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Angola Oil & Gas Summit Returns to Luanda in October, Unveiling Unprecedented Investment Opportunities in Africa’s Energy Hub

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Angola Oil & Gas Summit

With substantial oil and gas reserves, an improved operating environment and a burgeoning energy industry, Angola is an attractive destination for international investors seeking opportunities in the African market

Também disponível em Português

LUANDA, Angola, January 17, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Energy Capital & Power (ECP) (www.EnergyCapitalPower.com) is proud to announce that Angola’s premier investment platform – Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) – will return for its fifth edition from October 2-4 at Centro de Convencoes Talatona in Luanda, Angola this year. Uniting global financiers, high-profile project developers, and key players from both the Angolan and global energy landscape, the AOG conference and exhibition proudly takes place with the full support of the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas; national oil company (NOC) Sonangol; the National Oil, Gas and Biofuels Agency (ANPG), the African Energy Chamber, the Petroleum Derivatives Regulatory Institute (IRDP) as well as the key players in the private sector.

Backed by key industry players including the Association of Angolan Petroleum Service Companies, the UK – Angola Chamber of Commerce, the US – Angola Chamber of Commerce, the Associação de Empresas Autóctones para a Indústria Petrolífera de Angola, Sonangol, Eni, TotalEnergies, Chevron, Exxon, Etu Energias and Azule Energy, AOG ranks as the official platform where Angola’s oil and gas matters and investment opportunities are discussed and optimized. In 2023, the event welcomed 2,213 industry delegates from 41 countries as well as 389 global companies, providing a dynamic platform for exploration and exploitation of investment and partnership opportunities within Angola’s thriving energy value chain.

“The African Energy Chamber is proud to endorse this conference and work with ECP on this edition of AOG. We are thankful to the leadership of the country for their consistent commitment to improving the operating environment for both local and international investors in Angola’s oil and gas sector. The announcement of multiple drilling campaigns scheduled to take place this year and next, points to a positive response of the industry to the government’s reforms,” said Sergio Pugliese, President of the African Energy Chamber in Angola.

According to Devi Paulsen-Abbott, CEO of ECP, “expanding on the success of previous editions, AOG 2024 will be bigger and better as we bring together industry leaders and foster collaboration for a more resilient Angolan oil and gas landscape.”

Angola’s energy sector is ripe for investment and the AOG 2024 conference and Exhibition serves as a bridge connecting foreign companies and their Angolan counterparts

As one of Africa’s leading oil producers, boasting an impressive output of over 1.1 million barrels per day (bpd), Angola has garnered a reputation as an easily accessible and attractive investment destination. Under the leadership of President João Lourenço and the Minister of Mineral Resources, Oil, and Gas, Diamantino Azevedo, Angola ranks as Africa’s second-biggest oil producer and one of the continent’s fastest growing gas markets. The country has continued to attract additional investments for new exploration from global major players such as TotalEnergies, ExxonMobil, Chevron, Eni and Azule Energy. Local players such as Sonangol E&P and ACREP have resumed drilling onshore whilst Etu Energias has been active on the mergers and acquisition market, closing deals worth more than USD 1 billion in recent months. In 2024, an exhilarating project pipeline will unfold, accentuating the investment landscape in Angola, as recent transactions underscore promising opportunities. Anticipated highlights this year include the eagerly awaited final investment decision (FID) for the Cameia-Golfinho fields operated by Total E&P Angola. As well as the commencement of first production at the 30,000 barrels per day (bpd) CLOV Phase 3 project in Block 17 and the initiation of phase 1 of the 30,000 bpd Cabinda Oil Refinery.

Attention is not only on current developments but future projects – a testament to companies’ long-term focus on the Angolan market. In 2022, France’s TotalEnergies announced a multi-energy strategy in the country, with investments including the $850 million Begonia development in Block 17/06. In 2023, ExxonMobil announced it will invest up to $15 billion in the country’s Namibe Basin, with finance largely focused towards commercial oil discoveries. In late 2023, Azule Energy signed three Risk Service Contracts for offshore Blocks 46, 47 and 18/15; Afentra secured approval to acquire Blocks 3/05 and 23; while concessions signed for Blocks KON-2, KON-11, KON-12 and KON-16 marked the entry of new players including Inktank Group, Brite’s Oil and Gas, MTI Group and more.

Meanwhile, the country is also quickly becoming the investment destination of choice for natural gas players. With over 11 trillion cubic feet of proven resources, the development of large-scale projects is underpinned by attractive fiscal terms. The $12 billion Angola Liquefied Natural Gas project – with a capacity of 5.2 million tons per annum – showcases the commercial viability of billion-dollar gas projects. Construction of the Soyo II Combined Cycle Power Plant is kicking off this year; the Quiluma/Maboqueiro project is on track for first production in 2026; the Agogo FFD project expects first gas in 2024; while FID is expected for the Ndungu FFD. Top of FormBottom of Form

Angola has also streamlined the investment process, making it straightforward for potential investors. Through the country’s six-year licensing round – launched in 2019 – the ANPG consistently invites investment into emerging basins, attracting a wide variety of companies. In September 2023, a recent public tender was launched for 12 onshore blocks in the Kwanza and Congo basins, the results of which are expected in 2024. Through regular engagement with foreign and local companies, the country works closely to ensure mutual benefits and maximum returns. Additionally, the government is committed to strengthening the competitiveness of the domestic industry, a process that has seen the emergence of local giants such as Cabship and FAMAR, both in logistics. The government has also embarked on a process which would see NOC Sonangol transform into a global energy company by 2026. This showcases Angola’s modern and industry-focused approach to developing its resources.

Angola’s investment opportunities transcend traditional oil and gas, with the country’s renewables enticing players. A landmark green hydrogen development is on track to be developed with the aim of supplying European markets, making the project unique in the region. Significant opportunities also remain for investors interested in solar, critical minerals and wind. Global support has already been noted with the United States government and associated institutions pledging $2 billion in December 2023 towards these industries.

As such, Angola’s energy sector is ripe for investment and the AOG 2024 conference and Exhibition serves as a bridge connecting foreign companies and their Angolan counterparts. Building and expanding on discussions and deals signed at the 2023 event – seven agreements in total – the 2024 conference promises new opportunities for engagement and investment. Make the right investment: join the AOG 2024 conference today.

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

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Afreximbank Posts Robust Q1 2026 Results with 25% Growth in Net Income and Improved Profitability

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Afreximbank

The results demonstrate continued resilience, disciplined balance sheet management and strong deal execution despite a challenging global operating environment

The growth in net interest income and profitability demonstrates the strength of our operating model and the continued relevance of our mandate

CAIRO, Egypt, May 22, 2026/APO Group/ –African Export-Import Bank (“Afreximbank” or the “Bank”) (www.Afreximbank.com) and its subsidiaries (the “Group”) announced its results for the three months ended 31 March 2026. The results demonstrate continued resilience, disciplined balance sheet management and strong deal execution despite a challenging global operating environment.

 

The Group continued to expand its lending activities in Q1 2026, resulting in total credit exposure growing by 2% to reach a portfolio of US$42 billion, up from US$41 billion as of 31 December 2025. This performance reflects Afreximbank’s leading role as a Development Finance Institution (DFI) in financing trade and trade-enabling infrastructure, and its strategic contribution to economic resilience across Africa and the Caribbean.

Average loans and advances for Q1 2026 stood at US$32 billion, up 8% compared to the same period in the prior year, driving the recorded growth in interest income. The Group’s liquidity position remained strong, with cash and cash equivalents of US$5.6 billion, representing 14% of total assets, consistent with FY2025 and above the Bank’s strategic minimum.

Asset quality also remained strong, with the non-performing loan (NPL) ratio at 2.40%, broadly in line with 2.43% at FY2025 and below industry average.

Shareholders’ funds increased to US$8.6 billion at 31 March 2026, up from US$8.4 billion at FY2025, supported by internally generated capital of US$268.9 million and new equity investments received during the quarter, underscoring the Bank’s continued ability to mobilise capital from its shareholders in support of its growth and development mandate.

The Group delivered strong profitability during the quarter.  Notwithstanding declining benchmark rates, total interest income rose by 14% year-on-year to reach US$813.6 million, while net interest income increased by 24% to US$510.0 million, compared with US$411.2 million in the first quarter of 2025. The Group’s cost-to-income ratio remained contained at 19%, well within the Group’s strategic ceiling of 30%. As a result, Profit for the period increased to US$268.9 million, up from US$215.4 million in Q1 2025.

The Group continued to maintain a strong capital position, with a capital adequacy ratio of 23% as at 31 March 2026, in line with the Bank’s long-term capital management targets.

During the quarter, Afreximbank continued to demonstrate its counter-cyclical role in response to external shocks. In March 2026, the Bank launched a US$10 billion Gulf Crisis Response Programme to help member countries mitigate adverse spillover effects from the Gulf crisis. The facility is designed to support liquidity, stabilise trade and payments, and address supply-side disruptions, particularly in energy, tourism and aviation, fertilisers, food and other critical imports.

The Bank also continued to deploy targeted financing and advisory support to strengthen trade flows, industrial capacity and economic resilience across Africa and CARICOM. Regional integration received further momentum following South Africa’s ratification of the Bank’s Establishment Agreement in February 2026, bringing one of Africa’s largest and most diversified economies into the Bank’s membership and giving the Bank full continental coverage.

Highlights of the results for Afreximbank Group are shown below:

Financial Performance Metrics

Q1’2026

Q1’2025

Gross Income (US$ million)

874.1

784.9

Net Income (US$ million)

268.9

215.4

Return on average equity (ROAE)

13%

12%

Return on average assets (ROAA)

2.62%

2.38%

Cost-to-income ratio

19%

16%

 

Financial Position Metrics

Q1’2026

FY’2025

Total Assets (US$ billion)

41.7

42.3

Total Liabilities (US$ billion)

33.0

33.9

Shareholders’ Funds (US$ billion)

8.6

8.4

Non-performing loans ratio (NPL)

2.40%

2.43%

Cash/Total assets

14%

14%

Capital Adequacy ratio (Basel II)

23%

          23%

 

Mr. Denys Denya, Afreximbank’s Senior Executive Vice President, commented:

“Against a backdrop of continued global uncertainty, heightened geopolitical risks and tight financial conditions, the Group delivered a resilient first-quarter performance, underpinned by disciplined balance sheet management, sound asset quality and strong capital and liquidity buffers. The growth in net interest income and profitability demonstrates the strength of our operating model and the continued relevance of our mandate. Our swift launch of the US$10 billion Gulf Crisis Response Programme further underscores Afreximbank’s counter-cyclical role in supporting member countries during periods of disruption. We remain focused on stabilising trade flows, easing liquidity pressures and advancing the industrial and economic transformation of Africa and the Caribbean.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

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Via Licensing Alliance Expands Voice Codec Program with New Licensee, New Licensors, Publishes Comprehensive Pool Rate Structure

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Via Licensing Alliance

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 May 2026 – Via Licensing Alliance (Via) today announced continued momentum for its Voice Codec patent pool, including the addition of a new unnamed licensee and new licensors, NovaVoice Limited and Cordial IP, further growing the program’s patent stack and market penetration from its initial five, large global licensors.

The addition of the new licensee, unnamed at this time, reflects growing industry adoption of the collaborative licensing pathway Via’s Voice Codec program creates for accessing IP rights to critical voice technologies. This addition reflects a growing market uptake of advanced voice technologies, including EVS and IVAS, driven by rising demand as 5G and 5G-Advanced technologies are adopted worldwide.

Additionally, Via continues to prioritize transparency and has published its full rate structure for the Voice Codec pool, providing further clarity and predictability for implementers and to the broader market. For implementers, the full rate structure allows for complete visibility as they consider the appropriate royalty structure to choose from to meet their product level costs, evaluate future growth paths for their product lines, or plan their geographical expansion plan needs. This level of disclosure not only reduces uncertainty in licensing decisions but also enables more consistent benchmarking, reinforcing confidence in fair, market-aligned SEP licensing practices. The program’s royalty rates are listed on Via’s website at https://www.via-la.com/licensing-programs/voice-codec/#license-fees.

The addition of the new licensors indicates increased interest from patent holders in licensing their voice technology SEPs through highly efficient, aggregated licensing vehicles such as patent pools. Future growth in both the licensor list and the number of patents consolidated through the pool license will continue to enhance the value of the Voice Codec License for implementers. Via’s Voice Codec program licensors are listed here: https://www.via-la.com/licensing-programs/voice-codec/#licensors.

Via’s Voice Codec pool covers Enhanced Voice Services (EVS), which supports voice communications across more than one billion and growing active devices globally, as well as Immersive Voice and Audio Services (IVAS), which will play a central role in next-generation voice and spatial audio applications.

“We are pleased to welcome these new entrants to our pool, which signal continued growth and momentum our Voice Codec program,” said Kevin Mack, President of Via Licensing Alliance. “This pool license offers strong value relative to other market options and represents the only collaborative licensing solution for EVS and IVAS technologies, making it a smart and efficient pathway for companies seeking to license critical voice capabilities.”

EVS remains a foundational technology for high-quality voice communications in 5G and 5G-Advanced networks, with adoption continuing to expand as 5G, 5G-Advanced and future network iterations reach global scale. As spatial audio and advanced voice technologies expand into 6G and a broader range of non-cellular devices, the importance of IVAS technologies is expected to increase, with Via’s pool offering an early and effective licensing pathway.

For more information about the Voice Codec patent pool, including information for prospective licensees, please visit https://www.via-la.com.

About Via Licensing Alliance:
Via Licensing Alliance is the collaborative licensing leader, dedicated to accelerating global technology adoption, fostering participation, and generating return on innovation with balanced licensing solutions for innovators and manufacturers of all sizes around the globe. Via has operated dozens of licensing programs for a variety of technologies. Via is an independently managed company owned by industry-leading participants with over 25 years of intellectual property licensing leadership. For more information about Via, please visit https://www.via-la.com.

 

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Joint statement welcoming the Republic of Togo’s announcement on Visa facilitation for African nationals

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Togo

The AfCFTA Secretariat and Afreximbank commend the Government and people of the Republic of Togo for hosting Biashara Afrika 2026 and for their continued commitment to advancing Africa’s economic integration agenda

LOMÉ, Togo, May 21, 2026/APO Group/ –The AfCFTA Secretariat and African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) welcome the announcement by the Government of the Republic of Togo, under the leadership of H.E. Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, President of the Council of the Republic of Togo, regarding measures to facilitate visa-free entry for all nationals of African States holding valid passports, as announced by the Minister of Security on 18 May 2026.

The announcement was made in Lomé on the sidelines of Biashara Afrika 2026, the continent’s premier trade and business platform, which has brought together policymakers, private sector leaders, investors, and stakeholders from across Africa to advance dialogue on intra-African trade, investment, and regional integration.

Throughout the engagements, participants underscored the importance of facilitating the movement of African citizens, entrepreneurs, and investors as an important enabler of intra-African trade and economic cooperation. Against this backdrop, the announcement reflects the growing continental momentum towards strengthening connectivity and deepening African integration.

The AfCFTA Secretariat and Afreximbank, to which Togo is a State Party and a Member State, envision a continent where goods, services, capital, and people move more freely across borders in support of an integrated African market. Measures that facilitate mobility and connectivity continue to contribute towards advancing the broader mandate of both institutions; the attainment of the aspirations of Agenda 2063.

The AfCFTA Secretariat and Afreximbank commend the Government and people of the Republic of Togo for hosting Biashara Afrika 2026 and for their continued commitment to advancing Africa’s economic integration agenda.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

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