By J.S. Held Africa Advisory

At the heart of Africa’s Great Lakes region, Uganda boasts a rich landscape of plateaus, mountains, and abundant water resources. The nation is a tapestry of natural beauty, serving as home to three of the continent’s largest water bodies – Lake Victoria, Lake Albert, and Lake Edward. Along with smaller lakes and Uganda’s own section of the White Nile, they cover one fifth of the country’s surface in water. Among Uganda’s numerous natural endowments, its potential for hydropower unsurprisingly stands out as a significant opportunity for sustainable development. 

Despite having vast energy resources, including biomass, solar, geothermal, peat, and fossil fuels, Uganda’s electricity access and consumption remain low. According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (2019), only about 50% of the population has access to electricity, with per capita consumption at a mere 215 kWh annually, significantly lower than the Sub-Saharan African average of 552 kWh. This low consumption underscores the critical need for enhanced energy infrastructure to support economic growth and improve living standards. 

Hydropower is a cornerstone of Uganda’s energy strategy. Uganda’s hydropower journey began in the mid-20th century with the construction of the Owen Falls Hydropower Station, which developers have upgraded and expanded over the years. By 2023, Uganda’s electricity generation reached 3,874 GWh, with hydropower contributing 87% of the total mix. This dominance is expected to rise to 92% with the commissioning of the Karuma Hydropower Plant, a 600 MW facility set to significantly boost the nation’s energy capacity by the end of 2024. 

Yet developers have only exploited around 15 percent of Uganda’s hydroelectric capacity, with a technically feasible potential of 20,833 GWh per year and an economically feasible potential of 12,500 GWh per year. This clearly indicates ample room for growth.  

Uganda’s approach to hydropower is two-pronged, consisting of large-scale hydropower projects along the Nile and numerous small and medium-sized hydro sites in the western and eastern regions. These small hydropower (SHP) projects have an installed capacity of no more than 20 MW and, given their size, play a crucial role in meeting local energy demands and supporting isolated grids. There are currently 20 SHP facilities in operation, mostly privately owned and operated by independent power producers (IPPs), highlighting the growing trend of private sector involvement in Uganda’s energy sector. 

Among the notable hydropower projects is Nyagak III, a 6.6 MW plant in West Nile. Developed through a public-private partnership, this project exemplifies the collaborative efforts driving Uganda’s renewable energy sector. Genmax Nyagak Limited, a special purpose vehicle (SPV), developed Nyagak III. The Government of Uganda and a strategic consortium comprising DOTT SERVICES LIMITED and Hydromax Limited formed the SPV, in which they respectively own a 30% and 70% share. 

Genmax Nyagak is set to commission the plant by the end of 2024. DOTT SERVICES LIMITED led the project’s construction. The company’s clients know it for its expertise in civil works, the management of electromechanical works, and of hydromechanical works executed under EPC contracts. Tata Consulting Engineers serves as the engineer for the project construction. The project’s unique features include a concrete dam with a desilting basin, a 1.3 km steel water conduit system, and a powerhouse accessible through challenging terrain, ensuring efficient and reliable power supply to the grid.  

Once commissioned, Nyagak III will supply the entire West Nile region along with Nyagak 1 and will eliminate any need for thermal power generation. Producing power at USD 5.74 cents per kWh, electricity from Nyagak III is also the cheapest among mini hydropower projects.  

Uganda’s commitment to expand its hydropower capacity is evident in the identification of 59 mini hydropower sites with a potential of about 210 MW. These sites present opportunities for isolated grids and grid-connected projects, further promoting energy access across the country. The government’s Renewable Energy Feed-in Tariffs (REFiT) policy encourages private investment in SHP and other renewable energy projects. This fosters a favourable environment for sustainable development, aligned with the National Development Plan’s emphasis on the critical role of renewable energy in achieving economic transformation and improving living standards for all Ugandans. 

The sector is therefore poised for significant growth, driven by strategic investments, public-private partnerships, and a commitment to harnessing renewable energy resources. The development of hydropower projects like Nyagak III highlights the potential for local and regional energy solutions, contributing to Uganda’s vision of a sustainable and energy-secure future. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of DOTT Services Ltd.

Media contact: 
africaadvisory@jsheld.com 

About Africa Matters Limited, a part of J.S. Held:
Established with the aim of supporting investors and companies operating in Africa, internationally, Africa Matters Limited is a strategic advisory firm at the forefront of promoting the continent as a place in which commercial activity could result in both attractive financial returns and a positive development impact. 

3 current and former BAL Players (https://BAL.NBA.com/) are featured on South Sudan team roster for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

Nuni Omot, Khaman Maluach, and Majok Deng have not only showcased their talent in the BAL but are also representing South Sudan with pride and determination at the Olympic Games.

Nuni Omot: Former BAL Champion and MVP 2023

Nuni Omot has been a standout player, leading his team to victory in the 2023 BAL season and earning the MVP title with Al Ahly Egypt.

Khaman Maluach: NBA Academy Alumni and 2023 BAL Vice Champion

Alumnus of the NBA Academy Africa (from 2018 to 2023), Maluach recently signed with Duke University, a testament to his exceptional talent and potential. He was 2023 BAL Vice champion with AS Douanes (Senegal). Maluach is also a top prospect for the 2024 NBA draft.

Majok Deng: 2024 BAL Vice Champion

Majok Deng’s impressive performance in the 2024 BAL season secured him the vice champion title, solidifying his reputation as one of South Sudan’s top basketball talents.

As these players transition from their successes in the BAL to representing South Sudan in the Olympics, they carry the hopes and aspirations of their nation with them. Their achievements serve as an inspiration to young athletes across South Sudan and highlight the country’s growing presence in the international basketball arena.

The team built and led by Luol Deng, former NBA player, BAL Ambassador and President of South Sudan Basketball Federation, participate for the first time in the Olympics. It’s a milestone that highlights the nation’s growing presence in global sports and the impact of the work done by the NBA and the FIBA to grow the game on the continent.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Basketball Africa League (BAL).

Mozambique’s government approved the creation of a state-owned mining company to exploit the country’s critical minerals, including graphite, of which it is the world’s third-largest producer. Despite its significant reserves, Mozambique currently only utilizes one third of its graphite resources and mining capacity. The new company ­– Mozambique Mining Exploration Company (http://apo-opa.co/46r7vqy) – aims to increase production and development across the country’s critical mineral sector.

To promote Mozambique’s critical mineral prospects, the Chamber of Mines of Mozambique has joined this year’s Critical Mineral Africa (CMA) Summit (http://apo-opa.co/3WKxZAg) as a strategic partner. Geert Klok, Chairman of the Chamber of Mines of Mozambique, will engage in high-level panel discussions and exclusive networking sessions to showcase the latest developments and lucrative opportunities for global investors in Mozambique’s critical mineral sector.

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 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

“Mozambique’s burgeoning critical mineral sector represents an opportunity for the country to enhance job creation, economic growth, and contribute to the global fourth industrial revolution. Cooperation between private and public sector entities with global stakeholders is crucial to unlock the capital and technologies required for continued market growth,” states Rachelle Kasongo, CMA Conference Director.

To maximize mining sector’s contribution to GDP growth, Mozambique – through private and public sector mining entities such as the Chamber of Mines of Mozambique ­– is optimizing cooperation with global mining sector stakeholders. The country is conducting a series of graphite exploration activities in the Cabo Delgado province with Australian mining firm Triton Minerals and Chinese miner Shandong Yulong Gold. Mozambique is also working with UK mining firm Tirupati Graphite on graphite exploration and production at the 119.6 million tons Montepuez Mine in Cabo Delgrado. The country is home to the world’s largest graphite mine – the Balama Graphite Project (http://apo-opa.co/3WLqg51) – producing 350,000 tons per year to supply global electric vehicles technology firms such as Tesla and South Korea’s Posco Future M. Chinese miner DH Mining. The mine will start the production and processing of the over 5 million tons of graphite resources in Nipepe (http://apo-opa.co/46sPZlI) district in the Mozambican provinces of Niassa in December 2024, with over $90 million invested in infrastructure to date.

As the official representative of Mozambique’s mining sector, the Chamber of Mines of Mozambique will provide insights into the current state and future prospects of the country’s graphite sector at the CMA summit.

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

By Chris LeGrand, CEO, BroadReach Group (https://BroadReachCorporation.com).

Earlier this year African heads of state, gathered for the annual African Union summit and approved the new Protocol on Digital Trade (the “Digital Protocol”) under the auspices of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).  Approval of the AfCFTA’s Digital Protocol is a pivotal step for African nations, their citizens, private sector, and other stakeholders in Africa’s ongoing development as a player the global economy.

The Protocol is intended to support continent-wide digital trade and help both individual African countries, and the continent as a whole, participate fully in the digital economy of the future by harmonizing rules, standards, and practices. The urgency and speed with which the Digital Protocol was developed, negotiated, and approved is a model for continental diplomacy.

Summary of the Digital Protocol

The Protocol is comprehensive and has far-reaching implications. The Digital Protocol applies to all African states who have signed on (expected to be most or all member states eventually) and covers all market sectors. All parties to the agreement must comply with the Digital Protocol within five years.

Key areas addressed include improving market access, facilitating digital trade, enhancing data governance, fostering business and consumer trust and transparency, improving digital inclusion and literacy, tackling emerging technologies such as AI, and building continent wide capacity to participate fully in the global digital economy.    

In focusing on improving trade across African countries with each other and, as a combined Africa global market, the Protocol specifically attempts to address some known impediments today, such as the ability to move data, digital products and services, and digital payments across nation borders within Africa. The Protocol pays particular attention to ensuring modernized and harmonized digital payment infrastructure and regulations that make it easier for Africans to do business with other Africans.

Of particular interest to tech companies, both global and African-based, the Protocol paves the way for more African data centers and increased cloud computing, promotes digital literacy and capacity development, eliminates data residency claims except in special circumstances, and provides protections around source code.     

What it means for Africa and the World

The Digital Protocol has the potential to transform Africa into a major global hub for digital products and services.

First, though, Africa must leverage its combined digital-enabled market power to the world. With 54 countries, all with different digital requirements, patchwork legal frameworks, ranging market maturity, and varying impediments, many individual countries are being left behind in the digital age.

The Digital Protocol paves the way for a range of data and digital intensive industries. For example, the global life sciences market needs African nations and their markets to improve flow of data regionally and continent wide. Also, nascent African manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and medical devices needs data-driven efficient supply chains, optimized management of inventory, product flow, and chain of custody. With more integrated regional and continental supply chains enabled by digitization, African pharmaceutical manufacturers should be able compete more effectively on the global stage.     

The Protocol, combined with improved infrastructure and human capacity development, will make African nations much more attractive for private capital. This, in turn, should accelerate early efforts to foster African regional data center hubs, entrepreneurial accelerators, and tech outsourcing.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of BroadReach Group.

About BroadReach Group:
BroadReach Group is an African social enterprise that helps organizations to deliver better outcomes, improved resource efficiency, cost savings, enhanced organizational performance, and sustainable systems. We operate across multiple African countries and have operations in Europe, UK, and the US. In addition, BroadReach brings deep technical expertise in technology and digital transformation.

Through our twenty plus years operating on the African continent we have gained an intimate and nuanced understanding of how to get things done within and across African countries. Sitting at the intersection of government, private sector, and international players, we see the connection points to drive positive change across ecosystem partners. For example, BroadReach is currently engaged to help mature and harmonize regulatory ecosystems at the country, regional, and continent-wide level.  

Our experience and expertise in Africa give us a distinct ability to offer a range of strategic digital transformation services, including strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, readiness assessments, gap analysis, implementation planning and project management, and technical interoperability and integration support.