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5th Angola Oil & Gas Opens in Luanda with Calls to Increase Hydrocarbon Production

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Luanda

Opened by João Lourenço, President of Angola, the event serves to Drive Exploration and Development Towards Increased Production

LUANDA, Angola, October 3, 2024/APO Group/ — 

The fifth edition of the Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) conference and exhibition was officially opened with rallying calls by industry leaders and major operators to increase investment and bolster hydrocarbon production. With a target to maintain crude output above one million barrels per day (bpd) beyond 2027, the country is calling on investors to seize opportunities created by recent regulatory reforms to drive projects forward.

The event was opened by Angolan President João Lourenço, who called on the industry to invest more across the oil and gas value chain. Citing strengthened policies, transformed national entities and significant untapped potential, President Lourenço emphasized the need to accelerate the sustainable development of oil and gas in Angola.   

“Angola aspires to be a competitive hydrocarbon producer, contributing to global energy security. The government has been working tirelessly to establish a regulatory environment that is competitive, with fiscal regimes and policies applicable to the market. We have transformed the market in a way that allows each entity to prioritize oversight and regulation. The liberation of the sector has opened the space for more operators. The government calls on investors to look at these business opportunities,” he said.

Echoing these remarks, Diamantino Azevedo, Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas of Angola, shared insight into the measures the country is implementing to address production declines. According to the minister, with energy security representing a major priority – both globally and in Angola – the need to invest more heavily in oil and gas production has become even more critical.

The Angolan government has been promoting reforms to improve the legal instruments to create more competitive conditions for investment

“I would like to reiterate: drill baby drill. The Angolan government has been promoting reforms to improve the legal instruments to create more competitive conditions for investment. In this instance, the traditional companies in our market have been expanding their interests in exploration and the development of oilfields. Our greatest challenge is the decline of oil production and we would like to reiterate our commitment to our partners in the industry as well as our international and regional counterparts,” stated Minister Azevedo.

Some of Angola’s biggest operators are already responding to the call to boost production. French energy major TotalEnergies, for example, has plans to increase production across its FPSOs in Angola. With six in operation and a seventh planned as part of the Kaminho deepwater development – which achieved $6 billion FID in 2024 – the company is committed to sustainable oil and gas development.

“We want to produce more energy with less emissions. Our focus is on increasing oil and gas production while pursuing renewable energy. We are involved in major greenfield projects – such as Begonia which will start next year and the Kaminho development. We have also started a $1 billion program to increase efficiency across our FPSOs. For investors, it is important to operate in a clear, transparent and attractive environment. This is clear in Angola,” Mike Sangster, SVP Africa at TotalEnergies, said.

Azule Energy – a joint venture between Eni and bp – also aims to increase production to 250,000 bpd in the short-term. With stakes in various oil assets, the New Gas Consortium and low-carbon projects, the company leverages the expertise of Eni and bp to drive projects forwards.

According to Gordon Birrell, EVP Production & Operations at bp, “we appreciate the welcoming attitude towards international investment in Angola. This has enabled bp and Eni to come together and realize the vision we had for Azule Energy. We believe that we are capable to unleash the full potential of Angola’s resources.”

Adding to this, Guido Brusco, COO Natural Resources at Eni, said that “Our commitment is to keep investing in Angola. Together, we are starting the journey towards a just energy transition. We are promoting sustainability, accessibility and economic growth.”

As such, Angola’s dedication to regulatory reform, international engagement and forward-looking solutions to both energy security and the energy transition is expected to unlock a wave of economic opportunity for the country. According to NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman at the African Energy Chamber, “More work needs to be done. Reforms must continue. We must encourage natural gas and downstream projects. We must look at developing petrochemicals. We must listen to the young people and understand that our job is not to be change-makers for today but for the future.”

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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