group now wants to focus more on recycling, making it possible for textiles to be transformed into pieces that other people will be interested in.

UAE Circular Economy Council key representatives went to the inauguration ceremony of the new facility. The ceremony had Landmark Group chairwoman Renuka Jagtiani and UAE Minister of Economy Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri in attendance.

“We have introduced several initiatives across various stages of our products’ lifecycles and operations to reduce our environmental impact and drive greater circularity,” said Renuka Jagtiani.

The facility, Landmark Circulife, will take discarded textiles and fabrics, process them, and transform them into recycled fibers that will be useful in creating new clothing items and home furnishings.

This new initiative is expected to have a massive impact on the surrounding environment, having an initial capacity of 2,000 metric tons of annual waste. Moreover, the area will no longer have to rely on virgin materials, and textile waste will be significantly reduced.

Over time, the facility will be able to handle about 11,000 metric tons of textile waste, but the capacity will keep growing. As time goes by, 140,000 metric tons of CS2 emissions are expected to be reduced, and 107 GWh of electricity will be saved. Millions of litres of water will be saved as well.

By 2050, Landmark Group hopes to be able to make more climate-positive changes. Moreover, the conglomerate representatives stated they want to spend $1 billion over 3 years to open 400 new stores in Southeast Asia, India, and GCC.

Tembo Steels Advances Green Initiatives in Steel Making

Tembo Steels Advances Green Initiatives in Steel Making

For over 2 decades, Tembo Steels has been at the top of the steel manufacturing industry in Uganda. The company went from TMT bar production to green steel.

Tembo Steels became Uganda’s only primary steel production provider, doing its best to avoid the impurities present in scrap-based steel. With green steelmaking, protecting the environment becomes a priority, especially considering that steel production is currently responsible for around 10% of global carbon emissions and around 30% of emissions from industry.

A New, Greener Approach to Steel Making

In steelmaking, Blast Furnace is the main method used for production, making for about 70% of the world’s total steel production share. Meanwhile, scrap recycling, the electric furnace method, is the world’s secondary steel production technique, accounting for about 23% of global steel production.

However, the Blast Furnace Route leads to plenty of carbon emissions, actually being the most intensive method in this regard compared to other routes. It leads to 2.2 – 2.4 tons of CO2 per ton of steel. Meanwhile, the EF route has a 0.6 ton of CO2 emission.

But now, a greener approach, known as the DRI or Direct Reduced Iron route, takes the lead. This has the lowest carbon emission in steel, leading to pure steel production while being a nature-friendly alternative.

Tembo Steels is a company that aims to reduce carbon emissions by adopting greener steel production methods. In fact, the firm managed to eliminate carbon emissions by up to 70% over the years.

How Tembo Steels Works Towards a Greener Future

Tembo Steels takes advantage of the DRI/scrap-based route and uses renewable energy to produce steel, ensuring 100% CO2 intensity reduction. The firm got rid of billet reheating as well. Tembo Steels cut down carbon emissions by up to 70% with the help of the EF route and with their DRI plant. But that’s not all.

Tembo Steels also uses level two automation. With the help of digitalization, the company is more efficient and productive, enhancing raw material use and minimizing carbon emissions. Also, they use yield improvement, which employs fewer resources, less processing time, and less energy. This also leads to lower CO2 emissions.

Tembo Steels Is the Only Primary Steel Producer in Uganda

Tembo Steels has two operational plants, and with its DRI focus, it is Uganda’s only primary steel production provider. On top of bringing outstanding product quality due to eliminating steel impurities, the company also brings more product diversity to the continent. It produces HRC, structural steel, and multiple other substrates.

“We are the only primary steel producer in the country, which gives us an inherent advantage in steel purity,” says Sanjay Awasthi, CEO of Tembo Steels Uganda. “Primary steel production, using virgin iron ore, avoids residual elements found in scrap melting. These residual elements can weaken overall quality, affecting strength and ductility. Our position as the sole primary steel manufacturer ensures a superior product.”

By 2050, the global vision is to reduce CO2 emissions to 0.6 tons. Tembo Steels is on the way to making this possible, joining countries like Italy and the USA in protecting the environment with greener processes.