WINDHOEK, Namibia, April 15, 2025/APO Group/ –The Namibia International Energy Conference (NIEC) is proud to announce that the President of the Republic of Namibia, Her Excellency Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, will officially open the 2025 edition of the conference.

“We are deeply honoured that Her Excellency, the President of the Republic of Namibia, will officially open this year’s conference. Her participation marks a historic milestone for NIEC and reaffirms the government’s commitment to harnessing Namibia’s energy potential for shared prosperity. It also reflects the kind of forward-looking leadership that is essential to positioning Namibia as an emerging leader in the global energy landscape.” said Ndapwilapo Selma Shimutwikeni, Founder & CEO of RichAfrica Consultancy and Convenor of NIEC.

President Nandi-Ndaitwah is a committed advocate for ensuring that Namibia derives maximum value from its natural resources through value addition and sustainable development, with a focus on uplifting the Namibian people and strengthening local capacity.

As Namibia lays the foundations to become an energy hub, NIEC 2025 will explore the key building blocks needed to realize this vision. These include enabling investment, strengthening institutions, advancing infrastructure and environmental stewardship, promoting local content and reinforcing good governance. Energy is increasingly recognized as a catalyst for inclusive and sustainable development – unlocking industrialization, economic diversification, job creation and long-term prosperity.

Now in its 7th edition, NIEC 2025 will be held under the theme, “Leading the Way: Becoming an Energy Hub with In-Country Value,” and is scheduled to take place from 23-25 April 2025 at the Windhoek Country Club Resort, Windhoek, Namibia.

Since its inception in 2012 under the theme, “A Road to Discovery and Beyond,” the conference has evolved into a premier platform for high-level dialogue, thought leadership and strategic engagement. It has played a crucial role in shaping discourse around Namibia’s emerging oil and gas industry and its broader energy sector.

The event draws a global audience, including OPEC representatives, senior executives from international oil companies, prominent service providers, investors and industry experts. It has also welcomed numerous government leaders from across Africa, including ministers of energy, as well as Namibia’s own public and private sector leaders.

NIEC 2025 will feature a strategic program of panels, dialogues and expert-led sessions designed to unpack the conference theme and spotlight key issues and opportunities that will define the future of the energy industry. The 2025 edition is expected to welcome over 1,000 delegates from across the globe, reinforcing its position as the country’s premier energy platform.

The conference is held under the patronage of the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy of the Republic of Namibia and is curated and convened by RichAfrica Consultancy, with the African Energy Chamber as a strategic partner.

ACCRA, Ghana, April 15, 2025/APO Group/ –Ghana is developing West Africa’s first integrated petroleum hub, with the aim of enhancing regional fuel security and reducing petroleum costs. The hub is being developed in three phases between 2024 and 2036. The first phase, which broke ground in 2024, includes a 300,000-barrel-per-day (bpd) refinery, a 90,000-bpd petrochemical plant, storage tanks and marine port infrastructure.

During the Invest in African Energies: Accra Investor Briefing on April 14, Dr. Toni Aubynn, CEO of the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation, shared details on the investment opportunities tied to the hub. He remarked: “Our responsibility is to ensure that we bring the ideas of the state into reality: that is to build three refineries and five petrochemical plants. Ghana will be the first to establish a facility such as this. We are going to rely on investors to develop these important industries. Our target is local investors.”

Ghana’s sole operating refinery, the Tema Oil Refinery, already plays a key role in reducing refined petroleum imports. Although the refinery has been operational since 1963, modernization efforts are underway to improve its units and increase productivity. Dr. Yussif Sulemana, Managing Director of Tema Oil Refinery, explained that the refinery’s success is driven by efficient work processes. “Short-term, our strategy is to maximize existing assets. Medium- to long-term, we are looking at a partnership and strategic investment. We have a lot of investors interested and are looking for capital injection and expertise.”

On the storage side, Ghana is investing in infrastructure to boost capacity and enhance its inter-depot pipeline networks. Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation (BOST), responsible for the country’s strategic fuel reserves, is working to strengthen industry infrastructure. Nana Amoasi, Technical Advisor of BOST, stated, “Going forward, we plan to double our fleet of barges and introduce a pipeline from Tema to the Accra Plains Depot. We want to develop another storage facility and ensure that we use alternative fuels.”

In line with this surge in downstream investment, Ghana is also prioritizing local content and human capital development to unlock greater value for the local population. Kwaku Boateng, Director of Economics and Local Content at Ghana’s Petroleum Commission, emphasized, “We need to maximize the oil and gas industry, and to achieve the stability of the hydrocarbon industry, we need local content. At the Petroleum Commission, we have a strategy to ensure that across every petroleum activity, there is a Ghanaian possibility. Ghanaian companies are strong partners to the international oil companies.”

However, further work is needed to strengthen Ghana’s workforce capacity. David Pappoe, President of the African Energy Chamber in Ghana, pointed out that both the government and private companies have roles to play. “Ghanian companies have to build capacity… Without human capacity, technology and knowledge, you cannot compete. We want to drive collaboration across the African continent. Through collaboration, we will be on our way to ending energy poverty.”

The Invest in African Energies: Accra Investor Briefing served as a prelude to the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies conference, taking place from September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town. The event highlighted commercial oil and gas opportunities in Ghana, setting the stage for further discussions and deal-making in Cape Town.

LONDON, United Kingdom, April 15, 2025/APO Group/ –The Critical Minerals Africa Group (CMAG) (www.CMAGAfrica.com) is pleased to announce the formation of its Advisory Board, comprising industry leaders and experts dedicated to advancing sustainable development of critical minerals across the African continent. The esteemed board will provide strategic guidance and insights to support CMAG’s mission of fostering responsible mining practices and enhancing regional supply chains.

The inaugural members of the Advisory Board include:

Natznet Tesfay, Executive Director, Head of Insights and Analytics, S&P Global: With over a decade of experience in market analysis and strategic advisory, Ms. Tesfay brings a wealth of knowledge in economic forecasting and resource management. She will play a pivotal role in shaping CMAG’s data-driven initiatives and market intelligence efforts.

Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard, Founder and Chairman, APO Group: A seasoned communications and public relations expert, Mr. Pompigne-Mognard has extensive experience in enhancing stakeholder engagement and promoting investment opportunities in Africa. His expertise will be invaluable in amplifying CMAG’s presence and advocacy efforts on critical minerals.

Richard Morgan, Former Head of Government Relations, Anglo-American PLC: Mr Morgan’s extensive background in policy development and stakeholder relations will provide CMAG with crucial insights into navigating regulatory landscapes and fostering partnerships with governmental entities.

“We are excited to welcome distinguished professionals to our Advisory Board,” said Veronica Bolton Smith, CEO of the Critical Minerals Africa Group. “Their diverse expertise and commitment to sustainable practices will be instrumental in guiding initiatives aimed at unlocking Africa’s vast mineral potential while ensuring environmental stewardship and social responsibility.”

Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard, Founder and Chairman of APO Group commented on his appointment: “Shaping positive perceptions of Africa’s potential and opportunities for growth and innovation amongst global stakeholders and audiences is critical. Following APO Group’s recently announced strategic partnership with CMAG to raise the global prominence of the continent’s critical minerals sector, being appointed to the Advisory Board is an immense honour. I look forward to working with fellow Advisory Board members to support CMAG in safeguarding Africa’s critical minerals for future generations.”

The establishment of the Advisory Board underscores CMAG’s commitment to addressing the growing demand for critical minerals, which are essential for technologies such as electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and advanced manufacturing.

For more information about the Critical Minerals Group and its Advisory Board, please visit www.CMAGAfrica.com