by Yael Shafrir

Africa has a unique opportunity to lead the next wave of industrial growth, and it's not just a dream. From electric vehicles (EVs) to lithium batteries, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is already laying the groundwork for of regional value chains that could redefine how we produce, trade, and drive.

by Jason van der Poel and Rob Futter, Cresco, Director​​

​​Is what happened to Blue Nova reflective of South Africa's BESS market? Rob Futter, Director at Cresco Group, points to Reunert's financial results of 26 May 2025, which noted the “disposal of battery storage business Blue Nova Energy as having a significant adverse impact on its interim results."

by Priyesh Daya, Brittany Leroni and Litha Raziya

Mediation plays a growing and increasingly important role in resolving energy-related investor–state disputes (ISDS), as part of a broader shift towards dispute prevention and early dispute resolution. These disputes often arise under bilateral investment treaties (BITs) or multilateral agreements (such as the Energy Charter Treaty), where investors bring claims against states alleging breaches of investment protections.

by Kirsten Wolmarans

The money is spent, the project is built, but the turbines stand idle. A several hundred-million-dollar wind farm, ready to supply much-needed power, is left stranded, waiting on grid access delayed by a contractual dispute. The parties are deadlocked, and the matter is heading to court, where resolution will take years.

by Pooja Dela and Dylan Cron

​As Africa enters a critical decade of energy development and industrialisation, the demand for reliable power, sustainable infrastructure and clean energy sources is reshaping the investment landscape. At the same time, the imperative to transition responsibly—without infringing on the rights of individuals or communities—is more urgent than ever.

by Shirleen Ritchie and Kirsten Wolmarans

Among the greatest threats facing infrastructure development today is climate change. To mitigate the associated risks for all sector stakeholders, there is a pressing need to make better use of modern technologies and to establish contractual frameworks that are appropriately structured from the outset.

by Dylan Cron and Michael Benefeld

Certainty is a bedrock principle of South African contract law. Once parties have entered into a contract, they are bound by its terms. Courts have consistently upheld this principle, reminding us that "our law does not recognise the right of a court to release a contracting party from the consequences of an agreement duly entered into by him merely because that agreement appears to be unreasonable.