African Energy Indaba announces the launch of its first Solar Indaba, scheduled for March 6, 2024, in Cape Town. The event aims to advance renewable energy across Africa and promote sustainable development. It will bring together key stakeholders, industry leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss and collaborate on the future of solar energy in Africa. Highlights include expert panels, networking opportunities, a technology showcase, policy and investment discussions, and project financing. Liz Hart, the managing director, expressed optimism about the event's potential to drive significant change and contribute to a greener future for Africa.

The 27th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, marked a shift in discussions about Africa's role in the global energy transition. Unlike COP26, where Africa was pressured to leave its fossil fuels untapped, COP27 recognized the economic benefits of exploiting African natural gas to aid the continent's transition to renewable energy. Key initiatives launched include the African Carbon Markets Initiative (ACMI) and the African Just and Affordable Energy Transition Initiative (AJAETI), aiming to generate significant carbon credits and increase access to clean energy. The African Energy Chamber (AEC) supports increased natural gas use to reduce CO2 emissions and drive economic growth. However, substantial investments are needed to develop infrastructure and meet long-term energy goals, with a potential shortfall in funding posing risks to Africa's energy future.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) holds vast untapped mineral reserves, presenting significant opportunities for investors, according to mining expert Simons Tuma Waku. Speaking at the Mining Indaba 2024, Waku emphasized the importance of exploration and modernizing production facilities to meet growing mineral demand. He highlighted the substantial investments by Chinese companies under the Sicomines contract, urging the DRC government to ensure transparent and effective management of these funds to benefit the country's socio-economic development. The DRC, a leading global producer of cobalt and a major player in copper and gold, is positioned as a key player in the global mining industry.

Inter Oriental Builders (IOB SARL), under the leadership of Feni Matsando, has emerged as a key player in the Democratic Republic of the Congo's mining industry. Initially focused on civil engineering, the company has expanded into mining, offering a diverse range of services. At the Mining Indaba 2024, Matsando highlighted the company's achievements and future growth, supported by major contracts with Kamoa. IOB SARL is committed to local subcontracting and economic development, with significant support from Kibali Gold Mines. The company's participation in the conference marks a new era of collaboration and innovation in the African mining sector.

Susa Maleba of SRK Consulting International proposes innovative strategies to transform artisanal mining in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) into a more sustainable and beneficial industry. His approach includes creating semi-industrial entities to support artisanal miners and integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. Maleba highlights the economic and social benefits of these strategies, supported by recent legislative measures aimed at promoting local businesses. His vision aims to ensure fair compensation, responsible resource exploitation, and improved living conditions for local communities.

Foreign direct investments in South Africa surged to 67 billion rands ($3.75 billion) in Q4 2022, driven by increased equity investments in non-resident companies, notably Walmart's acquisition of the remaining 47% of its South African subsidiary, Massmart. This marked a significant rise from the previous quarter's 11.9 billion rands. The South African Reserve Bank also reported portfolio investment flows of 26.1 billion rands ($1.46 billion) for the same period.

Seven opposition parties in South Africa have formed an alliance to challenge the ruling African National Congress (ANC) in the upcoming 2024 national and provincial elections. The coalition, led by the Democratic Alliance, aims to end the ANC's nearly 30-year dominance and address issues of corruption and mismanagement. Despite the ANC's declining popularity due to scandals and internal divisions, it remains favored for the next elections. The coalition seeks to create a just, inclusive, and prosperous South Africa.

South Africa's Justice and Correctional Services Minister Ronald Lamola announced that former President Jacob Zuma will not return to prison. The Constitutional Court upheld a decision that Zuma's medical parole granted by former commissioner Arthur Fraser was illegal. Interim commissioner Makgothi Thobakgale decided that Zuma's time on medical parole would count as time served, and Zuma has now received a remission of his sentence as part of a broader effort to reduce prison overcrowding.

Glencore, a global mining giant, supports the World Day Against Child Labour and commits to the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. The company emphasizes a zero-tolerance approach to child labour and other forms of forced labour, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Glencore collaborates with local NGOs and churches to provide alternative livelihoods and educational opportunities to prevent child involvement in artisanal and small-scale mining. The company is also a founding member of the Fair Cobalt Alliance, promoting fair cobalt development.

Landry Meya, president of the Association of Subcontractors of Congo and CEO of AKATA RDC, criticized the corruption, nepotism, and favoritism in the supply and procurement services of major mining companies during the LINC annual conference in Kolwezi, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Despite anti-corruption policies, some procurement officials continue unethical practices, violating laws that mandate local subcontractors receive 30% payment upon contract signing. Meya emphasized the need for a win-win relationship between major companies and subcontractors to realize President Felix Tshisekedi's vision of creating a class of millionaires. The conference also served as a collaborative networking platform.

Congolese musician Koffi Olomide is set to return to the music scene in South Africa with a concert scheduled for April 11, 2023, in Cape Town. This marks his comeback after a failed attempt in 2019 due to pressure from feminist associations. The concert is an opportunity for Olomide to reconnect with his fans and improve his image following past sexual misconduct allegations. With a career spanning over forty years and numerous achievements, Olomide remains a significant figure in African music.

President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo confirms his participation in the Investing in African Mining Indaba 2023 in Cape Town, South Africa, from February 6-9, 2023. He will join South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in a special session to discuss the strategic advancement of their economies through mining. The DRC, rich in natural resources and holding the largest global reserves of cobalt, sees mining as a key economic driver. Tshisekedi aims to promote investment opportunities in the DRC's mining sector, with a notable partnership with Zambia to develop lithium-ion batteries for electric cars, a significant step towards poverty alleviation and economic growth.