CAPE TOWN, South Africa, March 12, 2025/APO Group/ –Malawi could generate up to $30 billion (https://apo-opa.co/4bJnYZL) from mineral exports between 2026 and 2040, with annual revenues expected to hit $3 billion by 2034, according to the World Bank. The financial institution projects the sector to account for 12% of the country’s GDP by 2027, driven by new projects and the expansion of existing production initiatives. As prospects within Malawi’s mining industry continue to grow, the upcoming African Mining Week in Cape Town will serve as a key platform to connect Malawian stakeholders, regulators and global investors, driving investment inflows and fostering strategic collaborations to accelerate sectoral development.

Malawi has recorded several industry growth milestones in 2025, with global partners expediting exploration and production projects in line with the country’s Agriculture, Tourism and Mining Strategy, designed to attract new investments for economic growth. Last month, Australian company Lotus Resources secured $38.5 million (https://apo-opa.co/3Fym3et) in funding from South African banks First Capital Bank and Standard Bank for its Kayelekera Uranium Project. This financing injection not only supports operational readiness, but also enhances Malawi’s positioning as a competitive uranium producer amid rising global demand. With the funds providing working capital and supporting the firm’s equipment procurement, the development marks a huge milestone for the project, ahead of a planned Q3 2025 first production target.

Sovereign Metals, supported by Rio Tinto, is fast-tracking the Kasiya Rutile-Graphite Project, home to the world’s largest known rutile resource and the second-largest flake graphite reserve. A February 2025 test conducted by the firm confirmed the mine’s suitability for refractory applications, while a January 2025 feasibility study projected $16.4 billion in revenue potential. As global markets increasingly seek sustainable sources of high-quality rutile and graphite, Kasiya is well-positioned to become a pivotal supplier, meeting rising industrial and green energy needs. With $665 million allocated for project development, Kasiya is expected to become a major revenue generator for Malawi.

In the rare earths sector, Australia’s Lindian Resources is seeking to attract new investment partners for its Kangankunde Rare Earths Project. The company recently awarded a $1.3 million contract to Mota-Engil to develop infrastructure and carry out civil works, advancing project timelines. With rare earth elements playing a crucial role in high-tech industries, clean energy and defense applications, this project strengthens Malawi’s position in the global supply chain.

In January 2025, Kula Gold and African Rare Metals established a joint venture (JV) for the Wozi Niobium Project to accelerate project development through expertise and shared capital. The JV has applied for an exploration license, with plans for fieldwork, sampling and a $100,000 drilling program beginning in Q2 2025. Given growing demand for niobium for steel production, the project is poised to generate substantial foreign exchange earnings for Malawi.

Amid these developments, African Mining Week will provide a platform for deal-making and partnerships, connecting Malawi’s mining sector with global investors and showcasing the country’s growing potential as a hub for critical minerals. With an increasing focus on securing reliable mineral supplies for the energy transition, Malawi’s rich deposits of uranium, graphite, niobium and rare earths present a unique opportunity for international stakeholders seeking long-term, stable partnerships.

African Mining Week serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, March 12, 2025/APO Group/ –Africa’s energy sector continues to show resilience and dynamism, with capital expenditure (CapEx) on oil and gas projects remaining a key driver of growth. According to the African Energy Chamber’s (EnergyChamber.org/) State of African Energy 2025 Outlook Report, investment remains strong in 2025, with total CapEx estimated at $43 billion, while long-term projections indicate an increase to $54 billion by 2030 – reinforcing Africa’s position as a critical player in the global energy market. As African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025 prepares to convene key industry players in Cape Town, these investment trends will be central to discussions on accelerating project development, securing capital and ensuring Africa’s energy industry remains competitive on the global stage.

According to the report, West and North Africa continue to lead CapEx spending, with West Africa contributing over 50% of the continent’s total expenditure from 2023 through the decade. Established oil producers such as Nigeria and Angola remain dominant, while emerging players like Mauritania and Senegal are attracting increasing investment. The continent’s rich liquid hydrocarbon resources continue to draw the majority of capital, accounting for over 60% of total hydrocarbon investment through 2030. However, natural gas is gaining momentum, with its share of CapEx rising to over 40% by the end of the decade. This shift underscores a major theme of AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025, positioning Africa as a competitive global gas hub while reaffirming oil’s role as a pillar of economic growth and energy security.

Looking ahead, onshore projects are expected to attract the majority of investment, accounting for 56% of total CapEx by 2030, driven by lower unit costs and increasing interest in onshore natural gas monetization. This trend is reflected in drilling activity, with onshore drilling remaining dominant – comprising 80% of the 1,060 wells drilled in 2024 – while offshore rig demand continues to rise, reaching an estimated 46 rig years in 2025. At AEW: Invest in African Energies, industry leaders will explore how these shifting investment patterns can accelerate energy security and infrastructure expansion across the continent.

Exploration is also on the upswing, with over 150 wells completed in 2024 and heightened activity in southern Africa, particularly in Namibia’s Orange Basin. Africa is emerging as a leader in global high-impact drilling, with exploration spending surpassing $6 billion in 2024, largely driven by major discoveries in Namibia and continued investment in North and West Africa. This momentum is expected to continue as multiple licensing rounds are planned across the continent, with Nigeria, Angola, the Republic of Congo, Libya, Algeria, Tanzania and Liberia among the countries opening new blocks for development. With exploration serving as a key catalyst for new investments, AEW 2025 will serve as a critical platform for showcasing frontier opportunities and securing new project financing.

Africa’s mergers and acquisitions (M&A) landscape remains dynamic, following a significant rebound in 2024 and driven by global energy majors rationalizing their portfolios. Regional players and national oil companies (NOCs) are taking on a more prominent role, acquiring assets from majors and expanding their footprint in key markets like Angola and Nigeria. West Africa continues to dominate M&A activity in terms of deal value, followed closely by North Africa. Meanwhile, Middle Eastern and Asian NOCs are ramping up their investment in African assets, further diversifying the investor landscape. As consolidation reshapes Africa’s energy sector, AEW 2025 will provide a vital forum for dealmaking, fostering new partnerships and strengthening the role of African players in the global market.

As the African energy sector evolves, the upcoming AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 will serve as a critical platform to drive investment discussions and facilitate deal-making. With global energy markets shifting and Africa’s vast oil and gas resources remaining underutilized, the continent presents a compelling case for increased foreign direct investment. AEW 2025 will provide the platform for stakeholders to explore opportunities, forge new partnerships and position Africa at the forefront of the global energy transition.

“Africa’s energy sector is entering a new era of growth, driven by strategic investments and a commitment to monetizing our vast resources. With $43 billion in capital expenditure projected for 2025, the continent is proving that it is open for business and ready to compete on the global stage. AEW 2025 will be the premier platform to drive these investment discussions and ensure Africa’s energy industry remains resilient and dynamic,” said Ore Onagbesan, Program Director for the African Energy Chamber.

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 www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), the leading pan-African media relations and communications consultancy, is pleased to announce the promotion of Papa Chimere Diop to Director of Strategic Growth & Market Development at Group level. This appointment, effective from 1 March 2025, highlights APO Group’s commitment to strengthening its commercial leadership and driving expansion across Africa.

Chimere, who previously served as Senior Sales Director and later Senior Growth Director, has been instrumental in shaping APO Group’s business development strategies. His transition into this role reflects the company’s dedication to empowering its top talent while reinforcing its leadership in the African communications industry.

Bas Wijne, CEO of APO Group, said, “As a key driver of APO Group’s commercial success, Chimere has consistently secured high-impact opportunities and built strong client relationships across the continent. His promotion to a Group-level role is a natural progression in our strategy to deepen partnerships, enhance market intelligence, and accelerate sustainable growth in key regions. His leadership will be vital as we continue to expand our footprint across Africa.”

In his new role, Chimere will focus on identifying strategic opportunities, strengthening client engagement with senior decision-makers, and driving sustainable revenue growth. He will also lead initiatives to expand APO Group’s presence in high-growth industries and regions, deepen relationships with senior executives to unlock new opportunities, and utilise market intelligence to reinforce the company’s leadership in Francophone and Lusophone Africa. Additionally, he will represent APO Group at major industry events, enhancing the company’s thought leadership and brand visibility across the African communications landscape.

“I am honoured to take on this expanded role at APO Group, building on the momentum we have created over the years,” said Chimere. “Our team is a reflection of Africa itself—rich in cultural and geographic diversity, with deep expertise and an extensive understanding of the continent’s media and business landscape. As we continue to be the trusted communications partner for leading organisations across Africa, we also welcome fresh perspectives and creative contributions that can help drive meaningful growth and reinforce our presence in all African markets.”

With this strategic appointment, APO Group continues to solidify its leadership in the African communications industry. Clients, partners, and industry stakeholders are encouraged to engage with APO Group to explore new collaboration opportunities.