Amazon Accelerates Electric Vehicle Revolution. Aims to fully electrify its 100,000+ delivery van fleet by 2030

Amazon has reached a remarkable milestone in its electric vehicle (EV) initiative, deploying 15,000 EVs since co-founding The Climate Pledge in 2019. 

The company has accelerated its timeline to fully electrify its 100,000+ delivery van fleet by 2030, a decade ahead of its initial plan.

Amazon's EV fleet has already delivered over 800 million packages in the US, with Rivian vans leading the charge. The company is also expanding its electric fleet to ocean freight service in California, introducing fully electric Volvo semi-trucks for heavy cargo containers and customer package loads.

To support its growing EV fleet, Amazon has installed over 17,000 chargers at more than 120 delivery stations across the US. 

CEO Andy Jassy emphasizes Amazon's commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, with electric vehicles playing a crucial role in this strategy.

The company is exploring additional eco-friendly solutions, including electric cargo bikes and drones. With its accelerated EV timeline and innovative approach, Amazon is paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future.

Nigeria Unveils Radical Plan to Stabilize Fuel Prices Amid Chronic Shortages

Nigeria, Africa's largest oil producer, has struggled with fuel shortages and price volatility for decades. The country's refining capacity has been crippled by years of underinvestment, corruption, and mismanagement, forcing it to rely heavily on imported fuel. This has led to a cycle of shortages, price hikes, and economic instability.

In a shocking move, the Nigerian government has announced a new policy to sell crude oil to local refineries in Naira, a bold bid to stabilize fuel prices and the Naira-Dollar exchange rate. The decision aims to break the cycle of dependence on imported fuel and boost domestic refining capacity.

The unexpected move has sparked intense debate, with experts weighing in on the potential risks and benefits. 

Industry insiders warn of potential smuggling, currency devaluation, and inefficient resource allocation, while others see it as a game-changer for the economy

Proponents argue that the policy will reduce the burden of foreign exchange, increase government revenue, and stimulate economic growth. However, critics caution that the policy may not address the underlying issues plaguing the sector, such as corruption, inefficiency, and lack of investment.

DANGOTE -SINO TRUCK PARTNERSHIP SET TO ASSEMBLE 13,000 TRUCKS ANNUALLY

 

In a significant move to boost Nigeria's industrialization and economic development, Dangote Sinotruk West Africa Limited has announced plans to expand its production capacity to 13,000 trucks annually. The expansion is expected to increase the company's production capacity from 10,000 trucks annually to 13,000, making it one of the largest truck assembly plants in West Africa.

The CEO of Dangote Sinotruk West Africa Limited, Hikmat Thapa, stated that the company's vision is to assemble and produce a full range of commercial vehicles tailored to the specific needs of the market. 

The plant will fabricate diverse types of trailers and tipper bodies with the goal of achieving domestic self-sufficiency and serving the West African regional market.

He added that the majority of the fabrication and assembly lines are being handled by trained Nigerians.

Dangote Sinotruk West Africa Limited, a joint venture company with a total investment of $100 million, boasts cutting-edge facilities and machinery, enabling it to achieve a production capacity of 15-16 trucks per shift, or approximately 10,000 trucks annually, with the current capacity able to handle up to 13,000 trucks annually.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State was among early clients as he acquired over 200 compactor trucks from the company to enhance service delivery in the state. 

Angolan Cabinda Refinery Set To Commence production

Located in the oil-rich province of Cabinda, Angola, the new Cabinda crude oil refinery is poised to transform the country's energy landscape. With a price tag of $473 million for the first phase, this modular refinery is expected to start commissioning by the end of this year and reach full production of 30,000 barrels per day by July next year.

Cabinda, a coastal provpince in northern Angola, has a rich history dating back to the 19th century when it was a Portuguese colony. The province is home to vast oil reserves, making it a crucial player in Angola's oil industry. The new refinery is strategically located in this region, leveraging its proximity to oil fields and export markets.

The refinery's CEO, Marcelo Hofke, confirmed that the project is on track, with almost two-thirds of the construction completed. The first phase will produce naphtha, jet fuel, diesel, and heavy fuel oil (HFO), with naphtha and HFO earmarked for export due to limited domestic demand.

The Cabinda refinery is a joint venture between Gemcorp Holdings (90%) and state-owned Sonangol (10%). 

Gemcorp's group chief investment officer, Felipe Berliner, expressed enthusiasm for the project's potential, citing plans to expand capacity to 60,000 barrels per day in the second phase, with a total investment expected to reach $1 billion.

Berliner noted that the original funders, including Africa Finance Corporation and African Export-Import Bank, are keen to continue supporting the project. He also hinted at the possibility of further expansion, stating that Cabinda has the potential to reach 90 or 120,000 barrels per day capacity on the same site.

The Cabinda refinery will supply 10% of the country's domestic fuel market, doubling its market share upon completion of the second phase.

NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT DEMANDS DANGOTE REFINERY'S DIESEL REPORT AMID QUALITY DISPUTE

The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), has requested a fresh report from Dangote refinery to confirm the sulphur content of its diesel. This move comes after the company denied allegations of producing inferior fuel, sparking a heated debate on the quality of fuel produced by the refinery and imported fuel.

According to NMDPRA spokesman George Ene-Ita, the agency has engineers and scientists embedded in the refinery, and their report will be released on Monday. The agency had previously alleged that Dangote's diesel contains high sulphur content, which the company has disputed.

The refinery has been selling diesel and aviation fuel in Nigeria for months but has not yet been licensed by NMDPRA, according to the agency's Chief Executive, Farouk Ahmed.

 Ahmed warned that relying heavily on the Dangote refinery for fuel supply could compromise Nigeria's energy security.

The company has challenged NMDPRA to compare the quality of its refined products with those imported, advocating for an impartial assessment. Dangote claimed its diesel has a sulphur content of 87.6 ppm, while imported diesel exceeds 1,800 ppm and 2,000 ppm.

The Federal Government's demand for a fresh report aims to resolve the dispute and ensure Nigerians have access to high-quality fuel

The outcome of the investigation and the report's findings will be crucial in determining the next steps in this ongoing saga.

JC BROOKS, FORMER BBC AFRICAN CORRESPONDENT, LAID TO REST

In a sorrowful and reflective ceremony, the remains of the late veteran journalist Joel Chulo Brooks were laid to rest on July 20, 2024, at his family cemetery in the Saint Virginia area of Liberia. 

The event was attended by a host of colleagues, relatives, and dignitaries, including the Liberian Minister of Communication. The atmosphere was heavy with grief as those who knew and admired him gathered to pay their final respects.

Joel Chulo Brooks, a former BBC Africa Correspondent, made a significant impact by reporting the Liberian civil war to a global audience. 

With over 3 decades of experience across various media platforms, he was regarded as one of the most experienced journalists in West Africa. His dedication to journalism and his mentorship of numerous journalists in Liberia and beyond left an indelible mark on the profession.

An advocate for social equality, JC Brooks spent most of his life working as a journalist. He served as the publisher and editor for the Monrovia Weekend News from 2009 to 2015. 

At the time of his death, he was the chief executive officer of Global News Network (GNN) Liberia, one of the leading media companies in the country.

Born on August 13, 1959, Joel Chulo Brooks passed away on June 29, 2024. His burial at the family cemetery was a poignant moment, filled with sorrow and remembrance. 

He is survived by his children and relatives, who mourn the loss of a beloved father, mentor, and friend. The legacy of Joel Chulo Brooks will continue to inspire future generations of journalists across the continent.

Vedanta Resources Ltd. Pays $246m To Regain Control of Zambia's Konkola Copper Mines

In a landmark resolution, Vedanta Resources Ltd. has reasserted its dominance over Zambia's Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) following a protracted five-year conflict. The pivotal moment came with a substantial $246 million payment to local creditors, enabling the reinstatement of KCM's board and the restoration of full management control to Vedanta, under the leadership of billionaire Anil Agarwal.

This development signifies a transformative phase for KCM, which boasts some of the world's richest high-grade copper and cobalt deposits. These resources are not only vital to Zambia's economy but also hold significant value in the global copper and cobalt markets.

The saga began in 2019 when the Zambian government took control of KCM from Vedanta, citing unmet investment commitments and operational inefficiencies. This action sparked a series of legal battles and negotiations, culminating in a settlement agreement in 2023 under the administration of Zambia's new president, Hakainde Hichilema. Vedanta's recent payment is a critical step in honoring this agreement and regaining operational rights over KCM.

KCM's mines are renowned for their high-grade copper deposits, essential for industries such as electronics, construction, and renewable energy.

 Additionally, the cobalt reserves at KCM are crucial for battery production in electric vehicles and other technologies.

Vedanta's vision for KCM includes ambitious plans to increase copper production to 300 kilotonnes per annum and boost cobalt production from 1 kilotonne to 6 kilotonnes per annum. This expansion is poised to invigorate Zambia's economy and solidify its standing in the global mining sector.