Sustainable energy

Business International Business and Trade

China’s Manufacturing Dominance Shakes Western Executives: Automation, EVs, and Global Competition

Western executives visiting China’s manufacturing facilities return with sobering assessments of automated “dark factories” and robotic production lines. From electric vehicles to artificial intelligence, China’s industrial transformation is reshaping global competition and forcing Western companies to reconsider their strategies.

Western automotive and green energy executives are returning from China with sobering assessments of the country’s manufacturing capabilities, describing advanced automation systems that operate continuously without human intervention. These visits have revealed a technological gap that many executives believe could leave Western nations behind in critical industries, particularly electric vehicle production and green energy technologies.

The Reality of China’s Automated Manufacturing

by Megan CarterOctober 14, 2025

Business Innovation

EU Commits €11.5 Billion Investment in South Africa’s Green Energy and Infrastructure

The European Union has announced a massive €11.5 billion investment package for South Africa targeting clean energy transformation, infrastructure modernization, and pharmaceutical production. This strategic partnership aims to accelerate South Africa’s economic recovery while advancing continental healthcare security.

The European Union has committed to a transformative €11.5 billion ($13.3 billion) investment package in South Africa, targeting critical sectors including renewable energy infrastructure, power grid modernization, and pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity. This landmark announcement comes as Africa’s most industrialized economy seeks to revitalize growth and address persistent unemployment challenges.