ESG Frontiers

SOUTH AFRICA RACES AGAINST “GAS CLIFF” as Energy Infrastructure Investments Intensify

South Africa is intensifying its efforts to overhaul its energy infrastructure amidst growing concerns over an impending “gas cliff” that threatens significant economic disruption and job losses. Recent government announcements highlight a two-pronged strategy focusing on boosting gas-to-power (GtP) capacity and expanding liquid fuel import and storage facilities. However, these initiatives are unfolding against the…

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LOST IN FRAGMENTATION: SOUTH AFRICA’S ICT SECTOR NEEDS A NEW PATH

Despite its successful political transition, South Africa’s digital journey is marked by stagnation, a contradiction highlighted by Gugu Lourie’s recent Techfinancials report. The article highlights SITA’s operational challenges and the growing trend of frustrated government departments bypassing the state’s shared IT procurement framework in favour of direct sourcing from private IT services, often from suppliers…

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ARCELORMITTAL’S LOOMING DOWNFALL: A Catalyst for Change in South Africa’s Steel Industry?

The new year has begun on a bleak note for employees of ArcelorMittal South Africa (Amsa), as the steel major announced its decision to wind down its long steel business on the first Monday of 2025. This move threatens the livelihoods of approximately 3,500 direct and indirect jobs across Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal, with many…

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South Africa Unveils $27 Billion Electric Vehicle Incentive Plan

In a landmark move towards sustainable transportation, South Africa has officially enacted a 150% tax incentive for the production of electric and hydrogen vehicles. Signed into law on January 3, 2025, the legislation is expected to unlock approximately $27 billion in investments, significantly boosting the country’s nascent electric vehicle (EV) industry. The ambitious initiative aims…

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DECLINE IN GLOBAL BATTERY PRICES Set to Boost SA’s EV Market in 2025

A global decline in lithium battery pack prices, as recently announced by BloombergNEF, could make electric vehicles (EVs) more affordable in emerging markets like South Africa. Despite struggling to attract investment from battery mega factories, South Africa is poised for a significant shift towards clean mobility. With over 13 million internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles…

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SYRAH SHARES PLUNGE 30% AFTER  FORCE MAJEURE at Balama Graphite Mine in Mozambique

Australia’s Syrah Resources saw its stock plummet by approximately 30% on Thursday after the company declared a force majeure at its Balama graphite mine due to escalating civil unrest in Mozambique following contested election results. Syrah Resources stands out as the largest graphite producer outside of China, offering one of the few non-Chinese sources of…

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Trump Vows to Unlock ‘Magna Carta’ Bottleneck for $1 Billion Projects”

President-elect Donald Trump has announced a plan to expedite federal permits for energy projects and other construction initiatives exceeding $1 billion. This promise, made via a post on his Truth Social platform, includes assurances that any entity investing this amount in the United States will receive “fully expedited approvals and permits, including, but not limited…

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MERIDIAN ECONOMICS REPORT: Battery Energy Storage Key to Cost Savings for South African Companies

A groundbreaking study by Meridian Economics reveals that battery energy storage can be a game-changer for South African businesses, unlocking significant cost savings and a more sustainable energy future. This report, published on the first week of December 2024, highlights the financial viability of investing in behind-the-meter batteries, emphasising their potential to reduce energy costs…

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IEA REPORT OUTLINES $2.3 TRILLION INVESTMENT Needed for Africa’s Energy Transition

Meeting Africa’s escalating energy demands necessitates a significant increase in investment in clean energy projects, alongside urgent measures to overcome financial obstacles, according to a recent report by the International Energy Agency (IEA). The report, titled Clean Energy Investment for Development in Africa, emphasises the immediate investment priorities and financing strategies essential to transform these…

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SAUDI ARABIA EXPANDS MINING Footprint in Africa with Potential Zambia Investment

Following its recent acquisition of a 10% stake in Vale’s copper and nickel division, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) is advancing discussions to secure a significant investment in Zambian copper mines. Manara Minerals, a joint venture between PIF and the Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Ma’aden), is negotiating to acquire a 15-20% equity stake in…

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