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Africa builds an integrated energy economy (By Paul Sinclair)

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energy economy

Africa is increasingly taking ownership of its own energy destiny in the private-sector space

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, July 4, 2022/APO Group/ — 

By Paul SinclairVice President of Energy & Director of Government Relations, Africa Oil Week (www.Africa-OilWeek.com) and Green Energy Summit Africa.

The continent is making policy and legislative progress towards a new dispensation where firms from the region can exploit and develop its own resources for the benefit of its people. Key to this is ongoing regional engagement.

Africa is increasingly taking ownership of its own energy destiny in the private-sector space. But – equally importantly – it is also developing the policy and regulatory tools that support economic self-determination.

Nowhere is this more evident than in Nigeria, where the long-awaited passing into law of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) last year is poised to unlock vast potential in the domestic and regional energy sector.

The Act has legislated the creation of two regulatory agencies to oversee critical parts of the industry. The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) will be responsible for the technical and commercial regulation of petroleum operations in their respective sectors.

The upstream comprises resource exploration, as well as drilling and operation of crude-oil and natural-gas wells. Midstream usually refers to the transportation and storage of petroleum products by pipeline, barges, tankers or trucks, while the petroleum downstream is mainly concerned with refining and processing of petroleum and natural gas and marketing and distributing end products to consumers.

The establishment of these regulatory bodies will provide a rich space for engagement with industry associations representing the enterprises that help to drive the industry. Prominent among these is the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) (https://www.PETAN.org/), an association of Nigerian technical oilfield service companies straddling the upstream , midstream and downstream sectors.

This long-established association brings together Nigerian oil and gas entrepreneurs specifically for the exchange of ideas with major operators and policymakers, and to help develop Nigeria’s petroleum-technology industry for the benefit of Nigerians.

The establishment of these regulatory bodies will provide a rich space for engagement with industry associations representing the enterprises that help to drive the industry

Under the leadership of charman Nicolas Odinuwe, PETAN looks to support and enhance the involvement of indigenous companies in the Nigerian petroleum-products sector.

Across sectors, there has long been talk of the need to enhance Africa’s beneficiation capacity, to help the continent move downstream from being a primary commodity producer, and to reverse the centuries-old pattern of developed nations exploiting Africa’s resources, then processing them elsewhere for enormous profit.

PETAN is in the forefront of helping Africa achieve this in the petroleum sector. It describes itself as “the initiator of local content in Nigeria … championing the quest for increased local participation in the Nigerian oil and Gas industry.”

As an association that focuses on local content, PETAN also has a role to play in the regional context, in ensuring Nigerian businesses are equipped to win international or regional tenders for the processing of primary commodities such as crude oil and natural gas.

In the petroleum industry, there are already numerous situations where a shallow-water asset owner in Nigeria might contract a European company to service its wells, despite there being a local supplier who can do the same thing.

The solution to overcoming this misalignment lies on ongoing industry communication, to ensure standardisation of local content so that it meets local needs, thereby boosting private-sector participation in domestic production.

The establishment of Nigeria’s new regulatory bodies offers an exciting opportunity to drive this kind of intra-industry partnership, and to help build an African energy industry characterised by mutual benefit, instead of unequal power relations.

A critical forum for this kind of engagement will be the forthcoming Africa Oil Week (https://Africa-OilWeek.com/Home) in Cape Town, (AOW), the global platform for stimulating deals and transactions across the African Upstream.

The event brings together governments, national and international oil companies, independents, investors, the geological and geophysical community and service providers.

Within this context, the African Union’s strategy for an Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (https://bit.ly/2Sx8Cy3) looks to create a single continental market for goods and services, with free movement of capital and investments.

A better integrated African energy sector can be a major driver of this vision, with, for instance, Nigerian firms partnering on Angolan energy projects and vice versa. In the long run, there is potential to establish a semi-autonomous oil and gas industry that delivers product to domestic, and external markets on its own terms.

Reaching this stage requires communication and ongoing strategic engagement. The foundations for this are being laid through progressive policymaking and regulation. To take its rightful place as an energy powerhouse, Africa must continue to engage and partner across domestic and regional borders.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Oil Week.

Events

As global power structures shift, Invest Africa convenes The Africa Debate 2026 to redefine partnership in a changing world

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Debate

The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation

LONDON, United Kingdom, February 5, 2026/APO Group/ –As African economies assert greater agency in a rapidly evolving global order, Invest Africa (www.InvestAfrica.com) is delighted to announce The Africa Debate 2026, its flagship investment forum, taking place at the historic Guildhall in London on 3 June 2026.

Now in its 12th year, The Africa Debate has established itself as London’s premier platform for African investment dialogue since launching in 2014, convening over 800 global decision-makers annually to shape the future of trade, finance, investment, and development across the continent.

Under the theme “Redefining Partnership: Navigating a World in Transition”, this year’s forum will focus on Africa’s response to global economic realignment with greater agency, ambition and economic sovereignty.

The Africa Debate puts Africa’s priorities at the centre of the conversation, moving beyond traditional narratives to focus on ownership, resilience and long-term value creation.

“Volatility is not new to Africa. What is changing is the opportunity to respond with greater agency and ambition,” says Invest Africa CEO Chantelé Carrington.

“This year’s edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy — so African economies can take greater ownership of their growth. Success will be defined by how effectively we turn disruption into leverage and partnership into shared value.”

The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation.

Key challenges driving the debate

Core focus areas for this year’s edition of The Africa Debate include:

This year’s edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy

Global Realignment & New Partnerships

How shifting geopolitical and economic power structures are reshaping Africa’s global partnerships, trade dynamics and investment landscape.

Financing Africa’s Future

The growing need to reform the global financial architecture, new approaches to development finance, as well as the strengthening of market access and financial resilience of African economies in a changing global system.

Strategic Value Chains

Moving beyond primary exports to build local value chains in critical minerals for the green economy. Also addressing Africa’s energy access gap and mobilising investment in renewable and transitional energy systems.

Digital Transformation & Technology

Unlocking growth in fintech, AI and digital infrastructure to drive productivity, inclusion, and the next phase of Africa’s economic transformation.

The Africa Debate 2026 offers a unique platform for high-level dialogue, deal-making, and strategic engagement. Attendees will gain actionable insights from leading policymakers, investors and business leaders shaping Africa’s economic future, while building strategic partnerships that define the continent’s next growth phase.

Registration is now open (http://apo-opa.co/46b19gj).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Invest Africa.

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Business

Zion Adeoye terminated as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CLG due to serious personal and professional conduct violations

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CLG

After a thorough internal and external investigation, along with a disciplinary hearing chaired by Sbongiseni Dube, CLG (https://CLGglobal.com) has made the decision to terminate Zion Adeoye due to serious personal and professional conduct violations. This process adhered to the Code of Good Practice of the Labour Relations Act, ensuring fairness, transparency, and compliance with South African law.

Mr. Adeoye has been held accountable for several serious offenses, including:

  • Making malicious and defamatory statements against colleagues
  • Extortion
  • Intimidation
  • Fraud
  • Misuse of company funds
  • Theft and misappropriation of funds
  • Breach of fiduciary duty
  • Mismanagement

His actions are in direct contradiction to our firm’s core values. We do not approve of attorneys spending time in a Gentleman’s Club. CLG deeply regrets the impact this situation has had on our colleagues and continues to provide full support to those affected.

We want to express our gratitude to those who spoke up and to reassure everyone at the firm of our unwavering commitment to maintaining a respectful workplace. Misconduct of any kind is unacceptable and will be addressed decisively.

We recognize the seriousness of this matter and have referred it to the appropriate law enforcement, regulatory, and legal authorities in Nigeria, Mauritius, and South Africa. We kindly ask that the privacy of the third party involved be respected.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of CLG.

 

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The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) Strengthens Partnership with the Republic of Djibouti through US$35 Million Financing Facility

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ITFC

This facility forms part of the US$600 million, three-year Framework Agreement signed in May 2023 between ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti, reflecting the strong and growing partnership between both parties

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, February 5, 2026/APO Group/ –The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (https://www.ITFC-IDB.org), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, has signed a US$35 million sovereign financing facility with the Republic of Djibouti to support the development of the country’s bunkering services sector and strengthen its position as a strategic regional maritime and trade hub.

The facility was signed at the ITFC Headquarters in Jeddah by Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al-Aama, Chief Executive Officer of ITFC, and H.E. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry of the Republic of Djibouti.

The financing facility is expected to contribute to Djibouti’s economic growth and revenue diversification by reinforcing the competitiveness and attractiveness of the Djibouti Port as a “one-stop port” offering comprehensive vessel-related services. With Red Sea Bunkering (RSB) as the Executing Agency, the facility will support the procurement of refined petroleum products, thus boosting RSB’s bunkering operations, enhancing revenue diversification, and consolidating Djibouti’s role as a key logistics and trading hub in the Horn of Africa and the wider region.

We look forward to deepening this partnership, creating new opportunities, and leveraging collaborative programs to advance key sectors and drive sustainable economic growth

Commenting on the signing, Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al-Aama, CEO of ITFC, stated:

“This financing reflects ITFC’s continued commitment to supporting Djibouti’s strategic development priorities, particularly in strengthening energy security, port competitiveness, and trade facilitation. We are proud to deepen our partnership with the Republic of Djibouti and contribute to sustainable economic growth and regional integration.”

H.E. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry of the Republic of Djibouti, commented: “Today’s signing marks an important milestone in the development of Djibouti’s bunkering services and reflects our strong and valued partnership with ITFC, particularly in the oil and gas sector. This collaboration supports our ambition to position Djibouti as a regional hub for integrated maritime and logistics services. We look forward to deepening this partnership, creating new opportunities, and leveraging collaborative programs to advance key sectors and drive sustainable economic growth.”

This facility forms part of the US$600 million, three-year Framework Agreement signed in May 2023 between ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti, reflecting the strong and growing partnership between both parties.

Since its inception in 2008, ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti have maintained a strong partnership, with a total of US$1.8 billion approved primarily supporting the country’s energy sector and trade development objectives.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC).

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