Infrastructure

South Africa's call for local renewable products: a new era

The committee urged the department to speed up efforts to localise renewable energy production.

South Africa's Select Committee on Agriculture, Land Reform and Mineral Resources has called on the Department of Electricity and Energy to prioritise the local manufacturing of renewable energy products instead of relying on imports

This came after the department briefed the committee on the implementation of the Renewable Energy Sector Master Plan (RESMP).

During the presentation, the department outlined the key goals of the Master Plan, describing it as a driver for industrial development that aims to meet the growing demand for renewable energy, especially solar and wind power. A strong focus was placed on the importance of promoting inclusive economic growth by involving previously disadvantaged groups, with particular emphasis on youth and women, in the renewable energy sector.

The committee was briefed on several initiatives under the Master Plan. These included the localisation of renewable energy production, the rollout of skills development programmes, and the establishment of proper monitoring systems to track progress. Committee members stressed that the plan should not only address energy needs but also promote job creation and skills development.

Members raised concerns about the involvement of vulnerable communities, especially those in rural areas, asking the department how it plans to ensure these groups benefit from the Master Plan. The department responded by affirming its goal to ensure that at least 50% of job opportunities go to youth and marginalised communities. It also highlighted ongoing efforts to identify skills needs and expand internship and training programmes.

Regarding local manufacturing, the committee questioned the current focus on training people only for assembly work rather than producing renewable energy components like solar panels and charge controllers. They urged the department to move beyond just assembling and start developing the capacity to manufacture such products locally. In response, the department confirmed that steps are being taken to explore and expand local manufacturing opportunities.

The committee also flagged concerns about regulatory hurdles, particularly a moratorium from the Department of Defence, which has delayed the issuing of letters of no objection needed by Independent Power Producers (IPPs). They warned this could slow down progress in renewable energy projects. The department assured the committee it would work with the relevant departments to address these challenges and avoid any delays for IPPs.

Overall, the committee urged the department to speed up efforts to localise renewable energy production and ensure broad community participation.

Innovative strategies in South Africa's infrastructure reform agenda

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The main agenda of the new vision is to transform the Expanded Public Works Programme from temporary job relief to a skills-based employment pipeline.

The Select Committee on Public Infrastructure has praised the Department of Public Works & Infrastructure for its strategic and annual performance plans for the 2025/26 financial year

The committee Chairperson, Rikus Badenhorst, said, "This is not a mere tweak of the department, but a fundamental shift in how it understands and executes its core mandate. Minister Macpherson's agenda marks a critical departure towards a department that catalyses infrastructure-led growth, a partner in job creation, and a driver of economic recovery."

Dean Macpherson, Minister of Public Works & Infrastructure, presented these plans, highlighting their alignment with the National Development Plan & commitment to economic recovery and job creation.

The main agenda of the new vision is to transform the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) from temporary job relief to a skills-based employment pipeline, with a budget of R7.2 billion to create long-term, dignified jobs. Rikus highlighted the importance of this shift for restoring human dignity and economic resilience. The committee also supported the department’s initiatives for urban regeneration and optimising state assets to enhance public value.

While in conversation with Macpherson, Badenhorst said, "It is clear that you bring political will to the table. This committee will match it with rigorous oversight, constructive engagement, and institutional support. Together, we can turn this department, and indeed South Africa, into a construction site of progress.”

Badenhorst expressed confidence in the Ministry's leadership and the committee's readiness to provide oversight and support in driving these reforms for South Africa's progress.

Bayer establishes maize seed facility in Zambia

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With its Itaba maize seed facility in Zambia, Bayer supports food security in Sub-Saharan Africa. (Image source: Bayer)

Bayer recently unveiled its new maize seed facility in Kabwe, Zambia

Through this US$34.7mn facility, Bayer has managed to triple its existing capacity for high-quality maize seed production in 2025. This capacity ultimately converts into annual maize consumption of approximately 30 million people in the region, and is expected to further increase in the coming years.

The high-yielding seeds will reach 6.4 million smallholder farmers in Zambia and other countries in sub-Saharan Africa this year and up to 10 million by 2030. To date, the investment is the second largest private investment by a German company in Zambia. The site is a key component of Bayer’s growth strategy for Africa, with the aspiration of doubling the Crop Science Division’s business on the continent by 2030.

Bayer plans to employ 80 permanent staff members and over 100 seasonal workers and contractors at the site. Additionally, approximately 15,000 seasonal on-farm jobs will be generated through Bayer’s field operations and those of contract growers to produce the seeds. By addressing up to 10 million smallholder farmers, the investment significantly helps to advance Bayer’s goal of reaching 21.5 million smallholders in Africa and 100 million globally by 2030.

Bayer is also supporting the local healthcare system by funding the establishment of a new health centre, which aims to provide essential healthcare services to more than 10,000 residents, including Bayer employees and their dependents.

“Millions of people around the world, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, suffer from severe food insecurity. Ending hunger is central to our mission at Bayer. With our new seed facility in Zambia, we want to make a meaningful contribution to that crucial goal,” said CEO Bill Anderson, who inaugurated the site alongside president of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema. “The new facility will help us improve food security, empower smallholder farmers, and support communities in numerous countries on the African continent. It’s also a great business opportunity for Bayer. We can’t wait to ramp up production," Anderson concluded.

Salesian Missionaries make land arrangements to set up agriculture school in Uganda

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The school will focus on teaching students sustainable and environmentally friendly farming techniques. (Image source: Salesian Missions)

Donor funding from Salesian Missions, the US development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco has enabled Salesian Missionaries in the Atede community in the Gulu district of Uganda to purchase land for a new agriculture school

Featuring areas for livestock as well as land for growing staple crops like maize, sweet potatoes and other vegetables, the new Salesian school will provide a source of education for poor youth while also growing food to address food security issues.

The harvest from these crops will help bolster the school’s feeding programmes for its students, who will also learn how to run an agribusiness to sell the surplus.

“The school will focus on teaching students sustainable and environmentally friendly farming techniques. They will have practical and hands-on lessons that will also incorporate education on agribusiness,” a Salesian explained. “Salesians will also focus on agriculture research, experimentation and innovation. The bonds between the school and the local community will strengthen through these agriculture initiatives.”

Invictus Investment acquires Mozambique's Merec Industries

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The acquisition of Merec Industries is Invictus Investment’s second major transaction in Africa. (Image source: Invictus Investment)

Leading agro-food enterprise in the Middle East and Africa, Invictus Investment Company Plc recently announced it has completed the acquisition of Merec Industries, Mozambique’s largest flour milling company

The deal was made through the purchase of Merec Industries’ holding entity, Stratton Africa Holdings Limited, Mauritius, from current shareholders Amethis Fund II and Merec Financial.

Merec Industries is a market leader with strategically located mills, production facilities and silos, along with a strong portfolio of leading food brands. The company operates state-of-the-art milling facilities with a total production capacity of more than 800,000 MT of wheat and corn flour per annum. It also has processing facilities for over 180,000 MT of pasta, biscuits and animal feed per annum, as well as grain silos with a total storage capacity of more than 145,000 MT. The company’s assets are strategically located in Beira, Maputo and Nacala to comprehensively cover demand in Mozambique and neighbouring countries. It also owns a grain terminal at the port of Maputo.

“The acquisition is expected to add significant scale and synergies between the two companies, increasing our consolidated revenues by over US$272mn per annum," said Amir Daoud Abdellatif, CEO of Invictus Investment. "It will also accelerate other investments and the expansion of our trading activities, fuelling substantial EBITDA growth, which is projected to more than double in 2025."

“This move contributes to our long-term strategy to expand our agro-food business in high-potential African markets, develop new strategic partnerships and build on our operational capabilities in themidstream and downstream segments. It also brings us a step closer to our goal of becoming a fully integrated agro-food enterprise in the Middle East and Africa and achieving US$6.8bn in revenue by 2028. With a focus on key staples in the agricultural sector and food industry, the transaction is expected to positively impact food security and economic growth in Mozambique by supporting job creation and driving export growth.”

With a population of over 34 million, growing at nearly 3% annually, Mozambique is an attractive growth market for wheat-based products, where Invictus Investment expects a projected CAGR of 6% in demand from 2022 to 2027, driven by population growth, urbanisation and rising incomes. The pasta market is also expected to offer additional avenues for business growth, with a forecasted CAGR of 9.5%, driven by evolving dietary preferences over time.

Jean Sébastien, Senior Partner at AmethisFund II, said: “We are pleased to announce the sale of our Merec shareholding to Invictus Investment. Our partnership with Merec has seen it establish a strong market position and brand portfolio by consistently delivering high-quality products. Merec’s growth in its core wheat milling business and diversification into wheat value-addition has significantly contributed to job creation and has improved Mozambique’s food security to the benefit of millions of Mozambican consumers all over the country – a core pillar to Amethis’ investment strategy. We are confident that Invictus Investment will further enhance Merec’s growth by improving efficiency, product quality and seizing new opportunities. With Merec’s local expertise and Invictus Investment’s global capabilities, we are certain that the business will reach new heights.”

The acquisition of Merec Industries is Invictus Investment’s second major transaction in Africa, following the purchase of a 60% stake in Graderco, Morocco’s leading grains trading company, and its subsidiaries from Zalar Holding. Invictus Investment remains focused on exploring further acquisition opportunities, developing new joint ventures in strategic markets,and continuing its investments across key African markets.

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