Lighting up Africa: UNDP and AMDA collaborate on mini-grids
Under this partnership, UNDP and AMDA will work together across five key areas Read More at ESI Africa
Kenya: Drive for transformers to stabilise energy infrastructure
The move forms part of a broader strategy to stabilise the electricity distribution network Read More at ESI Africa
Eskom reliance on diesel comes into sharper focus
Professor Vally Padayachee warns that the current diesel usage pattern suggests the utility is using its OCGTs far more than intended Read More at ESI Africa
Summit aligning with Zambia national energy goals
As the southern African country steps up its drive for industrial development, energy security and climate resilience, the summit is emerges as a timely and strategic initiative Read More at ESI Africa
Two sustainability and ESG awards, One evening
Join Africa’s sustainability changemakers at the YES ESG and Beyond Awards Read More at ESI Africa
Nigeria: Public-private partnerships to roll out solar mini-grids
More than 19,000 households and businesses across the West African country is set to be connected to electricity under the agreement Read More at ESI Africa
Clean cooking for all: 2030 target threatened by 2.1 billion gap
Decentralised Renewable Energy (DRE) solutions offer promising options for reaching remote and low-income populations Read More at ESI Africa
South Africa: AfDB loan to help green growth, energy transition
As an advanced economy in Africa and a regional power hub, South Africa’s success in its energy transition could catalyse similar transformations across the continent, said the African Development Bank Read More at ESI Africa
Zambia: Solar plant project starts to feed energy into the grid
Zesco said that with the target to reach 1,000MW of solar energy by year-end, the “solar explosion” story in Zambia is on course Read More at ESI Africa
Huawei SA: Pioneering sustainable development
Moving more to a sustainable future, it becomes more important that we now start focusing on the best battery energy storage solutions Read More at ESI Africa
Smart meter: Championing grid modernisation
Beyond infrastructure, smart metering technologies promise social and environmental benefits Read More at ESI Africa
Looking at the Nuts and Bolts of Financing to Unlock Growth
In today’s competitive retail landscape, home improvement store owners need strategic financial solutions to thrive and expand. Join the North American Hardware and Paint Association (NHPA) and hardware store financing expert Brian Misenheimer from Live Oak Bank for this essential 45-minute webinar designed specifically for independent hardware retailers. Discover how to leverage specialized financing options …
Shift in electricity tariff design means changes for South Africa
South African are experiencing a profound shift in how we think about our power grid Read More at ESI Africa
The role of STS in global utility interoperability
STS enables global utility interoperability; designed for simplicity and scalability Read More at ESI Africa
Call for reassessment of thermal coal divestment
FutureCoal Chief Executive Michelle Manook has challenged financial leaders to abandon exclusionary policies Read More at ESI Africa
South Africa’s ITP Programme powers ahead
The current grid expansion is insufficient to meet the country’s energy security needs, necessitating a minimum of 1,400km per year Read More at ESI Africa
Kenya: Tapping into natural resources to address universal energy access
While the intermittent nature of renewable energy is creating instability on the grid, Kenya is starting to embrace battery storage to address the issue Read More at ESI Africa
Africa: Rail projects signal development, not geopolitical rivalry
Two major projects have the potential to drive greater beneficiation, trade and socio-economic growth Read More at ESI Africa
Balancing Act: Finding Common Ground in Customer Returns
According to the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Happy Returns 2024 Customer Returns in the Retail Industry Report, retailers estimated that 16.9% of their annual sales in 2024 were returned, making customer returns a headache for many retailers, regardless of their size. And customers are not making it any easier on retailers; the NRF report …
The Stats Speak: What Return Policies Look Like Across the Channel
This month’s feature story takes a closer look at customer returns policies and ways retailers can improve their own policies to keep customers happy while still protecting their operation’s bottom line. As part of the feature story on Page 18, during Q2 of 2025, the North American Hardware and Paint Association (NHPA) conducted a survey …
Simplify and Fortify the Returns Process With Technology
According to the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Happy Returns 2024 Customer Returns in the Retail Industry Report, retailers estimated that 16.9% of their annual sales in 2024 were returned, making customer returns a headache for many retailers, regardless of their size. With clear and simple policies, however, retailers can make the return process easy …
Highlight the Deal: 3 Best Practices for Driving Add-On Sales With Ease
Around 89% of shoppers have made an impulse purchase at some point, according to Capital One Shopping Research. At Norberg Paints in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, grabbing a piece of that impulse category hinges on simple strategies executed consistently. From offering low-cost add-ons to maintaining eye-catching displays in both Norberg Paints stores, director Nick Hauert …
DIY Intentions: Latest Motivations in Home Improvement Initiatives
The Home Improvement Research Institute released its Quarterly Homeowner Project Activity Tracker Q1 2025, sharing the attitudes and motivations that drive home improvement initiatives. The first quarter saw a continued slowdown in home project activity, marking three quarters of straight declines, but the types of projects tackled held steady. The report also looked at the …
Gear Up for Success: Open a Toolbox of Resources at the 2025 IHI Conference
No other event brings the independent home improvement channel together like the Independent Home Improvement Conference (IHI Conference), which will take place July 30-31. Attendees will include retailers from every wholesaler umbrella, vendors and service providers and industry experts and players who will take part in educational sessions, engage in networking events and enjoy the …