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African Development Bank and Angola launch $125 million drive to boost youth entrepreneurship

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African Development Bank

The African Development Bank Group (https://AfDB.org), in partnership with the Government of Angola and the European Union, has launched a $125 million Youth Employment Project (Crescer Project) to spur entrepreneurship and job creation among young Angolans.

The project will create more than 112,000 indirect jobs, support the growth of over 10,000 micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and startups, and expand skills development in key sectors, including agriculture, aquaculture, transport, and renewable energy.

Minister of Planning Victor Hugo Guilherme underscored the strategic alignment of the project with the “Angola Vision 2050” and the “PDN 2023-2027” which contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Speaking at the launch, the African Development Bank’s Executive Director for Angola, Mozambique, Namibia, and ZimbabweEugénio Maria Paulo, praised the government’s commitment to youth empowerment.

“We commend the Angolan government for taking such a decisive step toward investing in young people. By placing youth at the center of national development, the government sends a powerful message: that young people will build Angola’s future,” he said, adding that supporting MSMEs and startups led by young people along the Lobito Corridor stimulates local economies and reduces the pressure of rural-urban migration.

The project will be co-financed by the African Development Bank ($79.08 million in sovereign credit), the Angolan Government ($29.06 million), and the European Union ($16.08 million).

We commend the Angolan government for taking such a decisive step toward investing in young people

The Crescer Project will strengthen the national planning system, public-private partnerships, and public investment, all of which are key drivers of economic growth.

The Project builds on the progress achieved under the government’s flagship programs to support entrepreneurship and the formalization of the economy, namely the Program to Support Production, Diversification of Exports, and Substitution of Imports.

It will create 149,720 jobs (37,430 direct and approximately 112,290 indirect); train 97,569 young people (in digital technologies, climate-smart agriculture, and transportation); expand and accelerate the growth of 10,400 MSMEs; provide Business Development Services to 385 MSMEs and 97 startups; strengthen the capacity of 40 business support organizations; and inject up to $15 million to increase access to finance. At least 50 percent of the beneficiaries will be women.

The Crescer Project comprises three key components: demand-driven skills development, business acceleration, and enhanced access to finance, along with an enabling environment and institutional capacity. These components strengthen the operational environment and develop the capacity of relevant institutions to deliver efficient services.

This intervention complements the ongoing Science and Technology Park project, developed through a partnership between the African Development Bank and the Government of Angola, the objective of which is to contribute to the country’s economic diversification, through scientific and technological innovation, with the construction of the Science and Technology Park (with completion scheduled for November 2025) and the financing of scholarships in scientific and technological subjects from higher education up to doctorate for young Angolans.

This effort reinforces the commitment of the African Development Bank and the Government of Angola to boost the country’s economic diversification through strategic investments in youth, employability, and entrepreneurship.

The African Development Bank has a portfolio of 16 ongoing operations in Angola, with a total commitment of $1.45 billion, covering the following sectors: energy (36.4 percent); water and sanitation (17.08 percent); transportation (0.17 percent), agriculture (14.1 percent), finance (20.15 percent), social (11.63 percent), and environment (0.3 percent).

Since beginning its operations in Angola in 1980, the African Development Bank has approved cumulative loan and grant commitments totaling $3.36 billion.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

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Marriott International Makes its Entry into Cape Verde with the Opening of Four Points by Sheraton São Vicente Resort

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Representing Marriott’s 500th hotel in the company’s select service segment for the Europe, Middle East & Africa region, this landmark opening also marks Four Points by Sheraton’s first resort offering in the region

SAO VICENTE, Cape Verde, March 30, 2026/APO Group/ –Marriott International (www.Marriott.com) celebrates the opening of the Four Points by Sheraton São Vicente Resort (http://apo-opa.co/4tfdwkb), marking the company’s highly anticipated debut into Cape Verde. Situated above Laginha Beach within the cultural hub of São Vicente, the hotel blends resort-style relaxation with business-ready convenience on the island.

 

“Cape Verde is known for its vibrant spirit, natural beauty and growing global appeal, making it an exciting addition to our network of global destinations,” said Sandra Schulze-Potgieter, Vice President, Premium, Select & Midscale Brand Management, EMEA, Marriott International.  “São Vicente is the ideal destination for us to introduce Four Points by Sheraton’s first resort in the region, offering an authentic sense of place paired with breathtaking vistas along with the brand’s genuine service, comfort and modern style.”

Four Points by Sheraton São Vicente Resort is nestled within a crescent-shaped bay in Mindelo, a port city in Northern São Vicente Island known for its colorful and animated carnival celebrations.  The resort features modern design that encapsulates a relaxing summer feel throughout its public spaces and 127 spacious guestrooms and suites, which are adorned with wooden furniture, crafted light fixtures, decorative wall plates and patterned cement tile flooring.  The clean, functional aesthetics of Four Points by Sheraton are thoughtfully harmonized with the destination’s bold colors, textures, and natural elements.

São Vicente is the ideal destination for us to introduce Four Points by Sheraton’s first resort in the region

The design of Four Points by Sheraton São Vicente Resort is deeply inspired by the island’s distinctive character and culture. Drawing from the weathered patina of local architecture, the vibrant rhythms of Mindelo’s renowned musical heritage, and the relaxed spirit of seaside living, the resort’s interiors have been conceived to offer an experience that feels both authentically local and effortlessly comfortable. The art collection shows a curated blend of paintings by artist Raya Salman, and photographic pieces by photographer Joe Wuerfel, whose lens has captured the essence of Cape Verde for more than 25 years. The hotel will also present select works by two Cape Verdean artists, further grounding the space in local creative expression.

Four Points by Sheraton São Vicente Resort offers direct access to the pristine waters of Laginha beach via a skybridge on the first floor, which is also home to an infinity edge pool and pool bar. Culinary offerings at the resort include Bayview, serving global flavors from sunrise to sunset; Ocean Lounge offers a vibrant, poolside social hub; and the soon-to-open Skybar provides a rooftop escape with panoramic views.

Other facilities at the resort include a conference center with three meeting rooms and other multi-purpose spaces for events and gatherings, a fully equipped fitness center with stunning ocean and pool views and the Essência spa featuring four treatment rooms, a sauna, Turkish steam bath and jacuzzi.  The property also features Four Points by Sheraton’s signature Best Brews™ program with a local craft beer.

The opening of Four Points by Sheraton São Vicente Resort Celebrates Multiple Milestones for Marriott International:

  • Marriott’s official entry into Cape Verde the company’s 500th operating select service hotel in its EMEA region.
  • The first-ever resort offering under Four Points by Sheraton in the Africa region, delivering the brand’s reliable comfort and consistent standards to travellers seeking accommodation and leisure facilities and experiences at an affordable value.

Schulze-Potgieter added, “Our select service hotels today represents more than 30 percent of our EMEA portfolio, and this 500th milestone opening underscores the strong demand for consistent and modern hospitality in the region and reflects the power and credibility of our brands in the segment.” 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Marriott International, Inc..

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Investment, Fuel Security and Strategy to Take Center Stage Across Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) 2026 Multi-Track Program

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With strategic, technical and roundtable discussions, AOG 2026 strengthens its position as Angola’s premier platform for industry dialogue, investment and project development

LUANDA, Angola, March 27, 2026/APO Group/ –The Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) Conference and Exhibition returns to Luanda this September as a bridge connecting global investors and project developers with Angolan projects and partners. At a time when global supply disruptions and geopolitics are sharpening consumer focus on Africa, Angola offers the stability, resource base and investment appeal needed to support long-term security. Reflecting this focus, AOG will once again feature a multi-track program designed to showcase Angolan opportunities to a global audience.

Across three primary tracks – the Strategic, Technical and Roundtables Track – AOG 2026 will bring together policymakers, operators, financiers and technology providers to address challenges and opportunities across the full investment value chain. The expanded program structure underscores the event’s commitment to facilitating targeted discussions that support project development, strengthen partnerships and address the most pressing challenges facing Angola’s oil and gas sector today.

Strategic Track

As Angola continues to position itself as a leading African investment destination, the AOG 2026 Strategic Track will provide a platform for high-level dialogue between government, operators and investors, focusing on the policies, partnerships and capital frameworks required to sustain production and drive new exploration. Taking place across the two-day main conference, the Strategic Track will address the macro and investment-driven themes shaping Angola’s oil and gas industry.

Sessions will cover investment trends, Angola’s upstream competitiveness, advancing deepwater frontier momentum and opportunities in building an Angolan gas economy. Additional discussions will examine oil trade and the impacts of geopolitics, financing solutions for independents, fuel supply security and refining and the economics of local content success.

Technical Track

Running alongside the Strategic Track, the Technical Track will feature a series of presentations and discussions addressing critical operational and technical challenges across Angola’s oil and gas sector. This track will focus on practical solutions and emerging technologies that are shaping the future of the industry.

Topics will include M&A trends and asset transactions, accelerating AI adoption in oil and gas operations, building the next generation workforce and developing decommissioning frameworks for ageing assets. By focusing on operational efficiency, technology deployment and workforce development, the Technical Track will provide valuable insights for companies looking to optimize performance and extend the life of Angola’s producing assets while preparing for the next generation of projects.

Roundtables Track

A strategic feature at AOG, the Roundtables Track will introduce a more interactive discussion format focused on some of the industry’s most complex and strategic issues. These sessions will bring together small groups of stakeholders for targeted discussions on ensuring global compliance, Angola’s licensing landscape, partnerships and the future of upstream development.

Additional topics will include resolving the dollar/kwanza conundrum, the role of local financial institutions in the oil and gas sector and strategies to strengthen collaboration between international investors and local companies. The introduction of the Roundtables Track reflects growing demand for more focused, solution-driven discussions that move beyond traditional conference formats and toward practical problem-solving and partnership building.

Additional Features: Pre-Conference

In addition to the main conference program, AOG 2026 will include a dedicated pre-conference agenda on September 8, setting the tone ahead of the main conference discussions. Pre-conference sessions will cover subsurface imaging and structural analysis, Angola’s fiscals in a global context and strategies for strengthening Angolan institutions.

Several industry-led workshops will also take place, with companies offering insights into the technologies, solutions and tools that are transforming Angola’s oil and gas sector. These sessions are designed to provide practical knowledge sharing while highlighting the role of technology and innovation in improving efficiency and supporting new project development.

With an expanded multi-track program and the introduction of the Roundtables Track, AOG 2026 continues to evolve into a platform designed to drive investment, strengthen partnerships and support the next phase of Angola’s oil and gas growth.

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

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Minister Ernesto Kesar Joins Caribbean Energy Week (CEW) 2026 as Trinidad and Tobago Accelerates Upstream Momentum

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The participation of Minister Ernesto Kesar at Caribbean Energy Week comes as the country advances new upstream projects, gas developments and regional energy cooperation

PARAMARIBO, Suriname, March 27, 2026/APO Group/ –Ernesto Kesar, Minister in the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries of Trinidad and Tobago, has officially joined the upcoming Caribbean Energy Week (CEW), reinforcing the country’s commitment to upstream growth at a time of renewed momentum in the oil and gas sector.

 

As the twin-island country advances new gas supply projects, encourages exploration and strengthens regional energy ties, Minister Kesar’s participation at CEW 2026 is expected to serve as a launchpad for strengthened regional ties.

Minister Kesar’s participation comes amid a multi-billion-dollar investment surge in Trinidad and Tobago as operators advance projects, regional energy ties and strategic partnerships. At the helm of these efforts, the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries continues to prioritize upstream investment, deepwater exploration and cross-border gas projects, positioning the country as a regional hub for natural gas production and LNG exports.

Recent milestones reflect this momentum, with several projects starting production and exploration kicking off across key basins. The bpTT-led Cypre gas project achieved first gas in April 2025, with peak production estimated at 45,000 barrels per day (bpd) – translating to around 250 million standard cubic feet of gas. The project comprised seven wells and will enhance the country’s overall export capacity. In partnership with EOG Resources, the company also started production at the Mento field in 2025, featuring a 12-slot, attended facility.

Looking ahead, bp’s Ginger gas development is on track for first gas production in 2027 following FID reached in 2025. With an expected capacity of 62,000 bpd, the project will feature four subsea wells tied back to the company’s existing Mahogany B platform. The company is also evaluating development options for its Frangipani exploration well which identified multiple stacked gas reservoirs in 2025. These initiatives will not only bring additional volumes online to support LNG exports and domestic capacity, but strengthen the country’s position as a regional hub for oil and gas.

Beyond projects, Trinidad and Tobago is advancing exploration efforts with a view to strengthen its reserves. The company awarded an ultra-deepwater exploration block to ExxonMobil in 2025, signaling the company’s return to the market after nearly two decades. The milestone not only paves the way for the development of Block TTUD-1, but opens the door to nearly $20 billion in potential investment. The move follows a 2025 licensing round launched by the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries in 2025, aligning with national goals of revitalizing exploration across deepwater margins.

On a regional front, Trinidad and Tobago is streamlining cross-border collaboration. The country recently secured a license from the United States authorizing oil and gas activities with Venezuela. The approval allows Trinidad-based companies to pursue cross-border gas developments, paving the way for Venezuela to feed new gas volumes into Trinidad and Tobago’s existing LNG and processing infrastructure. The move will not only sustain gas exports but accelerate long-delayed projects such as the Dragon gas field – situated near the maritime border of the two countries.

Trinidad and Tobago is also assessing options to restart the Pointe-a-Pierre refinery, which has been closed since 2018 following the restructuring of state-owned Petrotrin. The government is currently in talks with various partners as well as Guyana to reopen the facility. If brought back online successfully, the facility would support regional energy security efforts, highlighting a strategic opportunity for global and regional investors.

As upstream momentum continues to build, the upcoming CEW 2026 offers a strategic platform to advance dialogue on regional gas monetization, energy security and investment opportunities. Minister Kesar’s participation reflects Trinidad and Tobago’s commitment to strengthening Caribbean energy ties, paving the way for new collaborations and sustained investment.

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

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