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Namibia’s NAMCOR Talks Becoming Energy Self-Sufficient

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NAMCOR

In an exclusive interview with ECP, NAMCOR – the national oil company of Namibia – discusses its long-term strategic plan to establish value-added industries and secure its energy future

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, March 15, 2024/APO Group/ — 

As the national oil company of Namibia, NAMCOR is committed to harnessing the country’s full hydrocarbon potential and is currently working with operators to appraise recent offshore discoveries. Last September, Energy Capital & Power (https://EnergyCapitalPower.com) spoke with Former Managing Director Shiwana Ndeunyema about NAMCOR’s new long-term strategic plan, which aims to leverage oil and gas reserves to establish associated mid- and downstream industries, with a view to achieving domestic energy security, reducing petroleum imports and becoming an integrated energy player.

What are NAMCOR’s current areas of focus? 

NAMCOR is a dynamic entity poised to make a significant impact on the global energy landscape. Our vision is to transform into an international energy company, leveraging on the recent oil finds while honoring the dual priority associated with the global energy transition. As an integrated player in the energy sector, NAMCOR is actively engaged in the upstream and downstream sectors, with a recent focus on sustainable energies.

In the downstream, NAMCOR plays a pivotal role in contributing towards the security of supply of petroleum products for Namibia, in line with the National Energy Policy of 2017. Our downstream focus is on the importation of petroleum products, storage of these products in various NAMCOR-operated strategic storage facilities, supply of product to various B2B commercial customers, including mines and government agencies, as well as the supply of products to NAMCOR-branded retail service stations. NAMCOR’s medium-term goal is to integrate its traditional downstream business with sustainable energies such as solar electrification of our facilities and retail sites, exploring small-scale LNG, etc., in line with our ambition of becoming a fully integrated energy company.

In the upstream space, NAMCOR focuses on its mandate to harness the hydrocarbon potential of Namibia by conducting oil and gas exploration, development and production activities, which we do either alone or with our joint venture partners. Our current focus is on influential participation in the appraisal of the recent oil discoveries, their ESG-conscious development and eventual sustainable production, driving the country’s objectives to ensure maximum derivation of socioeconomic benefits and energy security for our nation and the African nation at-large. In summary, NAMCOR’s trajectory is one of purposeful growth and strategic engagement. We are steadfast in our pursuit of becoming a global energy force, while remaining firmly rooted in our responsibility to fortify energy security for Namibia and Africa.

Is NAMCOR considering expansion outside of the local market?

NAMCOR’s strategic outlook extends beyond its local market, with a focus on exploring expansion opportunities that align with our mission and capabilities. Presently, we have embarked on operations in the export market, specifically through our petroleum product sales, leveraging Namibia’s position as a logistics corridor hub for the Southern African Development Community region. NAMCOR’s upstream expansion in the international arena seeks to accelerate the development of the company’s dynamic capabilities and operatorship experience, while securing long-term revenue in preparation for technical and financial obligations in the Namibian discoveries. To this end, NAMCOR, through its jointly-owned international subsidiary, Sungara Energies, has previously signed a sale and purchase agreement to acquire equity in a robust oil-producing asset in Angola – a transaction that we envision to be completed this year.

What role will alternative fuels play in the commercial and industrial market?

The role of alternative fuels in the commercial and industrial market is an imperative consideration as we navigate the complexities of the global energy landscape. NAMCOR recognizes the significance of these alternative options, which are set to play an increasingly vital role as the world accelerates its transition towards more sustainable energy sources. However, it’s important to acknowledge that this transition doesn’t negate the valuable role that oil and gas will continue to play in driving the socioeconomic growth of Namibia – and specifically, the African economy – through immediate and tangible benefits in terms of energy security, job creation, industrialization, economic development and indirect socioeconomic benefits. Alternative energies present an opportunity for countries like Namibia to harness their sustainable natural resources, such as wind and solar, to develop green hydrogen and other synthetic fuels to become key energy exporters to the regional and international markets, while fueling local development and industrial benefits.

How can oil and gas infrastructure be leveraged to establish a downstream industry in Namibia?

The discoveries present an excellent opportunity for developing, and eventually scaling, Namibia’s upstream oil and gas infrastructure, such as the Kudu gas pipeline and potential LNG facilities – a project whose FID is expected within the next 18 months. It is usual that upstream infrastructure benefits the host country not only in terms of providing tangible benefits in the form of long-term job creation, but also through multiple opportunities for spin-off industries including downstream activities. Specifically related to the gas discovery and the associated gas in the oil discoveries, Namibia is set to become energy self-sufficient through gas-to-power facilities, world-class LNG hubs and other small-scale LNG to service the local mines.

Therefore, upstream oil and gas infrastructure will be a key driver in fostering increased investment in the downstream energy sector. NAMCOR’s position is that a holistic perspective on the entire oil and gas value chain should guide our endeavours to maximize benefits for both the company and the nation. The overarching goal is to optimize the efficiency of these sectors and harness the full potential of both the upstream and downstream energy spaces.

The 2023/2024 financial year marks the fifth and final year of the NAMCOR Integrated Strategic Business Plan (ISBP). We have commenced with the development of a new strategic plan that sets the scene for NAMCOR’s strategic direction. With the recent oil discoveries, the strategic planning horizon will now consider 10-15 years. This new Master Plan creates an opportunity for NAMCOR to leverage the oil discoveries to identify opportunities further midstream and downstream, specifically understanding how a business case can be developed around NAMCOR’s core competencies in the downstream space.

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

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RIOT Network and MediaTek collaboration expands digital access in South Africa through innovative, community-driven Wi-Fi solutions

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RIOT Network aims to make fast, unlimited Wi-Fi services accessible for people in townships and underserved communities

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, November 22, 2024/APO Group/ — 

MediaTek (www.MediaTek.com), a global fabless semiconductor company powering nearly 2 billion connected devices a year, and RIOT Network (https://RIOT.Network), a community mobile broadband provider in South Africa, have announced the successful integration of Mediatek’s Filogic 830 (https://apo-opa.co/3CIbkNl) chipset into RIOT’s second-generation CROWDNet Core Nodes.

The successful deployment of the CROWDNet nodes has enabled RIOT Network to achieve its aim of offering uncapped internet at an affordable price of R99 per month, and to do so profitably. To date, RIOT Network, in partnership with Sonke Telecommunications, has leveraged the nodes to connect more than 800 households and 5000 users in Olievenhoutbosch to uncapped Wi-Fi services.

RIOT Network aims to make fast, unlimited Wi-Fi services accessible for people in townships and underserved communities. Its CROWDNet Nodes, enable an innovative model for deploying user-operated network infrastructure. Community members serve as operators of some of the core network devices to earn a share of the fee from neighbours who use the service.

With each new connection, RIOT Network is highlighting the role of innovative fixed-wireless solutions in extending broadband access and improving digital inclusivity

CROWDNet powered by MediaTek Filogic 830 brings affordable, last-kilometre broadband to communities where it is not commercially viable to deploy towers or fibre. The MediaTek Filogic 830 is a high-performance SoC for routers, repeaters, access points and mesh networking devices. The SoC enables device makers to build-in powerful applications based on an energy-efficient, Wi-Fi 6-ready platform.

“The Mediatek’s Filogic 830 chipset delivers a unique balance of high performance and cost-efficiency, allowing us to keep operational costs low while maximising network reliability and speed,” said Jarryd Bekker, CEO at RIOT Network. “This combination of affordability and sustainable business growth is pivotal to our vision of expanding digital access in underserved communities. Our work in Olievenhoutbosch near Centurion demonstrates the power of reliable, affordable internet, creating new opportunities for economic and social engagement.”

“With each new connection, RIOT Network is highlighting the role of innovative fixed-wireless solutions in extending broadband access and improving digital inclusivity,” said Rami Osman (https://apo-opa.co/4ghZBUn), Director for Business Development, MediaTek Middle East and Africa. “We look forward to supporting RIOT in building a future where high-quality internet is accessible and impactful for all.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of MediaTek Inc

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African Energy Chamber (AEC) Endorses Inaugural Congo Energy & Investment Forum, Catalyzing Growth in the Republic of Congo’s Energy Sector

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African Energy Chamber

The African Energy Chamber proudly supports the inaugural Congo Energy & Investment Forum, scheduled for March 25-26, 2025 in Brazzaville

BRAZZAVILLE, Republic of the Congo, November 21, 2024/APO Group/ — 

The African Energy Chamber (AEC), as the voice of Africa’s energy sector, proudly supports the inaugural Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF), set to take place in Brazzaville on March 25-26, 2025. Unveiled during African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies in Cape Town by the Republic of Congo’s Ministry of Hydrocarbons, this milestone event signals the nation’s commitment to strengthening its role as a key energy player on the continent, while showcasing a range of investment opportunities. 

Under the leadership of Hydrocarbons Minister Bruno Jean-Richard Itoua, the Republic of Congo has emerged as sub-Saharan Africa’s fourth-largest oil producer, with anticipated production of 280,000 barrels per day (BPD) by the end of 2024 and ambitions to reach 500,000 BPD within three to five years. Building on this momentum, the CEIF will highlight innovative projects and foster strategic partnerships that enhance investment, drive economic growth and position the Congo as a leader in Africa’s energy expansion.

Meanwhile, Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo (SNPC), led by CEO Maixent Raoul Ominga, is spearheading the Congo’s energy growth. SNPC holds a majority stake in the Mengo Kundji Bindi II permit, with 2.5 billion barrels of estimated oil potential. The company is developing the site through 13 wells, 3D seismic data acquisition, and the construction of six production platforms. 

We are honored to secure the Chamber’s endorsement for this pivotal forum

With the Chamber’s official support, the CEIF is set to attract government leaders, C-suite executives from major IOCs and energy experts, who will offer critical insights into Congo’s oil, gas and energy sector developments. The country is overhauling its gas sector to unlock 10 trillion cubic feet of resources through a comprehensive Gas Master Plan and new Gas Code that introduces favorable fiscal terms and enables small-scale project development, as well as large-scale, integrated gas megaprojects like Eni’s Congo LNG and Wing Wah’s Bango Kayo. 

“The Congo Energy & Investment Forum marks a major milestone for the country, amplifying its strategic energy initiatives and showing industry stakeholders that it is serious about advancing its energy sector. We look forward to supporting this forum, which promises to connect investors, drive impactful partnerships and elevate the Congo’s position within Africa’s energy sector,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.  

“We are honored to secure the Chamber’s endorsement for this pivotal forum, which, through its vast network and influence, will help attract key stakeholders and decision-makers to the event. Together, we aim to highlight the immense potential of the Congo’s energy sector, foster strategic partnerships and drive transformative investments that contribute to sustainable growth across the industry,” notes James Chester, CEO of Energy Capital & Power, organizers of the CEIF.   

This premier forum provides a unique platform for connecting local and international investors with high-impact opportunities across a diversified range of energy projects, paving the way for collaborations that drive growth and transformation. The AEC’s endorsement underscores its commitment to fostering strategic partnerships, sustainable investment and regional cooperation, aligning with its broader mission to make energy poverty history across the continent by 2030.  

As the energy industry continues to serve as a critical pillar of the Congolese economy and a catalyst for sustainable development, the AEC remains dedicated to supporting initiatives like CEIF that foster progress, investment and partnerships across the African energy landscape. 

For more information, please visit www.CongoEnergyInvestment.com

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

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Any Successful African Energy Policy at Conference of the Parties (COP) or Anywhere Must Have Oil and Gas at its Core (By NJ Ayuk)

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Conference of the Parties

Africa will need global financial systems, including multilateral development banks, to play a significant role in financing our energy growth which must include fossil fuels

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JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, November 21, 2024/APO Group/ — 

By NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber (www.EnergyChamber.org).

I believe the ultimate responsibility for getting there is ours and no one else’s. Yes, we need partners to walk alongside us, but the success of our energy movement rests on African shoulders.

To begin with, I would love to see African energy stakeholders speaking in a unified voice about African energy industry goals.

This will be particularly important in COP29 in Baku. It is imperative that African leaders present a unified voice and strategy for African energy transitions. We must make Africa’s unique needs and circumstances clear and explain the critical role that oil and gas will play in helping Africa achieve net-zero emissions in coming decades.

I would encourage African leaders to talk about the need for financing, as well, to make it possible for us to adopt renewable energy sources and set up the necessary infrastructure. Africa will need global financial systems, including multilateral development banks, to play a significant role in financing our energy growth which must include fossil fuels.

Africa’s governments have a role to play in a successful African energy movement as well.

Because Africa’s energy industry still can benefit greatly from the presence of international oil companies, our government leaders need to approve contracts with oil and gas companies promptly instead of allowing red tape to delay projects after discoveries are made.

And, they need to offer the kinds of fiscal policies that allow oil companies to operate profitably in Africa. In turn, that will help those companies generate revenue, create jobs and business opportunities, and foster capacity building.

I also would encourage governments and civil societies to reward companies that exemplify positive behavior. Let’s incentivize the kind of activities we want, from creating good jobs and training opportunities to sharing knowledge.

I would love to see African energy stakeholders speaking in a unified voice about African energy industry goals

And there’s more.

We in Africa must work together to create more opportunities for women to build careers in the oil and gas industry at all levels. Our energy industry can’t reach its potential to do good when half of our population is left out. Our progress on behalf of women has not been great—We need to do better, and we need to act quickly.

How the world can support

Now, I mean it when I say Africans are responsible for building the future they want. But, I would love to see Western governments, businesses, financial institutions, and organizations support our efforts.

How? They can avoid demonizing the oil and gas industry. We see it constantly, in the media, in policy and investment decisions, and in calls for Africa to leave our fossil fuels in the ground. Actions like these, even as Western leaders have pushed OPEC to produce oil, are not fair, and they’re not helpful.

I also would respectfully ask financial institutions to resume financing for African oil and gas projects and stop attempting to block projects like the East African Crude Oil pipeline or Mozambique’s LNG projects.

Please understand that with the war in Ukraine, the energy crisis in Europe, and the energy poverty facing our continent, our countries, like many others, are simply choosing the paths they believe are most likely to help their people.

You know, people for years have accused me of loving oil and gas companies more than Africa. The opposite is true. In my frequent travels around the continent, I’ve observed far too many young people with little in the way of opportunities.

I know our young people have aspirations for a better future. I know they have big dreams. And, I know that future is nearly within their grasp.

A thriving, strategically managed energy industry can make it possible for many of these young people, whether it leads to good jobs or it fosters the kind of economic growth that creates jobs in other fields. Even if we only get the lights on in their communities, we’ll be giving our young people hope and improving their chances of realizing their goals.

This is what drives me, the idea that with our ongoing efforts and determination, our young people can realize meaningful opportunities. I encourage each of you to work with us at the African Energy Chamber, in a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect. Together, we can build the kind of African energy movement that our continent, our communities, and our young people need and deserve.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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