Nasan Energies has completed the acquisition of 52 Engen and Shell-branded fuel stations in Namibia in a landmark US$50 million transaction. The deal positions the Namibian-owned company as the country’s third-largest oil marketing company and highlights the growing role of indigenous African businesses in energy ownership, fuel retail and economic transformation. Led by entrepreneur Miguel Hamutenya, Nasan Energies aims to strengthen Namibia’s energy security, expand fuel retail operations and become a leading African energy company.
Category: Business
Business insights, company profiles and industry analysis covering African markets, leadership, entrepreneurship and economic growth.
Exxaro’s 37% Road Cost Premium Could Squeeze South Africa’s Manganese Export Margins Despite Rail Reforms
South Africa’s manganese exporters may face growing margin pressure as Exxaro reveals that road transport costs 37% more than rail, with nearly half of Tshipi Borwa mine’s export volumes still transported by truck. EBC Financial Group says expanding port capacity alone will not improve profitability unless rail access increases, lowering inland logistics costs and strengthening export competitiveness.
Refreshi Helps South Africans Save R12.5 Million While Rescuing 200,000 Meals from Landfill in One Year
South African food-tech startup Refreshi has helped consumers save R12.5 million on groceries while rescuing 200,000 surplus meals from landfill in its first year. The company’s Grocery Savings Impact Report highlights rapid nationwide expansion, significant environmental benefits, and growing adoption of its circular economy marketplace, which connects consumers with discounted surplus food from supermarkets, restaurants, bakeries, and cafés across South Africa.
Embassies Business Fair & Conference 2026 to Connect African Businesses with Global Buyers, Investors and Trade Opportunities
The Embassies Business Fair & Conference 2026 returns to Pretoria on 8–9 September, bringing together embassies, investors, buyers, manufacturers and entrepreneurs to accelerate international trade and investment. With a strong focus on AfCFTA, market access, business matchmaking and export opportunities, the event aims to help African businesses expand into regional and global markets through practical economic diplomacy.
Low-carbon energy is now critical infrastructure for Africa’s digital future
Africa’s digital transformation depends on reliable, low-carbon energy infrastructure. As demand for connectivity, AI, fintech, e-health and digital services grows, renewable energy solutions are essential to support resilient telecom networks, expand inclusion and accelerate sustainable economic growth across the continent.
School farms boost food security in Kenya’s drylands
School farms are improving food security, nutrition and education in Kenya’s arid and semi-arid lands by combining climate-smart agriculture with school feeding programmes. A pilot initiative led by the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) and partners is increasing school enrolment, diversifying children’s diets and creating new income opportunities for women farmers. The project demonstrates how regenerative agriculture and community partnerships can strengthen resilience to climate change while supporting sustainable food systems across Kenya’s drylands.
Africa Didn’t Cause This Energy Crisis. But It Often Pays the Highest Price
Africa continues to face the harshest consequences of global energy disruptions despite playing little role in causing them. In this opinion piece, Ben Ouattara, Head of Africa at Puma Energy, examines how higher fuel import costs, shipping disruptions, inflation and supply chain pressures are impacting African economies. He argues that strengthening energy resilience through diversified supply, strategic infrastructure, flexible policies and regional cooperation is essential to protecting economic growth from future global energy shocks.
EMERGE Launches Career Acceleration Platform to Advance Africa’s Young Professional Talent
EMERGE, powered by TheBoardroom Africa, has launched a career acceleration platform that connects young African professionals with leadership development, mentorship, skills training, networking, and employer opportunities. Supported by the Mastercard Foundation, the platform aims to strengthen Africa’s talent pipeline by helping professionals build sustainable careers while enabling employers to develop and access better-prepared future leaders.
Three Lessons from NAMPO About the Business of Farming in Africa
NAMPO Harvest Day highlighted three major trends shaping African agriculture: rising competition among suppliers, growing cross-border integration, and the impact of foreign currency challenges on farming businesses. Ray Van Rooyen of Absa Africa Regions explores how technology, finance, trade, and efficiency will define the future of farming across the continent.
Africa trains its elites the artisanal way. It’s time to move to industrial-scale leadership
Africa’s Agenda 2063 requires far more than ambition—it demands a new approach to developing leadership at scale. In this opinion piece, Dr. Nizar Chaari argues that Africa must move beyond small, founder-driven leadership programs and build scalable, evidence-based systems rooted in African realities. Examining competency-based training, psychometric assessment, and Ubuntu, he explores how the continent can create the thousands of leaders needed to achieve long-term economic and social transformation.