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4 Strategies for Enhancing Small to Medium sized Enterprises (SME) Participation in Angolan Oil and Gas (O&G)

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hydrocarbon

Angola’s hydrocarbon market has experienced remarkable growth since the initial discovery of oil and gas in 1955, emerging as the biggest oil producer in Africa in 2023

LUANDA, Angola, July 7, 2023/APO Group/ — 

As Angola targets increased E&P activities in 2023 and beyond, several strategies can be deployed to advance the participation of small to medium enterprises across the evolving oil and gas industry.

Angola’s hydrocarbon market has experienced remarkable growth since the initial discovery of oil and gas in 1955, emerging as the biggest oil producer in Africa in 2023. While much of the industry has been largely dominated by global energy majors such as ExxonMobil, Azule Energy, Chevron and TotalEnergies – which celebrates 70 years of active participation in the country this year – working in close collaboration with the government, the future of the industry and its contribution to the economy will largely depend on the participation of small to medium sized enterprises (SME).

A traditionally underestimated corporate group, SMEs bring to the sector fresh perspectives, innovation and diversification, while in turn deliver newfound economic contributions through job creation, supply chain development and market growth. Introducing new ideas, business models and practices, SMEs foster a more dynamic and competitive market environment. As Angola enters into a new era of E&P growth, several strategies can be deployed to enhance the participation of SMEs across the industry.

Advancing Capacity Building & Partnerships

Leveraging the already-strong presence of global energy majors in Angola, advancing local content through capacity building initiatives would not only strengthen the development of domestic capabilities but drive partnerships and collaboration across the industry. Programs that focus on enhancing the technical, managerial and operational skills of O&G players can not only improve SME understanding of industry best practices, regulatory compliance, safety standards and project management, but empower these organizations to operate more efficiently.

Strengthening Investment Incentives & Access to Finance

Introducing new ideas, business models and practices, SMEs foster a more dynamic and competitive market environment

Investment incentives in Angola’s oil and gas sector provide tangible benefits to SMEs, enabling them to overcome financial barriers, compete with larger corporations while driving innovation and project development. Through the implementation of attractive fiscal policies, introduction of incentives such as tax breaks and exemptions, and ongoing regulatory support, the government can create a more conducive environment for SME participation.

Meanwhile, by improving access to finance for SMEs through the availability of loans, credit infrastructure and guarantees, the Government will lower the cost of doing business, reduce financial obligations and address barriers to entry, therefore enabling SMEs to allocate resources more effectively, generate higher returns on investment while fostering fair competition and a diverse market. 

Creating Robust Regulatory Frameworks

The Angolan Government has made significant strides towards enhancing its regulatory framework, ensuring transparency, stability and a level playing field for all participants. Clear and predictable regulations provide confidence to SMEs, encouraging them to engage in the market by taking risks and seizing opportunities. Regulations such as the Private Investment Law (2018) establish the general principles and basis of private investment in Angola while amendments to the Hydrocarbon Law improve procedural certainty. Under the October 2020 implemented Legal Framework for the Promotion of Local Content, the Angolan government outlines, among other provisions, requirements for the supply of goods and services to the oil and gas industry, identifying strategic opportunities for SMEs such as refining, petrochemicals, manufacturing, transportation, services and logistics. With the aim to retain at least 10% of the value of goods and services in-country, the framework has opened up lucrative opportunities for SMEs active in the market.

Improving Market Access & Opportunity

Improving market access for SMEs will not only promote inclusivity across the O&G industry (https://apo-opa.info/3NFaL8Y) but stimulate economic growth, competition and innovation while diversifying and encouraging local value addition across the market. Platforms that foster collaboration, awareness and networking, such as the upcoming Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) conference (https://apo-opa.info/46A1Zl3) – which is organized by Energy Capital & Power and  scheduled for September 13-14 in Luanda –, represent key avenues for advancing market access and SME participation. Now in its third edition, AOG 2023 has built a reputation for fostering such connections across the Angolan oil and gas market, providing SMEs with the opportunity to partner with foreign companies and government agencies, participate in supply chains, subcontracting opportunities and joint ventures while enhancing their contribution to the country’s economic future.

On the back of local content, regulatory certainty and improved access to both financing and market opportunities, SMEs stand to play a much larger role in advancing the Angolan oil and gas sector. This year’s edition of AOG 2023 will promote this very topic, eliminating barriers to entry for SMEs by connecting O&G players to opportunities, fostering new collaborations and progress across the sector. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Business

Aurionpro expands its multi-country transaction banking engagement with Diamond Trust Bank (DTB)

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Aurionpro

Aurionpro’s upgraded iCashpro platform for DTB delivers a unified digital experience across payments, trade, virtual accounts, and real-time reporting, enhancing straight-through processing, visibility, and control for both the bank and its corporate customers

MUMBAI, India, April 30, 2026/APO Group/ –Aurionpro Solutions Limited (www.AurionPro.com) (BSE: 532668 | NSE: AURIONPRO)a global leader in banking technology, announced the expansion and upgrade of its transaction banking engagement with Diamond Trust Bank (DTB), to modernize and enhance the bank’s corporate transaction banking capabilities across multiple countries.

Download Document: https://apo-opa.co/4edHUaC

This multi-country transaction banking upgrade covering Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania aligns with DTB’s intent to enhance customer experience, streamline operations, and support growing transaction volumes as it expands its regional corporate banking footprint. DTB continues to focus on building a more agile, ‘digital-first’ banking experience, particularly around payments for its corporate customers across Africa, and is now well positioned to scale these capabilities. As part of its broader transformation agenda, the bank has been steadily investing in platforms that enhance scale, reliability, and service consistency across markets.

Through this partnership, we are proud to lead the next era of transformation in transaction banking, helping DTB enhance operational agility

Aurionpro’s upgraded iCashpro platform for DTB delivers a unified digital experience across payments, trade, virtual accounts, and real-time reporting, enhancing straight-through processing, visibility, and control for both the bank and its corporate customers. By enabling DTB to standardize and scale its transaction banking operations across countries, the platform ensures consistent service levels, stronger control, and improved efficiency. It also supports enhanced user experience, advanced security, and the flexibility to introduce new features as DTB expands its regional transaction banking footprint.

Murali Natarajan (https://apo-opa.co/48trPdk), Managing Director & CEO, DTB Kenya   commented: “We are delighted to strengthen and broaden our partnership with Aurionpro Solutions as part of DTB’s ongoing digital transformation journey across multiple markets. Our focus on innovation, operational excellence, and customer-centricity continues to guide our technology investments. This upgrade strengthens our transaction banking capabilities, enabling us to deliver greater value to our customers through robust digital channels and seamlessly integrated experiences.”

Ashish Rai, Group CEO, Aurionpro Solutions, commented: “We are pleased to deepen our multi-country engagement with Diamond Trust Bank and support the next phase of its transaction banking modernization. As DTB continues to scale across markets, platform resilience and consistency become paramount. Through this partnership, we are proud to lead the next era of transformation in transaction banking, helping DTB enhance operational agility, deliver superior experiences to corporate customers, and create long-term value across geographies.”

He added, “Aurionpro’s iCashpro lays a strong digital foundation for transaction & wholesale banks across the globe to grow their corporate and SME client portfolio today, while creating a clear roadmap for next- generation capabilities in AI-driven insights, advanced automation and API-led connectivity for businesses in Kenya and across Africa.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Aurionpro Solutions Ltd.

 

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Minerals Council Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Joins African Mining Week (AMW) as South Africa Improves Sectorial Investment Climate

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Energy Capital

Minerals Council CEO to share insights on policy, infrastructure and investment trends shaping South Africa’s mining industry

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 30, 2026/APO Group/ –The upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) conference will feature Mzila Mthenjane, CEO of the Minerals Council of South Africa, as a speaker. Scheduled for October 14 – 16, 2026 in Cape Town, the event will bring together global investors, policymakers and industry leaders, with Mthenjane’s participation highlighting the council’s commitment to engaging international stakeholders and promoting investment across South Africa’s mining sector.

His participation comes at a critical moment as the Minerals Council works closely with government on finalizing the Mineral Resources Development Bill 2025, a policy framework aimed at strengthening the country’s mining investment climate and the sector’s contribution to GDP. According to the council, the revised legislation will support new investment across the value chain as South Africa seeks to mobilize R2 trillion over the next five years to unlock its critical minerals potential.

The policy reforms come amid shifting production trends in the sector. In 2025, South Africa recorded declines in gold and platinum group metals output of 1.9% and 4.1%, respectively. The new regulatory framework is expected to strengthen public-private partnerships and stimulate investment, enabling South Africa to increase production and capitalize on strong global commodity prices. Increased private sector investments is crucial with South Africa seeking targeting to unlock an estimated R40 trillion in untapped iron ore potential as well as maintain its position as the world’s leading producer of chrome and manganese.

At AMW 2026, Mthenjane is expected to outline these trends, providing insights into how the council is contributing to addressing challenges disrupting the sector. Infrastructure and energy costs remain key concerns for industry players. To support the energy-intensive sector, South Africa approved a 35% reduction in electricity tariffs for major ferrochrome producers, helping stabilize an industry that has faced significant cost pressures after electricity prices surged by roughly 900% since 2008.

Logistics constraints are also a priority area for reform. South Africa’s economy is losing an estimated R1 billion per day due to inefficiencies across rail and port infrastructure. As a result, the government is considering measures supported by the Minerals Council to increase private sector participation in logistics. Planned reforms include rail modernization initiatives targeting 250 million tons of freight capacity by 2029, alongside port upgrades and private operator participation aimed at strengthening mineral exports and improving supply chain efficiency.

Beyond infrastructure and policy reforms, the Minerals Council is advocating for stronger exploration investment to support long-term industry growth.

At AMW, Mthenjane is expected to highlight these developments and outline the steps required to reinforce South Africa’s position in the global minerals supply chain. His insights will offer investors and stakeholders a timely perspective on opportunities within the country’s mining sector.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Seychelles Targets Energy Investment Push as Minister Jérémie Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 as a Speaker

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African Energy Chamber

Seychelles energy minister will speak at AEW 2026, positioning her to highlight reforms, renewable projects and investment opportunities as the island nation advances its transition toward a diversified energy system

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 29, 2026/APO Group/ –Marie-May Jérémie, Minister of Environment, Climate, Energy and Natural Resources for Seychelles will participate as a speaker at this year’s African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, taking place from October 12–16 in Cape Town. Her participation underscores the country’s growing role in shaping Africa’s small-island energy transition agenda.

Minister Jérémie’s presence at AEW 2026 comes at a critical time as Seychelles accelerates efforts to reduce its heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels. The event provides a platform to attract investment, strengthen policy alignment and showcase bankable projects, positioning the country as a viable destination for private-sector participation in island energy systems.

Seychelles is demonstrating how policy reform and innovation can unlock investment in constrained environments

In May last year, international finance institution the World Bank approved the Renewable Energy Acceleration Program, a seven-year initiative aimed at modernizing the grid and increasing renewable energy penetration to 15% by 2030. The program focuses on unlocking private capital while strengthening transmission infrastructure to accommodate variable renewable energy sources.

Project development is gaining traction in the country, particularly in innovative technologies suited to Seychelles’ land constraints. The 5.8 MW Seysun Lagoon floating solar PV project, developed by independent renewable power producer Qair, is under construction and expected online in 2026.

Alongside renewables, Seychelles continues to pursue upstream opportunities to diversify its economy. The government approved new exploration entrants in 2025 and extended exiting petroleum agreements, while securing an infrastructure partnership with China. Multilateral estimates suggest over $800 million in investment will be required over the next 25 years.

Regulatory reform is central to this transition, with Seychelles introducing an independent power producer framework to open the market to private developers. Standardized power purchase agreements, grid access reforms and strengthened public-private partnership structures are being implemented to improve transparency, reduce risk and accelerate project bankability across solar, storage and emerging wind opportunities.

“Minister Jérémie’s participation highlights the strategic importance of island nations in Africa’s broader energy transition,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber. “Seychelles is demonstrating how policy reform and innovation can unlock investment in constrained environments. Her insights will be critical to advancing dialogue on resilient, low-carbon energy systems across the continent.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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