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6 Regional Cooperation Projects to Watch in the MSGBC Region

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MSGBC Region

Regional projects on energy, infrastructure, power, finance and healthcare are promoting investment opportunities, economic growth and cross-border collaboration in West Africa

NOUAKCHOTT, Mauritania, July 17, 2023/APO Group/ — 

The upcoming MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2023 conference (https://apo-opa.info/3K3Tm8J) is set to take place in Nouakchott on November 21–22, under the patronage of Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani.

This event has a rich history of promoting regional cooperation (https://apo-opa.info/44uAo3d) by bringing together notable attendees from around the world alongside key players from the local community. 

As the African Development Bank and the West African Monetary Institute (WACMI) advocate for capital market integration to increase investment opportunities (https://apo-opa.info/3NYXeJz) in West Africa, here are some of the best examples of cross-border collaboration on energy, infrastructure, power, water, finance and healthcare projects.

Grande Tortue Ahmeyim: Mauritania and Senegal

The Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) project (https://apo-opa.info/3rwyO2i), developed by bp and Kosmos Energy, is an offshore natural gas project located on the maritime boundary between Senegal and Mauritania. With a 30-year production potential, it is projected to produce up to 2.5 million tons per annum (mtpa) of liquefied natural gas in its first phase and up to five mtpa in its second, contributing up to 10% of each country’s GDP. The project is an excellent example of regional collaboration; it is ecologically sustainable and its impact has been studied by both the governments of Senegal and Mauritania to ensure that it is developed responsibly. GTA has the potential to significantly contribute to both nations’ economic development.

West African Power Pool

The West African Power Pool (WAPP), established in 2010, is a partnership of national electricity companies in West Africa with the goal of building a reliable power system and a unified electricity market. WAPP has 14 members from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The objective of the organization is to integrate national power systems into a single regional electricity market in order to boost electricity trade among member nations and provide a reliable and stable electricity supply at reasonable prices.

GTA has the potential to significantly contribute to both nations’ economic development

West Africa Regional Rail Integration

The West Africa Regional Rail Integration initiative was launched in 2010 by the ECOWAS to strengthen West Africa’s railway network. The project’s goal is to connect the railways of 13 West African nations, resulting in a regional transportation network that is both seamless and effective. By lowering transportation costs and enhancing connectivity, the initiative is expected to improve local trade and economic growth. The project is being developed in phases, with the first focused on the restoration and upgrading of existing railway infrastructure, followed by the building of new railway lines.

Joint Agreement on Senegal-Mauritania Aquifer Basin

The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania and Senegal signed a ministerial statement in 2021 to increase cooperation on shared groundwater management. The four nations intend to create a legislative and institutional framework for collaboration on the Senegal-Mauritanian Aquifer System in order to promote resilience, sustainable development and regional stability. They decided to create a permanent body that would manage the aquifer, which serves over 80% of the population and is under growing pressure from population growth and agriculture.

African Exchanges Linkage Project

The African Exchanges Linkage Project (AELP) trading platform was established in December 2022 under the supervision of the African Securities Exchanges Association. The AELP’s initial phase unites seven stock exchanges from 14 African nations and the West African Economic and Monetary Union (Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal, and Togo). The AELP seeks to enhance cross-border capital flows and investments by linking African capital markets to the global financial system.

Project Shegas: Senegal and The Gambia

The Shegas project, which aims to unify healthcare services between Senegal and Gambia, was inaugurated in Dakar in February 2023. Because both nations have the same population, ethnic groupings and history, national healthcare maps aren’t typically tailored to their specific requirements. The research will examine the transboundary demand for healthcare services and how the healthcare systems of both nations might adapt to it. The study is anticipated to span three years and will include seven border regions in The Gambia. The purpose is to provide policymakers with insights on how to integrate transboundary healthcare services.

All this and more will be further unpacked during Energy Capital & Power’s MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power conference, the premier event for the MSGBC region.

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

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Genesis Energy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to Discuss Energy Expansion at Congo Energy & Investment Forum

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Genesis Energy

Akinwole Omoboriowo II will discuss Genesis Energy’s plan to deliver 10.5 GW of power across Africa, highlighting how Nigeria’s power sector experience can inform the development of the Republic of Congo’s domestic energy grid and gas export potential

BRAZZAVILLE, Republic of the Congo, January 20, 2025/APO Group/ — 

Akinwole Omoboriowo II, CEO of Genesis Energy, will speak at the Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) in Brazzaville this March, where he will discuss the company’s plans to deliver 10.5 GW of power across Africa, with a focus on energy initiatives that align with the Republic of Congo’s energy development goals.

Genesis Energy is driving transformational power projects, including providing 334MW to the Port Harcourt Refinery in Nigeria and plans to produce 1 GW within the WAEMU region. In October 2024, Genesis and BPA Komani announced their strategic partnership to mobilize capital and facilitate critical infrastructure projects focused on renewable energy, particularly Battery Energy Storage Systems across Africa. Additionally, Genesis’ recent MOU with the U.S. Agency for International Development will mobilize $10 billion for green energy and renewable projects, supporting Africa’s transition to a sustainable energy future.

The inaugural Congo Economic and Investment Forum, set for March 25-26, 2025 in Brazzaville, will bring together international investors and local stakeholders to explore national and regional energy and infrastructure opportunities. The event will explore the latest gas-to-power projects and provide updates on ongoing expansions across the country.

During CEIF 2025, Omoboriowo will explore how Genesis’ successful energy infrastructure development projects in Africa, combined with private sector innovation, can guide the Republic of Congo in strengthening its energy security and achieving its decarbonization goals. By leveraging its expertise in clean energy and strategic partnerships, Genesis Energy is poised to play a key role in helping the Republic of Congo harness its energy potential and expand its regional energy influence.

The Republic of Congo’s renewable energy sector is in a phase of growth, with increasing interest in solar, hydro and wind energy projects. Battery energy storage capacities are also gaining traction as a vital component of the country’s energy infrastructure, helping to balance supply and demand. The government is focusing on diversifying its energy mix to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and enhance grid reliability. Looking ahead, the Congo aims to expand its renewable energy capacity and integrate storage solutions to meet growing domestic and regional energy needs while supporting environmental sustainability.

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

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Eni, TotalEnergies Announce New Exploration Projects in Libya

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National Oil Corporation

Eni is launching three exploration plays, TotalEnergies is expecting promising results from its recent onshore exploration project, and other developments were shared during an upstream IOC-led panel at the Libya Energy & Economic Summit

TRIPOLI, Libya, January 19, 2025/APO Group/ — 

Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) and international energy companies TotalEnergies, Eni, OMV, Repsol and Nabors outlined key exploration milestones and strategies to advance oil and gas production in Libya at the Libya Energy & Economic Summit 2025 on January 18.

Among the key developments highlighted were TotalEnergies’ recent onshore exploration project and promising exploration opportunities in the Sirte and Murzuq basins.

“With 40% of Africa’s reserves, Libya remains largely untapped,” said Julien Pouget, Senior Vice President for the Middle East and North Africa at TotalEnergies. Pouget shared TotalEnergies’ plans for 2025, including the completion of an onshore exploration project and new exploration in the Waha and Sharara fields. “We expect results next week,” he added.

Luca Vignati, Upstream Director at Eni, echoed optimism for Libya’s potential and outlined the company’s ongoing investment initiatives in the country. “We are launching three exploration plays – shallow, deepwater and ultra-deep offshore. No other country offers such opportunities,” Vignati stated. He also highlighted the company’s investments in gas projects, including over $10 billion for the Greenstream gas pipeline and a CO2 capture and storage plant in Mellitah.

Repsol affirmed its commitment to advancing exploration in Libya, focusing on overcoming industry challenges and achieving significant production milestones.

We have 48 billion barrels of discovered but unexploited oil, with total potential estimated at 90 billion barrels, especially offshore

“Over the past decade, Libya has made remarkable efforts to fight natural field decline and encourage exploration,” said Francisco Gea, Executive Managing Director, Exploration & Production at Repsol. “We have reached 340,000 barrels per day. The two million target is within reach, and as international companies, we have the responsibility to bring capacity and technology.”

“Innovation is key to maximizing production and accelerating exploration. By deploying cutting-edge solutions, Nabors can enhance efficiency, reduce costs and ensure safer operations,” added Travis Purvis, Senior Vice President of Global Drilling Operations at Nabors.

Bashir Garea, Technical Advisor to the Chairman of the NOC, highlighted the country’s immense oil and gas potential. “We have 48 billion barrels of discovered but unexploited oil, with total potential estimated at 90 billion barrels, especially offshore,” he said. He also pointed to Libya’s sizable gas reserves, noting, “Libya has 122 trillion cubic feet of gas yet to be developed. To unlock this potential, we need more investors and new technology, particularly for brownfield revitalization.”

“Our strategy spans the entire value chain. Strengthening infrastructure is essential to maximizing production and efficiency,” said Hisham Najah, General Manager of the NOC’s Investment & Owners Committees Department.

NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber and session moderator, underlined Libya as a prime destination for foreign investment: “Libya is at the cusp of a new energy era. The time for bold investments and strategic partnerships is now.”

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

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Libya’s Oil Minister: Brownfields, Local Investment Key to 2M Barrels Per Day (BPD) Production

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Libya’s Oil & Gas Minister outlined plans to boost production to 1.6 million bpd in 2025 and 2 million bpd long-term, with brownfield development and local investment at the core, during the Libya Energy & Economic Summit

TRIPOLI, Libya, January 19, 2025/APO Group/ — 

Libya is setting its sights on boosting oil production to 2 million barrels per day (bpd) within the next two to three years, with brownfield development and local investment identified as critical drivers of this growth. Speaking at the Libya Energy & Economic Summit (LEES) in Tripoli on Saturday, Minister of Oil and Gas Dr. Khalifa Abdulsadek outlined the country’s strategy to reach 1.6 million bpd by year-end and laid the groundwork for longer-term growth.

“There are massive opportunities here, massive fields that have been discovered, but a lot of fields have fallen between the cracks,” stated Minister Abdulsadek during the Ministerial Panel, Global Energy Alliance – Uniting for a Secure and Sustainable Energy Future. “We want to make sure local oil companies take part. We also want to leverage the upcoming licensing round to support our planned growth in the oil sector.”

The minister’s remarks were complemented by a strong call for international participation in Libya’s upcoming licensing round, signaling the government’s commitment to fostering collaboration and maximizing the potential of its energy sector.

Highlighting Libya’s vast natural gas potential – with reserves of 1.5 trillion cubic meters – Mohamed Hamel, Secretary General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum, stressed the need for enhanced investment in gas projects. He pointed to ongoing initiatives like the $600 million El Sharara refinery as opportunities to stimulate economic diversification.

There are massive opportunities here, massive fields that have been discovered, but a lot of fields have fallen between the cracks

“Natural gas is available,” Hamel stated, adding, “It is the greenest of hydrocarbons and we see natural gas continuing to grow until 2050.”

The panel also tackled the global energy transition, emphasizing Africa’s unique challenges and the need for the continent to harness its resources to achieve energy security. Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim, Secretary General of the African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO), underscored the critical need for finance, technology and reliable markets to drive progress.

“At APPO, we have noted three specific challenges for the African continent. Finance, technology and reliable markets,” he stated, questioning whether Africa can continue to depend on external forces to develop its resources.

As one of Africa’s top oil producers, Libya holds an estimated 48 billion barrels of proven oil reserves. The country’s efforts to expand production, attract investment and drive innovation are central to the discussions at LEES 2025. Endorsed by the Ministry of Oil and Gas and National Oil Corporation, the summit has established itself as the leading platform for driving Libya’s energy transformation and exploring its impact on global markets.

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

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