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Ministers Rallying Around Namibian International Energy Conference 2022 to Share Knowledge

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A strong line-up of African energy ministers are heading to the Namibian International Energy Conference in April 2022, focused on knowledge sharing, regional cooperation and capacity building

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, March 30, 2022/ — Set to take place from April 20-22, 2022, in Windhoek, the fourth edition of the Namibia International Energy Conference (NIEC) represents the country’s official meeting place for the energy sector. In a recent push to share experiences, lessons learnt and support, top energy ministers from across the African continent have rallied around the conference, and will be attending the NIEC to drive capacity building, knowledge sharing and strategies for accelerated industry growth.

Organized by RichAfrica Consultancy, under the patronage of the Ministry of Mines and Energy led by Hon. Tom Alweendo and supported by the African Energy Chamber, the NIEC comes at a crucial time for the Namibian energy sector. With the country having made two sizeable oil and gas discoveries in 2022 – by international oil majors Shell and TotalEnergies – both domestic and regional stakeholders are focused on ensuring the country realizes its development objectives and usher in a new era of sustained economic growth backed by energy-related investment and development. Under the theme, ‘The Energy Mix: Positioning for industrialization, investment and growth,’ the NIEC convenes regional and global energy stakeholders for two days of intense dialogue on how the country can maximize discoveries while developing a strong and competitive domestic energy industry.

Namibia Energy Conference - 2022

In line with regional cooperation goals, Africa’s energy ministers have declared their support of and commitment towards Namibia’s energy growth. Notably, H.E. Gabriel Mbaga Obiang Lima, Minister of Mines & Hydrocarbons, Equatorial Guinea, has accepted an invitation by Hon. Tom Alweendo to participate at the event. Representing one of Africa’s most formidable oil and gas economies, Equatorial Guinea – with over 1.5 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of gas reserves – has been highly successful in monetizing resources and maximizing growth. Projects such as the Gas Mega Hub – a multi-faceted gas development to unlock the potential of both domestic and regional discovered resources by utilizing gas processing and distribution infrastructure – and the 10,000 barrel per day (bpd) Punta Europa refinery – intended to enhance domestic refining capacity to meet regional demand – have made the country an ideal partner regarding hydrocarbon monetization and growth.

Meanwhile, H.E. Chief Timipre Sylva, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, the Republic of Nigeria will be attending the NIEC to drive a discussion on exploration, production and domestic capacity building. Representing sub-Saharan Africa’s largest oil producing country, with production estimated at 1.36 million bpd, and holding the largest gas reserves in Africa – estimated at over 600 tcf – Nigeria represents one of Africa’s heavyweights. In addition to projects such as the 650,000 bpd Dangote Refinery, the Ogidigben Gas Revolution Industrial Park, the Zabazaba and Etan Integrated Development, and the 614km Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano pipeline, Nigeria has emerged as a frontrunner regarding hydrocarbon legislation, demonstrating the role and value market-driven policies play in driving industry growth. In Namibia, H.E. Chief Sylva will be sharing lessons learnt from the implementation of the country’s Petroleum Industry Bill as well as the Decade of Gas initiative, making a strong case for aligned energy policies in 2022 and beyond.

Moreover, Hon. Bruno Jean-Richard Itoua, Congo’s Minister of Hydrocarbons and current President of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), will be instrumental in driving the discussion on oil and gas, promoting the role hydrocarbons play in driving economic growth. As the third-largest oil producer in sub-Saharan Africa, as well as the home of the African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO), the Congo represents a particularly valuable partner for Namibia as the country moves to realize its oil and gas potential. With over 2.9 billion barrels of proven oil reserves, modernized regulation such as the Hydrocarbon Code and Gas Master Plan, and a drive to improve local content and capacity building both domestically and regionally, the Congo’s experience will be vital for Namibia.

Similarly, Hon. Peter Chibwe Kapala, Minister of Energy, the Republic of Zambia, has also issued his support of the NIEC, and will be participating in Namibia alongside other regional ministers. Despite the lack of domestic oil and gas reserves, Zambia represents one of the world’s top mineral resource markets, boasting the highest-grade deposits of copper globally – with 6% of the world’s resources -as well as a highly competitive emerging renewable energy market. As Africa progresses with its transition to a clean energy future and renewable energy technologies play an increasingly important role, Zambia’s potential as an energy transition leader is unmatched, and the minister will promote this in Namibia. While Namibia’s renewable energy sector grows rapidly, particularly with regards to green hydrogen, knowledge sharing between Zambia and Namibia will be critical.

“The NIEC is proud to announce the confirmation of some of Africa’s top energy ministers at its fourth edition in April 2022. Confirmations made by H.E. Obiang Lima, H.E. Chief Sylva, H.E. Itoua and Hon. Kapala have not only demonstrated the importance of the event in driving regional energy dialogue, but the role Namibian energy will play in addressing continental energy poverty while driving economic growth. Led by Hon. Alweendo, Namibia’s Minister of Mines and Energy, the conference is set to be transformational for the country’s energy sector,” states Ndapwilapo Selma Shimutwikeni, convener and Managing Director of RichAfrica Consultancy.

Finally, joining the strong line-up of ministers, APPO Secretary General, Dr. Omar Farouk, alongside the AEC, will be leading a strong delegation of private sector industry players as well as regional and international investors to Namibia. Representing one of the continent’s most esteemed energy organizations, and a key driver of Africa’s oil and gas development, APPO is committed to sharing industry knowledge, capacity building strategies as well as the promotion of local content so as to ensure African producers are energy secure and independent.

Meanwhile, representing the voice of the African energy sector, the AEC is well positioned to unite the public and private sectors, and will do so in Namibia in April. Both APPO and the AEC believe in the role that the private sector will play in Namibia, and will be pushing for joint ventures, public-private partnerships and cooperation, as well as training and skills transfer within the Namibian hydrocarbon industry. Namibia is on track to usher in a wave of industry and economic growth, and the commitment of Africa’s energy ministers and the private sector will help the country realize its development objectives.


Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Mantashe to attend major AOW energy event

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October 3, 2024

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Mantashe

Mantashe has been a regular keynote speaker at previous AOW events, and the announcement of his attendance comes as lucrative energy opportunities open across the continent

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, October 3, 2024/APO Group/ — 

South Africa’s Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Mr Gwede Mantashe has committed to attend the four-day AOW energy event (https://AOWEnergy.com/) in Cape Town from 7 – 10 October.

AOW: Investing in African Energy brings together industry leaders to develop policy, share discoveries, secure investment, and shape Africa’s energy future. This year’s event will feature more than 1 600 senior delegates, 80 ministers and officials from 70+ countries and representatives of more than 760 companies.

Announcing Mantashe’s confirmed attendance, Chief Executive Officer of Sankofa Events, Paul Sinclair said that the presence of the host nation’s two most senior energy leaders confirmed that Africa was committed to taking ownership of its own energy destiny.

“We are excited to welcome Mr Mantashe to AOW, where he will share stages and attend sessions with ministers from many other countries, as well as senior players from energy businesses and multilateral forms,” said Sinclair. “We are proud to provide an environment where Africa’s energy leaders can discuss the latest industry trends, and how the continent can help to shape them.”

We are proud to provide an environment where Africa’s energy leaders can discuss the latest industry trends, and how the continent can help to shape them

Mantashe has been a regular keynote speaker at previous AOW events, and the announcement of his attendance comes as lucrative energy opportunities open across the continent – in responsible oil exploration and production, in renewable energy, and in the trade of natural gas as a high-demand future fuel.

Ongoing major oil-and-gas discoveries in the Orange basin, offshore South Africa and Namibia, have highlighted the scale and importance of these opportunities – for African governments, their people, and energy businesses.

“The world’s energy markets are in the midst of a dynamic transition,” said Sinclair. “Navigating that transition requires industry partnerships. Africa is showing that not only does it have massive resources, it also has the networks, the financial innovation and the commitment to develop those resources for Africa’s people, and all stakeholders.”

This year marks 30 years of the industry-leading AOW event. The four-day conference, exhibition and investment forum brings together governments, regulators, global operators, power producers, investors and service providers.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of AOW: Investing in African Energy.

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The Gambia’s Minister of Petroleum and Energy Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2024 Amid Exploration Drive

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October 3, 2024

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Kinetiko Energy

The Gambia’s Minister of Petroleum and Energy Nani Juwara will participate as a speaker at African Energy Week: Invest in African Energy in Cape Town this November

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, October 3, 2024/APO Group/ — 

On the back of major investments from multilateral finance institution the African Development Bank, The Gambia is poised to increase its electrification rate to 70% – 50% in rural areas – by the end of the year. In the wake of the country’s burgeoning energy sector, The Gambia’s Minister of Petroleum and Energy Nani Juwara will participate as a speaker at this year’s African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energy 2024 conference, which takes place in Cape Town from November 4-8.

The Gambia represents one of Africa’s final oil and gas frontiers and the participation of Minister Juwara at AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024 will be crucial for highlighting the immense opportunities present across the country’s upstream and downstream sectors. His participation is also poised to showcase the role hydrocarbon resources will play in addressing both the country and Africa’s energy and socioeconomic development needs.

AEW: Invest in African Energy 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.

Situated in proximity to Senegal’s 231-million-barrel Sangomar field, where a 100,000-barrel-per-day project came online in June this year, The Gambia’s offshore prospects offer significant potential for play-opening discoveries. The Gambia’s Bambo prospect reservoirs have revealed oil shows in recent years and could hold up to 1.2 billion barrels of oil. The data – acquired by independent oil and gas company FAR – has opened additional material exploration opportunities in the offshore A2 and A5 blocks.

The Gambia remains wholly committed to advancing the energy sector while leveraging its burgeoning hydrocarbon potential

Last year, The Gambia extended FAR’s permit for the blocks until September 30, 2025, with reduced annual fixed costs. FAR is now seeking farm-in partners to fund geoscience reviews and exploration wells. Meanwhile, global energy company the Nigerian National Petroleum Company and state-owned Gambian National Petroleum Corporation signed a MoU in the same year to explore and develop crude oil in the country. The agreement entails geological studies, seismic data analysis and potential drilling activities.

At last year’s AEW conference, The Gambia’s Ministry of Petroleum and Energy and hydrogen developer H2 Gambia Limited signed an agreement on hydrogen exploration in the country. The deal will allow for extensive research to be undertaken over a period of one year and forms part of The Gambia’s decarbonization efforts. The Gambia recently entered a new era of energy development with the inauguration of its first large-scale solar energy facility in Jambur in April 2023. Built by Chinese manufacturer Tebian Electric Apparatus, the 23 MW solar plant serves to reduce the country’s reliance on imported fossil fuels.

“The Gambia remains wholly committed to advancing the energy sector while leveraging its burgeoning hydrocarbon potential. As a largely undeveloped energy market and situated in close proximity to major developments across the offshore MSGBC region, the country offers strategic opportunities for foreign investors active across the entire energy value chain,” states Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber NJ Ayuk.

At AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024, Minister Juwara is expected to share his insights into the investment opportunities across The Gambia’s oil and gas value chain, engaging with global financiers and technology providers to attract capital to its untapped energy prospects. As an experienced leader in the country’s energy space, Minister Juwara’s participation aligns with the conference’s strategy to encourage private sector investment and participation while ensuring The Gambia benefits from its hydrocarbon resources.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Fund for Export Development in Africa and Africa Finance Corporation power ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms’ US$443 Million capital raise

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October 3, 2024

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Export Development

The funds are intended to accelerate ARISE IIP’s fast expansion and operational efficiency across its 12-country portfolio

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, October 3, 2024/APO Group/ — 

ARISE IIP, a leading pan-African developer and operator of world-class industrial parks, has announced a significant capital raise of US$443 million.

The funding includes a strategic US$300 million investment from Afreximbank’s development impact investment arm, The Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA), securing Afreximbank’s FEDA a significant stake in ARISE IIP. Additionally, the capital raise is supported by an additional US$143 million contribution from Africa Finance Corporation (AFC). This investment builds on debt funding relationship of over 12 years between ARISE IIP and Afreximbank, during which about US$2 billion has been provided to support ARISE IIP’s investments across Africa.

ARISE IIP’s total equity capital now exceeds US$1 billion, with Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) holding a majority stake, followed by Afreximbank’s FEDA and Equitane as key shareholders.

This equity partnership with Afreximbank significantly enhances our financial capacity to execute our pan-African industrial development strategy

This significant capital injection is strategically aligned with both entities’ objectives to catalyse industrial transformation across Africa. The funds are intended to accelerate ARISE IIP’s fast expansion and operational efficiency across its 12-country portfolio, that comprises key markets such as Malawi, Cameroon, Sierra Leone, Benin, Togo, Ivory Coast, Rwanda, Gabon, DRC, Congo, Chad, and Nigeria.

This investment is anticipated to strengthen Africa’s position in global value chains, aligning with Afreximbank’s mandate to promote intra-African and extra-African trade.

Gagan Gupta, Founder and CEO of ARISE IIP said about this partnership: “This equity partnership with Afreximbank significantly enhances our financial capacity to execute our pan-African industrial development strategy. It’s a strong vote of confidence in our business model and growth prospects.”

President & Chairman of Board of Directors at Afreximbank, Prof. Benedict Okey Oramah, stated: “We are very pleased with our latest investment in ARISE IIP which is aligned with Afreximbank’s strategic pillars of promoting intra African Trade and facilitating industrialisation and export development across Africa. The capital boost will arm ARISE IIP with the financial muscle needed to drive Africa’s industrialisation, promote intra and extra-African trade, job creation and the general economic growth of our continent.”

Marlene Ngoyi, CEO of the Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA), stated: “Our investment in ARISE IIP is a critical step towards fostering sustainable industrial growth across Africa. By supporting the development of high-impact industrial infrastructure, we are helping to create an environment that will drive economic diversification, boost value-added production, and position Africa as a key player in global trade.”

Samaila Zubairu, President & CEO of AFC said: “I would like to thank the board and management for their unwavering support in our shared mission to transform African economies. Our journey towards capturing greater value within the continent, by converting raw materials into intermediate and finished goods, has already shown significant progress in three countries, with an expanding pipeline of projects in ten more. This success reinforces our commitment to further support and invest in this important initiative, including our latest equity investment of $143 million. We are also delighted to formally welcome Afreximbank-FEDA as a new shareholder, having previously supported us through debt financing. Their participation, alongside other prospective investors, is a testament to the strength and de-risked nature of our ecosystem value chain industrial platform. We look forward to continuing our partnership to drive industrialization and sustainable economic growth across Africa.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

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