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Africa Leads on Energy Reform, Sparking Green Power Surge Ahead of COP27

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MSGBC Conference

Amidst a globally competitive green recovery from the pandemic’s aftermath, Africa is rapidly establishing itself at the forefront of energy adaptation and intersectional decarbonization works worldwide

DAKAR, Senegal, July 27, 2022/APO Group/ — 

This September, the African continent’s key power stakeholders will convene at the world-renowned CICAD venue in Dakar for the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power Conference 2022.

Yet despite titular appearances, programming for pivotal event remains strongly rooted in Africa’s energy transition, complemented by elements of local content, economic diversification and universal access to power.

A mere three months later, the continent’s heads of state will converge in Egypt for COP27, knowing their respective nations will be in the spotlight and that commitments from last year’s COP26 still only limit warming to 2.4 degrees, providing a 5% loss per annum to these African nations’ GDPs.

Thus, as we approach the business end of this pivotal year, here is what you need to know about Africa’s keystone position and leadership in the global energy transition and the transformational effect this shift is having on the continent.

Renewables generate better returns for communities and economies and the African continent recognizes this uniquely

First, we look to investment- the ultimate differentiator in climate action and Africa’s historical stumbling block in development, yet now a well of fresh innovation. To date, the continent continues to attract a mere 3% of global private sector climate finance and yet the African Development Bank estimates that African countries’ nationally determined contributions towards mitigating climate change demand over $3 trillion investment by 2030. How is this to be achieved? Through local incentivization coupled with globalization. In 2020, Senegal dropped all VAT on solar panels and associated technologies.

The following year its solar adoption peaked, seeing it pass a 1/3 renewables share in its power grid. Last year, Mauritania signed two MoU’s with global transitional power megafirms Chariot and CWP. In doing so it unlocked some $43.5 billion in foreign direct investment creating 40GW of renewable energy. And with Senegalese President H.E. Macky Sall holding the title of President of the African Union this year, foreign heads of state are flocking to West Africa. In attracting global financiers from across Africa, Europe, Asia, America, Australia and the Middle East, MSGBC 2022 has the power to turbocharge the MSGBC basin and African continent’s green energy financing for adoption ahead of COP27.

Next, we look to energy access- an area wherein a robust green recovery and transition has allowed every one of the MSGBC basin’s nations to commit to 2025 or 2030 universal electrification goals, raising billions of dollars of public capital to the cause. Herein diversification is the key: gas supporting a power backbone while complemented by a more variable yet ever-increasing solar and wind power share. Next year, Senegal expects $9 billion in gas developments to come online, generating up to 840MW power generation potential. Solar and wind potential each stand in the hundreds of gigawatts. MSGBC 2022 will feature several highly anticipated sessions tracking the region’s key energy transition innovators and megaprojects to this end, providing not only financing opportunities but strategic insight into the field with speakers from the basin’s ministries and heads of state prominently featured.

Last but by no means least, along with world-class natural resource reserves and savvy investment strategies, Africa’s energy transition advantage derives from simple political will. Glasgow’s COP26 agreed on a $100 billion global annual climate finance target, $20 billion higher than that currently being achieved. Yet African negotiators called for a target of $700 billion, recognizing the need for urgent action. For perspective, the humanitarian crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic saw some $25 billion raised globally in aid of control and curve-flattening. Renewables already are the main source of electricity for almost half of Africa, and as a result, the continent which holds 17% of the world population creates only 4% of global emissions.

The fact is, renewables generate better returns for communities and economies and the African continent recognizes this uniquely, striving for ambitious adoption targets ahead of the SDGs and springboarding green development with a glocal model. According to the UN Economic Commission for Africa, investment in green sectors, chiefly energy but also climate-smart agriculture and eco-tourism, produces 420% better returns in gross value addition and 250% better returns in job creation than investment in fossil fuels. The numbers speak for themselves, and as H.E. Macky Sall, who will provide MSGBC 2022’s opening address, frequently remarks: “Africa is a field which cannot be the feast of others.”

To join Africa’s energy ministries and NOCs, international megafirm execs, investors and analysts at this year’s stand-out West African event, writing a robust future for the African energy transition ahead of COP 27, visit https://MSGBCOilGasandPower.com/.

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

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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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