Harvest Highlights:
November's News & Views
In the last weeks, the recent U.S. elections dominated global media, yet the question remains: what will U.S.-Africa relations look like moving forward? This topic is notably absent from discussions. Meanwhile, a surge of African-led investments is catalyzing a transformative shift across the continent. Visionaries like Koné Dossongui, Patrice Motsepe, and the Dangote Group are pioneering large-scale projects, from industrial zones to mining, fueled by local capital and ambition. This trend highlights Africa’s growing economic independence and resilience, fostering intra-continental collaboration. These initiatives represent a unified African vision for a self-determined future, crafted by African hands.
Developments and Expansion of the Port of Pointe-Noire
The Port of Pointe-Noire in Congo-Brazzaville is making significant strides to solidify its role as Central Africa's primary ocean gateway. With ambitious expansions underway, the port is investing €400 million to increase its terminal capacity, extending the quay by 750 meters with a 17-meter depth to accommodate larger vessels, particularly those from Asia. This growth has led the port to exceed one million containers annually, quadrupling its volume over the last 15 years.
Kribi Containers Terminal (KCT) Advances Phase ll Expansion with new equipment
On October 14, 2024, Kribi Containers Terminal (KCT) received new port handling equipment as part of Phase II expansion, aiming to solidify its status as a central maritime hub for the Gulf of Guinea. The terminal, which spans 33 hectares with a 16-meter draft and a 715-meter quay, is being equipped to handle one million containers annually, tripling its capacity. KCT, in collaboration with the Cameroonian government, aims to strengthen economic connectivity across the region, creating 300 new jobs and attracting larger vessels from Asia, the Indian subcontinent, and Europe.
The Grand Inga Hydropower Project: A Bold Plan to Energize Africa
The Grand Inga Hydropower Project in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is an ambitious effort to deliver 42,000 MW of electricity, aiming to energize both the DRC and the broader African continent. Building on the DRC’s existing Inga 1 and Inga 2 hydropower stations from the 1970s, this expanded project has drawn interest from global investors and major commitments from South Africa, which plans to buy a significant share of the power.
ECTN Latest highlights
Do you know?
Over 25% of the world’s languages are spoken only in Africa
There are thought to be around 2,000 languages in use on the continent. All are considered official languages of the African Union. Nigeria alone has over 500 living languages.