The Project entails a senior secured loan to Nyanza Light Metals Proprietary Limited for the development of a new 80,000 tonnes per annum (tpa) sulphate-based titanium dioxide (TiO?) pigment plant on a 69-hectare site within the Richard’s Bay Industrial Development Zone (RBIDZ), South Africa. The associated infrastructure includes, a sulphuric acid production unit, a steam production unit, solid and liquid feedstock storage areas, among others. The TiO? will serve domestic and export markets in coatings, paints, plastics, and paper. Construction is expected to begin after the financial close in Q3 2025, with a 36-month build period followed by 12 months for testing, ramp-up, and commissioning. Commercial operations are expected to commence in June 2029. The Project is a key real sector project with significant development outcomes, including creating 850 permanent jobs and contributing significantly to (re)industrialisation of this region, a crucial objective of South Africa’s economy. Further, via establishing the only TiO2 plant on the continent, the Project will allow for substitution of a large part of the current TiO2 imports and increase intra-African trade. Last, it opens possibilities for additional downstream projects and value chain development for the wider region. In essence, the Project will create an intra-African TiO2 market.

South Africa

African Development Bank Group

Africa Southern Africa Sub-Saharan Africa

Metals and Non-Metals Construction Energy-Power and Electrical Computer Hardwares and Consumables

21.10.2025

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