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Uncertainties in Base and Precious Metals Supply: Is Africa ready?

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4 years ago

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natural gas

Some African companies may need to pivot or scale down to withstand the current strains and maintain their operations

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, February 8, 2023/APO Group/ — 

The ongoing Ukraine war and ensuing sanctions imposed on Russia (the most extensive in world history) have resulted in spasms in the oil and natural gas markets, driving well-documented disruptions to energy supplies, as well as agricultural resources.

Download document (1): https://bit.ly/3liEqdA

However, the shortages in supplies of crucial basic and precious metals, which are just as concerning to Africa’s business leaders as those in energy, and agriculture – have garnered far less coverage and attention.

“The sanctions against Russia – one of the world’s biggest exporters of raw materials – is causing knock-on effects that are rippling throughout many spheres of business, from the sustainability of Africa’s mining operations to the stable functioning of the manufacturing base,” explains Igor Hulak, a Partner at Kearney, a leading global management consulting firm.

The suspension of foreign shipping operations has triggered a worldwide shipping container shortage. With existing infrastructure insufficient for handling the redirection to and through Asia of raw materials in their full volumes, industries are looking for solutions.

In addition, alternatives that make use of ageing infrastructure are unsuitable as they pose massive environmental risks, as evinced by the catastrophic 2020 diesel spill at Norilsk Nickel, Russia’s worst-ever Arctic environmental disaster. China may have been able to fill the supply gaps, but ongoing COVID-related shutdowns and supply chain interruptions have made that difficult.

These sanctions and shutdowns will continue to affect Africa’s consumers as well, having manifested in increased prices for food and fuel [1].

Since early 2022, the five base metals that Russia produces on a vast scale – nickel, aluminium, copper, iron, and zinc – have experienced sharp price increases, and continued supply disruptions are likely to see prices rise further still.

“Nickel, which is a critical ingredient in lithium-ion batteries and essential for the global energy transition, is in short supply. Russian companies such as Norilsk Nickel, the world’s largest nickel producer, had historically supplied global markets. However, the sanctions have made Russia, which accounts for roughly 10% of the global share of nickel, unable to meet this global demand,” Hulak notes.

“This deficit in global supply presents an opportunity for African nickel producers, such as Zimbabwe and Botswana, to step in and fill the gap. However, overcoming existing inadequate export infrastructure will be a major challenge, requiring government buy-in and a collaborative multi-sector approach. Though the challenges are formidable, Africa must find a way to seize this opportunity and emerge as a key player in the new global metals market,” Hulak asserts.

Hulak says that prices of other base metals for which the world is less reliant such as iron and zinc (of which Russia produces 4% and 2% of the global share, respectively), are likely to stabilize.

Precious metal prices have, by contrast, shown less volatility. However, as these too are crucial to the electric economy, experts warn that price increases are still on the cards.

The most significant increases are expected in the platinum group. Russia accounts for almost 40% of the world’s supply of palladium and 11% of platinum, which is essential for hydrogen-based energy technologies (as well as alloys, circuitry, and ceramic capacitors).

According to Hulak, market and pricing drivers are currently indicating long-term price increases for the platinum group metals. This presents a golden opportunity for South Africa, still the world’s largest producer of these metals, to step in and fill the supply gaps. Moreover, this is a unique opportunity for South Africa to leverage its already strong position and expand its operations in the sector to meet the escalating global demand.

Hulak goes on to add that platinum group metals are typically associated with rare earth metals such as rhodium, iridium, and palladium. With Russia unable to supply such metals, and with potential higher demand for these metals from increased military activity, it creates a market gap that African countries can fill.

“Traditionally a reliable safe-haven investment, gold (of which Russia is a major producer [2]) is likely to see moderate price increases. This could work in favor of Africa’s gold production powerhouses like Ghana and South Africa[3].

Traditionally a reliable safe-haven investment, gold (of which Russia is a major producer) is likely to see moderate price increases

The silver price is, however, expected to stabilize, mainly because of the lack of direct sanctions and Russia’s minor share of global production (6%).

At this pivotal moment, with the energy transition enjoying popular public backing, the major concern now is whether the market can find enough of the critical raw materials needed to support it. Apart from exacerbating the disruptions driven by the COVID pandemic, these supply shocks are compounding the price pressures associated with this global shift and the resources this requires.

Offshore wind plants, for example, need more than seven times the amount of copper compared to equivalent gas-fired plants; and EVs use more than six times more minerals than internal combustion-powered vehicles [4].

Supply disruptions will likely continue to affect global markets. As a result, some African companies may need to pivot or scale down to withstand the current strains and maintain their operations.

However, Africa’s wealth of natural resources, including many of the basic and precious metals currently in short supply, could allow her to leverage the opportunities presented by the shift towards an electric economy. By leveraging these resources effectively, Africa has the potential to drive additional economic growth, develop industries along the value chain, and create jobs.

Overall, however, the balance in global supply will not change significantly. As a result, prices for many base metals are expected to revert to the global consensus-forecast levels. Still, for some commodities, like nickel and precious metals, price increases look like they’re here to stay.

[1] http://bit.ly/3YyM2qt

[2] http://bit.ly/3HCB5gE

[3] http://bit.ly/3jNQcvT

[4] http://bit.ly/3X9ynoV

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kearney.

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Enlit Africa seeks contributions that move the conversation from strategy to execution: ensuring a Future Fit Africa

Published

2 days ago

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September 25, 2026

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Africa

Share your expertise with Africa’s power, energy and water community, connect with decision makers from across the value chain and contribute to the conversations shaping the continent’s next generation of infrastructure and investment

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, September 25, 2026/APO Group/ –Speaker submissions are open for Enlit Africa, created by VUKA Group (www.WeAreVuka.com), as it returns to the CTICC, Cape Town from 11–13 May 2027.

Do you have a project, lesson, strategy or innovation that Africa’s energy sector should hear about?

 




  

We invite utilities, project owners, developers, IPPs, commercial and industrial energy users, municipalities, policymakers, regulators, financiers, researchers and industry practitioners to submit abstracts sharing practical experience, case studies, research, projects and lessons from across Africa’s changing energy and water sectors.

What are we looking for?

We particularly encourage non-vendor speakers to submit contributions across:

  1. Enlit Africa Main Stage – From Strategy to Execution
    Policy, market reform, investment, leadership and the decisions required to turn Africa’s energy ambitions into implementation.
  2. Generation
    New capacity, generation technologies, energy security, operating performance and Africa’s evolving energy mix.
  3. Transmission & Distribution
    Grid expansion, modernisation, open access, system operation, cross-border interconnection, digitalisation and infrastructure investment.
  4. Municipal Forum:Municipal management, with an emphasis on electricity and water – with a strong emphasis on service delivery.
  5. Power Hub:Technical advancements in power generation, transmission, distribution and more. Technical presentations encouraged.
  6. Water Hub:Technical insights into water management and solutions.
  7. Water Security Hub: Strategy, finance, management and technology application for water security.
  8. Project & Investment Hub: Project developments, country roundtables, project briefings, finance, and innovative financing models (including M300).
  9. Renewable Energy & Storage:Covering both technical and strategic applications of renewables and storage.

What makes a strong submission?

We want to hear about what is happening on the ground.

Tell us about:

  • A project being implemented or developed
  • A challenge your organisation has solved – or is still trying to solve
  • Lessons from implementation
  • New research or industry findings
  • Innovative financing or commercial models
  • Technologies being deployed in real operating environments
  • Policy or regulatory changes and what they mean in practice
  • Approaches that could be replicated elsewhere in Africa

Preference will be given to submissions that provide practical insights, measurable outcomes and lessons that the wider industry can apply.

Why present at Enlit Africa?

Africa does not need another conversation about what should happen. Help us explore how we make it happen and how we ensure Africa is future fit.

Share your expertise with Africa’s power, energy and water community, connect with decision makers from across the value chain and contribute to the conversations shaping the continent’s next generation of infrastructure and investment.

Submission details

Abstract length: 300–500 words
Submission deadline: 29 January 2027
Speaker feedback: 7 December 2026 – 5 February 2027

Visit the Enlit Africa website to submit your speaker abstract: https://apo-opa.co/4d2TTq2

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

 




 

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CEM Africa Awards 2026 set to recognise Africa’s leading Customer Experience (CX) talent and innovation

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2 days ago

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September 25, 2026

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CEM Africa Awards

The 2025 awards attracted more than 80 entries and 31 finalists, culminating in eight award winners

The calibre of organisations and individuals recognised through the CEM Africa Awards demonstrates just how much extraordinary CX work is being done across the continent

 




 
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, September 25, 2026/APO Group/ –Customer experience professionals, teams and organisations across Africa have just days remaining to enter the 2026 CEM Africa Awards, with free applications closing on 30 September 2026.

 

Taking place on 10 November 2026 at the NH Hotel in Sandton, Johannesburg, the Customer Experience Africa Awards form part of the CEM Africa platform and recognise the individuals, teams, technologies and initiatives raising the standard of customer experience across the continent.

For organisations considering whether to enter, the company they could be keeping provides a compelling indication of the calibre of the awards.

A growing roll call of African CX leaders

The 2025 awards attracted more than 80 entries and 31 finalists, culminating in eight award winners. Finalists represented organisations spanning financial services, technology, telecommunications, retail, insurance, public services and social impact.

Among them were Absa, Capitec Bank, Santam, Telesure Investment Holdings, Equity Bank, Takealot.com, NTT DATA, Frogfoot, Telviva, Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator, the University of Pretoria and South Africa’s Department of Social Development.

The 2025 winners included Serisha Iyer of Absa Corporate and Investment Banking, named Rising Star in CX; Alma Angela Olela of Jubilee Health Insurance, named CX Leader of the Year; and Franco Cotumaccio of Shadow Global, winner of Breaking Barriers in CX.

Corporate winners included Telesure Investment Holdings for Best Overall CX Solution, Krisp for Best Use of AI, Telviva for Best Enterprise Contact Centre Platform, Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator for Best Customer Experience Team of the Year and the University of Pretoria for Best Citizen Experience Initiative.

That follows a 2024 edition in which winners included NCBA Bank, MultiChoice, Digital Solutions Group, Absa Bank and Telviva, alongside individual CX leaders from across the continent.

More than a trophy

For entrants, recognition through the CEM Africa Awards puts their work in front of a wider African CX community and an independent judging panel drawn from across the industry.

The 2026 judging panel includes global CX specialist Ian Golding; Andrew (Dré) Enebeli, Head of CX & Engagement at Access Bank; Dr Oliver Museka, President and Founder of IRDM College Eswatini; Jonathan Daniels, Managing Director of CX Centric; Joven Pillay, Partner and Head of Customer Consulting at KPMG; and Qaalfa Dibeehi, Managing Partner at Human2Outcome.

This year’s awards recognise excellence across four broad pillars – People, Innovation, Transformation and Government – covering categories including CX Leader of the Year, Rising Star in CX, Breaking Barriers in CX, Best Overall CX Solution, Best Use of AI, Best Enterprise Contact Centre Platform, Best Customer Experience Team of the Year, Best Digital Transformation in Public Services and Best Citizen Experience Initiative.

“The calibre of organisations and individuals recognised through the CEM Africa Awards demonstrates just how much extraordinary CX work is being done across the continent. These awards give that work a platform. Whether it is a major transformation programme, an innovative use of technology or an individual changing how their organisation thinks about the customer, we want to make sure Africa’s best work is being seen and recognised.”

  • Briteny Price, Event Manager and CEM Africa Awards Director

Final opportunity to enter

Applications for the 2026 CEM Africa Awards are free and remain open until 30 September 2026. Finalists will be announced in October, ahead of the awards ceremony on 10 November at the NH Hotel, Sandton.

Organisations, teams and individuals working to improve customer and citizen experience across Africa are encouraged to submit their entries before the deadline.

Apply for the CEM Africa Awards 2026 by 30 September 2026

Submit your application (https://apo-opa.co/4hdcimx)

Explore the CEM Africa Awards

Visit the CEM Africa Awards website (https://apo-opa.co/4iNXzzM)

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

 




  

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Emirates to bring the A350 to Nairobi, introducing next-generation cabin experiences

Published

2 days ago

on

September 25, 2026

By

Emirates

The introduction of the A350 also marks the first time Emirates’ highly acclaimed Premium Economy cabin will be available to customers flying to and from Kenya, complementing the airline’s enhanced Business and Economy offerings

NAIROBI, Kenya, September 25, 2026/APO Group/ —

  • From 25 October, Nairobi becomes the 32nd destination to be served by the Emirates A350
  • Latest-generation aircraft introduces Emirates’ acclaimed Premium Economy cabin to Kenya for the first time, along with enhanced Business and Economy Class cabins
  • Deployment reinforces Emirates’ continued investment in Kenya and commitment to delivering an exceptional customer experience across its Africa network

 




  

Emirates (www.Emirates.com), the world’s largest international airline, will soon serve Nairobi with its newest aircraft type, the Airbus A350 (https://apo-opa.co/47hy1nv). From 25 October 2026, the A350 will operate on EK717 and EK718, bringing Emirates’ latest-generation cabin experience to customers travelling between Dubai and Nairobi. The Emirates A350 is defined by spacious, bright cabins, enhanced technology, connectivity, and the airline’s signature hospitality across all three cabins.

 

The introduction of the A350 also marks the first time Emirates’ highly acclaimed Premium Economy cabin will be available to customers flying to and from Kenya, complementing the airline’s enhanced Business and Economy offerings.

 

Christophe Leloup, Emirates Country Manager in Kenya said, “The arrival of the A350 in Nairobi marks an exciting new chapter for Emirates in Kenya. We’re delighted to bring our latest aircraft and onboard experience to our customers in market, with more comfort, choice and thoughtful touches in every cabin. Combined with our growing flight schedule, the A350 gives customers travelling on the Dubai-Nairobi route something new to discover, while building on the experience they know and love from Emirates.”

 

 

What passengers can expect from the A350

The newest aircraft type to join Emirates’ all widebody fleet, the A350 accommodates 298 passengers in three spacious cabins – Business, Premium Economy and Economy. The bright and airy cabins have been thoughtfully designed to provide more space and comfort in every cabin, whilst cutting-edge technology and enhanced entertainment options elevate every journey.

 

Making its debut in Kenya, Emirates’ Premium Economy cabin offers elevated comfort, comparable to a Business Class experience on many airlines. The cabin is spacious with leather reclining seats that feature a generous pitch, adjustable headrests and more legroom. Customers can enjoy in-seat charging points, a wood-finished side cocktail table, a 13.3-inch TV screen, a generously sized pillow and blanket, complimentary amenity kits on select flights – including the Dubai-Nairobi route – and a globally exclusive sparkling wine, Chandon Vintage Brut 2017.

We’re delighted to bring our latest aircraft and onboard experience to our customers in market, with more comfort, choice and thoughtful touches in every cabin

 

Business Class is configured in a 1-2-1 layout ensuring every passenger has direct aisle access and a spacious, private environment for both work and relaxation. The fully lie-flat seat is wrapped in soft cream leather and features a personal minibar and wireless charging for comfort and convenience. At the back of the cabin is a snack display area allowing passengers to help themselves to refreshments throughout the flight.

 

Economy Class features an all new, airy colour palette of sky blue, bronze and cream, complemented by lighter-toned wood finishings. Each seat features the airline’s upgraded ice inflight entertainment system on a 13.3inch 4K adjustable touchscreen, while generous seat pitch and leather headrests provide support, comfort and extra legroom.

 

 

Continuing to raise the bar in Kenya

The deployment of the A350 follows a series of enhancements to the Emirates customer proposition in Kenya, including the introduction of the third daily flight between Dubai and Nairobi in July. With 21 flights per week, customers have greater flexibility and connections between Kenya and key markets across Europe and the US, via Dubai.

 

Nairobi is also home to Africa’s first Emirates World (https://apo-opa.co/4yeI34C) store, which opened in 2024, offering customers a more immersive way to discover Emirates’ products, while offering more convenience and personalised service.

 

Earlier this year, Emirates introduced further flexibility for customers in Kenya through a partnership with Cellulant, launching a split-payment solution (https://apo-opa.co/4xLYG6R) that allows travellers to combine multiple payment methods across 24-hour instalments when purchasing airfares.

Tickets can be booked now on Emirates.com, the Emirates App, or via both online and offline travel agents as well as Emirates World Store (https://apo-opa.co/46Kglkc) in Nairobi. Emirates continues to offer flexible booking policies for added peace of mind while travelling. Every ticket booked after 10th August 2026 comes with free unlimited dates changes to Dubai and one complimentary date change to anywhere else in the world, in addition to significantly reduced refund fees across all cabins and fare types, allowing passengers to adjust their travel plans with minimal penalties.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Emirates Group.

 




 

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