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Romania Pushes Forward with Green Investment in Bucharest Tram Modernisation

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Romania Pushes Forward with Green Investment in Bucharest Tram Modernisation

Romania Pushes Forward with Green Investment in Bucharest Tram Modernisation

Romania is advancing plans to modernise urban transport in its capital, București, through a major investment programme supported by the European Investment Bank (EIB). The financing agreement, announced in an official EIB press release, is part of a broader effort to improve mobility and reduce environmental impact in the metropolitan area.

According to details published by the EIB, the project will fund the rehabilitation of around 50 kilometres of tram track, alongside the purchase of 63 new trams and the upgrade of the Colentina depot. The works are expected to be completed by 2030 and aim to improve both reliability and efficiency in public transport.

Local officials have also emphasised the urgency of the investment. Speaking at the signing of the agreement on April 20, Ciprian Ciucu stated that the city’s tram infrastructure is more than 50 years old and no longer efficient, highlighting the need for substantial upgrades to meet modern standards.

The EIB noted in its official communication that the financing forms part of a €300 million loan contributing to a wider €1.3 billion programme. This larger initiative is designed to improve urban transport systems while also reducing the carbon footprint of energy supply, including district heating, across a metropolitan population of over two million people.

In remarks included in the EIB statement, Vice-President Ioannis Tsakiris described the investment as an important step toward transforming București into a more sustainable and future-ready city. He added that the bank aims to support projects that generate lasting benefits for both citizens and the environment.

The EIB further indicated that it has provided advisory support during the preparation phase of the project. This combined approach—financial backing alongside technical expertise—is intended to accelerate implementation and improve cost efficiency, as outlined in the bank’s project documentation.

Overall, as reflected in both EIB communications and statements from local authorities, the initiative represents a key component of Romania’s broader efforts to align with European sustainability and urban development goals.

BHP Eyes Deep Copper Discoveries in Zambia Amid Growing Global Demand

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BHP Eyes Deep Copper Discoveries in Zambia Amid Growing Global Demand

BHP Eyes Deep Copper Discoveries in Zambia Amid Growing Global Demand

BHP Group is exploring opportunities for large-scale copper exploration in Zambia, according to statements from the country’s mines ministry reported by Reuters. The move reflects growing global demand for copper, a metal increasingly critical for renewable energy, electrification, and infrastructure development.

Zambia, Africa’s second-largest copper producer after the Democratic Republic of Congo, is aiming to significantly expand its production capacity. The government has set a target to more than triple copper output by 2031 and is actively seeking foreign investment to develop its largely underexplored mineral resources.

BHP has maintained a limited presence in Africa over the past decade but is now renewing its engagement with the region. The company recently launched a series of exploration workshops across southern Africa, including Zambia, South Africa, Namibia, and Angola, aimed at identifying new opportunities through early May.

According to Zambia’s mines ministry, BHP is increasingly focusing on large copper deposits that are more difficult to locate using traditional exploration methods. These resources are often buried deep underground or concealed beneath geological cover, requiring advanced exploration technologies and improved data analysis.

Campbell McCuaig, head of global generative exploration at BHP, noted during meetings in Lusaka that many of the world’s remaining large copper deposits are not easily detectable at the surface. He also welcomed Zambia’s efforts to expand access to geoscience data, including government-supported airborne surveys and the digitisation of geological records.

Officials believe these initiatives could help attract additional international investment and accelerate exploration activity. As copper demand continues to rise globally, Zambia is positioning itself as a key supplier while companies like BHP search for the next generation of large-scale copper discoveries.

Kampala Serena Hotel Signals Major Shift Under New GM Khaled Helmy

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Kampala Serena Hotel Signals Major Shift Under New GM Khaled Helmy

Kampala Serena Hotel Signals Major Shift Under New GM Khaled Helmy

World Business Journal talks to Khaled Helmy, General Manager of Kampala Serena Hotel, about strategies to enhance brand value, new dining concepts introduced to boost restaurant offerings, the renovation of The International Conference Centre, and the work being done by the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development in the country.

As the new GM of Kampala Serena Hotel, what immediate transformation initiatives do you plan to implement?

We are transforming our lobby area into a vibrant workspace where you can plug in and play, as well as curate and exhibit handpicked artwork featuring emerging local artisans.

The International Conference Centre is set to undergo a significant transformation and renovation, with completion expected by the end of the year. This renowned facility, once finished, will host events that align with Uganda’s vision for developing the MICE sector (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions).

The primary focus is on training our future leaders to promote career advancement geared to inspire and foster talent that supports internal growth and skill set enhancement throughout the hotel operation.

Lastly, as part of our goal to expand our management contracts in Africa, we are in talks with resort owners to acquire management contracts for resort properties in Uganda, with agreements already signed and construction currently underway.

What new dining concepts will you implement to boost restaurant offerings?

We will redefine restaurants like Explorer, Pearl, and The Lakes by introducing new cuisines and themed pop-ups that cater to discerning international travellers, local patrons, and our loyal Serena clientele.

Our food and beverage offerings will see significant reinvention, featuring an on-site Serena Garden Market where we grow our own herbs and vegetables, emphasising a farm-to-fork approach. The menu will be diversified with influences from the Mediterranean, Levant and Middle East regions blended with local fare to create an unparalleled culinary experience.

What new projects is the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development planning to launch in Uganda?

The AKDN is spearheading multiple transformative projects in Uganda, including the newly opened Aga Khan Hospital and affiliated AKSA Group infrastructure developers, driving projects with the upcoming Budhaka Trauma and Teaching Hospital. This planned 200-bed facility in Budaka District will deliver crucial trauma care and serve as a teaching hospital for medical students.

What are the key challenges in harmonising personalised guest experiences with the increasing reliance on technology?

The challenge is balancing technology integration, like IoT and AI-driven virtual check-ins, with maintaining the human touch in hospitality. We strive to improve our guest experience through technology while focusing on a personalised service rather than a purely automated approach.

Poland Submits Permit Application for Its First Nuclear Power Plant

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Poland Submits Permit Application for Its First Nuclear Power Plant

Poland Submits Permit Application for Its First Nuclear Power Plant

Poland has taken a major step forward in establishing its first commercial nuclear power plant. On 31 March 2026, state-owned Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe (PEJ) submitted a formal construction permit application to the National Atomic Energy Agency (PAA) for a facility in Choczewo, in the northern Pomerania region. According to PEJ, the submission includes over 40,000 pages of technical and regulatory documentation, demonstrating the project’s scale and complexity.

“Submitting the application represents an important milestone in Poland’s nuclear program,” said PEJ President Marek Woszczyk. He emphasised that the filing reflects years of preparatory engineering, environmental assessment, and safety planning, and marks progress toward the planned construction schedule.

The application includes a Preliminary Safety Analysis Report detailing safety systems, radiation protection measures, emergency preparedness plans, and compliance with national and international standards. As reported by government officials, more than 200 specialists contributed to the report, completing it ahead of schedule.

Under Polish law, the PAA has up to 24 months to review the submission. The regulatory process includes a formal compliance check, followed by detailed safety and environmental assessments conducted with support from independent experts. Only after the PAA grants approval can PEJ apply for a conventional building permit from the regional authorities.

The Choczewo plant is planned to host three AP1000 reactors, a design provided by Westinghouse Electric Company and constructed in partnership with Bechtel. Each reactor is expected to generate approximately 1,250 megawatts, making the facility a central component of Poland’s strategy to diversify its energy supply and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

According to government statements, if the permit is approved, construction is expected to begin in 2028. The first reactor is projected to enter commercial operation in 2036, with the remaining two reactors coming online by 2038. Officials note that the project is not only about energy production but also aims to support domestic industrial development, create jobs, and strengthen Poland’s long-term energy security.

Public and political support has been consistently high. As stated by the Ministry of Energy, nuclear energy is widely regarded as a way to ensure stable electricity prices, enhance climate action, and provide a reliable foundation for the country’s industrial and technological growth.

By advancing to the regulatory review phase, Poland’s first nuclear plant has moved from planning toward tangible construction, reflecting a methodical, technically rigorous, and publicly supported approach to expanding the nation’s energy infrastructure.

Inside dfcu Foundation’s Five-Year Plan to Drive Enterprise Development in Uganda

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Inside dfcu Foundation’s Five-Year Plan to Drive Enterprise Development in Uganda

 

Inside dfcu Foundation’s Five-Year Plan to Drive Enterprise Development in Uganda

World Business Journal talks to Mabel Ndawula, Executive Director of dfcu Foundation, about their five-year strategy aimed at enterprise development and expanding financial access for underserved communities, as well as the impact created since the foundation’s establishment.

 

What insights can you share about the dfcu Foundation’s mission and strategic plans for the future?

The dfcu Foundation, previously the Agribusiness Development Centre (ADC) until our rebranding this year, has been active since 2017, focusing on sustainability and corporate social responsibility for the dfcu Group.

Over the next 5 years (2025-2029), we aim to create meaningful change in the country through social, economic, and environmental initiatives that support underserved communities.

We plan to impact 100,000 beneficiaries, targeting 60% women and 40% youth, guided by 2 pillars: enterprise development and expanding financial access.

To improve the scalability and impact of our programmes, we will introduce a Catalytic Fund offering revolving microloans. The focus will be on 4 key agricultural value chains: dairy and livestock, coffee, cereals, and oil seeds. 

Agriculture, contributing about 24% to Uganda’s GDP, also impacts various sectors, including trade and business, where we will expand our scope to support women-owned, green, youth-led SACCOs and investment clubs.

Our Financial Expansion for Agricultural Transformation (FEAT) programme, co-funded with Rabo Foundation, will support farmers by improving key agricultural value chains and helping them grow their businesses and increase productivity. Our Business Acceleration Program (BAP) will strengthen small businesses with mentorship, training, networking, and funding access – the BAP will target the trade and business sectors. 

How will existing programmes be integrated, and how many enterprises have been supported to date?

All our programmes will align with our FEAT and BAP mechanisms. This includes growth funding lines provided by dfcu, where the dfcu Foundation will assist women entrepreneurs in enterprise development. 

Since 2018, we have supported 1,281 enterprises, including 52.6% women-owned, and trained about 59,707 learners through various channels, including our online platform, SOMA, which offers free access to essential business training.

Between 2018 and 2024, we facilitated over $22.8M in credit linkages for 4,950 smallholder farmers and 104 enterprises. 



Egypt Targets Higher Oil and Gas Output with New Drilling Incentives and Debt Repayment Plan

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Egypt Targets Higher Oil and Gas Output with New Drilling Incentives and Debt Repayment Plan

Egypt Targets Higher Oil and Gas Output with New Drilling Incentives and Debt Repayment Plan

Egypt is preparing to introduce a new incentive framework aimed at boosting domestic oil and gas production through expanded use of horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing technologies, Petroleum and Mineral Resources Minister Karim Badawi said during meetings with upstream operators and oilfield services companies. The initiative forms part of a broader five-year strategy to maximise hydrocarbon recovery, accelerate exploration activity, and improve reservoir management across both onshore and offshore fields, according to statements from Egypt’s Ministry of Petroleum.

The Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC) is finalising the new incentive model to encourage partners to deploy advanced production technologies and increase investment in mature assets.

The ministry has also developed updated contractual structures for drilling, service and technology companies aimed at reducing costs, shortening execution timelines and streamlining approvals, officials said. The push reflects Egypt’s broader effort to unlock resources that are difficult to access through conventional methods and support production growth within the sector’s five-year development plan.

Arrears Settlement to Improve Investment Climate

A key component of the strategy involves settling outstanding payments owed to foreign oil and gas companies. Badawi said Egypt aims to clear all remaining arrears by the end of June while maintaining regular monthly payments going forward. Government data shows that outstanding dues have already declined significantly, falling from around $6.1 billion in mid-2024 to approximately $1.3 billion, following accelerated repayments and improved financial conditions, according to the Egyptian State Information Service and the Ministry of Petroleum statements.

Delayed payments in recent years had weighed on investment flows and contributed to declining oil and gas production, prompting the government to prioritise repayment to restore investor confidence and encourage new exploration activity, officials said.

Expanded Exploration Plans

The incentive framework also aligns with Egypt’s broader exploration strategy. The country plans to drill 101 exploration wells in 2026 as part of a wider five-year programme targeting 480 wells with investments estimated at around $5.7 billion, according to statements by the petroleum ministry and industry reporting.

Recent discoveries have added momentum to these efforts. Italian energy company Eni announced a new offshore gas discovery at the Denise W-1 well in the Eastern Mediterranean, with preliminary estimates of around 2 trillion cubic feet of gas and approximately 130 million barrels of associated condensates. The discovery is located near existing infrastructure, allowing for potential fast-track development and supporting Egypt’s efforts to increase reserves and production, according to company statements and Reuters reporting.

Broader Strategy to Boost Production

Egypt’s latest policy measures reflect growing urgency to increase domestic production amid rising demand and declining output from mature fields. Officials say the combination of new incentives, improved contractual terms, accelerated exploration and arrears repayment is designed to unlock fresh investment and stabilise production levels.

If implemented successfully, the reforms could help Egypt expand output, reduce reliance on imports and reinforce its ambition to position itself as a regional energy hub, according to ministry statements and government officials.

How TUA Is Making Cassava a Smart Investment for Farmers and Consumers

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How TUA Is Making Cassava a Smart Investment for Farmers and Consumers

How TUA Is Making Cassava a Smart Investment for Farmers and Consumers

 

World Business Journal talks to Waithera Muriithi, Co-founder and CFO of TUA, about the company’s mission to empower smallholder farmers to build sustainable businesses, the significant potential of cassava as a lucrative investment crop, and the well-known health benefits of cassava, along with its diverse applications that extend beyond traditional uses.

Could you provide a brief overview of Tua?

We were established in 2020 with a vision to transform smallholder farms into sustainable, profitable businesses. We do this by providing access to technology, markets, financial services and capacity building. Our mission is to empower smallholder farmers, who constitute 80% of the population, through farmer-centric, market-driven innovation solutions that are crucial for poverty alleviation.

Currently, we work directly with approximately 200 farmers and indirectly with 2000 through cooperatives. We continue to expand our impact through developing additional markets for other indigenous crops in Kenya, the US, the EU and the Middle East.

 

What makes cassava an attractive crop for investors?

Cassava is a highly valuable investment crop due to its resilience and ability to grow organically without land clearing, which promotes sustainable intercropping practices. It is both a food and a cash crop, making it very attractive for investors who care about the sustainability of their value chains. 

Economically, blending cassava flour with wheat at a 70-30% ratio could reduce Uganda’s $120 million wheat import bill by 30%.

This shift would not only ease financial pressures but also benefit local farmers and households, enhancing food security and economic empowerment.

Is the market adequately informed about the cassava crop and its health benefits and applications?

The market currently faces challenges due to a lack of awareness regarding cassava and its potential. While its health benefits appeal to those seeking healthier food options and accommodating dietary restrictions, many consumers remain uninformed about its versatility. However, the rising demand for gluten-free products is a significant market driver, positioning cassava as a nutritious foundation for various composite flour blends.

Cassava’s applications are diverse, extending beyond traditional uses. For example, it is used in various products, such as porridge, snacks, and baked goods, as well as popular items like boba tea. Cassava’s versatility also extends beyond food; it has potential uses in biofuels, bioplastics, pharmaceuticals, and industrial starches. Such usage highlights the untapped potential of cassava in food and industrial applications.



Tembo Steels’ Smart Steel Plant Set to Boost Jobs and Local Production

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Tembo Steels’ Smart Steel Plant Set to Boost Jobs and Local Production

 

Tembo Steels’ Smart Steel Plant Set to Boost Jobs and Local Production

 

World Business Journal talks to Sanjay Awasthi, Chairman of Tembo Steels, about the role of direct reduced iron (DRI) in improving product quality, boosting economic growth, and driving job creation, and the innovative technologies that are optimising production processes in the steel industry, along with the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

What are the advantages of the new DRI plant in Iganga for steel production and the local economy?

The primary steelmaking process, such as the DRI to final product route, allows the country to drastically minimise steel importation and realise true export forex earnings. Efficient use of our natural resources (iron ore) is critical to sustainability and the country’s economic development.

For every two jobs in the primary steel sector, 13 more jobs are supported throughout its supply chain.

 

How have digitisation and automation contributed to improved productivity and operational efficiency?

DRI is a fully automated facility operating at Level 2, equipped with PLC and SCADA that monitors real-time processes, and it is equipped with cutting-edge technology.

These technologies enable online monitoring and built-in corrections based on the operational programme. All the rolling mills and melting shops are configured with Level 2 automation, minimising human intervention with the concept of “no personnel on the shop floor”. AI is used to limit errors.

For example, the rolling mill is equipped with the latest TC Ring rolling technology, the first of its kind on the continent for rebar manufacturing. Even in EU countries, only 15 to 25% of companies have adopted this technology so far.

What are your projections for the steel industry’s growth in Uganda over the next five years?

Steel consumption is projected to grow by 5-6%, with an anticipated increase of 1-2% in steel demand.

Manufacturing facilities like ours are capable of meeting this growth in demand due to their production capacity. However, two critical components significantly impact manufacturing costs: raw materials and power tariffs. Together, these factors account for a staggering 90% of total expenses in Uganda. Unfortunately, these costs are considerably higher compared to the international market. This disparity presents a barrier to local manufacturers like us, as it raises the overall cost of the products, making it difficult to compete with imports and leading to the growth trajectory of imports. Our vision is to achieve a 100% import-free steel industry, but this goal will require government support through duty protection.



Rubanga Cooperative’s Approach Drives Higher Coffee Productivity and Profits

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Rubanga Cooperative’s Approach Drives Higher Coffee Productivity and Profits

Rubanga Cooperative’s Approach Drives Higher Coffee Productivity and Profits

World Business Journal talks to Muhangi James, CEO of Rubanga Cooperative Society, about the organisation’s initiatives to empower coffee farmers in exporting their produce, comply with the EU Deforestation Regulation using geolocation data for farmer profiling, and the benefits of adopting climate-smart coffee varieties to improve productivity.

What is the primary objective of the Rubanga Cooperative Society?

Established in 1986, our cooperative empowers smallholder farmers by uniting them to produce high-quality export goods. We have 10,578 members and collaborate with 13 cooperatives, impacting over 23,000 farmers. 

We specialise in bulk purchasing, processing, and exporting coffee while providing financial support, affordable inputs, and expert advisory services. Our cooperative is Fairtrade and Rainforest Alliance certified, ensuring that market premiums benefit our farmers. In 2024, we exported 2,100 MT of coffee to Europe, South Africa, and South Korea.

How has the cooperative adapted to the EU Deforestation Regulation?

Working with the Rabo Foundation, we’ve profiled all our farmers with geolocation data and field boundaries to comply with the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Using the Ex-Meridia platform, we verify each farmer’s compliance with these rules.

This process ensures that our coffee is recognised as originating from Uganda, providing significant benefits for our farmers. It simplifies the traceability of coffee from farm to market, enhancing transparency and marketability.

How are you collaborating with farmers to address the challenges posed by climate change?

Over the past 4 years, we’ve been promoting climate-smart coffee varieties such as the KR1 to KR10 series.

These varieties, developed by the National Agricultural Research Organisation and the National Coffee Research Institute, are drought-tolerant, early-maturing, and coffee wilt disease-resistant.

In partnership with the Agricultural Business Initiative (aBI) Development and the European Union through the MARKUP project, we subsidised cuttings to promote their adoption and provided solar-powered irrigation kits. Funded equally by aBI Development and farmer groups, these kits are used by over 120 groups, reducing carbon emissions and improving efficiency.

There has been a growth in the adoption of sustainable agriculture, such as mulching, cover cropping, pruning, and coffee garden rehabilitation through stamping, which all contribute to soil conservation and productivity. 

These efforts have resulted in a rise in productivity from 0.6 kg of Fair Average Quality (FAQ) coffee per tree to about 1.7 kg, with a target of reaching 3 kg by 2028. Through these climate-smart interventions, we’re seeing substantial improvements in farmers’ resilience to climate variability, alongside enhanced productivity.

 

CTC Conservation Centre: Where Education and Conservation Are Redefining How Humans Understand Wildlife

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CTC Conservation Centre: Where Education and Conservation Are Redefining How Humans Understand Wildlife

CTC Conservation Centre: Where Education and Conservation Are Redefining How Humans Understand Wildlife

World Business Journal talks toThomas Price, Founder, CTC Conservation Centre, about expansion plans, managing the lion population within the Centre, addressing concerns about wildlife experiences causing stress to animals, and nurturing human-animal connections.

What developments have taken place recently as part of the expansion plan, and have the cottage and restaurant projects been finalised?

We have expanded our area to over 60 acres, introduced new animals including 6 giraffes and 2 tigers, and applied to acquire additional animals such as elands, hartebeest, sloths, kangaroos, wallabies, and more lemurs. 

The expansion plan includes constructing a landing strip to provide direct access for VIPs and high-end tourists, facilitating travel from national parks without detouring through Entebbe or Kajjansi. We also envision this unique setting as an ideal venue for government retreats and conferences, offering diplomats and dignitaries an extraordinary experience within the beauty of the wildlife reserve.

The completion of the cottage and restaurant has been delayed, and we now expect it to be ready this year.

With Uganda’s lion population declining, how many lions are currently in your facility?

We currently have 33 lions, with 22 being sub-adults or adults about two years old and 6 under one and a half years old. Initially, we imported five lions, with 28 born here over the past 3 years. To manage the population, we had a veterinary team from the Netherlands sterilise 8 females to prevent overpopulation. 

How do you address concerns about wildlife experiences causing stress to animals, and what measures are in place to ensure their welfare?

Our animals are stress-free and content, as evidenced by the high numbers of lion offspring. We never force interaction.

The experience is playful and voluntary, contrasting with other wildlife parks where animals might face more restrictive environments.

We support practices that prioritise animal well-being; animals have the freedom to make their own choices—whether to engage or retreat. If a lion decides to walk away, we respect it and do not follow. Instead, with multiple lions in the enclosure, their innate curiosity often encourages them to return on their own.

What educational impact do you hope to create in nurturing human-animal connections?

We collaborate with schools, offering substantial discounts so they experience these interactions for a fraction of the cost. This aspect of our mission is critical, particularly in Africa, where misunderstandings persist about wild animals being fierce creatures without emotions.

We believe that by allowing people to observe wild animals, they can see first-hand their unique personalities—like one lion being shy while another is playful. Understanding these qualities is crucial for conservation because people are unlikely to protect what they don’t know or understand.

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