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All-New Citroën C3 Aircross: The Most Affordable and Comfortable Multi-Energies Compact SUV, Available With 7 Seats

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Citroën

It is the first B-SUV on the European market to be offered at a price of less than €30,000 in its 100% electric version, and less than €20,000 in its PureTech turbo 100 MT6 internal combustion version

POISSY, France, July 8, 2024/APO Group/ — 

A brand-new model in the compact SUV segment: this stylish, smart, functional and affordable proposition will appeal to families and everyone with an active lifestyle; The C3 Aircross has been completely reinvented: new technical platform, robust and assertive SUV style, plus Citroën’s (www.Citroen.com) new styling language; Enhanced onboard comfort; Citroën Advanced Comfort suspension, C-Zen Lounge architecture with Head-Up Display incorporating latest generation infotainment and connectivity systems, plus everything else you expect from this category; Longer body; at 4.39m, it offers both driving comfort and a generously proportioned passenger space. Already a benchmark for space in row 2 in its 5-seat version, C3 Aircross now offers up to 7 seats – a first in this segment!; A vehicle to suit every need: the all-new C3 Aircross offers a practical hybrid 136 version for the first time, alongside a virtuous all-electric version (on the 5-seater versions) and an accessible petrol version; Available in France from 19 400€ in Petrol, 25 500€ in Hybrid and 27 400€ in Electric, orders of All-new C3 Aircross are opening progressively on different European markets.

In a radical shift to the way it approaches the compact SUV market, Citroën has completely reinvented the C3 Aircross. In its European variant, this brand-new model shares the Smart Car platform with the recent C3, enabling it to be positioned at a very attractive price; other common features include the new brand identity and the same formal language, both inside and out. A genuine SUV, it offers protection, robustness, easy access and a feeling of safety, along with assertive, muscular and modern styling. The all-new C3’s stature and dimensions have changed along with its new positioning. At 4.39 metres in length, the 5-seater version offers the best interior space in its segment in row 2. Alongside it, Citroën is also offering a brand new 7- seater, a first for the segment: designed with the same proportions, it offers unrivalled flexibility of use while remaining compact and manoeuvrable.

Spacious and well-equipped, the all-new C3 Aircross offers easy and comfortable daily driving, both in town and on the road. Citroën is always attentive to customer expectations in terms of comfort, roominess and practicality. So the all-new C3 Aircross features the C-Zen-Lounge® concept with Head-Up Display and a reduced-size steering wheel, and new Citroën Advanced Comfort® seats redesigned for optimum support. Ride comfort is enhanced thanks to the adoption of the Citroën Advanced Comfort® suspension with dual progressive hydraulic bump stops – for the first time and on all versions. And for greater peace of mind, the C3 Aircross offers all the driving assistance technologies you would expect in this segment, along with a latest-generation infotainment system incorporating a 10.25-inch touch screen.

Alongside a petrol engine, the all-new C3 Aircross will be electrified in two ways: a 136 bhp Hybrid 48V powertrain, and a full electric version. With a range of more than 300 km (certification pending), the electric version makes everyday life much easier: it can recharge from 20% to 80% in just 26 minutes, and uses the ë-ROUTES application – a journey planner that adapts to changes on the road in real time. A version with a range of over 400km will be available in 2025.

After reinventing the C3, Citroën is back with the all-new C3 Aircross: a family SUV concept that is perfect for active people looking for modularity and robustness. It will be produced in Europe at the Trnava plant. Now available to order, C3 Aircross makes electric mobility affordable from €27 400, and gives access to electrification from €25 500 with the Hybrid 136 version. In traditional petrol, it is available from 19 400€.

1- A FAMILY SUV WITH POWERFUL & ROBUST DESIGN

At 4.39m long, the all-new C3 Aircross combines new proportions with a new attitude. Its exterior design expresses SUV-style strength and power. The new attitude is more assertive, more muscular and more robust – with more upright styling and sharper angles. The all-new C3 Aircross applies Citroën’s new formal language to the SUV.

“From the beginning of the project, we wanted to reinforce the C3 Aircross’s position in the world of SUVs. We opted for a robust and assertive design, with styling that adds muscle and strength. With over 20 cm of ground clearance, a raised driving position and subtle plays of light in its design, the all-new C3 Aircross takes the next step and becomes a real SUV.” Boris Reinmoller, C3 Aircross design project manager.

Reinterpreting Citroën’s new visual identity

With an assertive, graphic design underpinned by wide fascias, the all-new C3 Aircross is all SUV. The front fascias feature vertical colour-clips that customers can change at will. The front-end design incorporates the new logo unveiled on the Oli concept car in 2021, and recently adopted by the ë-C3 and C3 saloons. The headlamp design references the new three-point light signature inaugurated on the Oli. The SUV feel comes through loud and clear on the high, horizontal bonnet and the front’s vertical lines. With a width of 1.79 metres, the design brings muscle and strength to the front wings, which cover the large 690 mm wheels. The wheel arch guards are inspired by the square-round design concept introduced on the ë-C3 and C3 saloons. Subtle edge lines liven up the sides of the car.

Side on, those SUV genes translate into perfect balance. A straight roof and height of 1.66 m provide generous onboard space for all passengers. Over 200 mm of ground clearance offer greater protection and easy access, along with a higher and safer driving position. The long rear window – with no deflector – supplies plenty of light on board, and the rear fascia features a customisable colour-clip, echoing the one on the bumper. The rear wing reproducess the muscular feel of the front, and introduces the signature rear lights. The lights continue the styling theme inaugurated on the Oli concept and the ë-C3 and C3 saloons, while the rear quarter panel reinforces the C3 Aircross’s robust appearance. The biton finish – available as standard on the Max level in white or black – makes customisation easy; the continuity between the third side window and the tailgate reinforces the independence of the roof. Incorporating the same black band and new logo as the front of the car, the wide tailgate features a cutaway design with a low load sill, for easy access to the boot.

“The all-new C3 Aircross is more mature and its proportions are those of a true SUV, with a very horizontal bonnet and a very pronounced vertical front end. The proportions are balanced, with perfect control of the overhangs and a silhouette that demonstrates its strength. We have played with rich sections and – above all – we have avoided designing a soulless, enhanced estate car. The design seems to have been executed with a single stroke, and is very consistent,” said Boris Reinmoller.

2- A SPACIOUS COMPACT SUV THAT CAN SEAT UP TO 7

New dimensions for more space and practicality

Just 4.39 m long, the C3 Aircross handles like a dream. The wheelbase of 2.67 m offers maximum space on board: the 5-seater version delivers record space in row 2 and a 460-litre boot. For customers looking for even greater versatility, the C3 Aircross is also available in a super functional 7-seater version.

The all-new C3 Aircross is available in 5 and 7 seat versions, with identical body shapes and exterior dimensions, allowing customers to choose the version that matches their needs and desires. The 2.67 m wheelbase – the most generous in the category – allows for unprecedented rear door length, providing excellent access to row 2 for the 5-seater version and row 3 for the 7-seater version.

“The new Citroën C3 Aircross was designed to be compatible with seven people on board. And when you design a silhouette that’s spacious enough for seven, you inevitably propel the 5-seater version to the top of the category in terms of row 2 space and boot volume”.

Thierry Blanchard, C3 Aircross Product Project Manager.

The 7-seater version: clever and versatile

Citroën is offering an unprecedented 7-seater version of the all-new C3 Aircross. The design of the rear quarter panel creates a dynamic, vertical stern, providing ample space for the third-row passengers. A large rear door and the easy-tilt seat backs in row 2 (40/60) facilitate access to this third row, which features two comfortable and retractable extra seats. Available whenever necessary, they consist of a seat and two backrests that can be folded 50/50, providing a flat load surface when not deployed.

In its 7-seat version, the C3 Aircross offers the same knee-to-knee length in row 2 as the C3 saloon, elbow width that is 25 mm wider than the category average, and generous headroom. The third-row space is equipped to the same standard as the other seats, with headrests, armrests, cupholders, a USB socket, a footwell and air conditioning. The new 7-seat version of the C3 Aircross perfectly balances a compact exterior with interior space. With 93% of European B-SUV owners driving less than 80 km a day, the 7-seater version’s two rear seats are a perfect solution. With all seats deployed, the boot volume is 40 litres, and 330 litres in the 5-seat configuration.

The 5-seater version: segment-leading interior space

The 5-seater version of the C3 Aircross has a 40/60 bench seat that is 65 mm further back than on the 7-seater version. The result is very generous space in row 2, with the best knee room in the category (+80 mm compared with the segment average). The three occupants of the bench seat also enjoy the best elbow room on the market (+25 mm compared with the segment average). The bench’s 65 mm recline doesn’t detract from the 460 litres of boot space, one of the best in the segment.

Easy to access – with a low, square threshold – the boot also has a two-position floor, providing a completely flat load surface when the backrests of the 40/60 rear seat are folded. In this configuration, it offers an impressive 1600 litres of volume. With no shortage of tricks up its sleeve, the C3 Aircross has the flexibility to make daily life easier for all the family. Practical, versatile and reassuring, it remains compact enough to make city driving stress free.

3- AN AFFORDABLE MULTI-ENERGY RANGE

In line with Citroën’s focus on accessible, people-centric solutions, its new compact SUV offers a range of different energies at an ultra-competitive price. The all-new C3 Aircross is based on the Smart Car platform, designed to accommodate a range of internal combustion, hybrid and electric vehicles. This new vehicle demonstrates Citroën’s commitment to integrating the challenges of the energy transition into all its product developments. Alongside a traditional internal combustion engine, the C3 Aircross offers a hybrid range for the first time: facilitating access to electrification, its versatility is perfectly suited to this body type. And to take things even further, the all-new C3 Aircross will be available for the first time as a 100% electric vehicle.

The hybrid: a petrol engine with access to electrification

The all-new C3 Aircross showcases a new powertrain, with its Hybrid 136 version equipped with an e-DCT automatic gearbox. The 48V hybrid uses the new-generation 1.2 PureTech engine developed specifically for hybrid applications, featuring 40% all-new components. With a displacement of 1,199 cm3, this 3-cylinder engine develops 100 kW/136 bhp. It has a variable geometry turbocharger and a timing chain that contributes to its robustness.

The Miller-cycle engine is combined with an e-CDT electrified dual-clutch automatic transmission, incorporating a 21 kW/28 bhp electric motor powered by a 48 V lithium-ion battery housed under the floor.

The powertrain is easy to use and requires no recharging. Ideal for families, it reduces both fuel consumption and emissions, making it good for the wallet and the planet too. The e-motor (permanent magnet synchronous machine) assists the internal combustion engine to reduce fuel consumption in a transparent way, allowing 100% electric driving for almost 50% of urban use and recharging the battery during deceleration. This new transmission is produced in France and offers the best optimisation in terms of compaction and cost. As a result, the C02 emissions of the hybrid version have been reduced to just 124g CO2/km (waiting for certification). This new driving experience will be available to the widest possible audience in both the 5- and 7-seat versions.

Alongside this electrified powertrain, Citroën is deploying the C3 Aircross with a 75 kW/100 bhp turbo petrol powertrain. This 3-cylinder PureTech Turbo 100 MT6 engine is coupled with a six-speed manual transmission, and complies with Euro7 standards. This version will be available at the most competitive price on the market.

Citroën’s first all-electric compact SUV

For the first time in the family B-SUV segment, Citroën is offering an electric version of its 5-seater C3 Aircross. Perfectly suited to the driving habits of customers in this segment, the electric version is powered by an 83 kW/113 bhp engine combined with a 44 kWh LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery. This technology offers the perfect compromise between the performance required (range of more than 300km – approval pending) and a highly affordable price. Its engine and fully automatic transmission offer linear acceleration with immediately available torque, and a top speed of 145 km/h. The 100% electric version of the C3 Aircross offers sufficient performance to slot into everyday traffic with ease.

The all-electric C3 Aircross makes life easier for its users, particularly when it comes to recharging. The Mode 3 cable – supplied as standard – enables charging both at home and in public places:

With over 20 cm of ground clearance, a raised driving position and subtle plays of light in its design, the all-new C3 Aircross takes the next step and becomes a real SUV.

  • Standard AC charging from 20% to 80% of the battery takes around 4 hours 10 minutes using 7 kW of power.
  • Standard AC charging from 20% to 80% of the battery takes around 2 hours 50 minutes using 11 kW of power.

Fast charging is also available with DC 100 kW chargers, taking just 26 minutes to go from 20% to 80% charge. A version equipped with a different battery will be offered in 2025, extending the range to over 400km.

The all-electric C3 Aircross fully addresses the concerns of motorists still worried about the switch to all-electricity. The new e-ROUTES application – developed for Citroën electric vehicles – makes it easy to plan your journeys, monitor battery charge levels in real time, and enjoy a complete navigation experience. The app helps to reduce journey times, and pinpoints the best recharging stops. Constantly connected to the vehicle’s data (in particular the charge level of the batteries), the traffic situation and the status of the recharging points along the selected route, it ensures the most efficient route management

4- COMFORT AND PEACE OF MIND

Full of space and light, the C3 Aircross offers all the features of a living room on wheels. Its raised driving position and high ground clearance make it easier to get in and out, while providing a clearer view of the road ahead. The feeling of comfort is paramount, delivered by the exclusive Citroën Advanced Comfort® suspension, the C-Zen Lounge concept – which combines a reassuring dashboard with the new head-up vision system – and Citroën Advanced Comfort® seats.

Citroën Advanced Comfort® suspension and seats

The all-new C3 Aircross has been designed to provide the best compromise between comfort and enjoyment, whether one or 7 people are on board. To achieve that result, Citroën’s exclusive Advanced Comfort® suspension is standard on all versions. This innovative, patented design guarantees a unique feeling of comfort for the vehicle’s occupants, whatever the road conditions.

Citroën Advanced Comfort® suspension rethinks the two basic functions of a suspension system: ensuring optimum contact between the wheels and the road surface, and defining a perfect level of comfort for the passengers. A conventional suspension – now abandoned by Citroën – uses a spring and hydraulic damper to manage these two functions. The spring absorbs bumps in the road, while the shock absorber supports the spring in its relaxation phase after an impact: a stop at the top of the shock absorber absorbs the compression of the spring over its last few centimetres. This stop protects the vehicle’s mechanical components but does not totally dissipate the energy, adversely affecting passenger comfort.

Citroën’s engineers have completely rethought this architecture, creating a patented system of progressive hydraulic bumpers. These act like a second smaller shock absorber, housed at the ends of the main shock absorber. There are two progressive stops per shock absorber, one for compression and the other for rebound. This suspension construction ensures greater suppleness and comfort on minor irregularities, without compromising the damping required to hold the body in place when driving on a rough road. In the latter case, the system gradually slows down the movement at the end of the travel. Unlike a mechanical stop in a conventional shock absorber – which absorbs energy and reduces comfort by releasing some of it in the form of a shock – the progressive hydraulic stop absorbs and dissipates this energy. The “magic carpet” effect so important to Citroën is felt clearly, enhancing the driving experience on board the C3 Aircross.

The all-new C3 Aircross also features new Advanced Comfort® seats. Equipped with a new seat surface that includes an extra 10 to 15 mm of foam, they feature redesigned lateral support to ensure comfort whatever the distance.

C-Zen Lounge: a new architecture for increased peace of mind.

The C3 Aircross inherits the work carried out on the new ë-C3 and C3 saloons. The Citroën C-Zen Lounge’s modern, spacious and well-equipped cabin is here taken to its logical conclusion, with new materials and colours.

The horizontal dashboard – complete with characteristic Citroën vertical air vents – is divided into two levels: technical elements on top and comfort at the bottom. Known as the Sofa Design, this area is covered in a special fabric and embellished at both ends with new zones of warm light, adding to the feeling of well-being. In the upper section, the absence of a handset clears the view, for driving comfort and enhanced safety. Essential driving information is cleverly projected onto a head-up display. The small multifunction steering wheel, adjustable for height and angle, is easy to handle. The information display at the junction between the dashboard and the bottom of the windscreen is a first for a family SUV. This innovative feature eliminates the need for a dual display, giving the driver all the information they need without taking their eyes off the road.

5- A CONNECTED, WELL-EQUIPPED FAMILY SUV

Whatever energy source you choose, the C3 Aircross breaks new ground with its combination of design, space, on-board comfort and equipment – all at an ultra-competitive price.

A connected SUV.

The all-new C3 Aircross offers infotainment system and all the connectivity you expect from this type of vehicle.

The You version of the all-new C3 Aircross features the Smartphone Station, which includes an integrated smartphone holder. The driver can then automatically launch the dedicated application using NFC wireless technology. Thanks to the Smartphone Station, drivers can access shortcuts to services on their smartphone, controlled using voice recognition. They can also access the radio, playlists and navigation. The steering wheel controls on the C3 Aircross enable drivers to keep their hands on the wheel, and the Home button makes it easy to return to the application’s home page.

The Max versions of the C3 Aircross feature a 10.25-inch colour infotainment screen, oriented slightly towards the driver. It uses a widget architecture inspired by smartphones. Virtual shortcuts provide access to the main navigation, telephone, radio, application and media functions. A wireless WiFi function enables smartphone mirroring and compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. On-board comfort is also enhanced by the presence of two USB-C sockets at the front and two more in row 2. A 15W charging mat is integrated into a dedicated storage space in the centre console.

Making everyday life easier and safer

The driving aid technology does not only improve the comfort and safety of the driver. Everybody onboard gets the benefits, along with pedestrians too.

Active Safety Brake: This is an emergency braking system that helps reduce injuries to passengers, pedestrians and cyclists. It operates day and night, from a speed of 5 km/h up to the C3 Aircross’s top speed of 135 km/h.

Active Lane Keeping Assist: this lane-keeping assistance system helps the driver to maintain the correct distance from the lane markings. It is active from 60 km/h. When the car starts to drift out of its lane, this mode automatically takes corrective action.

Driver Alert: this system detects oscillations on the C3 Aircross, anticipating drowsiness on the part of the driver. Once detected, it emits a visual and audible warning. If the situation persists, the system emits a longer audible warning and maintains the visual warning for 10 seconds.

Speed sign recognition: this speed limit information system reads the signs and displays the speed in the driver’s field of vision, on the HUD display at the base of the windscreen. The driver is thus informed if a new speed limit is detected, or if he or she is exceeding the speed limit. This intelligent system also uses the speed limit data contained in the navigation system. The audible warnings can be activated or deactivated via the dashboard.

High beam assistance: with Intelligent Headlights, the windscreen camera switches the headlights to low beam when it detects an oncoming vehicle. As soon as the vehicle has passed, the high beam is restored.

Front and rear parking sensors: the front and rear park-assist sensors collect data during manoeuvres and warn the driver of approaching obstacles, using an audible warning and visual indications. The rear parking sensors are active as soon as reverse gear is engaged.

Blind spot detection: it uses an illuminated pictogram in the rear-view mirrors to indicate the presence of a vehicle in the blind spot. The system works on the same principle as parking sensors genuinely adds to safety. It is active from 30 km/h.

Reversing camera: when reverse gear is engaged, the camera on the base of the tailgate supplies a view to the rear of the vehicle on the main screen. This view features grids of different colours to help the driver identify the distance between obstacles and the vehicle, and warn of possible collisions.

All-Electric for under €30,000, petrol for under €20,000

Following the launch of the ë-C3 and C3, Citroën is continuing its mission to make electric mobility accessible to as many people as possible. Thanks to the European version of the new international “Smart Car” platform – designed from the outset to accommodate 100% electric, internal combustion and hybrid engines – and its extreme modularity, the dimensions of the C3 Aircross have been revised upwards for greater habitability and functionality, with no impact on its selling price. It is the first B-SUV on the European market to be offered at a price of less than €30,000 in its 100% electric version, and less than €20,000 in its PureTech turbo 100 MT6 internal combustion version.

Range: tailor-made for everyone

The all-new C3 Aircross range is embodied in two silhouettes that are identical in their design and dimensions: a 5-seater available in petrol, hybrid, and electric, and a 7-seater available in petrol and hybrid. The C3 Aircross benefits from a palette of six strong shades: Black Perla Nera, Mercury Grey, Elixir Red, Monte Carlo Blue, Polar White and Montana Green, paired with the two available roof colours – white and black. It can be personalised using colour clips in three different colours, each coordinated with the body colour. Citroën will offer additional colour clips as accessories, in the form of kits of 4 pieces, for more extensive customisation.

The streamlining of the all-new C3 Aircross range goes hand in hand with rich equipment at the first trim level, You. This comes standard with Citroën Advanced Comfort® suspension, 6 airbags, manual air conditioning, Smartphone station, active safety braking, active lane departure warning system, driver attention alert, cruise control with speed limiter, recognition of speed limit signs, rear parking sensors, automatic lighting, height adjustment for the driver’s seat, electric front windows, 40/60 folding rear seat, LED headlights and daytime running lights, and 16” wheels.

The second level, MAX, additionally offers 17’’ Aragonite Diamond Cut alloy wheels, 3D LED rear lights, a white or black tinted roof depending on the body colour, 3D navigation, wireless smartphone charging, exterior mirrors with blind-spot detection, front parking sensors, electrochrome interior mirror, and access to the 7-seater version with the Mild Hybrid 136 eDCT engine.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Citroen.

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Critical Mineral Projects to Watch Ahead of Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2026

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Energy Capital

The Uganda Chamber of Energy and Minerals, with both its CEO and governing council chairperson confirmed for Paris, will serve as the primary interface for investors seeking access to Uganda’s licensing framework and project pipeline

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, March 26, 2026/APO Group/ –Governments from West, Central and Southern Africa, with delegations confirmed for the Invest in African Energy (IAE) Forum in Paris next month, are each advancing critical mineral projects that span processing deals, development-stage assets and frontier exploration plays, giving investors a range of entry points across the minerals value chain.

Nigeria – Alumina Refinery & Lithium Processing

Nigeria struck a $1.3 billion deal with the Africa Finance Corporation in early March covering three components: construction of a one-million-ton-per-year alumina refinery, a national geoscience mapping program, and a joint investment vehicle to accelerate exploration and production across priority leases. Projected at 95% utilization over 20 years, the refinery is expected to add $1.2 billion to GDP annually and generate approximately $8 billion in foreign exchange earnings over its lifespan.

Separately, a $600 million lithium processing plant in Nasarawa State is at the commissioning stage, backed by ongoing mapping of lithium-bearing pegmatite belts across Kwara, Ekiti and Kaduna states. New mining licenses now require a local processing commitment covering at least 30% of output before export, a condition that directly shapes the investment structures available to foreign partners. Nigeria’s energy minister is among the confirmed delegations at IAE in Paris.

Zambia – Copperbelt Expansion & Cobalt Refinery

 

Copper output in Zambia is on course to clear one million tons in 2026, supported by First Quantum Minerals’ completed $1.25 billion S3 plant expansion at Kansanshi and Barrick Gold’s $2 billion program to double output at Lumwana by 2028. Several additional projects, including Sinomine’s Kitumba Mine and KoBold Metals’ Mingomba deposit, are also coming online this year, making Zambia one of the few places globally adding significant incremental copper supply in the near term.

Africa’s first cobalt sulfate refinery is targeting commissioning in Zambia in 2026, adding downstream processing capacity alongside the copper ramp-up. The Lobito Corridor, backed by a $553 million US Development Finance Corporation loan for Angola’s Benguela rail link, reduces export costs across the Copperbelt and improves project bankability for both mines and processing facilities seeking long-term offtake commitments.

Senegal – Falémé Integrated Iron Project

Senegal’s Falémé iron district in the Kédougou region holds over 600 million tons of probable reserves, including oxide ore at around 59% iron content and primary magnetite at roughly 45% Fe. The government launched the Falémé Integrated Iron Project as a phased program targeting 15 to 25 million tons per year at peak output, with national iron ore company MIFERSO conducting ongoing reserve verification.

The mineral export port at Bargny is operational and rail rehabilitation linking Kédougou to the coast is progressing under the Emerging Senegal Plan. The project is actively seeking a technical development partner. With port and rail infrastructure advancing independent of any single mining operator, Falémé carries lower logistics risk than comparable iron ore projects requiring greenfield corridor construction, which affects how financiers assess project bankability and timelines to first revenue.

Equatorial Guinea – Rio Muni Mineral Exploration

Equatorial Guinea’s Rio Muni mainland offers early-stage exposure to gold, bauxite, base metals, coltan and iron ore across largely underexplored onshore territory. The Ministry of Mines and Hydrocarbons has been opening the sector since its first public tender in 2019, with exploration contracts now in place and state geological mapping advancing in partnership with Rosgeo. Minister Antonio Oburu Ondo will address investors at IAE, with the minerals program expected to feature in bilateral meetings.

Uganda – Rare Earths & Minerals Sector Opening

Uganda holds rare earth deposits in ionic adsorption clay formations — a deposit type the IEA has flagged for low capital intensity relative to hard rock alternatives — alongside gold mineralization across greenstone belts in the West Nile, Karamoja and Mubende regions. The Uganda Chamber of Energy and Minerals, with both its CEO and governing council chairperson confirmed for Paris, will serve as the primary interface for investors seeking access to Uganda’s licensing framework and project pipeline, at the same time as the country’s Tilenga and Kingfisher oil developments move toward first oil.

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

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APO Group Takes Gold at 2026 SABRE Awards – Second Consecutive Win Across Different Clients and Sectors

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Recognition spans technology, global sport, and culture, reflecting APO Group’s cross-sector communications performance across Africa

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, March 26, 2026/APO Group/ –APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), the pan-African communications consultancy integrating advisory, execution, and proprietary news distribution, has won gold in the Northern Africa category at the 2026 Africa SABRE Awards for its campaign, GITEX Africa Morocco 2025: A Media-Fuelled Journey for Tech Excellence.

 

Delivered for GITEX Africa, the campaign generated more than 3,600 media clippings across African and global outlets, positioning the event as the continent’s leading technology and startup platform, while reinforcing Morocco’s emerging status as a regional technology hub.

Being honoured at the SABRE Awards is particularly meaningful because it reflects the impact of communication designed specifically for how African markets work

APO Group was a finalist in two additional categories for campaigns delivered for international organisations operating across Africa:

  • The Africa Flag 2025 Tournament: Raising the Game in Cairo – National Football League (Media Relations category)
  • Broadcasting Greatness: Elevating African Hoops and Culture at BAL 2025 – Basketball Africa League (BAL) (Media, Arts & Entertainment category)

The SABRE Awards recognise excellence in branding, reputation management, and engagement across the global communications industry. This latest accolade adds to APO Group’s growing record at these prestigious awards, following its win in 2025 for a campaign delivered for Canon Central and North Africa, as well as multiple finalist placements for campaigns supporting leading institutions such as GITEX Africa, Africa’s Business Heroes, and the Global Africa Business Initiative.

 

“Being honoured at the SABRE Awards is particularly meaningful because it reflects the impact of communication designed specifically for how African markets work,” said Bas Wijne, Chief Executive Officer at APO Group. “Successful pan-African campaigns combine strategic planning and strong local execution, together with a clear understanding of how different markets, media environments, and audiences connect with a story. It’s about designing communications that deliver measurable outcomes and help organisations engage effectively and confidently across Africa’s diverse media landscape.”

In addition to its SABRE Awards success, APO Group has received multiple major industry honours over the past year, including Gold and Bronze at the Davos Communications Awards for excellence in strategic communications and campaign execution. The company was also named Africa’s Leading PR Agency – 2025 by Brands Review Magazine and Best Public Relations & Media Consultancy Agency of the Year – 2025 by World Business Outlook.Operating across 54 African countries, APO Group provides communications advisory services, public relations, and media distribution through its proprietary newswire, Africa Newsroom, which places content on more than 250 Africa-focused news platforms worldwide.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of APO Group.

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

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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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