Africa

Africa-focused oil company Afren has announced strong interim results on the back of higher oil prices, and looks set to double production this year.

The London-based company recorded pre-tax profits for the six months to 30 June of $75.4 million (approximately €59.2 million).

Egypt’s retail scene has barely changed in decades; but that hasn’t stopped Procter & Gamble from trying to help modernise from within, as Alan Swaby learns.

In recent times Ghana has emerged as a potential major new oil player in West Africa’s resource-rich region. Tullow Oil Ghana’s Stuart Wheaton tells Andrew Pelis of the challenges at the forefront of discovery.

Strategic clarity is the key to unlocking the treasures of South Africa’s shallow gold resources for the country’s most dynamic recent market entrant. Neal Froneman, CEO of Gold One International (Africa), talks to Jayne Flannery.

The global economic downturn has meant opportunity for AMEC Minproc to expand its activities in Africa, as Ruari McCallion learns from Colin Kubank.

Suntech Power Holdings Co Ltd, China's largest maker of solar panels, has signed a deal to develop solar plants in South Africa with up to 100 megawatts in capacity.

The move comes as South Africa looks to increase its clean energy output, as well as boost manufacturing and infrastructure as its seeks to broaden its economic appeal beyond its wealth of natural resources.

The total investment required for building a 100 megawatt solar power plant is estimated to be between $350 million and $400 million.

Mining giant Xstrata has agreed to acquire Australian iron ore developer Sphere Minerals for A$428 million (approx. €300 million), it has been announced.

Buying Sphere will increase Xstrata’s iron ore presence in Africa through the Australian company’s three iron ore projects in Mauritania. These include the $1.65 billion Guelb el Aouj development, operated asa 50/50 joint venture with Société Nationale Industrielle et Minière (SNIM), Mauritania’s state-owned iron ore producer.

A slowdown in nuclear projects is posing no problem for Lesedi Nuclear Services. The company is successfully drawing on its comprehensive base of resource and skills to further cement its reputation as a well-established and reliable player in all sectors of the energy market, as Andrew Pelis discovers.

It’s vital to build on solid foundations; and underneath an increasing number of bridges and buildings in South Africa is piling work undertaken by Fairbrother Geotechnical Engineering. Ruari McCallion finds out more from Adrian Meerburg.

Moves by Namibia to capitalise on its extensive diamond resources have stepped up a gear since the creation of the Namibia Diamond Trading Company. Andrew Pelis talks to CEO Shihaleni Ndjaba to find out more.