Updated hourlyHourly refreshTue, Oct 27, 2026
Energy · Automotive
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) has released its Zimbabwe Country Brief, providing a comprehensive analysis of the southern African nation's macroeconomic outlook, trade performance, financial sector development and debt sustainability profile. The brief explores Zimbabwe’s economic growth potential support by its deep regional ties and diverse natural resource endowment that is increasingly central to the global energy transition.
Among the brief’s key highlights is Zimbabwe’s strong growth momentum. Real GDP growth is estimated to have strengthened to 8.3% in 2025, driven by a rebound in agricultural production, robust gold exports and elevated global gold prices. Growth is forecast to remain solid at 5% in 2026, supported by stronger agricultural yields, elevated government spending and a favourable outlook for gold mining. Most strikingly, inflation is forecast to ease dramatically to 3.9% in 2026, down from an estimated 55% in 2025, as the Zimbabwe Gold currency stabilises on the back of stronger domestic gold output and improved foreign-currency inflows.
Zimbabwe holds the largest lithium reserves on the continent and boasts some of the highest-grade spodumene deposits globally, positioning the country as a critical supplier of battery minerals at a time of surging global demand for electric vehicle and energy storage technologies. Gold, platinum group metals, diamonds and chrome complete a resource profile that few economies on the continent can rival.
Furthermore, this edition reveals how Zimbabwe’s trajectory is particularly compelling, given the government’s deliberate shift from raw commodity exporter to industrial processor. The brief highlights February 2026 restrictions on exports of raw minerals and lithium concentrate as a decisive step in the value-addition agenda, with the potential to reposition Zimbabwe within global battery supply chains. The National Development Strategy 2 framework for 2026-2030 reinforces this direction, prioritising macroeconomic stability, infrastructure, industrialisation and job creation. The brief also points to further longer-term upside from the May 2026 petroleum production-sharing agreement covering the Cabora Bassa Basin oil and gas project.
The brief further highlights a growing and evolving financial sector, with InnBucks MicroBank's May 2025 partnership with Mambu marking a significant step in the development of digital banking and broader financial inclusion.
With a solid GDP growth outlook for 2026, a dramatically improved inflationary environment and one of Africa's most strategically valuable mineral endowments being actively developed for higher-value production, Zimbabwe presents a timely and powerful story of economic transformation.
Commenting on the release of the brief, Yemi Kale, Group Chief Economist and Managing Director, Research and Trade Intelligence at Afreximbank, said:
“Zimbabwe’s rich endowment of critical minerals offers a powerful opportunity to move beyond the export of raw commodities and build competitive regional value chains anchored in local production, beneficiation and value addition. By converting its lithium, gold, platinum-group metals and other resources into higher-value products, Zimbabwe can deepen its industrial base, create quality jobs and expand trade with markets across Africa. This is fully aligned with Afreximbank’s mandate to transform the structure of African trade and accelerate the continent’s industrialisation under the AfCFTA.”
Read more in the Afreximbank Country Brief on Zimbabwe here (https://apo-opa.co/47kgH1p)
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.
Media Contact:
press@afreximbank.com
Follow us on:
https://apo-opa.co/4eCPhaO
https://apo-opa.co/47XYjLS
https://apo-opa.co/4zC5rth
https://apo-opa.co/4dGNTnc
About Afreximbank:
For more information, visit: www.Afreximbank.com
Oct 16 · 16:23·APO Group
Automotive · Industrial
At a major event that generated significant media interest, Stellantis and Leapmotor officially marked the start of production of the Leapmotor B10, a milestone that brings their strategic alliance to life and reinforces their commitment to electric mobility that is more accessible, competitive and made in Europe. - - Within our FaSTLAne 2030 strategy, this project embodies a win-win partnership built on complementary strengths: Stellantis' global industrial expertise, manufacturing excelle...
Read the full story at https://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=362965
Oct 16 · 15:15·WebWire
Finance · Healthcare
LEUVEN, Belgium, October 16, 2026--Materialise NV (Euronext & NASDAQ: MTLS), a global leader in 3D-printed medical devices and software, and a pioneer in additive manufacturing software and services, today announced that it will release financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2026 o
Oct 16 · 15:01·Business Wire
SaaS · Energy
The organisers of the DRC Critical Minerals & Industrialisation Forum, co-located with the DRC-Africa Battery Metals Forum, have announced a four-part digital webinar series running from September to November 2026. Bringing together government, industry and investment leaders, the series will examine the opportunities, challenges and partnerships shaping the DRC’s next phase of economic development.
Across four live sessions, the discussions will explore the policies, infrastructure, technologies and investment models needed to unlock greater value from the country’s critical mineral resources. Speakers will share market intelligence, practical case studies and perspectives on how the DRC can strengthen local value creation, attract investment and build a more competitive and sustainable minerals economy.
The webinar series also provides a platform for continued engagement ahead of the full in-person Forum in Kinshasa in 2027. VUKA Group RDC rescheduled the Forum to align with the DRC Government’s evolving national policy frameworks and allow the revised roadmaps for the $58 billion Master Plan for Industrialisation (Plan Directeur d’Industrialisation, PDI) to further develop.
The first four editions of the digital webinar series will focus on the following:
Webinar 1: 23 September 2026, 10h30–12h00 (https://apo-opa.co/4zwms7Z)
UNLOCKING THE DRC’S INDUSTRIAL POTENTIAL: The A-to-Z masterclass strategy
The DRC masterclass examines how the nation can harness its mineral wealth for sustainable growth and industrialization. Experts will discuss policies to move beyond raw exports, enforce security and strengthen ESG standards. Priorities include local beneficiation, human capital development and tailored financing to balance global markets. By defining collaborative actions and investment pathways, the session seeks to accelerate value addition, enhance competitiveness and position the DRC as a responsible global leader in the minerals value chain. VIEW ON DEMAND (https://apo-opa.co/4zHqbjn)
Webinar 2: 21 October 2026, 10h30–12h00 (https://apo-opa.co/4zwms7Z)
FOCUS ON INFRASTRUCTURE & INDUSTRIALISATION DEVELOPMENT
The panel on infrastructure and industrialisation highlights the DRC’s need to move beyond raw material extraction by focusing on local transformation. Building resilient industries will drive job creation and strengthen the economy. Experts will examine how transport, energy and logistics projects accelerate industrialisation, with case studies such as ports, railways and cross‑border initiatives. By prioritising strategic development and leveraging mineral revenues, the DRC can unlock sustainable growth and position itself as a competitive hub within the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Key discussion points
– Understanding the DRC’s industrial strategy to capitalise on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)
– The Lobito Corridor project: now or tomorrow?
– Prioritising development projects in energy, transport linkages (road and railway rehabilitation), maritime infrastructure and port networks by utilising mineral revenues
Case studies
– The Banana Port (developers: DP World and Mota-Engil contractors)
– The Matadi Multipurpose Terminal, the DRC’s maritime gateway (AD Ports Group and the DRC Ministry of Transport)
– Port of Boma maritime project
– Banana–Matadi–Kinshasa railway
– DRC–RSA Industrialisation Project, linking South Africa and the DRC and establishing 12 Economic Zones
Speakers
– Chairperson: Bob Bononge, President, Caplaine Consulting, DRC
– Popaul Madiana, Managing Partner, Prime Mineral Consulting, DRC
– Serge Nawej, Partner, ADNA ALN, DRC*
REGISTER TO ATTEND (https://apo-opa.co/4dKfbsZ)
Webinar 3: 11 November 2026, 10h30–12h00 (https://apo-opa.co/4zwms7Z)
NEW TECHNOLOGIES DRIVING THE GLOBAL ENERGY TRANSITION
This session explores how technology and ESG‑aligned investment can transform the DRC’s critical minerals sector. With global demand for lithium, cobalt, nickel and copper rising, responsible sourcing and compliance are essential to build investor confidence. Discussions will focus on local processing, advanced metallurgical methods, renewable energy and automation to accelerate industrialisation. By shifting from raw exports to in‑country beneficiation, the DRC can strengthen sustainability, unlock long‑term value and position itself as a competitive player in the global energy transition.
Webinar 4: 25 November 2026, 10h30–12h00 (https://apo-opa.co/4zwms7Z)
STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS: BUILDING A STRONGER AND MORE SUSTAINABLE CRITICAL MINERALS VALUE CHAIN
This discussion explores how strategic partnerships can strengthen the DRC’s critical minerals value chain. By fostering collaboration between governments, regional integration systems and investors, the focus is on building resilience and supporting sustainable growth. Key themes include industrialisation through global partnerships, prioritising sectors for development and aligning with international partners. With effective models of cooperation, the DRC can unlock socio‑economic benefits, enhance competitiveness and establish a stronger foundation for a sustainable and inclusive minerals sector.
DRC’s transition
DRC Critical minerals & Industrialisation forum unites government, industry and investors to accelerate the country’s transition from raw‑material extraction to high‑value manufacturing, underscoring the nation’s opportunity to convert mineral wealth into infrastructure, jobs and sustainable economic growth.
The DRC’s Ministry of Mines (https://apo-opa.co/4jZPwjF) and the DRC’s Ministry of Industry (https://apo-opa.co/3UpRU98) as well the Federation of Enterprises of Congo (FEC) (https://apo-opa.co/4dHvFC4) are official partners of the event.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.
Media enquiries:
gloria.mariane@wearevuka.com
Follow us on:
https://apo-opa.co/3WejqqF
https://apo-opa.co/4ecRz0a
https://apo-opa.co/4zweZG4
https://apo-opa.co/4zz2aLd)
About VUKA Group:
DRC Critical Minerals & Industrialisation Forum and DRC-Africa Battery Metals Forum are organised by VUKA Group (https://apo-opa.co/4hOedhN)(formerly Clarion Events Africa (https://apo-opa.co/4hMwOuC)), a leading Cape Town-based and multi-award-winning organiser of exhibitions, conferences and digital events across the continent in the infrastructure, energy, mining, mobility, green economy and retail sectors. Other well-known events by VUKA Group include DRC Mining Week (https://apo-opa.co/4hZ5kCd), Nigeria Mining Week (https://apo-opa.co/4s6em3o), Enlit Africa (https://apo-opa.co/4hKG9TG), Africa’s Green Economy Forum (https://apo-opa.co/4zAQkQH), Carbon Markets Africa Forum (https://apo-opa.co/4k0nzbu), Smarter Mobility Africa (https://apo-opa.co/4jr6Xtl), ECOM (https://apo-opa.co/3U3mAwF)Africa (https://apo-opa.co/3U3mAwF) and CEM Africa (https://apo-opa.co/3THMhmB).
https://apo-opa.co/4eApmAu), the leading monthly magazine and digital platform in the African mining industry, is the event’s premium media partner.
Oct 16 · 15:00·APO Group
Finance · SaaS
GENEVA, Switzerland and HYDERABAD, India, Oct 16, 2026 - Cotecna, a leading provider of Testing, Inspection and Certification (TIC) services, today announced the acquisition of Energon Labs, a cGMP-compliant, USFDA-inspected, ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 17025:2017 certified analytical testing laboratory based in Hyderabad, India.
The acquisition strengthens Cotecna's global Life Sciences platform and expands its pharmaceutical testing capabilities across the Pharmaceutical, Biopharmaceutical, Medical Device and Packaging sectors. Serving customers across India, the United States, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East, Energon is recognized for its scientific excellence, regulatory expertise and commitment to quality.
Strategically located in Hyderabad, one of the world's leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology hubs, Energon provides Cotecna with access to highly specialized scientific talent, advanced laboratory infrastructure and a well-established pharmaceutical ecosystem. India is also one of the world's fastest-growing pharmaceutical markets and a critical manufacturing hub for global healthcare supply chains.
The acquisition enhances the Cotecna's ability to support both Indian and international customers with high-quality, regulatory-compliant testing services while delivering greater responsiveness, scalability and operational efficiency across key markets.
The addition of Energon further complements Cotecna's growing pharmaceutical testing network which includes Cotecna Life Sciences, Shiva Analyticals and Neotron Pharma. Together, this capabilities strengthen the Group's ability to support customers throughout the product lifecycle and address evolving global quality, compliance and regulatory requirements.
Energon offers a comprehensive portfolio of analytical testing and quality assurance services, including analytical method development and validation, stability studies, impurity profiling, extractables and leachables, glass delamination studies, peptides and oligonucleotide characterisation, raw material and finished product testing, in-vitro binding studies, packaging compatibility studies, and regulatory support services. These capabilities will further strengthen Cotecna's position as a trusted partner to pharmaceutical manufacturers serving regulated markets worldwide.
Sébastien Dannaud, Chief Executive Officer of Cotecna Group, commented: “We are pleased to welcome Energon Labs to the Cotecna Group. This acquisition represents another important step to support our ambition to become one of the largest providers of Life Sciences testing services in India,and strengthens our position in one of the world's most important pharmaceutical markets.”
Amit Chopra, CEO South Asia and Middle East, Cotecna Group, added: "I am delighted to welcome Manikanth Reddy and the talented team of Energon Labs to the Cotecna group. This acquisition aligns perfectly with our strategy of building a comprehensive pharmaceutical testing ecosystem across key growth markets. Energon's strong technical capabilities, experienced team and established customer relationships will enhance our ability to serve pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical and medical device companies across India and globally. Together, we are creating a stronger platform to support the evolving needs of the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. "
Manikanth Reddy, Founder, Energon, said: "Joining the Cotecna Group opens an exciting new chapter for Energon Labs. Over the years, we have focused on building a laboratory recognized for quality, scientific expertise and reliability. Becoming part of a global organization like Cotecna provides new opportunities to expand our capabilities, strengthen our service offerings and deliver even greater value to our customers. Our team remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of analytical excellence while supporting the continued growth of the life sciences industry.”
About Energon Labs
Energon Labs is a cGMP-compliant, USFDA-inspected, ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 17025:2017 certified analytical testing laboratory located in Hyderabad, India. The company provides comprehensive analytical testing, quality assurance and regulatory support services to pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, medical device and packaging industries, serving customers across India, the United States, Asia Pacific and the Middle East.
About Cotecna
Founded in Switzerland in 1974, Cotecna is a leading provider of Testing, Inspection and Certification services. With operations in more than 55 countries, Cotecna helps clients ensure quality, safety, compliance and sustainability across global supply chains. The Group serves customers across agriculture and food, pharmaceuticals, minerals and metals, consumer products, certification and ESG services through a worldwide network of experts, laboratories and technical specialists.
Oct 16 · 15:00·ACN Newswire
Finance · Industrial
San Diego, California--(October 16, 2026) - The law firm of Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP announces that purchasers of Honeywell Aerospace Inc. (NASDAQ: HONA) common stock on the open market between June 9, 2026 and September 1, 2026, inclusive (the "Class Period"), have until Monday, November 23, 2026 to seek appointment as lead plaintiff of the Honeywell Aerospace class action lawsuit. Captioned Green v. Honeywell Aerospace Inc., No. 26-cv-06779 (D. Ariz.), the Honeywell...
Oct 16 · 15:00·Newsfile
Automotive · Industrial
Mazda Motor Corporation (Mazda) and Yazaki Corporation (Yazaki) have been engaged in co-creation activities since early 2022 aimed at bringing wire harness production closer to vehicle assembly plants and advancing automation, with the goal of building a resilient supply chain and realizing sustainable manufacturing.
Oct 16 · 14:50·ScoopAsia
Finance · Energy
Hitachi Energy, a global leader in electrification, and Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK), the world's largest company dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation, announced today a collaboration centered on an integrated grid-to-process architecture that combines the infrastructure powering industrial facilities with the systems that manage production.
Oct 16 · 14:29·ScoopAsia
Healthcare · Industrial
OLDWICK, N.J., October 16, 2026--AM Best has upgraded the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) to A (Excellent) from A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating (Long-Term ICR) to "a" (Excellent) from "a-" (Excellent) to Fidelity Life Association, A Legal Reserve Life Insurance Company (Fidelity)
Oct 16 · 14:02·Business Wire
Energy · Industrial
The global Nickel Cadmium Battery Market is benefiting from the continued use of rechargeable batteries in industrial facilities and critical infrastructure. NiCd battery systems can support emergency lighting, backup power arrangements, and other applications that require dependable electricity during interruptions ...
Read more
Oct 16 · 13:38·PR News Releaser
Finance · Industrial
Overall, epi wafers are a fundamental component of modern semiconductor manufacturing. Their ability to provide precisely engineered crystalline layers makes them essential for producing efficient, reliable, and high-performance electronic devices across a wide range of industries. Epi Wafer Market Overview ...
Read more
Oct 16 · 13:31·PR News Releaser
Industrial
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) has completed the delivery of three replacement steam generators (SGs) to Electricite de France S.A. (EDF, headquartered in Paris) for its nuclear power plant in France. Manufacturing of these replacement SGs was completed at MHI's Kobe facility (Hyogo-ku, Kobe) in January 2024.
Oct 16 · 13:31·ScoopAsia