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A Just Transition: Making Energy Poverty History with an Energy Mix Hits #1 Bestseller on Amazon

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Energy Poverty

NJ Ayuk’s most recent publication, A Just Transition: Making Energy Poverty History with an Energy Mix, has debuted as a #1 bestseller on Amazon’s US store

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, March 9, 2023/APO Group/ — 

Following its release on Wednesday 8 March, NJ Ayuk’s most recent publication, A Just Transition: Making Energy Poverty History with an Energy Mix, has debuted as the #1 bestselling book on Amazon’s U.S. store, a testament to its significance in the current energy transition climate. Representing an in-depth analysis of Africa’s energy sector and the threat an immediate transition to renewables poses on the continent’s ability to develop, reaching bestseller status speaks to the value the book holds.

The release of the book follows years of research and analysis, as well as meetings with prominent stakeholders, with the end product shedding light on the sobering reality that is unfolding in Africa. The bestselling publication reaffirms what African stakeholders believe is the right way to transition to a cleaner energy future. Rather than abandon the very resources that serve as the solution to developing, industrializing and electrifying the continent, the book brings attention to a different approach: an African approach.

By providing key insight into the disastrous impacts transitioning away from oil and gas will have on the continent, the book offers a drill-focused approach, essentially defending the continent’s right to develop and utilize its oil and gas resources. By drawing attention to the need to end resource nationalism as well as critical role large-scale oil and gas developments such as the East African Crude Oil Pipeline, Mozambique’s three sizeable Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) developments and South Africa’s natural gas projects, to name a few, will play in alleviating energy poverty while increasing the supply of clean energy, the book makes a strong case for what Africa needs to develop and mitigate climate change.

At a time when African countries have aligned their policies to attract more investment into upcoming oil and gas developments, world leaders continue to call for the end of oil and gas utilization. For Africa, developing oil and gas is no longer an interesting prospect, but rather, it has turned into a critical solution for developing economies. Across the continent projects continue to take off. These include Senegal and Mauritania’s Greater Tortue Ahemyim development; Nigeria’s floating LNG train; Uganda’s Lake Albert development; Namibia’s trifecta of oil discoveries and many more. If these projects were to end, what chance does the continent have to make energy poverty history?

Rather than place oil and gas stakeholders against environmentalists, a trend which continues to be done by world leaders, the book posits a collaborative approach to addressing dual challenges of energy poverty and climate change in Africa, making clear the value of cooperation among energy players and environmentalists alike. Rather than picking sides, Ayuk takes on a new approach to the climate debate, introducing the concept of integration and cooperation above opposition.

Additionally, the book makes clear the need for an energy mix-approach. For Africa, adopting an energy mix represents the only and best method of making energy poverty history while addressing climate change concerns. In addition to over 125 billion barrels of crude oil reserves and 620 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, Africa holds significant renewable energy potential, and energy stakeholders are already working towards capitalizing on these resources. In this area, the book identifies a particularly interesting and highly lucrative space: green hydrogen. While global markets begin to turn their attention to global hydrogen, Africa’s untapped renewable energy resources and position as a future green hydrogen hub have made it a top investment destination, however capital remains slow in this area.

The book points to this very notion, emphasizing that a Western idea of the energy transition will do more harm than good in Africa

As such, the book introduces a key solution to raising the funds needed to develop this sector: oil and gas. If Africa immediately transitions away from these resources, how will the continent finance its future? The book points to this very notion, emphasizing that a Western idea of the energy transition will do more harm than good in Africa: that a rushed transition will be even more disastrous; and that relying on foreign aid, rather than developing resources, will cause long-term harm, preventing any meaningful economic progress from taking place.

There is still time to secure your copy of A Just Transition: Making Energy Poverty History with an Energy Mix. Purchase your copy on Amazon at https://apo-opa.info/3ynv5Ev

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Business

Aurionpro expands its multi-country transaction banking engagement with Diamond Trust Bank (DTB)

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Aurionpro

Aurionpro’s upgraded iCashpro platform for DTB delivers a unified digital experience across payments, trade, virtual accounts, and real-time reporting, enhancing straight-through processing, visibility, and control for both the bank and its corporate customers

MUMBAI, India, April 30, 2026/APO Group/ –Aurionpro Solutions Limited (www.AurionPro.com) (BSE: 532668 | NSE: AURIONPRO)a global leader in banking technology, announced the expansion and upgrade of its transaction banking engagement with Diamond Trust Bank (DTB), to modernize and enhance the bank’s corporate transaction banking capabilities across multiple countries.

Download Document: https://apo-opa.co/4edHUaC

This multi-country transaction banking upgrade covering Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania aligns with DTB’s intent to enhance customer experience, streamline operations, and support growing transaction volumes as it expands its regional corporate banking footprint. DTB continues to focus on building a more agile, ‘digital-first’ banking experience, particularly around payments for its corporate customers across Africa, and is now well positioned to scale these capabilities. As part of its broader transformation agenda, the bank has been steadily investing in platforms that enhance scale, reliability, and service consistency across markets.

Through this partnership, we are proud to lead the next era of transformation in transaction banking, helping DTB enhance operational agility

Aurionpro’s upgraded iCashpro platform for DTB delivers a unified digital experience across payments, trade, virtual accounts, and real-time reporting, enhancing straight-through processing, visibility, and control for both the bank and its corporate customers. By enabling DTB to standardize and scale its transaction banking operations across countries, the platform ensures consistent service levels, stronger control, and improved efficiency. It also supports enhanced user experience, advanced security, and the flexibility to introduce new features as DTB expands its regional transaction banking footprint.

Murali Natarajan (https://apo-opa.co/48trPdk), Managing Director & CEO, DTB Kenya   commented: “We are delighted to strengthen and broaden our partnership with Aurionpro Solutions as part of DTB’s ongoing digital transformation journey across multiple markets. Our focus on innovation, operational excellence, and customer-centricity continues to guide our technology investments. This upgrade strengthens our transaction banking capabilities, enabling us to deliver greater value to our customers through robust digital channels and seamlessly integrated experiences.”

Ashish Rai, Group CEO, Aurionpro Solutions, commented: “We are pleased to deepen our multi-country engagement with Diamond Trust Bank and support the next phase of its transaction banking modernization. As DTB continues to scale across markets, platform resilience and consistency become paramount. Through this partnership, we are proud to lead the next era of transformation in transaction banking, helping DTB enhance operational agility, deliver superior experiences to corporate customers, and create long-term value across geographies.”

He added, “Aurionpro’s iCashpro lays a strong digital foundation for transaction & wholesale banks across the globe to grow their corporate and SME client portfolio today, while creating a clear roadmap for next- generation capabilities in AI-driven insights, advanced automation and API-led connectivity for businesses in Kenya and across Africa.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Aurionpro Solutions Ltd.

 

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Minerals Council Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Joins African Mining Week (AMW) as South Africa Improves Sectorial Investment Climate

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Energy Capital

Minerals Council CEO to share insights on policy, infrastructure and investment trends shaping South Africa’s mining industry

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 30, 2026/APO Group/ –The upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) conference will feature Mzila Mthenjane, CEO of the Minerals Council of South Africa, as a speaker. Scheduled for October 14 – 16, 2026 in Cape Town, the event will bring together global investors, policymakers and industry leaders, with Mthenjane’s participation highlighting the council’s commitment to engaging international stakeholders and promoting investment across South Africa’s mining sector.

His participation comes at a critical moment as the Minerals Council works closely with government on finalizing the Mineral Resources Development Bill 2025, a policy framework aimed at strengthening the country’s mining investment climate and the sector’s contribution to GDP. According to the council, the revised legislation will support new investment across the value chain as South Africa seeks to mobilize R2 trillion over the next five years to unlock its critical minerals potential.

The policy reforms come amid shifting production trends in the sector. In 2025, South Africa recorded declines in gold and platinum group metals output of 1.9% and 4.1%, respectively. The new regulatory framework is expected to strengthen public-private partnerships and stimulate investment, enabling South Africa to increase production and capitalize on strong global commodity prices. Increased private sector investments is crucial with South Africa seeking targeting to unlock an estimated R40 trillion in untapped iron ore potential as well as maintain its position as the world’s leading producer of chrome and manganese.

At AMW 2026, Mthenjane is expected to outline these trends, providing insights into how the council is contributing to addressing challenges disrupting the sector. Infrastructure and energy costs remain key concerns for industry players. To support the energy-intensive sector, South Africa approved a 35% reduction in electricity tariffs for major ferrochrome producers, helping stabilize an industry that has faced significant cost pressures after electricity prices surged by roughly 900% since 2008.

Logistics constraints are also a priority area for reform. South Africa’s economy is losing an estimated R1 billion per day due to inefficiencies across rail and port infrastructure. As a result, the government is considering measures supported by the Minerals Council to increase private sector participation in logistics. Planned reforms include rail modernization initiatives targeting 250 million tons of freight capacity by 2029, alongside port upgrades and private operator participation aimed at strengthening mineral exports and improving supply chain efficiency.

Beyond infrastructure and policy reforms, the Minerals Council is advocating for stronger exploration investment to support long-term industry growth.

At AMW, Mthenjane is expected to highlight these developments and outline the steps required to reinforce South Africa’s position in the global minerals supply chain. His insights will offer investors and stakeholders a timely perspective on opportunities within the country’s mining sector.

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

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Seychelles Targets Energy Investment Push as Minister Jérémie Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 as a Speaker

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African Energy Chamber

Seychelles energy minister will speak at AEW 2026, positioning her to highlight reforms, renewable projects and investment opportunities as the island nation advances its transition toward a diversified energy system

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 29, 2026/APO Group/ –Marie-May Jérémie, Minister of Environment, Climate, Energy and Natural Resources for Seychelles will participate as a speaker at this year’s African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, taking place from October 12–16 in Cape Town. Her participation underscores the country’s growing role in shaping Africa’s small-island energy transition agenda.

Minister Jérémie’s presence at AEW 2026 comes at a critical time as Seychelles accelerates efforts to reduce its heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels. The event provides a platform to attract investment, strengthen policy alignment and showcase bankable projects, positioning the country as a viable destination for private-sector participation in island energy systems.

Seychelles is demonstrating how policy reform and innovation can unlock investment in constrained environments

In May last year, international finance institution the World Bank approved the Renewable Energy Acceleration Program, a seven-year initiative aimed at modernizing the grid and increasing renewable energy penetration to 15% by 2030. The program focuses on unlocking private capital while strengthening transmission infrastructure to accommodate variable renewable energy sources.

Project development is gaining traction in the country, particularly in innovative technologies suited to Seychelles’ land constraints. The 5.8 MW Seysun Lagoon floating solar PV project, developed by independent renewable power producer Qair, is under construction and expected online in 2026.

Alongside renewables, Seychelles continues to pursue upstream opportunities to diversify its economy. The government approved new exploration entrants in 2025 and extended exiting petroleum agreements, while securing an infrastructure partnership with China. Multilateral estimates suggest over $800 million in investment will be required over the next 25 years.

Regulatory reform is central to this transition, with Seychelles introducing an independent power producer framework to open the market to private developers. Standardized power purchase agreements, grid access reforms and strengthened public-private partnership structures are being implemented to improve transparency, reduce risk and accelerate project bankability across solar, storage and emerging wind opportunities.

“Minister Jérémie’s participation highlights the strategic importance of island nations in Africa’s broader energy transition,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber. “Seychelles is demonstrating how policy reform and innovation can unlock investment in constrained environments. Her insights will be critical to advancing dialogue on resilient, low-carbon energy systems across the continent.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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