Tracking the 2025 trends in Africa

Tracking the 2025 trends in Africa

WhyAfrica will continue tracking the trends, challenges and opportunities in Africa in 2025.

By Leon Louw founder of WhyAfrica and editor of the WhyAfrica magazine

In December last year WhyAfrica had an insightful conversation with Warren Beech, CEO at law firm Beech Veltman, about the challenges and opportunities of doing business in Africa.

Warren identified several trends that will affect business across the continent, and we zoomed in on the advancement of technology, especially in mining and the natural resources sector.

Technological advancements

The partnership between the African mining sector and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and other suppliers to the mining industry, has led to significant technological advancements.

“New technology is not limited to equipment and machinery though, and demands for safer, more efficient explosives, accessories and blasting systems have contributed to a move towards more green explosives,” says Warren.

The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial Intelligence (AI) will have a positive impact on supply chain, financial and supplier/service provider management. Moreover, AI is powered by processors and energy sources, all of which rely on critical minerals.

Thus, AI can benefit the mining sector but at the same time, it is a user of the minerals mined by many mining companies currently operating in Africa.

“As with any new technology, there are of course concerns that the advancement of technology, including AI, will lead to job losses. This is an extremely important and sensitive topic in Africa.”

Resistance to technology

There has also been a history of resistance to technology which is perceived to be too invasive, such as fatigue management technology through heads-up displays, and other real-time monitoring.

New technology is also challenging to introduce in some of Africa’s older and aging mines, that were not designed to accommodate the new technology which is becoming available.

All these challenges will need to be addressed in 2025.

“There is no doubt that new technology can improve production and increase safety, which remains a concern in the African mining industry,” says Warren.

Image: A company like Kal Tire is continuously improving their offering through innovative new technology. Image credit: Leon Louw for WhyAfrica.

About WhyAfrica

To read more about our conversation with Warren, head to the WhyAfrica website or get a copy of the January issue of the WhyAfrica magazine, which will be available in print at the 2025 Mining Indaba in Cape Town in February.

Remember, you can read more about the sustainable use of natural resources in Africa on the WhyAfrica website (www.whyafrica.co.za).

And don’t forget, WhyAfrica members, partners, sponsors and advertisers get free access to all our reports, research and on the ground information about doing business in Africa. Contact WhyAfrica for more information.

Tracking the 2025 trends in Africa