Night has fallen on Sèmè-Kpodji, a lively town on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, in south-east Benin. Many of the city’s residents are still busy working, including Fatima Hounkanrin, 30, who runs a small shop selling tomatoes, pepper, soap, drinks and other household goods. Thanks to new street-lighting in the area, she’s able to keep the shop open well past dusk.

“Before, there was no lighting in the area, and we used to close when night fell. Now that we have electricity, it helps, and we’re very pleased. We can stay open until late at night,” the delighted woman says. “We’re genuinely grateful to our benefactors for what they are doing for us. There are places that haven’t yet benefited from the project, so we ask you to think of them, because light drives development.”

Bertrand Éric Lokossou, another resident of Sèmè-Kpodji, is just as excited. “Officials from the electricity company came to talk to us a few days ago. They told us that there was a project underway and that they were going to supply us with electricity,” he says. “It was finished not long afterwards, and we’re all very pleased. We’d like to thank the donors for the happiness they’ve brought us.”

He adds that requests for the installation of new electricity meters are processed speedily. “It’s good progress and we’re very happy about it.”

Martine Padonou and her family depended on stoves and solar lamps for many years. Electricity supply was sporadic, and usually of low quality. Connection costs were also beyond reach. “We had to ask one of our distant neighbours to share his supply with us because we couldn’t afford the connection. It wasn’t easy at all,” she says. “There were frequent brownouts and almost constant power cuts, to the point where the elderly lady who lives with me hit her head one day following a power cut. She was very ill and it cost a lot of money to look after her. Fortunately, the electrification project thought of us and now we have a permanent supply with our own meter. Thanks be to God.”

Fatima, Éric and Martine are among the first beneficiaries of the Electricity Corporation of Benin Sub-Transmission and Distribution System Restructuring and Extension Project, funded by a loan of USD 9.08 million and a donation of USD 7.28 million from the African Development Bank Group’s African Development Fund (ADF), as well as a loan of USD 17.79 million from the French Development Agency. The government of Benin also contributed USD 3.68 million through the Electricity Corporation of Benin, the public corporation responsible for producing, distributing, and selling electricity in Benin.

Launched in 2018 and scheduled to be completed in late 2024, the project aims to increase access to electricity in 13 cities in the Republic of Benin, including the country’s two main cities of Cotonou and Porto-Novo, and surrounding areas, and other cities such as Abomey, Bohicon and Lokossa.

A second goal is to improve the quality of electricity supply and reduce energy wastage – estimated at 23 percent in 2015 – in the Electricity Corporation of Benin’s sub-transmission networks.

By March 2024, the project had seen the installation of about 1,545 high-voltage and 1,378 low-voltage poles. Works to improve the existing 63/15 kV substations in Akpakpa have also been completed, along with the construction of power lines in Gbégamey and Cotonou, and 63 kV substations in Lokossa-Hagoumey.

The project has also worked on strengthening and extending the high-voltage/low-voltage distribution lines in Cotonou, Sèmè-Kpodji, Porto-Novo and Akpro-Missérété (tranche 1) and in Lokossa, Dogbo, Toviklin, Djakotomey, Klouékanmè, Abomey, Bohicon and Zogbodomey (tranche 2).

Vissi Arnaud Adikpeto, the project coordinator, explains, “In time, the project will provide reliable electricity supply to the residents of the 13 cities and their surrounding areas, including to schools, health centres, and commercial and industrial businesses. In the medium term, the work will mean that the Electricity Corporation of Benin has 40,000 additional new subscribers, including at least 51 percent women.”

On the status of the project, Éric Prégnon, project manager at the African Development Bank, says: “The civil engineering works on the sub-stations are complete. All the foreign manufacturing equipment is ready, the factory tests are done, and the equipment has been received on site. Once the substations are operational, and the rest of the poles and the meters have been installed, the project will have achieved its objective.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

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About the ADF:
The African Development Fund (ADF) is the concessional window of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group. Established in 1972, and operational since 1974, the Fund contributes to economic and social development in the least developed African countries by providing concessional funding for projects and programs, as well as technical assistance for studies and capacity-building activities.

About the African Development Bank Group: 
The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) is the premier multilateral financing institution dedicated to Africa’s development. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NSF). The AfDB has a field presence in 41 African countries, with an external office in Japan, and contributes to the economic development and social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org

British High Commissioner Antony Phillipson will speak at the Critical Minerals Africa (CMA) Summit in Cape Town on November 6-7. Phillipson will highlight South Africa’s crucial role in the energy transition, leveraging its vast reserves of platinum, manganese, vanadium, and other essential minerals. Phillipson will explore how the UK can tap into South Africa’s supply chain to meet the growing demand for energy transition metals.

South Africa has up to 95% of the world’s platinum group metal (PGMs) reserves, 70% of its manganese reserves, and substantial reserves of vanadium, magnesium, nickel, and copper – essential for green hydrogen, solar PV, and energy storage technologies.

As one of the largest investors in South Africa, the UK government is mobilizing both private and public sector investors to strengthen South Africa’s critical minerals value chain, focusing on exploration, production, and value addition for critical mineral projects. In March 2024, the British High Commission in Pretoria selected two startups in the critical minerals value chain as potential beneficiaries of the 2024 Climate Finance Accelerator in South Africa. The program provides technical and financial assistance to innovative startups. Mpumalanga-based Creslow Energy Solutions will leverage support from UK institutions to advance its renewable battery manufacturing capabilities. Manganese Metal Company will develop a 5,000-ton per annum manganese sulphate monohydrate plant in Mbombela to meet the increasing demand for batteries in electric vehicles.

The Critical Minerals Africa 2024 summit on November 6 – 7 serves to position Africa as the primary investment destination for critical minerals. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energy 2024 conference  (http://apo-opa.co/3XRLC1y) on November 4 – 8, offering delegates access to the full scope of energy, mining and finance leaders in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com

During CMA 2023, Phillipson announced a R20 million funding package to assist African countries, including South Africa, in conducting studies on best practices for maximizing in-country critical mineral processing and mid-stream value addition. To promote global market uptake of PGMs, UK global mining firm Anglo American partnered with international energy firm Sasol and automaker BMW to pilot green hydrogen vehicles in South Africa in October 2023. At CMA 2024, Phillipson will discuss how the commission is engaging with British investors and mining firms to advance South Africa’s critical minerals value chain.

In the upstream sector, UK companies rank among the largest investors and producers of critical minerals in South Africa. Anglo American, through its South African operations, is a leading producer of PGMs globally. The firm operates the Mogalakwena, Amandelbult, Matotolo, Der Brochen and Twickenham mines, which are crucial to the stability of the global supply market. The company increased its nickel production by 42% to 4,700 tons and copper production by 22% to 3,300 tons in the first quarter of 2024, enhancing South Africa’s contribution to the global market.

Rio Tinto operates the Richards Bay Minerals project – South Africa’s largest mineral sands producing mine – producing rutile, iron, slag and zircon crucial to meet the growing demand of smart phones and various electronic devices. At CMA, Phillipson will provide insights on UK-funded critical mineral projects in South Africa and showcase investment prospects for UK investors within the market.

“UK companies play a crucial role in advancing South Africa’s critical minerals value chain. As South Africa seeks to capitalize on the growing demand for critical minerals to drive its economic growth, lucrative investment opportunities for UK private and public sector mining stakeholders continue to expand,” states James Chester, CEO of Energy Capital&Power.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

By Rania El Rafie, Vice President of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, APO Group (https://APO-opa.com/).

Africa’s public relations (PR) landscape has undergone a dynamic transformation over the past five years. Driven by technological advancements, shifting societal dynamics, and a burgeoning entrepreneurial spirit, PR in Africa is not only keeping pace with global trends but also forging its own unique path.

The digital revolution is one of the most significant catalysts for change in African PR. The proliferation of smartphones and increased internet penetration have dramatically altered how PR professionals operate. Social media platforms like Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn have become indispensable tools for communication, enabling PR practitioners to reach wider audiences with greater immediacy and impact.

Additionally, storytelling has emerged as a fundamental element of PR strategy in Africa. Acknowledging the influence of narratives, PR experts are creating captivating stories that resonate with a variety of audiences. By spotlighting triumphs, cultural heritage, and innovative solutions, practitioners are challenging stereotypes and contributing to a more balanced portrayal of Africa on the global stage.

Influencer marketing has risen as a significant trend in African PR, capitalising on the influence and perceived trustworthiness of prominent social media figures to amplify brand messages. Influencers, with their active followers, provide a powerful channel for brands to connect with their target audiences in an authentic and relatable manner.

The previous five years have also highlighted the significance of strategic communication and crisis management in PR. As the business environment becomes increasingly complex, organisations must navigate a host of challenges, from political instability to health crises such as the global pandemic. PR professionals have had to develop robust strategies to manage crises effectively, ensuring transparent and timely communication.

The Impact of Seismic Events on PR

The global pandemic serves as an example of how disruptive events can radically transform an industry.  While COVID-19 may have highlighted the need for brands to rebalance and realign business priorities, it is not the only factor driving this trend. Across markets, news headlines are dominated by ESG issues, from energy and water shortages to floods, health, and unemployment crises. As these issues continue to rise, the pressure on brands to engage in these matters and, more importantly, to act on them, increases yearly.

No longer seen as separate functions, PR and marketing professionals are now working more closely than ever to conduct integrated campaigns. Both disciplines share the goal of creating goodwill with customers. Africa represents a massive opportunity for the PR industry, driven by its dynamic and evolving landscape. With a young, tech-savvy population eager to embrace recent technologies and innovative marketing and communications methods, the continent is ripe for PR professionals to explore and develop new strategies.

As Africa continues to grow and evolve, so too does the potential for PR to play a pivotal role in shaping narratives, building trust, and driving positive change. This truly is a golden age for PR on the continent, with endless possibilities for those ready to seize them.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of APO Group Insights.