Africa

Despite being Africa’s biggest oil producer, Nigeria lacks refining capacity. It is Dangote’s belief that in building what will be Africa’s largest refinery the country will be transformed into an importance petroleum exporter.

Dangote, who made his estimated $16 billion fortune in cement, flour and sugar, claims that the refinery will eventually go on to create thousands of jobs, something that is desperately needed in Nigeria’s oil-producing southern Niger Delta region, whose people are among the its poorest.

For the last several decades Africa’s vast mineral wealth has been intrinsically linked with its economic growth. The continents’ mineral industry is unquestionably one of the largest in the world and for many African countries mineral exploration and production constitute significant parts of their economies.

Indeed mining and mines in Africa continue to play a fundamental role in its future socio-economic and sustainable development, with over 1,800 mining projects currently in various stages of development.

The deal, which will see Sinopec pay $3.1 billion in cash, represents the latest in a series of similar transactions by Chinese oil firms who are looking to secure energy supplies in order to meet growing domestic demand.

"Sinopec is an ideal partner for us, and we look forward to the growth and value generation ahead for both companies through the expansion of our collaboration to other projects," Steven Farris, chief executive of Apache, said in a statement.

The Africa of the 21st century is often highlighted by the vast metropolitan cities that have been building up steadily to become centres of economic prosperity, yet the continents land is still home to a vast expanse of frontier land. It is on this land, particularly along coastal areas, that many of today’s most exciting oil and gas finds are being made. However, when it comes to operating in such areas, where logistical infrastructure is sometimes non-existent, it often calls for companies to rely on expert advice and local knowledge.

Located in the Western Province of Kenya, Mumias is home to one of the country’s largest and most established businesses, Mumias Sugar Company. The history of the company dates back to 1967, when the government of Kenya first commissioned Booker Agriculture and Technical Services to carry out a feasibility study on the viability of growing sugarcane in Mumias, before then initiating a pilot project.

“I think it is fair to say that quite a lot has been happening since we last spoke in June 2012,” states Harmony’s CEO, Graham Briggs. “If you look at the last 18 to 24 months we have witnessed the incredible rise in gold prices, which was a particularly welcome relief from the cost pressures that had been mounting here in South Africa, and its subsequent come down, in addition to the well documented labour issues that have beset the mining sector.”

The all-share transaction will allow Sibanye to further bulk up its newly formed resource base to the west of Johannesburg.

Gold One will merge its 74 percent interest in Rand Uranium and Ezulwini, which collectively own the Gold One’s four Cooke mines and tailings, into Sibanye in exchange for a 17 percent interest in Sibanye.

“We don’t see our customers as just customers,” states Julian Lipson, General Manager of Waco Industries, “we see them as partners that we forge close relationships with from day one as we work to meet their requirements and solve their problems.” It is this approach to business that has seen Waco grow from an importer of industrial plugs and sockets into one of the biggest manufacturers and distributors of industrial electrical products in Southern Africa.

With its expanding financial, service, communications and entertainment sectors, Nigeria without question possesses all the vital components necessary to be recognised as one of Africa’s most important emerging markets. In fact, as of 2012, the country was ranked 30th in the world in terms of gross domestic product and the second largest in Africa. This places it on track to become one the 20 largest economies in the world by 2020 according to a number of experts and analysts.

Signed by Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta on his first visit to China, the deals are for the building of a railway line, an energy project and to improve wildlife protection.

In a statement, his office said the deals with China were a "massive boost" to his government. "The rail link, particularly, is important in the context of East Africa's shared goal of ensuring quicker movement of peoples, goods and services," it quoted Mr Kenyatta as saying.

It will link the Kenyan border town of Malaba with the port of Mombasa, one of the busiest in Africa.