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African Energy Week (AEW) 2023 Unites Key Players During Invest in Angola Energies Spotlight Session

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African Energy Week

A dedicated country spotlight featured the participation of key players in Angola’s energy sector during the 2023 edition of AEW, offering stakeholders a unique insight into the growing market

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, October 18, 2023/APO Group/ — 

The 2023 edition of the biggest gathering of energy stakeholders and policymakers on the continent, African Energy Week (AEW) – organized by the African Energy Chamber (http://www.EnergyChamber.org) – featured a country spotlight roundtable on Angola, showcasing the country’s abundant reserves and favorable business environment.

Kicking off the session, heavy weights from Angola’s oil and gas sector, including representatives from the country’s National Oil Company (NOC), Sonangol; independent regulatory agency, the National Agency for Petroleum Gas and Biofuels (ANPG); and integrated energy company, Etu Energias, provided keynote speeches, showcasing the immense potential of the country’s oil and gas play.

“We are a petro-mature country and started producing first oil around 1960,” stated Belarmino Chitangueleca, Executive Director of the ANPG, adding, “Our challenge through the milestones resulted in the production of 2 million barrels of oil per day, which was a result of commitment, investment, and also adjusting legal frameworks and regulations, which have enabled business in Angola.”

Chitangueleca went on to reiterate the national concessionaire’s licensing of 12 onshore blocks in Angola’s Lower Congo Basin and invited independents and small companies to participate in the country’s burgeoning oil and gas industry.

“Angola is open for business. It has a friendly business environment. We respect the sanctity of the contracts that we sign. And these have been the bedrock of Angola as a powerhouse in oil,” stated Osvaldo Inácio, Executive Board Member at Sonangol.

“We are driving new energy in Angola, and we want to expand throughout Africa,” stated Edson dos Santos, CEO for Etu Energias, adding, “Believe in Angola. Not many countries in the world can offer you on- and offshore assets. We have solar power, hydroelectric opportunities, Angola offers the full package in terms of energy.”

Meanwhile, representatives from private energy companies including oil and gas supermajors, Chevron, ExxonMobil, and Azule Energy provided their expertise in the country’s energy sector.

“What we’re doing is going to provide fuel, expand electricity generation and make it more accessible to schools, homes, and medical facilities and will go on to drive human progress. Moreover, exploration and production will enable future projects and companies to come in in other sectors,” stated Billy Lacobie, Managing Director of the Southern Africa Strategic Business Unit at Chevron.

Following the launch of its 2023 Licensing Round in March, offering 12 blocks in the Lower Congo and Kwanza onshore basins, the ANPG serves a crucial role in managing Angola’s resources, overseeing partnerships with international oil companies and ensuring optimal utilization of hydrocarbon resources. Their involvement provides investors with confidence in the security of their investments and collaborative efforts to maximize output and returns.

Exploration and production will enable future projects and companies to come in in other sectors

“Working in partnership with Angola, going into frontier regions, we know, before we drill, that Angola has everything we need to go in and get things done,” stated Jeff Weidner, Development Manager for Esso Exploration Angola Limited at ExxonMobil.

Meanwhile, Angola’s strategic geographical position, ongoing infrastructure advancements, local content initiatives, and rapidly expanding market, represents an enticing investment opportunity for regional and global players.

“Angola’s mature fields offer huge opportunities,” stated Ian Cloke, Chief Operating Officer for independent oil and gas company, Afentra, adding, “I applaud the way Angola has approached the environment through the extensive offering of licenses, its issuance of regular rounds, and engaging with the industry to see what is needed to invest.”

Investments in critical infrastructure, including updated ports, pipelines, refineries, and storage facilities, have bolstered Angola’s oil and gas industry. These advancements improve operational efficiency, reduce transportation costs, and increase profitability for investors. With projects such as the Luanda, Soyo, Cabinda, and Lobito refineries currently well in development, Angola is positioning itself as a regional hub for energy production, offering an appealing and financially rewarding investment climate.

“There won’t be a transition without energy and industrialization, and we would welcome your interest in investing in our refineries and storage facilities,” Inácio stated, adding that, “As an NOC, we have an additional responsibility in the mid- and downstream segments of the industry.”

Meanwhile, the country’s pioneer Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) project, Angola LNG, has positioned Angola as a highly attractive gas play, with new upstream developments promising an increase in LNG production and export.

“The environment is improving because the Ministry and the Agency are trying to understand what the investor needs in order to invest more. Partnering with Sonangol in low-carbon opportunities is very important for Angola,” stated Adriano Mongini, CEO of Azule Energy.

Angola boasts substantial oil reserves of 9 billion barrels and natural gas reserves of 11 trillion cubic feet, supporting a stable foundation for lucrative returns. The country’s high production rates – reaching approximately 1.06 million barrels of oil per day and 17,904.5 million cubic feet of natural gas in May 2023, ensure stability and ongoing revenue generation. Moreover, Angola’s strategic plans for development and underexplored areas like the Kwanza and Namibe Basins further enhance its status as a global frontier in energy exploration.

“There is a space now, as these basins mature, there are tremendous opportunities for small- to mid-sized companies to come in, join as a partner, and help mitigate production decline,” concluded dos Santos.

Meanwhile, on the renewables front, the panel noted that Angola has made significant strides through the Angola Renewable Energy Program, implemented from 2019 to 2022. This program focused on solar energy and hydropower, contributing to an increase in the national electrification rate from 33% in 2017 to 43% in 2021 and raising the renewable energy component of the energy mix from 59% to 64%. The country’s stated goal is to quadruple renewable energy production – with a specific emphasis on solar energy – from 125 MWh to 500 MWh.

Sponsored by the ANPG, Sonangol, Etu Energies, and Azule Energy, the Invest in Angola Energies country spotlight provided a multifaceted platform for investors and industry leaders to gain crucial insights into the evolving market and its associated opportunities.

#AEW2023 takes place this week in Cape Town under a mandate to make energy poverty history by 2030. Keep following www.AECWeek.com for more exciting information and updates about Africa’s premier energy event.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Sierra Leone’s PDSL to Host Strategic Investor Roundtable at Paris Energy Forum

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2 days ago

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March 24, 2026

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Energy Capital

The Petroleum Directorate of Sierra Leone will lead a targeted roundtable at Invest in African Energy 2026, spotlighting upstream potential and cross-regional partnerships

PARIS, France, March 24, 2026/APO Group/ –The Petroleum Directorate of Sierra Leone (PDSL) is set to convene an investor roundtable at Invest in African Energy (IAE) Forum 2026 in Paris, underscoring growing interest in West and North African energy markets and the need for deeper capital engagement across exploration, renewable and offshore services. The session reflects a strategic effort by Sierra Leone to connect its emerging upstream prospects with established operators and project developers as the country moves to unlock the full potential of its emerging oil and gas industry.

 

Sierra Leone is increasingly positioning itself as a frontier oil and gas market with significant offshore potential, and part of the PDSL’s mandate is to catalyze investment interest in its offshore acreage through direct engagement with global capital. Recent data suggest the country holds estimated recoverable resources in the tens of billions of barrels, backed by discoveries and extensive multi‑client seismic datasets that prospective investors are evaluating. The PDSL is actively promoting licensing opportunities and drilling plans, emphasizing fiscal terms and exploration readiness to attract strategic partners.

 

A cornerstone of this strategy is the anticipated launch of the country’s sixth licensing round. Offering a rare early-entry opportunity into a largely untapped deepwater terrain with considerable upside, the upcoming bid round is backed by fresh 3D datasets which de-risk exploration and support new drilling campaigns. Just this month, GeoPartners announced that the final Pre-Stack Time Migration data for its recently acquired 3D multi-client seismic survey in the country was complete and is now available for licensing. The dataset provides a 3D window into the hydrocarbon potential of the underexplored northern Sierra Leone region.

 

Sierra Leone’s licensing drive comes as major operators advance exploration activities. In 2025, Eni signed a Reconnaissance Permit Agreement with the PDSL, securing rights to conduct reconnaissance and technical evaluation activities across offshore blocks G113, G129, G130, G131 and G132. The acreage covers 6,790 square kilometers within Sierra Leone’s territorial waters. Nigeria’s F.A. Oil Limited is pursuing drilling following its award of six offshore blocks through the country’s fifth licensing round in 2023. The company is currently seeking a farm-in partner to advance the project from exploration to production, offering a 40% stake in each of the G Blocks 53, 54, 55, 71, 72 and 73.

 

As these development unfold, the upcoming roundtable at IAE 2026 offers a unique opportunity for operators and policymakers to engage potential investors. The IAE 2026 Forum has become a strategic bridge between African upstream opportunities and global investors, with sessions like the PDSL roundtable designed to foster deeper dialogue and provide clarity on project pipelines and investment prerequisites. Discussions are expected to cover mechanisms for de‑risking exploration activity, optimizing fiscal and contractual frameworks and identifying synergies between hydrocarbon investment and renewable energy commitments.

 

For investors seeking differentiated exposure to African energy markets, the Sierra Leone roundtable represents both a focused exploration of frontier oil potential and a broader conversation about regional infrastructure, partnerships and the evolving demands of energy capital in the years ahead.

 

IAE 2026 (www.Invest-Africa-Energy.com) is an exclusive forum designed to connect African energy markets with global investors, serving as a key platform for deal-making in the lead-up to African Energy Week. Scheduled for April 22–23, 2026, in Paris, the event will provide delegates with two days of in-depth engagement with industry experts, project developers, investors and policymakers. For more information, visit www.Invest-Africa-Energy.com. To sponsor or register as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com

 

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

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Cape Town Prepares for African Mining Week 2026 as Draft Program Reveals Continent’s Mineral Drive

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2 days ago

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March 24, 2026

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Energy Capital

African Mining Week returns for its 2026 edition with an expanded three-day program, bringing together African mining leaders and global partners to shape the future of the continent’s mining sector

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, March 24, 2026/APO Group/ –Global economic trends – from record-breaking commodity prices to intensifying geopolitical competition for resources – are reshaping the strategic importance of Africa’s mineral wealth. As global countries race to secure supply chains for energy transition metals – which are expected to triple by 2030 – Africa is positioning its 30% share of the world’s critical minerals as a key pillar of economic growth. African governments are modernizing mining codes, developing industrial corridors and investing in mineral processing facilities to support local beneficiation, job creation, workforce development and regional mineral markets.

 

Against this backdrop, the upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) Conference & Exhibition – Africa’s premier gathering for mining stakeholders – has launched the draft program for its 2026 edition {https://apo-opa.co/3NneKLj}. Scheduled to take place October 14–16 in Cape Town, the event provides a platform where policymakers, global investors, project operators, technology providers, academia and mining service companies examine Africa’s mining opportunities, challenges and long-term strategic direction.

Under the theme ‘Mining the Future: Unearthing Africa’s Full Mineral Value’, the three-day, multi-track agenda reflects the growing urgency among African markets to strengthen value addition across the mining value chain.

Regional Cooperation and Policy Alignment in Focus

A key feature of the agenda is the Ministerial Forum, where African mining ministers will provide updates on regulatory reforms and policy alignment initiatives aimed at unlocking greater value from the continent’s mineral resources. Discussions will examine how harmonized regulatory frameworks and regional cooperation can accelerate investment flows and strengthen Africa’s position in global mineral supply chains.

The inclusion of regional policy integration reflects a growing continental push to leverage frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to enhance cross-border mineral cooperation and trade.

We are acting to enhance regional integration through frameworks such as the African Mining Vision and the Africa Mineral Strategy Group

“Africa’s integration is not only a political objective but a strategic economic vision,” stated Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Ghana’s Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, in remarks reported by Energy Capital & Power – organizers of AMW – in February 2026. “Our natural resources require coordinated policies. Isolated legal frameworks cannot fully unlock their value. Through integration and initiatives such as the ECOWAS [Economic Community of West African States] Mining Code and the African Mining Vision, we can build a stronger and more competitive mineral economy.”

Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Henry Alake, echoed this emphasis on regional cooperation and beneficiation.

“We are acting to enhance regional integration through frameworks such as the African Mining Vision and the Africa Mineral Strategy Group,” he stated. “We must develop mineral corridors that connect resources, infrastructure and markets across the continent. Our goal is not to simply export raw materials, but to develop industrial hubs that create jobs and value across borders.”

Connecting Global Investors with African Opportunities

Strategic roundtables and Country Focus sessions form a key part of the AMW 2026 program, connecting African mining jurisdictions with international partners from the U.S, Europe, the Middle East and China. These sessions will provide African stakeholders with a platform to showcase exploration opportunities and project pipelines across the mining value chain.

Meanwhile, technical workshops and the exhibition floor at AMW 2026 will provide a platform for equipment manufacturers, technology providers and engineering firms to showcase innovations designed to enhance operational performance across mining operations.

By combining high-level policy dialogue with technical expertise and investment matchmaking, AMW 2026 positions itself as a critical marketplace where Africa’s mineral potential converges with global capital, technology and strategic partnerships – helping shape the next phase of growth for the continent’s mining sector.

AMW serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2026 conference from October 12-16 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.

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

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Tony Elumelu Foundation Selects Seven North African Entrepreneurs in 2026 Cohort

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March 24, 2026

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entrepreneurs

Seven North African entrepreneurs in technology, education, professional services and agriculture selected from 265,000 applications at historic Abuja ceremony

Hope is not just a feeling — it is a system we can build

ABUJA, Nigeria, March 24, 2026/APO Group/ —

  • 7 North African entrepreneurs selected from Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt
  • 51% of the 2026 cohort are women, all selected purely on merit, without any quota in place
  • 3,200 total entrepreneurs selected from 265,000+ applications across 54 African countries
  • USD 5,000 in non-refundable seed capital for each selected entrepreneur
  • Selection conducted independently by Ernst & Young

 

The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) (www.TonyElumeluFoundation.org), the leading philanthropy empowering young African entrepreneurs, announced on Sunday, 22 March 2026 the 12th cohort of the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme at a ceremony held at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja. The announcement was made by Founder Tony O. Elumelu, C.F.R.

 

Among the 3,200 entrepreneurs selected from 265,000 applications received from all 54 African countries: seven from North Africa. Three from Tunisia, two from Morocco, two from Egypt. Spanning technology, education, professional services and agribusiness, they represent a generation of North African founders building businesses that address the urgent needs of their communities. Their selection, which was conducted independently by Ernst & Young, places them among the most rigorously assessed young entrepreneurs on the continent.

 

This year’s cohort carries a historic signal: 51 percent of the 2026 entrepreneurs are women. They were selected purely on merit, without quota. Across hundreds of thousands of applications, women distinguished themselves through the strength of their ideas, the clarity of their business models and the ambition of their vision.

 

In 2026, the Foundation is empowering a total of 3,200 entrepreneurs across all its entrepreneurship programmes:

 

  • 1,751 entrepreneurs through Heirs Holdings Group: Heirs Energies, Transcorp Power, Transcorp Hotels, and United Capital;
  • 1,049 entrepreneurs in partnership with the European Commission, OACPS, BMZ and GIZ;
  • 100 entrepreneurs in partnership with Sèmè City Development Agency;
  • 100 entrepreneurs in partnership with DEG, the German Development Agency;
  • 100 entrepreneurs in partnership with the IKEA Foundation, UNICEF’s Generation Unlimited and the Dutch Government; and
  • 100 entrepreneurs in partnership with UNDP and the Rwandan Ministry of Youth and Arts.

 

 

Each selected Tony Elumelu Entrepreneur will receive USD 5,000 in non-refundable seed capital, access to world-class business management training on TEFConnect, one-on-one mentorship, and entry into a powerful network of investors, partners and fellow entrepreneurs.

 

In his annual letter (https://apo-opa.co/4uOFepM), “A Story of Hope,” Tony O. Elumelu, C.F.R., Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, shared a powerful message to the new cohort:

 

“For a long time, I believed luck was something that simply happened to you. Then I came to understand: luck can be engineered. Opportunity can be democratised. Hope is not just a feeling — it is a system we can build.” — Tony O. Elumelu, C.F.R., Founder, Tony Elumelu Foundation — 2026 Annual Letter

 

The Tony Elumelu Foundation has empowered over 2.5 million young Africans with access to business management training on TEFConnect (https://TEFConnect.com), and disbursed over USD 100 million in seed capital to more than 24,000 selected entrepreneurs.

 

Collectively, these entrepreneurs have generated USD 4.2 billion in revenue and created more than 1.5 million direct and indirect jobs. Through its support for African entrepreneurs, TEF has lifted 2.1 million Africans above the poverty line and positively impacted more than 4 million African households, with 46% of supported entrepreneurs being African women. Eighty percent of TEF-supported businesses survive and scale, against a global average of ten to twenty percent.

 

 

The announcement ceremony was broadcast live in English (https://apo-opa.co/3PWLiML), French (https://apo-opa.co/3PWLiML), Portuguese (https://apo-opa.co/4t4Y7Da) and Arabic (https://apo-opa.co/4bYHlQl).

 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Tony Elumelu Foundation.

 

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