Latest news with #industrialization
Zawya
a day ago
- Business
- Zawya
African Mining Week to Highlight Coal's Role in Regional Energy Security, Industrialization
As Africa leverages coal to drive industrialization and support sustainable development, African Mining Week (AMW) – the continent's premier platform for mining stakeholders – will highlight investment opportunities within the coal sector. Scheduled for October 1–3, 2025 in Cape Town, the event will unite project developers, investors, policymakers and technology providers to advance coal-focused deals and partnerships. A dedicated panel discussion, 'Coal's Indispensable Role: Powering Africa's Downstream Processing and Manufacturing Boom,' will explore how coal contributes to energy security, economic growth and job creation across the continent. Coal remains a critical driver of energy security in Africa. The continent is expected to increase coal use by 6 million tons to 191 million tons per annum by 2027 under efforts to enhance the resilience of the electricity network, according to the International Energy Agency. In South Africa – Africa's largest producer and the world's sixth - the coal sector has been crucial in addressing load shedding, with a 7% increase in coal use in 2023 and 2024 strengthening the grid. On the global stage, African coal also plays an important role, accounting for over 3.5% of the world's total production, with producers such as Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana kickstarting new projects and optimizing existing assets. South Africa exports 28% of its coal production and ranks as the world's fourth largest coal exporting market. Glencore increased its South African coal production by 5% in Q1 2025 compared to the same period last year, reaching 4.2 million tons. In March 2025, Seriti Resources inaugurated the R500 million Naudesbank Colliery in Mpumalanga province, shortly after coal was designated a critical mineral by South Africa's Ministry of Mineral and Petroleum Resources. Meanwhile, Canyon Coal is preparing to break ground on the R1.5 billion Sukuma Mine, targeting 7.2 million tons of annual output. In Zimbabwe, Contago Holdings' Muchesu project – backed by Huo Investments – is ramping up production to meet both domestic and export demand. Recognizing coal's strategic importance in shaping a just and inclusive energy transition and economic diversification, global public and private sector players are ramping up investment. In a landmark policy reversal in May 2025, the U.S. Export-Import Bank lifted its ban on financing overseas coal projects, opening new channels for international funding for African projects. South Africa's Exxaro and Eskom have entered into a joint agreement to invest in emissions reduction technologies, supporting cleaner coal usage aligned with just energy transition objectives. In Mpumalanga, Blue Ammonia Production is progressing with its R31.5 billion Suiso Coal-to-Fertilizer project, poised to create 4,000 jobs and enhance regional agricultural productivity. Botswana is similarly advancing a $2.5 billion coal-to-liquids plant, designed to strengthen the country's energy and fuel security. With African coal producers generating substantial revenue from coal exports, the industry will be crucial in funding the continent's renewable energy deployment and energy mix diversification, facilitating a just and inclusive energy transition African Mining Week 2025 will serve as a strategic platform to explore these developments and examine coal's evolving role in Africa's industrial future. The event will place a strong emphasis on sustainable coal practices that balance development with environmental stewardship and long-term transition goals. African Mining Week serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@ Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&Power.
Trade Arabia
5 days ago
- Business
- Trade Arabia
TAQA announces CEO transition as part of strategic growth agenda
Industrialization and Energy Services Company (TAQA), a global leader in energy and industrial services, on Thursday (May 29) announced that Khalid Nouh will step down from his role as Chief Executive Officer, effective May 31, as part of the company's ongoing evolution and long-term strategic growth agenda. The Board of Directors has appointed Adel Al-Ghadhban as Interim Chief Executive Officer, effective June 1. Since his appointment in 2019, Nouh has been instrumental in transforming TAQA into a unified global organisation. Under his leadership, the company successfully integrated a series of value-driven acquisitions, including Tendeka (Completions), AZR (Wireline), OPT Chemicals, Cougar Drilling Solutions, Oliden Technologies, and AlMansoori Petroleum Services (AMPS). These integrations positioned TAQA as a fully integrated energy services provider with more than twelve service lines and 5,500 employees across global markets, a company statement said. During his tenure, TAQA digitised its business operations under a single platform, launched Centers of Excellence in Drilling, Completions, and Intervention, and established TAQA Geothermal, aligning the company with regional energy transition ambitions. Additionally, Nouh played a key role in positioning ARGAS to support mineral exploration initiatives. Under his guidance, the company achieved remarkable revenue growth, driven by strategic execution and operational excellence, it said. With this solid foundation in place, TAQA is now focused on accelerating its next phase—expanding market presence and driving innovation. Al-Ghadhban currently serves as Executive Vice President – Ventures & Chief Investment Officer and brings over 30 years of experience in multiple energy sectors including portfolio management and finance across the energy and manufacturing sectors, including 20 years with TAQA. He was responsible for leading the company's group legal, risk, and compliance functions, and guiding strategy for TAQA's portfolio companies. He also serves on the boards of several TAQA subsidiaries, including ARGAS as Vice Chairman, Cougar Drilling Solutions, TAQA Drilling Solutions (Canada), and was in board leadership roles at ALAR and JESCO. Nouh said: 'It has been an extraordinary journey and a privilege to lead TAQA through a period of remarkable growth and transformation. I am proud of what we've built together — a global platform with strong capabilities and a focus on sustainable, profitable growth. I leave confident in the company's direction and leadership, and excited to see it reach even greater heights.' Ahmed Al Zahrani, Chairman of the Board, stated: 'On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Khalid Nouh for his exceptional vision and dedication. He played a pivotal role in shaping TAQA into the global leader it is today—delivering on strategy, strengthening our service offering, and transforming the organization into ONE TAQA. As we look to the future, we are confident that Adel Al-Ghadhban will build on this legacy with a sharp focus on performance, innovation, and growth.'
Zawya
5 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
TAQA Saudi Arabia announces CEO transition as part of strategic growth agenda
DHAHRAN, Saudi Arabia/PRNewswire/ -- Industrialization and Energy Services Company ("TAQA"), a global leader in energy and industrial services, today announced that Khalid Nouh will step down from his role as Chief Executive Officer, effective 31 May 2025, as part of the company's ongoing evolution and long-term strategic growth agenda. Since his appointment in 2019, Khalid Nouh has been instrumental in transforming TAQA into a unified global organization. Under his leadership, the company successfully integrated a series of value-driven acquisitions, including Tendeka (Completions), AZR (Wireline), OPT Chemicals, Cougar Drilling Solutions, Oliden Technologies, and AlMansoori Petroleum Services (AMPS). These integrations positioned TAQA as a fully integrated energy services provider with more than twelve service lines and 5,500 employees across global markets. During his tenure, TAQA digitized its business operations under a single platform, launched Centers of Excellence in Drilling, Completions, and Intervention, and established TAQA Geothermal, aligning the company with regional energy transition ambitions. Additionally, Khalid played a key role in positioning ARGAS to support mineral exploration initiatives. Under his guidance, the company achieved remarkable revenue growth, driven by strategic execution and operational excellence. With this solid foundation in place, TAQA is now focused on accelerating its next phase—expanding market presence and driving innovation. To lead this new chapter, the Board of Directors has appointed Adel Al-Ghadhban as Interim Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 June 2025. Al-Ghadhban currently serves as Executive Vice President – Ventures & Chief Investment Officer and brings over 30 years of experience in multiple energy sectors including portfolio management and finance across the energy and manufacturing sectors, including 20 years with TAQA. He was responsible for leading the company's group legal, risk, and compliance functions, and guiding strategy for TAQA's portfolio companies. He also serves on the boards of several TAQA subsidiaries, including ARGAS as Vice Chairman, Cougar Drilling Solutions, TAQA Drilling Solutions (Canada), and was in board leadership roles at ALAR and JESCO. Khalid Nouh, Outgoing CEO, said: "It has been an extraordinary journey and a privilege to lead TAQA through a period of remarkable growth and transformation. I am proud of what we've built together—a global platform with strong capabilities and a focus on sustainable, profitable growth. I leave confident in the company's direction and leadership, and excited to see it reach even greater heights." Ahmed Al Zahrani, Chairman of the Board, stated: "On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Khalid Nouh for his exceptional vision and dedication. He played a pivotal role in shaping TAQA into the global leader it is today—delivering on strategy, strengthening our service offering, and transforming the organization into ONE TAQA. As we look to the future, we are confident that Adel Al-Ghadhban will build on this legacy with a sharp focus on performance, innovation, and growth." Adel Al-Ghadhban, Interim CEO, commented: "I am honored to take on this role at such a defining moment in TAQA's evolution. We have a strong foundation, a clear vision, and exceptional teams around the world. I look forward to working closely with our people, partners, and clients to build on our achievements and accelerate our strategic growth." About TAQA Founded in 2003, TAQA is an international company headquartered in Dharan that offers leading well solutions for the energy industry and is creating value and opportunity for all its stakeholders. TAQA has more than 5,500 people in more than 20 countries and serves multiple markets. TAQA offers a complete well solutions portfolio that includes Coiled Tubing and Stimulation, Cementing, Wireline, Frac, Directional Drilling, Downhole Tools, Completions, Well Testing, Slickline, Inspection, and H2S & Safety. SOURCE TAQA
Zawya
6 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
The African Development Bank approves an investment of US$100 million in Arise Integrated Industrial Platforms Limited.
The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank ( has approved an investment of $100 million in the industrial platform developer and operator Arise Integrated Industrial Platforms Ltd (Arise IIP) to contribute to funding industrial parks and special economic zones across Africa as a part of our industrialization strategic priority and flagship Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ). The industrial platforms developed and operated by Arise IIP are primarily dedicated to supporting the transformation of key agricultural and industrial value chains in African countries that are leading global suppliers of raw commodities but have limited local processing capabilities. The platforms will provide developed industrial land, shared infrastructure and utilities, good export connectivity and simplified administrative procedures to agro-industrial tenants, allowing them to relocate global supply chains and value addition within African countries, while contributing to the reduction of carbon footprint of trade flows. Arise IIP seeks to replicate its successful industrial platform implementation experience in Gabon, Togo and Benin by establishing Special Economic Zones across other African countries with the aim of improving Africa's export competitiveness and intra-Africa trade strategies. ' There is economic and social value to be added to African-grown commodities like timber, cashew, cocoa and cotton when they are processed locally instead of being exported in raw form. Through programs like the African Development Bank's Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones and investments in Zones partner companies like Arise IIP, we enable transformative, private sector-led agro-industrialization that boosts local processing of commodities, creates jobs and grows rural economies,' said Dr. Beth Dunford, the African Development Bank's Vice President for Agriculture, Human and Social Development. Based on Arise IIP's existing portfolio in Gabon (Gabon Special Economic Zone - GSEZ), Benin (Glo Djigbe Industrial Zone - GDIZ) and Togo (Plateforme Industrielle d'Adetikope - PIA), it is estimated that over 400 companies have been on-boarded from 47 industry sectors, which has led to the creation of over 50,000 jobs. The dominant sectors include wood, glass, soya, cashew processing, cotton processing and textiles, ceramics, beverages, pharmaceuticals and meat processing. It is also estimated that over $7 billion has been mobilized by tenant companies within the existing zones. ' This investment in ARISE IIP is a signal of the Bank's commitment to scaling up industrialization in Africa in value chains where we are competitive. This is also a demonstration of the strategic partnership we have with African MFIs such as the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) and the Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA), the Afreximbank's equity impact investment arm, who are the principal equity investors in ARISE IIP. This is a good demonstration of our joint goals of making Africa's capital work better for Africa's development ', said Solomon Quaynor, African Development Bank's Vice President for Private Sector, Infrastructure and Industrialization. Gagan Gupta, CEO of Arise IIP, remarked, " The African Development Bank's investment highlights their confidence in our model as a driver of Africa's industrial growth. We are excited to strengthen our efforts in transforming local value chains, creating jobs, and supporting sustainable economic development across the continent. The dedication, vision, and hard work of the entire Arise team have been instrumental in building this partnership." Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB). Media contacts: Alexis Adélé Communication and External Relations Department media@ For Arise IIP: Audrey Mebaley Global Head of Communications Arise IIP About the African Development Bank Group: The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) is the premier multilateral financing institution dedicated to Africa's development. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NSF). The AfDB has a field presence in 41 African countries, with an external office in Japan, and contributes to the economic developm ent and social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: About Arise IIP: ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms (ARISE IIP) is a pan-African developer and operator of world-class industrial parks committed to making Africa thrive. Arise IIP identifies opportunities in commercial and industrial value chains across Africa, and conceives, finances, builds and operates the necessary infrastructure, playing a catalytic role in supporting countries to transition to an industrial economy. Arise IIP is driven by the pursuit of green growth, with an ambition to unlock the continent's industrial potential while neutralizing carbon emissions and climate impact. (Website:
Japan Times
19-05-2025
- Business
- Japan Times
Ishiba to revamp strategy to industrialize quantum tech
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said Sunday that his government will "drastically strengthen" its strategy to industrialize quantum technology, amid growing international competition in this field. Positioning this year as "the first year of quantum industrialization," Ishiba indicated that the government will promote support for related startups and human resource development. Quantum technology is "expected to become a new industrial pillar of our country, and also important for economic security," the prime minister told reporters in the city of Tsukuba, Ibaraki Prefecture. While in the city, Ishiba visited the Global Research and Development Center for Business by Quantum-AI technology under the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, or AIST. He inspected quantum computing research and interacted with researchers there.
