Connect with us

Business

Using Energy as a Catalyst for Economic Prosperity: Namibia International Energy Conference Returns in 2024

Published

on

Taking place from April 23-25, the conference reimagines resource-rich Namibia by turning possibilities into prosperity

WINDHOEK, Namibia, February 1, 2024/APO Group/ — 

The highly anticipated Namibia International Energy Conference (NIEC) (www.NIEConference.com) is back, and this time it promises to be bigger and more impactful than ever before. The conference, scheduled to take place from April 23-25, 2024 at Droombos Estate Windhoek in Namibia, will unite government officials, private companies, investors, and thought leaders from across the globe to unlock the full potential of Namibia’s diverse energy industry.

Under the theme Reimagine Resource-Rich Namibia: Turning Possibilities into Prosperity, this year’s conference will shed light on the significant opportunities that Namibia’s recent oil discoveries and growing developments in the renewable energy have brought to the country. A strong lineup of speakers will share strategies on how to transform the country into a regional energy and investment hub, with project showcases, presentations and in-depth industry insights connecting future players to emerging Namibian opportunities.

In recent years, international energy companies and their joint venture partners have discovered valuable oil reserves, setting the stage for a transformative period in Namibia’s economy. Industry giants Shell, TotalEnergies and Qatar Energy – in partnership with state-owned NAMCOR – opened the Orange Basin with their 2022 discoveries, and just two years later, an additional four discoveries have been made. Just this year, Galp Energia’s announced two finds in PEL 83. On the back of this success, new players have entered the market, with E&P companies to the likes of Chevron preparing to drill up to 10 exploration and appraisal wells; Pancontinental and Woodside are continuing to probe Namibia’s deep waters, while ExxonMobil has increased its exploration acreage with an additional seven million acres.

Namibia’s upstream opportunities transcend offshore acreage, with companies to the likes of Reconnaissance Africa (ReconAfrica) driving onshore exploration in the Kavango Basin. The company’s exploration license in northeast Namibia covers an area of approximately 6.3 million acres, and based on commercial success, entitles ReconAfrica to obtain a 25-year production license.

Anticipating production to commence in the country by 2030, it becomes crucial to have a clear roadmap, create a conducive environment that unlocks the full potential of these resources and establish a framework ensuring comprehensive and inclusive development. The discoveries, exploration interest and promotion of green hydrogen and other energy developments has not happened in a vacuum, but rather, it has happened due to a strong focus on establishing a business-friendly environment for investors to come in. Spearheaded by the government under the guidance of President Hage Geingob, Namibia has become a highly attractive and strategic market to do business. 

As Namibia progresses towards becoming a major energy player in the region, NIEC 2024 serves as a platform to discuss strategies, share knowledge, and explore opportunities

Selma Shimutwikeni, CEO of RichAfrica Consultancy, and convenor of NIEC 2024 explained that “Namibia stands at a pivotal moment in its history. Our newfound energy resources present immense potential, but they also come with profound responsibilities. We must strategically prepare ourselves to harness the full value chain of these resources. Our theme, ‘Reimagine Resource-Rich Namibia,’ encapsulates our vision to create a prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable future for all Namibians and to position the country as a leading energy hub.”

In addition to upstream success, recent developments in Namibia’s energy sector include groundbreaking green hydrogen efforts, innovative technologies, gas-to-power infrastructure and collaborative initiatives. The country’s commitment to environmental sustainability, the growth of the renewable energy sector and long-term power generation plans has also gained international recognition. Hyphen Hydrogen Energy, for example, is working closely with the government to construct a $10 billion green hydrogen project which will produce up to two million tons of green ammonia a year. The implementation plan has been signed, setting the stage for a highly successful development.

While projects such as this underscore the potential for large-scale investments, most of the country’s energy opportunities remain untapped, and as Namibia progresses towards becoming a major energy player in the region, NIEC 2024 serves as a platform to discuss strategies, share knowledge, and explore opportunities for further collaboration.

Some of the key topics include exploration updates, local content and skills development, logistics and infrastructure, technological advancements, liquefied natural gas, power generation, green hydrogen and financing the energy sector, and much more. This year’s conference will once again be held under the esteemed patronage of Tom Alweendo, Namibia’s Minister of Mines and Energy. The event is also expected to host a delegation of ministers from energy-rich countries, offering a unique opportunity for cross-border cooperation and networking.

With a track record of attracting over 2000 participants, last year’s conference saw a record attendance. The 2024 edition promises to surpass these achievements by delivering rich and engaging content, unparalleled networking opportunities, and valuable insights into Namibia’s energy landscape.

“We are excited to welcome delegates from around the world to this thought leadership platform. Our conference aims to set the agenda for the energy sector in Namibia and beyond. We invite all stakeholders, from investors to policymakers and industry experts, to join us in shaping the future of our nation’s energy industry,” concluded Shimutwikeni.

Take advantage of early bird registration by visiting www.NIEConference.com. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of an energy platform that will define Namibia’s future.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Namibia International Energy Conference (NIEC).

Business

Ministers among hundreds of energy-sector leaders to attend AOW event

Published

on

Sinclair

The event kicks off with an invitation-only ministerial symposium focused on the theme of “Fostering innovation, attracting investment, and promoting sustainable growth in the oil, gas, and energy sectors”

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, October 4, 2024/APO Group/ — 

AOW: Investing in African Energy (https://AOWEnergy.com) – Africa’s leading oil, gas and energy event – has confirmed attendance for more than 80 ministers and senior officials, representing African governments, energy departments and regulators at next month’s event.

These influential stakeholders will be among the more than 1 600 senior delegates and industry leaders who will be attending the event to develop policy, share discoveries, secure investment, and shape Africa’s energy future.

The event kicks off with an invitation-only ministerial symposium focused on the theme of “Fostering innovation, attracting investment, and promoting sustainable growth in the oil, gas, and energy sectors.”

Given the recent major oil-and-gas discoveries across Africa, the energy transition and major geopolitical events, it is clear that the energy sector needs positive intervention

Among the officials and government ministers attending will be energy leaders from South Africa, Nigeria, Namibia, Cote d’Ivoire, Mozambique, DRC, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Eswatini, Uganda, CAR, Guinea Conakry, Guinea Bissau, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Gabon, Malawi, Morocco, Zanzibar, Liberia, Senegal, Congo Brazzaville and Sierra Leone.

In addition, the event will feature high-level delegations from numerous national oil companies, as well as multilateral bodies including the African Union, (AU), African Energy Commission (AFREC), African Petroleum Producers’ Organization (APPO) and the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP).

AOW will see these energy leaders networking with C-suite executives and decision-makers from more than 760 top energy companies at daily networking events, to discuss insights, forge new relationships, and negotiate major energy deals.

“We are so excited to see the calibre of delegates at this year’s AOW event,” says Chief Executive Officer of Sankofa Events, Paul Sinclair. “Given the recent major oil-and-gas discoveries across Africa, the energy transition and major geopolitical events, it is clear that the energy sector needs positive intervention. The high-powered attendance proves AOW is a key platform to enable this intervention.”

Key themes to be discussed at this year’s AOW will be sustainable upstream development; expanding gas value chains; renewables and new energies; adoption of best-in-class technologies; and access to finance.

AOW: Investing in African Energy will culminate in a special anniversary party at Groot Constantia Vineyard to celebrate 30 years of the AOW event.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of AOW: Investing in African Energy.

Continue Reading

Business

Afreximbank approves US$20.8 million for Starlink Global’s cashew factory project in Lagos

Published

on

PAPSS

The facility is expected to promote value addition which will guarantee increased earnings to the company while also fostering the creation of about 400 new jobs

CAIRO, Egypt, October 4, 2024/APO Group/ — 

African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) has approved a US$20.8 million financing facility for Nigeria-based Starlink Global & Ideal Limited to enable the company construct and operate a 30,000-metric tonne per annum cashew processing factory in Lagos.

We are delighted at this partnership which promises to deliver significant impact on employment in Nigeria

According to the facility agreement signed in on July 22, 2024, Afreximbank will provide the funds in two tranches with the first tranche of US$7.48M going toward capital expenditure for the construction of the factory and the second, totalling US$13.25M to be deployed as working capital for the operations of the factory.

The facility is expected to promote value addition which will guarantee increased earnings to the company while also fostering the creation of about 400 new jobs once the factory becomes operational. It is also expected to support about 40 small and medium-sized enterprises.

Commenting on the transaction, Mrs. Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President, Intra Africa Trade and Export Development, Afreximbank, said that by supporting Starlink Global to establish a modern processing facility, Afreximbank is making it possible for Africa to add value to its agro-commodities, thereby facilitating exports and subsequent inflow of much-needed foreign exchange into the continent.

“We are delighted at this partnership which promises to deliver significant impact on employment in Nigeria. It will contribute to value creation and to the development of the local community while also improving the lots of smallholder farmers and small business suppliers that will work with Starlink across the value chain,” Mrs. Awani added.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

Continue Reading

Business

Sonangol to Lead Decarbonized Oil & Gas (O&G) Development, Says Angolan National Oil Company (NOC) Head

Published

on

Sonangol

Participating in an on-stage interview at Angola Oil & Gas 2024, Sonangol CEO Sebastião Gaspar Martins emphasized that oil and gas remains a core focus for the national oil company

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

Angola’s national oil company Sonangol reiterated its commitment to driving sustainable hydrocarbon development during the Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) conference this week. Speaking during an “In-Conversation with” session, Sonangol CEO Sebastião Gaspar Martins stated that the company will not abandon oil and gas, but rather advance decarbonized oil and gas development.

We are looking at opportunities in the gas sector and have identified the right partner to develop non-associated gas

By investing in upstream oil and gas production while prioritizing low-carbon projects, Sonangol aims to boost national crude output, while diversifying and decarbonizing the industry. The NOC is focusing efforts on non-associated gas development, as well as alternative energy sources such as solar.

“We are looking at opportunities in the gas sector and have identified the right partner to develop non-associated gas. Gas produced from Angola LNG will be used for the production of fertilizer and we are evaluating the utilization of gas in the south of the country, linking gas with steel industries. We also have a blue carbon project, linked to the reduction of carbon through the plantation of mangroves. We have one area in Luanda and have identified four additional areas for this,” stated Gaspar Martins.

Sonangol has undergone transformation in recent years: following the creation of the National Oil, Gas & Biofuels Agency (ANPG) in 2019, Sonangol transferred its role as national concessionaire and regulator. This transformation has aimed to make Sonangol more competitive and strengthen its capacity as an upstream operator. Concurrently, the government is partially privatizing the NOC, with privatization set to be complete in 2026. This process will enhance financial capacity, allowing Sonangol to drive new upstream projects forward.

“The transformation of Sonangol started several years ago, when we passed the regulatory, concessionaire role to the ANPG. At the time, we transferred almost 600 employees to the ANPG. After that, Sonangol underwent a restructuring program where we created five core business units from 36 different entities – starting with exploration and production. We want to go public, but we want to do it properly. So, we are currently going through all the processes to do this,” stated Gaspar Martins.

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

Continue Reading

Trending