Delegates are able to access high-level insights from African policymakers and government officials, one-to-one investor matchmaking services and exclusive oil and gas market forecasts

PARIS, France, September 19, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Serving as the premier African energy project showcase outside of the continent, the Invest in African Energy (IAE) Forum in Paris serves as a crucial platform for global investors. Last year’s forum provided opportunities for in-depth engagement through two days of discussions with industry leaders and policymakers, with attendees accessing technical presentations, business-to-business matchmaking services, networking receptions and dedicated country and regional spotlights. Ahead of the event’s 2025 edition taking place next May, investors and companies are invited to engage with the benefits of attendance.

Understanding Africa’s Energy Priorities

IAE 2024 attendees gained exclusive access to insights from African policymakers and government officials, who outlined their strategic initiatives for energy sector growth, as well as latest regulatory reforms, investment opportunities and policy shifts. By hearing directly from the continent’s leading decision-makers, attendees were better positioned to align their business strategies with national and regional energy goals and identify available investment opportunities. Congolese Minister of Hydrocarbons Bruno Jean-Richard Itoua announced the Republic of Congo’s upcoming formation of a new gas code and national gas company, while Gabon’s Minister of Petroleum Marcel Abéké addressed the country’s progress in expanding its low-carbon energy supply and establishing an incentive tax framework for the development of gas projects.

Accessing OPEC Market Insights

Through a high-level OPEC presentation and a keynote address by OPEC Secretary General Haitham Al-Ghais, last year’s attendees accessed exclusive information on key growth drivers of oil supply and demand through 2045, forecasting Africa’s oil demand to double to 8.2 million barrels per day (bpd) and refining capacity to expand by 3.2 million bpd. With positive economic growth anticipated into 2025, the presentation shed insight into the role of inflation and various economic, social and geopolitical factors on crude oil markets. Secretary General Al-Ghais affirmed OPEC’s commitment to driving Africa’s oil industry forward and the role of African markets and South-South cooperation in driving global economic activity.

Exploring Regional Energy Powerhouses

At last year’s IAE Forum, attendees benefited from dedicated regional spotlights that provided a deep dive into the unique energy landscapes, investment climates and project opportunities shaping Africa’s energy hotspots. This regional focus allowed investors to identify targeted opportunities and forge strategic partnerships, aligning their investments with regional energy development goals. A West African spotlight previewed first oil production from Senegal’s Sangomar Field Development, upcoming drilling campaigns in Equatorial Guinea and a 27-block bid round in Guinea-Conakry. North Africa’s spotlight explored the region’s approach to the energy transition, with Egypt announcing plans to merge its petroleum and renewable energy ministries, Libya rolling out 45 greenfield and brownfield projects in the pipeline, and Morocco driving transitional gas, power and green hydrogen projects. A southern Africa spotlight highlighted deepwater discoveries in Namibia’s Orange Basin, unpacked South Africa’s plans to boost nuclear and natural gas capacity, and provided updates on Mozambique’s two LNG megaprojects underway.

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

The Libya-Italy Roundtable and VIP Networking Evening – taking place in Rome on September 23 – will showcase Libya’s current infrastructure drive and the role for Italian construction and engineering firms in the sector

ROME, Italy, September 19, 2024/APO Group/ — 

As Libya seeks partners for rebuilding its critical infrastructure and supporting economic recovery, international companies, particularly from Europe and the Middle East, are invited to participate in the country’s reconstruction efforts through public-private partnerships and direct investment. The Libya-Italy Roundtable and VIP Networking Evening – taking place in Rome on September 23 – will showcase the country’s current infrastructure drive and associated investment opportunities, as well as highlight the potential of Italian construction and engineering firms to leverage expertise in power and transportation systems to contribute to the broader reconstruction of Libya’s cities.

As a strategic partner to Libya, Italy has a crucial role to play in rebuilding the country’s infrastructure and supporting energy-related projects. According to Italian energy industry contractor Bonatti, the company’s contracts have increased three-fold since the signing of the $8-billion gas deal between Italian energy major Eni and Libya’s National Oil Corporation, with Bonatti identifying Libya as a promising market for Italian firms. Given its deep ties to Libya’s energy sector, Eni is also well-positioned to expand its involvement in broader infrastructure projects, including the rehabilitation of gas-fired power plants, renewable energy development and power grid modernization.

National Infrastructure Revamp

Efforts to restore Libya’s infrastructure are gradually resuming, with the government rolling out key projects focusing on electricity grids, transportation networks and water supply systems. The General Electricity Company of Libya recently launched construction of a new power substation in Tobruk to improve the city’s electricity network and alleviate pressure on the grid, as well as announced plans for another substation in Lamluda. This accompanies the construction of a 1,320 MW gas-fired plant in South Tripoli, 1,044 MW gas-fired plant in Zliten and a series of solar power projects ranging from 200-1,500 MW in size. While significant investment is still required in the rehabilitation of existing power plants and expansion of the national grid, Libya’s installed generation capacity reached a record 8,200 MW last year, reflecting considerable progress toward closing the country’s power deficit.

Several road and airport rehabilitation projects are also underway, led by the Eastern Libyan Government’s Reconstruction and Stabilization Committee. Launched in April, a new airport in Benghazi will feature 12 gates, utilities, a free zone, air cargo and transit infrastructure and aligns with the broader Benghazi Urban Plan, which aims to modernize and expand the city through improvements in urban infrastructure, water canals, green spaces and access to essential services. Meanwhile, Chinese consortium BFI and Tripoli-based Libyan Railroads have launched a new railway development project in eastern Libya, while plans for the $4.5-billion, 554-km Sirte-Benghazi rail project have been revived, which would link the two Mediterranean port cities.

Water availability is another critical priority for Libya, who advanced a new national water and sanitation plan last October, to be implemented in two phases. Between 2024 and 2026, the first phase provides for new drinking water supply systems to be built and existing ones rehabilitated, as well as the improvement of sewerage networks in 19 Libyan cities. The second phase – to be implemented between 2026 and 2050 – will see the construction of 62 new wastewater treatment plants, renovation of 49 plants and maintenance works carried out on nine plants. With a water deficit of approximately 580,000 cubic meters per day, water treatment and supply projects represent a key sector for foreign investment in Libya, along with power generation and transport infrastructure. With strong support from Italian and international companies, Libya is aiming to rebuild its critical infrastructure, which will be central to the country’s long-term economic recovery and growth.

The Libya-Italy Roundtable and VIP Networking Evening takes place in Rome on September 23, featuring a half-day program that unites Libyan and Italian business leaders and government officials. If your company is interested in participating, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com

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

This year, the finalists have been selected from a diverse group of talented women founders and business owners across the continent, each demonstrating excellence in their respective fields

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, September 19, 2024/APO Group/ — 

The Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) (www.AWIEForum.org/) is delighted to announce the finalists for the prestigious 2024 AWIEF Awards, set to recognize and celebrate the achievements of Africa’s women entrepreneurs and business leaders. The awards, held annually as part of the AWIEF conference, honor the impact of women entrepreneurs in driving innovation, promoting gender equality, and contributing to Africa’s economic development.

This year, the finalists have been selected from a diverse group of talented women founders and business owners across the continent, each demonstrating excellence in their respective fields. The finalists span categories such as agriculture, technology, creative industries, social entrepreneurship, and more. Their accomplishments are a testament to the power, resilience, and innovative spirit of African women in business.

Here are the finalists (in alphabetical order) for the 2024 AWIEF Awards:

1. Young Entrepreneur Award

Mpho Hlongwane – MH Automotive Engineering (South Africa)

Adeline Pelage – Madinina Foods (Cameroon)

Jessy Radwan – Carerha (Egypt)

2. Agri Entrepreneur Award

Naledi Magowe – Brastorne (Botswana)

Ifeoma Okonkwo – Ifgreen Industries & Investment (Nigeria)

Cherotich Rutto – Tawifresh Kenya Limited (Kenya)

3. Creative Industry Award

Thabo Makhetha-Kwinana – Thabo Makhetha CC (South Africa)

Jenny Edwige Mezile – L’École D’Arts les Pieds dans la Mare de Jenny Mezile (Côte d’Ivoire)

Jane Mpholo – Jane Mpholo Pty Ltd (South Africa)

4. Empowerment Award

Fomum Victorine Agum – Global Women Emancipation in Sports (Cameroon)

Judy Makira – Centre for Women Empowerment in Technology (Kenya)

Creseldah Cassandra Ndlovu – CLM Clothing & Textile (South Africa)

5. Tech Entrepreneur Award

Ynes Hafi – ARSELA (Tunisia)

Peace Iraguha – Lifesten Health (Rwanda)

Christiana Okere – myStash (Nigeria)

6. Social Entrepreneur Award

Osen Iyahen – Optimal Greening Foundation (Nigeria)

Temitope Mayegun – Avilla Naturalle (Nigeria)

Tsholofelo Ramokoka – AddressDox (South Africa)

Recognizing Africa’s Women Leaders

The AWIEF Awards continue to celebrate women who are making waves across industries, empowering communities, and setting new benchmarks in entrepreneurship. The finalists represent a diverse array of sectors, highlighting the depth and breadth of women’s contributions to Africa’s economic landscape.

AWIEF Awards Ceremony

The winners of the 2024 AWIEF Awards will be announced at the AWIEF Awards Ceremony on November 29, 2024, during the AWIEF Conference in Cape Town, South Africa. The event promises to be a night of inspiration, celebration, and a testament to the transformative power of women-led businesses in Africa.

Join us for AWIEF2024

Don’t miss this opportunity to join the celebration and be part of Africa’s most impactful conference for women entrepreneurs.

Register Now: https://apo-opa.co/4eMq1Nh

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF).