The OPEC Fund for International Development (the OPEC Fund) (www.OPECFund.org) has arranged a syndicated loan with a US$50 million facility for the benefit of Banco Continental in Paraguay. While the OPEC Fund will contribute US$25 million from its own resources as A-lender, it has also mobilized a US$25 million B-loan from Commercial Bank of Dubai. The OPEC Fund acted as sole Bookrunner, Mandated Lead Arranger and Facility Agent.

The funding will support Banco Continental’s efforts to expand lending to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and to support the agricultural sector in Paraguay by driving economic growth and bolstering food security through the provision of finance.

The successful syndication marks a milestone in the OPEC Fund’s mission to mobilize financing for the development needs of partner countries: CBD is one of the largest banks in the UAE, one of the OPEC Fund member countries, and the financing represents its first operation in Paraguay.

OPEC Fund President Abdulhamid Alkhalifa said: “This syndication reflects the OPEC Fund’s ability to mobilize resources for impactful development and create opportunities for economic growth. Partnering with CBD and Banco Continental we are channeling resources from our member country UAE to initiatives that directly support SMEs and the agricultural sector – key pillars of sustainable growth and food security in Paraguay. This transaction also demonstrates the strength of cross-border collaboration in addressing global development needs.”

Banco Continental CEO Juan Carlos Carranza said: “We are proud to have successfully completed this transaction with the OPEC Fund and Commercial Bank of Dubai. At Continental, we are leaders in providing financial assistance to the most productive sectors of Paraguay with a strategic vision and social inclusion, meeting the various needs of our clients. Recently, with the investment grade rating, we have strengthened our ability to offer innovative, solid, and competitive solutions, contributing to the economic development of the country and consolidating our market position.”

Fahad Al Muhairi, General Manager for Institutional Banking at Commercial Bank of Dubai stated: “We are pleased to partner with the OPEC Fund to participate in this facility. At CBD, we are committed to advancing sustainable finance while expanding our global footprint. Our partnership with the OPEC Fund exemplifies our strategy to collaborate with leading international institutions to support economic growth in emerging markets and underscores our commitment to building strategic alliances that drive responsible banking.”

MAPUTO, Mozambique, February 6, 2025/APO Group/ –Mozambique is set to take center stage in Africa’s energy investment landscape as key government officials, international investors and industry leaders gather for the Invest in African Energies: Investor Roundtable on Thursday, February 13, 2025 in Maputo. Hosted by the Mozambique Energy Chamber in collaboration with the African Energy Chamber (AEC) (https://EnergyChamber.org/), this high-level event will explore the country’s immense energy potential and investment opportunities.

With a new era of resource development underway, Mozambique is prioritizing policies that ensure the country’s vast natural gas reserves translate into long-term economic growth and job creation. The roundtable will address key investment drivers, from geology and regulatory conditions to local content strategies and financing mechanisms that can accelerate energy sector expansion.

Mozambique has established itself as one of Africa’s most promising energy frontiers, boasting an estimated 100 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves in the Rovuma Basin. The country is home to several large-scale LNG projects, including the operational 3.4 MTPA Coral South FLNG and the under-development 3.37 MTPA Coral North, 18 MTPA Rovuma LNG and 13 MTPA Mozambique LNG projects. TotalEnergies has stated that financing for the $20 billion Mozambique LNG project is expected to be approved by the U.S. Export-Import Bank imminently, paving the way for renewed progress on the long-awaited development, while ExxonMobil anticipates a final investment decision for its Rovuma LNG project by 2026.

However, Mozambique’s energy ambitions extend beyond LNG. Investments in power generation, renewables and local content initiatives are essential to maximizing the sector’s impact on economic diversification. The government is working closely with industry stakeholders to foster an environment that attracts investment while ensuring that Mozambicans directly benefit from sector growth through skills development and job creation.

The roundtable will be a key platform for Estevão Pale, Mozambique’s newly appointed Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, to outline his vision for the country’s energy future. His leadership is expected to focus on enhancing regulatory stability, strengthening public-private partnerships, and fast-tracking project development to position Mozambique as a global energy leader. Minister Pale will deliver a keynote address, followed by a fireside chat with NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber, where they will discuss the country’s energy trajectory and policy priorities.

“Mozambique is one of the most exciting energy frontiers in Africa, offering world-class LNG potential and a strong commitment to local industry development. As the country advances key projects and strengthens its investment climate, this roundtable provides a crucial platform for dialogue between government and investors. Ensuring that Mozambique’s energy resources translate into long-term economic growth, job creation and industrialization will be essential, and the Chamber is committed to supporting this vision,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.

This roundtable also serves as a critical prelude to African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025 in Cape Town, the continent’s premier energy investment conference, where Mozambique’s energy opportunities will be showcased to a global audience. Discussions from this event will help shape the agenda for AEW, reinforcing Mozambique’s role in Africa’s energy transition and investment landscape.

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, February 6, 2025/APO Group/ –The Petroleum Directorate of Sierra Leone (PDSL), the government agency overseeing the country’s petroleum resources, has joined African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025 as a Strategic Partner. With AEW: Invest in African Energies serving as the continent’s premier platform for investment and energy discussions, PDSL’s partnership underscores Sierra Leone’s commitment to fostering global partnerships and highlighting its vast potential in the oil and gas industry.

AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit http://www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

Sierra Leone’s significant offshore oil resources (https://apo-opa.co/42IV4Xq) position the country as an emerging frontier market. The government estimates the country’s recoverable oil resources at between 15 and 20 billion barrels of light, sweet crude, with an API ranging from 35 to 42. These factors, along with the country’s strategic location, increasing exploration activity and favorable investment climate, make Sierra Leone an attractive market for global investors.

While Sierra Leone remains a frontier exploration market, it has already made notable progress, with four significant discoveries by Anadarko and Lukoil. These include the Venus-B1, Mercury-1, and Jupiter-1 by Anadarko, and the Savannah-1X by Lukoil. Additionally, Sierra Leone offers extensive 2D and 3D multi-client seismic data, facilitating further exploration.

As part of its fifth licensing round (https://apo-opa.co/4hNQP18)– concluded in September 2023 – Sierra Leone awarded six offshore oil blocks to Nigerian exploration firm F.A. Oil, showcasing its commitment to unlocking its hydrocarbon potential while opening new investment opportunities for global investors. The licensing round featured over 63,000 km2 of highly prospective acreage comprising 56 blocks. F.A. Oil is currently seeking financial and technical partners and has undertaken a prospectivity study, revealing indications of up to 2 billion barrels of hydrocarbons in place.

Sierra Leone’s first national oil company (https://apo-opa.co/4gyoqea) (NOC) is also in the final stages of formation. The NOC will hold a 10% stake in all exploration licenses and will play a key role in advancing the country’s oil and gas industry. The government aims to achieve a 25-30% stake in projects, subject to negotiation, and has established competitive fiscal terms that include stabilization clauses to protect investors.

Looking ahead, 2025 promises to be a pivotal year for Sierra Leone’s oil and gas sector. The country is preparing for its first offshore drilling campaign and is planning to establish a refinery to reduce its reliance on imported refined products, which currently average 15,000 barrels per day. This refinery is part of a broader oil and gas masterplan aimed at adding value to the country’s resources and ensuring local benefits.

“The PDSL’s participation in AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 is a game-changer for Sierra Leone’s role as a frontier oil market,” says Tomás Gerbasio, VP Commercial and Strategic Engagement, African Energy Chamber. “This event offers Sierra Leone the opportunity to connect with key investors and partners. It’s about more than showcasing resources – it’s about building lasting, impactful partnerships that will shape the future of Sierra Leone’s energy landscape.”

Sierra Leone’s efforts to unlock its hydrocarbon resources will be a key highlight of PDSL’s participation at AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025. The event will provide the country with an important platform to present its promising offshore acreage and attract investment that will drive its transformation into a leading oil market.