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Kevin Chika Urama urges Nordic and Irish entrepreneurs in to make Africa their business and investment destination

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African Development Bank Group

According to Urama, agriculture and energy in Africa offer huge opportunities for trade and investment with Nordic countries

ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, October 12, 2023/APO Group/ — 

The African Development Bank Group’s (www.AfDB.org) Chief Economist, Prof Kevin Chika Urama, has urged entrepreneurs in Nordic countries and Ireland to make Africa their business and investment destination.

Prof Urama, on an official visit to Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Norway and Sweden between 25-29 September, said Africa’s population boom – projected to make it the world’s most populous region by the end of the century, with up to 3.4 billion people – offers huge business and investment opportunities to the rest of the world.

“With a population of more than 1.3 billion [currently], a youthful population of 600 million, rapid urbanization and rising incomes of the middle class, Africa is the lead-ing emerging market frontier,” said Prof. Urama, who was accompanied on the trip by Ms. Mette Knudsen, Executive Director for the Nordic-Indian-Irish Consituency at the African Development Bank.

According to Urama, agriculture and energy in Africa offer huge opportunities for trade and investment with Nordic countries, as the size of the food and agriculture market in Africa will rise to USD 1 trillion by 2030 from USD 300 billion in 2022.

Africa has 65% of the world’s uncultivated arable land with vast potential for sustainable agriculture and agribusiness.

Speaking in Copenhagen, Denmark, during a meeting with businesspeople on 28 September, Urama said that the African Continental Free Trade Area, the largest regional bloc in the world in terms of the number of countries, is estimated at $3.5 trillion in market size.

“Danish businesses should seize these business opportunities and invest more in Africa,” said Prof. Urama, who is also the Bank’s Vice President for Economic Governance and Knowledge Management.

He said that bilateral trade between Denmark and Africa increased by 28.6% between 2018 and 2022, from USD 2 billion to USD 2.6 billion and noted there was potential for growth.

Between 2018 and 2022, total exports to Africa from Norway represented on average only 0.4% of Africa’s total imports

“But this increase is insufficient in both value and relative terms. Between 2018 and 2022, total exports to Africa from Denmark represented on average only 0.3% of Africa’s total global imports,” he said.

Denmark’s imports from Africa represent only 0.1% of Africa’s total exports between 2018 and 2022.

“This needs to change given the huge potential and opportunities that African markets offer to Danish businesses for trade and investment and the strong partnership between Denmark and African countries,” he said.

Similarly, while addressing a business roundtable in Oslo, Norway, Urama highlighted the low levels of trade between Norway and African countries, despite the enormous potential that African markets offer to Norwegian businesses.

Bilateral trade increased from USD 3.1 billion in 2018 to USD 5.2 billion in 2022, an increase of 68%. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) by Norway in Africa was estimated at USD 1.6 billion in 2021, a 12% decline from 2020.

“Much needs to be done to improve trade and investment between Norway and Africa. Between 2018 and 2022, total exports to Africa from Norway represented on average only 0.4% of Africa’s total imports,” he clarified.

Urama made similar calls to investors in Ireland, Finland and Sweden, encouraging them to seize investment opportunities in Africa, particularly in key areas such as green metals, such as lithium and cobalt, that will drive global market growth in clean technologies.

“The continent holds 80% of the world’s platinum; 50% of cobalt and 40% of magnesium, as well as vast deposits of lithium and graphite,” he said.

There are also untapped opportunities in the development of Special Agro-industrial Processing Zones. The African Development Bank and its partners are investing over USD 1.5 billion in the development of these zones, with 25 zones under development in 11 countries, he added.

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

Energy

Venezuela Energy Week Confirms 19 August Date for Houston Industry Showcase

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Officially supported by Venezuela’s Ministry of Hydrocarbons and national oil company PDVSA, the Houston Industry Showcase will take place on 19 August, convening U.S. energy leaders ahead of Venezuela Energy Week 2027 in Caracas

HOUSTON, United States of America, August 10, 2026/APO Group/ –The organizers of Venezuela Energy Week (VEW) have confirmed that the Houston Industry Showcase will take place on 19 August 2026 at The Post Oak Hotel. Officially supported by Venezuela’s Ministry of Hydrocarbons and national oil company PDVSA, the event will bring together U.S. energy companies, investors and policymakers to explore commercial opportunities ahead of Venezuela Energy Week 2027 in Caracas in February.

The showcase will feature Minister of Hydrocarbons Paula Henao as a keynote speaker, providing an update on Venezuela’s energy priorities, investment agenda and opportunities for international partnership. Her participation underscores the country’s commitment to strengthening engagement with global industry as it seeks to expand production and unlock new upstream investment.

Bringing together exploration and production companies, independent operators, oilfield service providers, engineering firms, technology companies and financial institutions, the Houston Industry Showcase will examine opportunities across exploration, production optimization, infrastructure rehabilitation and field development.

As Venezuela works to increase oil and gas production, demand is expected to grow for the technical expertise of U.S. service providers in drilling, well intervention, completion services, production optimization, artificial lift, digital oilfield technologies and infrastructure rehabilitation. Houston-based industry leaders – including SLB, Halliburton, Baker Hughes, Weatherford and a broad network of EPC contractors, equipment manufacturers and specialized service companies – are well positioned to support the modernization of mature fields, improve operational efficiency and deliver the technologies and services needed for future upstream projects.

The Houston event follows a successful Industry Showcase in London, which brought together international investors, operators and energy service companies to explore Venezuela’s evolving investment landscape. Building on that momentum, the Houston edition will deepen engagement with the U.S. energy industry and strengthen commercial dialogue ahead of Venezuela Energy Week 2027.

Venezuela Energy Week – the country’s largest energy investment platform to date – has been confirmed for 22–25 February 2027 in Caracas. Organized by Energy Capital & Power, the event will bring together government leaders, investors and industry stakeholders from across the global energy value chain.

To register for the Houston Industry Showcase on August 19, visit https://apo-opa.co/4g0TncR. To learn more about delegate, sponsorship and partnership opportunities for the showcase or to secure your place at Venezuela Energy Week 2027 in Caracas, contact info@venezuelaenergyweek.com.

Supporting Venezuela’s Earthquake Recovery
Our thoughts are with the people and communities affected by the recent earthquakes in Venezuela. As the country begins the long process of recovery, we encourage members of the global energy community to support relief and reconstruction efforts through the CAF Recovery and Reconstruction Fund for Venezuela, which channels contributions from individuals, companies and organizations to emergency assistance, essential services and long-term rebuilding efforts.

To learn more or make a contribution, please visit the CAF Recovery and Reconstruction Fund for Venezuela (https://apo-opa.co/4hkvteE).

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

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Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) Secures New Patent for Smart Stabilization System from Intellectual Property Office of Singapore

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IsDBI

The Smart Stabilization System is a pioneering digital market infrastructure designed to stabilize asset markets by intelligently managing supply-demand gaps and mitigating excessive volatility

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, August 10, 2026/APO Group/ –The Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) (https://IsDBInstitute.org) is pleased to announce that the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) has granted a new patent for its innovative Smart Stabilization System.

 

The patent was granted on 10 July 2026 under Singapore Patent No. 10202250873B for the invention titled “A Computer Network Stabilization System and Method.” The patent application was filed on 1 September 2022 and was formally granted following a comprehensive review process.

This achievement reflects our commitment to translating pioneering research into practical solutions that contribute to economic resilience and sustainable development

The Smart Stabilization System is a pioneering digital market infrastructure designed to stabilize asset markets by intelligently managing supply-demand gaps and mitigating excessive volatility. Leveraging sophisticated algorithms and advanced simulation models, the system is designed to anticipate supply and demand imbalances and implement programmable stabilization measures before they escalate into market disruptions.

Unlike traditional stabilization mechanisms that rely on capital reserves, buffer funds, or external interventions, the Smart Stabilization System introduces a next-generation framework for achieving autonomous market stabilization through proactive and programmed stabilization mechanisms. By incorporating distributed ledger technology and cryptographic trust mechanisms, the platform enhances transparency, trust, and operational resilience for digital asset and commodity markets.

The successful patent grant reflects IsDBI’s growing contribution to technological innovation and its commitment to developing knowledge-based solutions that address contemporary economic and development challenges.

Since filing the patent application back in 2022, the Institute has continued to advance the Smart Stabilization System through ongoing development and testing, aimed to expand its practical applications and support future capitalization opportunities. These advancements have positioned the system as a potentially transformative solution for enhancing stability and resilience in increasingly digital and interconnected economies.

Commenting on this occasion, Dr. Sami Al-Suwailem, Acting Director General of IsDBI, said, “The grant of this patent by the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore further strengthens the Institute’s position as a leader in developing innovative knowledge-based solutions that leverage modern technologies to address complex development challenges. This achievement reflects our commitment to translating pioneering research into practical solutions that contribute to economic resilience and sustainable development.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI).

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Liberia to Preview Next Oil & Gas Licensing Round Strategy at Houston Investor Day

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The Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority will host operators, investors and partners in Houston on August 19 to preview future licensing opportunities and showcase the exploration potential of its offshore basins

HOUSTON, United States of America, August 7, 2026/APO Group/ –The Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority (LPRA) will present its strategy for the country’s next offshore licensing round at Liberia Investor Day Houston on August 19, bringing together international exploration companies, investors, service providers and energy leaders to discuss the next phase of Liberia’s upstream development.

Hosted in partnership with Energy Capital & Power, the event will provide a platform for the LPRA, led by Director General Hon. Marilyn T. Logan, to outline Liberia’s regulatory framework, investment priorities and plans to attract new participation across the country’s offshore sector. Discussions will focus on upcoming licensing opportunities, exploration prospects and the subsurface data supporting future investment decisions.

Liberia’s offshore sector is entering a new phase of exploration activity, with renewed international participation and a growing pipeline of opportunities. Following the award and ratification of eight Production Sharing Contracts in 2025, Liberia has re-established itself as a frontier exploration destination, with international operators advancing work programs designed to further evaluate the country’s petroleum potential. TotalEnergies is progressing exploration activities that include offshore geochemical surveys, 3D seismic acquisition and seabed mapping, while Oranto Petroleum has also signed contracts to explore Liberia’s offshore.

At the Liberia Investor Day Houston, the LPRA will provide industry stakeholders with insight into the priorities shaping the next licensing round, including the anticipated process, qualification requirements, available acreage and access to technical data. The engagement will give prospective investors a clearer view of Liberia’s exploration landscape and the opportunities emerging across its offshore basins.

The event will also facilitate direct dialogue between LPRA and the global upstream community, connecting companies with policymakers and industry stakeholders involved in shaping Liberia’s next chapter of petroleum development.

As exploration companies continue to seek new frontier opportunities, Liberia Investor Day Houston will highlight the role of regulatory certainty, data availability and strategic partnerships in unlocking long-term investment across Liberia’s offshore sector.

Registration is now open for attendees. Companies interested in Liberia’s emerging offshore opportunities are invited to join LPRA, investors and upstream leaders in Houston for insights into the country’s licensing strategy and exploration outlook. For more information contact info@energycapitalpower.com.

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

 

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