African Currents

African Currents

By Chimauchem NwosuNews
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African Currents episodes

  • African Scientist Hacks Mangosteen Rinds to Create Supercapacitors for Devices
    Globally, an estimated 931 million tonnes of food are lost or wasted each year—roughly one-third of all food produced, according to South Africa’s Government Gazette (2023). If other African countries matched South Africa’s 30 percent peel ratio and 10 percent conversion efficiency, the continent—home to tens of millions of tonnes of annual fruit harvests—could generate hundreds of thousands of tonnes of peel-derived activated carbon every year. At that scale, Africa could launch a domestically owned supercapacitor industry, transforming orchards and market waste into a cornerstone of its clean-energy transition.

    In South Africa, food waste remains both a challenge and an opportunity. A report by Food Loss and Waste: Facts and Futures (WWF South Africa), roughly 10 million tonnes of food are discarded annually, with fruits and vegetables accounting for 44 percent of that total. Converting just 30 percent of that produce into peel—and then yielding 10 percent activated carbon—could alone supply over 132 000 tonnes of energy-grade material for supercapacitor electrodes.

    31 min
  • How a $400 Million Processing Plant Could Transform Nigeria's Rare-Earth Sector
    This surge comes as the West African nation aims to triple its rare-earth processing capacity — from 6,000 to 18,000 tonnes annually — for value-added production, signaling a seismic shift in Africa’s critical minerals landscape.

    Decades ago, Nigeria’s minerals were extracted with little fanfare, as the activities of artisanal miners and middlemen slowed progress in the mining sector, and the nation saw scant revenue.

    Years later, reforms began: licensing was simplified, security marshals were deployed, and access to mining permits was eased. Despite these measures, progress remained gradual.

    This year, building on those foundations, President Bola Tinubu’s administration signed a $400 million deal with Hasetins Commodities Limited to construct Africa’s largest rare-earth plant in Nasarawa State. The project is expected to boost production, create over 10,000 jobs, retain economic value domestically, and integrate small-scale miners into formal supply chains.

    Over the next decade, Nigeria plans further expansions through technology-transfer partnerships. The goal is to meet global demand for rare earths used in electronics and clean energy, while fostering local R&D, university collaborations, and innovation centers. This strategy aims to position Nigeria as a reliable, independent supplier on the world stage.

    49 min
  • Africa's Energy Drive Reflects Its Growth Potential, Oil and Gas Expert Says
    Mozambique is accelerating its path to energy independence through a new partnership involving Nigeria's energy giant, Aiteo Eastern E&P, and state-owned Petroleos de Mocambique, S.A. (Petromoc), to build a modular refinery capable of processing 200,000 barrels per day. With expanded fuel storage and product diversification, the project aims to reduce imports, lower costs, and create new jobs in the energy sector.

    Maputo is also launching a $1.5 billion gas pipeline to Zambia, designed to transport 3.5 million tonnes of fuel annually. The project seeks to boost regional energy security, position Mozambique as a key oil and gas player in Southern Africa, and promote self-sufficiency and regional integration.

    33 min

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Tune in to African Currents for a deep dive into the continent's heartbeat. Explore Africa's multifaceted issues from unique perspectives, featuring insights and in-depth analyses from leading experts…