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Africa’s Rare Earth Momentum Builds as Global Demand Triples by 2035

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Africa’s share of the global rare earths market is expected to reach 9% by 2035 – but increased exploration could raise this contribution even further

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, February 11, 2026/APO Group/ –Global demand for rare earths is set to triple by 2035, reaching 150,000 tons from 91,000 tons in 2024. As producers and consumers seek new sources of supply to meet this surge, Africa is increasingly coming into focus. Projected to account for 9% of global output by 2029, the continent is accelerating exploration and drilling activity as governments and developers move to translate geological potential into commercial production. While large-scale output remains underdeveloped, Africa’s high-grade deposits, improving project economics and faster development timelines are positioning it as a strategic supplier of critical minerals to global markets.

 

Expanding Africa’s Exploration Portfolio

As the adoption of electric vehicles, renewable energy systems and advanced manufacturing accelerates global demand for rare earths, African countries are scaling up exploration efforts to delineate resources, support job creation and attract international mining investment.

London-listed Pensana commenced preparations for a 7,000-meter infill drilling program at Longonjo Mine in Angola – the country’s first rare earth project. The program is designed to support an early 2027 mining and stockpiling schedule, with initial production of 20,000 tons per annum (tpa) and options to increase output to 40,000 tpa in a second phase. At full scale, the Longonjo project is projected to supply approximately 5% of the world’s magnetic rare earths, positioning Angola as a key supplier on the global market.

Meanwhile, in Botswana, Canada’s Tsodilo Resources is planning a 15,000-meter drilling campaign in 2026 at the Gcwihaba project for resource definition, while Kavango Resources intends to conduct additional drilling at its Ditau project as it seeks partners for expansion. In South Africa, Rainbow Rare Earths is advancing drilling at its Phalaborwa project, targeting completion of a feasibility study by the end of 2026. Namibia’s ReExploration continues exploration activities at its Eureka and Lofdal projects, following several private placements raised in 2025. Meanwhile, in Mozambique’s Tete province, Altona Rare Earths is drilling at the Monte Muambe high-grade gallium project, which has already defined a maiden mineral resource estimate of 13.6 million tons at 2.42% total rare earth oxides.

Rising Demand Bolsters Foreign Spending 

While the majority of Africa’s rare earth production assets remain in construction or pre-production phases, global investor appetite for the continent’s resource potential continues to strengthen, with several projects securing financing to accelerate deployment.

In October 2025, South Africa’s Steenkampskraal Monazite Mine secured its first tranche of funding from the Industrial Development Corporation, supporting the development of the project’s metallurgical phase and underpinning its production expansion plans. Hosting one of the world’s highest-grade rare earth deposits, with an average grade of 14.5% total rare earth oxides, the project reinforces South Africa’s emerging role in the global rare earth supply chain.

Momentum is also building in Malawi, where the Songwe Hill rare earth project secured $4.6 million in financing from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation in September 2025 to advance front-end engineering and design studies. As Africa is forecast to attract up to $50 billion in investment for critical minerals development between 2024 and 2040, rare earth projects are increasingly central to converting rising investor interest into tangible capital flows and near-term production capacity.

Stepping into this picture, the upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) – scheduled for October 14-16, 2026 in Cape Town – will spotlight key project milestones and emerging investment opportunities across the continent’s rare earth sector. The event will feature high-level panel discussions, exhibitions and exclusive networking sessions, bringing together global investors with African projects, regulators and stakeholders from across the rare earths value chain.

AMW serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2026 conference from October 12-16 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Energy

London Showcase to Bring Venezuela’s Energy Opportunities to Global Investors Ahead of 2026 Summit

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A high-level London industry showcase on July 30 will bring together UK and European investors, financiers and energy leaders to explore emerging opportunities across Venezuela’s oil, gas and power sectors ahead of Venezuela Energy Week 2026

LONDON, United Kingdom, July 17, 2026/APO Group/ –As Venezuela accelerates efforts to revitalize its energy sector and attract international investment, Venezuela Energy Week 2026 will host an exclusive Industry Showcase in London on July 30, bringing together investors, financial institutions, international oil companies, commodity traders and energy executives for market intelligence, networking and partnership development ahead of the flagship conference taking place this October in Caracas.

 

Designed as a strategic preview of the main event, the London showcase will provide UK and European stakeholders with first-hand insight into Venezuela’s evolving investment landscape while creating opportunities for commercial dialogue with industry leaders, potential partners and key decision-makers.

Home to the world’s largest proven oil reserves and significant natural gas resources, Venezuela is entering a new phase of energy development focused on increasing production, expanding gas commercialization and modernizing critical infrastructure. Ongoing reforms and renewed international engagement are creating opportunities for companies able to provide capital, technology and technical expertise.

The timing is particularly significant as several UK and European energy companies continue to strengthen their presence in Venezuela. UK-based majors Shell and BP are advancing key natural gas developments, with Shell preparing for 2027 drilling at the Dragon offshore gas project and BP signing agreements in April to develop the Cocuina-Manakin offshore gas field, marking its return to the Venezuelan market. Spain’s Repsol recently announced plans to increase production from its Venezuelan assets, while Italy’s Eni is relaunching a heavy crude project in the Orinoco Belt. France’s Maurel & Prom, meanwhile, remains a key partner in strategic assets such as the Urdaneta Oeste field. On the trading and commercialization front, Geneva-headquartered energy trader Vitol has renewed its engagement with Venezuelan crude exports, reflecting broader international interest in reconnecting the country’s resources with global markets.

Against this backdrop, the London Industry Showcase will highlight Venezuela’s re-emerging investment potential while creating a platform for strategic networking and direct engagement with government leaders, national energy companies, regulators and private sector partners.

The event is expected to attract representatives from investment funds, export credit agencies, commercial banks, private equity firms, commodity traders, engineering companies, technology providers and UK-based independent energy companies exploring opportunities across Venezuela’s energy value chain.

The showcase will also provide an exclusive preview of Venezuela Energy Week 2026, including ministerial dialogues, executive forums, technical conferences and dedicated business-to-business networking sessions designed to connect international investors with the decision-makers shaping the country’s energy future.

Taking place on October 26–29, 2026 in Caracas, Venezuela Energy Week serves as the country’s premier platform for advancing investment across the oil, gas and power sectors. By bringing the conversation to London – one of the world’s leading financial and energy centers – the Industry Showcase builds momentum ahead of the flagship event while strengthening ties between international capital and one of the world’s most resource-rich energy markets.

To participate in the London Industry Showcase on July 30 or secure your place at Venezuela Energy Week 2026 in Caracas this October, contact info@venezuelaenergyweek.com to learn more about delegate, sponsorship and partnership opportunities.

Supporting Venezuela’s Earthquake Recovery

 

Our thoughts are with the people and communities affected by the recent earthquakes in Venezuela. As the country begins the long process of recovery, we encourage members of the global energy community to support relief and reconstruction efforts through the CAF Recovery and Reconstruction Fund for Venezuela, which channels contributions from individuals, companies and organizations to emergency assistance, essential services and long-term rebuilding efforts.

 

To learn more or make a contribution, please visit the CAF Recovery and Reconstruction Fund for Venezuela (https://apo-opa.co/3RKKqfz).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Events

October 2-4, 2026, Announced as New Date for the Inaugural Alamein Africa Forum

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The Forum which was earlier scheduled to hold in June 2026 was postponed following concerns about the evolving public health situation on the continent at the time

The Government of Egypt and the African Union Commission alongside other key stakeholders and partners are pleased to announce new dates for the inaugural Alamein Africa Forum (www.AlameinForum.com).

 

The Forum which was earlier scheduled to hold in June 2026 was postponed following concerns about the evolving public health situation on the continent at the time.

The inaugural Alamein Africa Forum will now be held between October 2-4, 2026, in Alamein, Egypt following consultations between the relevant stakeholders. It will be held in parallel with the African Union mid-year Summit which will take place in Alamein on 4 October 2026.

Please accept our sincere appreciation for your understanding, flexibility and continued support.

The Forum presents a unique opportunity to engage key policy makers, including African Heads of State and Government, as well as senior leaders from finance, industry and institutional investors to advance Africa’s private sector agenda.

Additional information regarding accommodation and logistics as well as the Forum programme will be made available on the Forum website as soon as next week.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Alamein Africa Forum.

 

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Business

The Learning Engine: How Rolls-Royce Turns Every Flight into Better Engineering (By Omar Ali Adib)

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For more than 120 years, Rolls-Royce has engineered solutions to some of aerospace’s most complex challenges

By Omar Ali Adib is the Senior Vice President – Middle East, Africa and Central Asia for the Rolls-Royce Civil Aerospace division (www.Rolls-Royce.com).

 

For more than 120 years, Rolls-Royce has engineered solutions to some of aerospace’s most complex challenges. Aviation has been transformed: aircraft fly further, higher and more efficiently, while advances in materials, digital technology and manufacturing now deliver performance that would have seemed impossible 30 years ago.

When every fraction of a percentage improvement counts, the fact that modern Trent XWB engines boast a 25% efficiency gain over their 30-year-old predecessors, it’s clear to see the learning curve is steady and steep.

Progress does not only come through dramatic reinvention. It comes through disciplined observation, careful analysis and thousands of incremental improvements which, together, transform engine performance, durability and reliability.

It is easy to think that an aero engine reaches the end of its development when it enters service after years of rigorous testing, modelling and certification. In reality, that is when a new phase of learning begins. Every take-off, climb, cruise and landing generates operational information that deepens our understanding of how engines perform in the real world.

Inside an engine is one of the most demanding environments created by engineering. High-pressure turbine blades rotate at around 13,000 revolutions per minute in gas temperatures approaching 1,500°C—around 200°C above the melting point of their alloy. They withstand immense thermal and mechanical loads, often with little time to cool fully between flights, yet operate safely for up to six years without overhaul.

Commercial aviation leaves little room for complacency. Airlines expect lower fuel consumption, fewer maintenance events and dependable operation. Governments and national carriers rely on aircraft to connect cities, support tourism and trade, move critical cargo and enable economic growth. Every day an aircraft remains in service creates value for both the airline and the wider economy.

Rolls-Royce engines continuously generate operational data, which, combined with inspection and maintenance findings, reveals how components age and where durability can be improved. This understanding spans aircraft operating across oceans and in hot, high, humid and dusty conditions, where intensive utilisation places additional demands on engines.

 

Rolls-Royce powers the world’s leading widebody aircraft. The Trent 1000, in commercial service since 2011, powers the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The Trent XWB powers every Airbus A350. The Trent 7000 powers the Airbus A330neo, the natural successor to the best-selling A330 family, combining proven aircraft credentials with latest-generation engine technology.

Each engine is designed specifically for its aircraft, yet together they form a living engineering ecosystem. Across the Trent family, advances are shared in aerodynamics, combustion, cooling, digital controls, materials, manufacturing, health monitoring and maintenance. Experience from one programme strengthens confidence and accelerates progress elsewhere.

Every lesson learned today becomes the engineering certainty we deliver tomorrow

The Trent 7000 illustrates this approach. As the newest Trent family member, it benefits from decades of accumulated experience while providing an important platform for validating the latest durability enhancements. Those lessons have informed technologies being incorporated into the Trent 1000 XE, translating proven operational evidence into wider customer benefit.

The same philosophy shapes the Trent XWB. Its latest Trent XWB-84 Enhanced Performance standard has exceeded its certified fuel-burn improvement. Data from everyday airline operations demonstrated savings of around 1.8 per cent—almost double the original target. This improvement translates to around $450,000 in annual fuel savings per aircraft, or around $9 million per year for a typical fleet of 20 Airbus A350-900s.

This ability to learn across Boeing and Airbus platforms gives Rolls-Royce exceptional breadth of operational understanding. It is underpinned by a commitment of more than £1 billion to a comprehensive engine improvement programme across the Trent 1000, Trent 7000 and Trent XWB-84. Crucially, the resulting durability improvements are covered by standard TotalCare agreements for existing customers and their engines in service.

Few measures matter more than Time on Wing: the period an engine remains in service before scheduled removal for overhaul. It affects aircraft availability, fleet planning, spare-engine requirements, maintenance scheduling and airline economics. For governments and national carriers, it also affects route resilience, tourism, trade, cargo movements and national connectivity. Durability is therefore one of modern aerospace’s defining engineering challenges.

For the Boeing 787, the Trent 1000 XE incorporates improved cooling, lighter high-pressure turbine blades that reduce centrifugal loading, advanced thermal-barrier coatings, redesigned combustor interfaces and updated control software to manage thermal loads more consistently. The package will deliver up to three times the durability of the previous standard in certain operating environments.

These enhancements are being installed in new engines and progressively retrofitted across the existing fleet. As of April 2026, around 30 per cent of in-service Trent 1000 engines had received the first phase through a coordinated programme across the Rolls-Royce maintenance network, with the fleet moving steadily towards the XE standard.

Rolls-Royce is expanding its interconnected global MRO network through its own facilities and, increasingly, through joint ventures, strategic partnerships and authorised maintenance centres. Insights from every overhaul strengthen engineering decisions across the network, while bringing capability closer to customers, transferring skills and developing local talent.

 

Across more than a century, progress can be measured through thrust, fuel burn, efficiency and durability. Yet behind those achievements lies Rolls-Royce’s accumulated engineering knowledge. Every programme adds insight, every customer broadens experience, and every solved challenge strengthens future capability.

Behind advances in thrust, fuel efficiency and durability lies more than a century of accumulated engineering knowledge. Every programme, customer and solved challenge strengthens future capability.

That knowledge flows across Civil Aerospace, Defence and Power Systems, where advances in materials, manufacturing, digital engineering, predictive analytics and artificial intelligence allow innovation in one part of Rolls-Royce to drive progress elsewhere.

Aviation’s demands will continue to evolve. Airlines will seek greater efficiency, longer Time on Wing, lower operating costs and reduced environmental impact. Governments will look to aviation to strengthen connectivity, trade and growth. Customers will expect both world-class products and trusted engineering partners throughout the life of their fleets.

That is how Rolls-Royce has evolved for more than 120 years. Every flight teaches us something. Every customer makes us better. Every lesson learned today becomes the engineering certainty we deliver tomorrow.

 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Rolls-Royce.

 

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