In a major boost for South Africa’s green industrial future, the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has been appointed as the sole financial adviser for the R31.5-billion SUISO coal-to-fertiliser project in Mpumalanga. This landmark initiative reinforces global confidence in South Africa’s ability to lead a just energy transition while creating jobs, strengthening food security, and building sustainable industries.
SUISO is a pioneering South African company specialising in blue ammonia production at its state-of-the-art facility in Kriel, Mpumalanga.
Established in 2019 by four local entrepreneurs, SUISO focuses on sustainable energy solutions, food security and responsible resource management. By transforming residuals into resources, the company is committed to shaping a greener future for South Africa and beyond
Afreximbank to Mobilise Funding for SUISO
Afreximbank will leverage its financial expertise to structure and mobilise capital, ensuring the project stays on track for its 2026 construction start and 2029 launch.
The bank’s involvement marks a critical milestone in funding one of Africa’s largest nitrogen fertiliser facilities, which will produce 1.5 million tons of fertiliser annually.
Once operational, SUISO will:
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Replace 1.2 million tons of imported urea
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Reduce reliance on volatile global supply chains
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Save foreign exchange for South Africa’s economy
Global Partnerships Ensure World-Class Execution
SUISO has already secured partnerships with Fortune 500 firm Sinopec Ningbo Engineering (engineering) and Stamicarbon (production licensing). Additionally, the project is collaborating with the Council for Geoscience to explore carbon storage and critical mineral mapping, aligning with South Africa’s climate goals.
A Just Energy Transition for Mpumalanga
With over 90,000 jobs at risk in South Africa’s coal sector, SUISO offers a sustainable reinvention for Mpumalanga’s economy.
The project will:
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Create 4,000 construction jobs
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Provide 981 permanent operational roles
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Train 400 workers through the Gerhard Potgieter Engineering Training College
Sustainable Production & Future Plans
Using advanced gasification and hydrogen synthesis, SUISO will produce zero-sulphur blue methanol while capturing carbon—complying with South Africa’s 2027 Fuel Act. The project is also exploring a 15-year renewable energy agreement to power the plant sustainably.
A Vote of Confidence in South Africa
Paul Erskine, SUISO founder, stated: “The appointment of Afreximbank is not only a financial mandate from the company to that service provider; it’s a global vote of confidence in South Africa’s capacity to lead a just energy transition that creates jobs, bolsters food security and builds sustainable industry.”
The SUISO project represents a big opportunity for South Africa – balancing economic growth, job creation and environmental sustainability. With Afreximbank’s backing, this initiative is set to position Mpumalanga as a hub for green industrial innovation.
