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African Energy Chamber (AEC) Voices Support for Venezuela, Emphasizing Stability as the Gateway to Energy Recovery and Long-Term Growth

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African Energy Chamber

Stability is the key to unlocking Venezuela’s vast energy potential, restoring investor confidence and enabling oil and gas to drive economic recovery, unity and long-term growth

CARACUS, Venezuela, January 5, 2026/APO Group/ –Venezuela enters 2026 amid heightened uncertainty following the detention of the country’s president by the United States and the subsequent announcement by the supreme court that Delcy Rodríguez has assumed the role of Acting President. These developments have placed renewed focus on the importance of institutional continuity and stability at a moment when Venezuela’s economic and energy future hangs in the balance.

 

For the African Energy Chamber (AEC), stability remains the single most critical requirement for development. Venezuela holds the largest proven oil reserves in the world, a resource base with the potential to transform the country’s economic trajectory, rebuild infrastructure and restore energy security. Realizing this potential, however, will depend on predictable governance, responsible resource management and the creation of mutually beneficial contractual frameworks that encourage long-term investment. At this critical juncture, the AEC calls on the energy industry and the international community to provide maximum support to Acting President Rodríguez, encouraging unity, institutional continuity and a nationally driven development agenda.

 

“This is the time to continue encouraging everyone to invest in Venezuela. We call on African states and leaders as well as the Global South to give the Acting President and the Venezuelan people support as they determine their future, sovereignty and how they want to proceed,” stated NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, AEC.

 

The AEC has long-held a strong working relationship with both Acting President Rodríguez and Venezuela at large. For her part, Acting President Rodríguez – who also serves as Oil Minister – has long-supported Africa’s right to use its oil resources to better the lives of its people. Under her leadership, the country – through its state-owned PDVSA – has developed strong international ties with Africa. Looking ahead, the Chamber believes that the Global South stands to benefit from continued multilateral, respectful engagement.

 

Importantly, Venezuela is not isolated from the Global South’s energy dialogue. As a founding member of OPEC, Venezuela has spearheaded the inclusion of African countries in the organization, recognizing their role in stabilizing global energy markets. Meanwhile, as an Honorary Member of the African Petroleum Producers’ Organization, the country has long recognized the value of South-South cooperation, shared technical expertise and collective approaches to resource development. This relationship underscores Venezuela’s alignment with producer nations that view hydrocarbons not as a liability, but as a development tool capable of driving industrialization, energy security and social progress when managed responsibly.

 

Beyond that, Venezuela continues to lead capacity building programs with African companies and students. The country trains African students, fosters leadership development and opens opportunities for African companies to invest in the country – not only in energy but various other sectors.

We call on African states and leaders as well as the Global South to give the Acting President and the Venezuelan people support as they determine their future

 

For Venezuela, oil remains the backbone of the economy and the most powerful lever available to accelerate recovery. Even after years of decline, hydrocarbons still account for close to 90% of export revenues and more than half of government income, while contributing an estimated 17% to 20% of GDP. Venezuela holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves at approximately 303 billion barrels, representing around 17% of global reserves. At current and projected oil prices, the in-ground notional value of these resources is measured in the tens of trillions of dollars, placing Venezuela among the most strategically significant energy geographies in the world.

 

Production realities, however, highlight both the scale of the challenge and the opportunity ahead. After collapsing to roughly 300,000 barrels per day (bpd) in 2020, output has recovered to approximately 900,000 to 1.1 million barrels per day as of early 2026. This remains far below the historical peak of 3.4 million bpd reached in the late 1990s, but it demonstrates that Venezuela’s industry is not irreparably damaged. With stable governance, regulatory clarity and sustained investment of around $10 billion per year, production in the country has the potential to reach 2.5 million bpd over the next decade, with a return to peak levels requiring cumulative investment in the range of $80 billion to $100 billion.

 

The heart of this recovery lies in the Orinoco Heavy Oil Belt, which covers some 55,000 km2 and contains nearly 90% of Venezuela’s reserves. Blocks such as Petropiar, Ayacucho and the Zuata Complex anchor current output, though the extra-heavy nature of the crude means that access to dilutants, upgrading capacity and modern technology will be essential. Alongside oil, offshore natural gas presents an important diversification opportunity. Projects such as the Dragon field, estimated to hold more than 4 trillion cubic feet of gas, and the Cocuina-Manakin development near Trinidad offer pathways to monetize gas through regional LNG markets, support power generation and reduce the economy’s overreliance on crude exports.

 

Infrastructure rehabilitation will be equally critical. Venezuela’s refining system, with nameplate capacity of around 1.46 million bpd, is operating at just 10% to 20% due to decades of deferred maintenance. Pipelines, many of them more than 50 years old, require billions of dollars in upgrades, while the country’s state-owned Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. estimates total infrastructure needs of roughly $58 billion to restore functionality across the value chain. These investments have the potential to become employment engines and confidence signals that can rapidly improve domestic economy conditions.

 

International participation, mutually-beneficial investment terms, transparency and local involvement will be indispensable in this process. Existing involvement by companies such as Chevron, which currently produces around 240,000 to 250,000 bpd through joint ventures, illustrates the catalytic role that experienced operators can play. European firms including Eni, Repsol and Shell, alongside service providers such as SLB, Baker Hughes and Halliburton, have maintained a presence focused on asset integrity and selective growth under constrained conditions. By evolving into mutually-beneficial contracts, these relationships can form the backbone of a broader re-engagement by the global energy industry.

 

“Venezuela sits atop extraordinary natural wealth, and the lesson from Africa is clear: when stability is prioritized and the energy sector is allowed to function responsibly, hydrocarbons can drive recovery, unity and long-term development. The industry and the international community must come together at this critical moment,” concluded Ayuk.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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High-Level Minister Roundup to Headline African Energy Week 2026

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2 days ago

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March 20, 2026

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African Energy Chamber

African Energy Week 2026 will convene ministers from Algeria, Ghana, Senegal, Zambia and Niger to spotlight oil, gas expansion, reforms and investment opportunities continentwide

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, March 13, 2026/APO Group/ –A high-level ministerial roundup will take center stage at this year’s African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 – taking place in Cape Town from 12–16 October –, convening some of the continent’s most influential energy leaders at a defining moment for Africa’s oil, gas and power sectors. As hydrocarbon expansion converges with accelerating energy transition strategies, the gathering is set to spotlight real-time project execution, regulatory reform and cross-border infrastructure that are actively reshaping Africa’s energy future.

 

Confirmed ministers to date include Algeria’s Minister of Energy and Renewable Energies Mourad Adjal, Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, Senegal’s Minister of Energy, Petroleum and Mines Birame Soulèye Diop, Zambia’s Minister of Energy Makozo Chikote and Niger’s Minster of Petroleum Hamadou Tinni.

 

Fresh from a March OPEC+ decision to lift output to 977,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd), Algeria enters AEW 2026 amid a $60 billion sector transformation. The country is also advancing a 500-well exploration drive and accelerating its 1.48 GW “Project of the Century” solar rollout. Gas exports to Europe remains central to the country, supported by hydrogen corridor planning and refinery expansion aimed at boosting capacity to 50 million tons by 2029.

 

Following license extension for Jubilee and TEN to 2040 and the late-2025 restart of the Tema Oil Refinery, Ghana is pushing a $3.5 billion upstream reinvestment plan while settling $500 million in gas arrears. A 1,200 MW state thermal plant and expanded gas processing at Atuabo anchor its gas-to-power shift, alongside a renewed upstream push in the Voltaian Basin.

The participation of these distinguished ministers underscores the scale of opportunity unfolding across Africa’s energy landscape and the urgency of aligning policy with capital

 

Senegal’s delegation comes on the back of strong production momentum, with the Sangomar oil field delivering 36.1 million barrels in 2025, outperforming forecasts, while the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG development ramped up to 2.9 million tons per annum following first gas. Dakar is now prioritizing domestic gas through refinery upgrades at the SAR refinery and preparations for Sangomar Phase 2 to push output beyond 100,000 bpd.

 

Zambia is redefining its power mix after drought-induced hydro shortfalls. New solar capacity – including the 200 MW Chisamba expansion and 136 MW Itimpi Phase 2 – is part of a broader 2,500 MW diversification drive. Cabinet has approved major regional fuel pipelines, while the Energy Single Licensing System fast-tracks approvals. Lusaka targets 10 GW generation by 2030, with solar and wind rising to one-third of supply.

Niger’s presence reflects its emergence as a serious oil exporter, with the fully operational 1,950-km Niger-Benin pipeline now moving up to 90,000 bpd to international markets. Alongside uranium expansion and renewed cooperation with Algeria on upstream assets, Niamey is advancing digital oversight reforms and reinforcing energy sovereignty amid evolving geopolitical dynamics.

 

“The participation of these distinguished ministers underscores the scale of opportunity unfolding across Africa’s energy landscape and the urgency of aligning policy with capital,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber. “Their leadership reflects a continent moving decisively from strategy to execution, creating a platform where investors can engage directly with the policymakers shaping Africa’s next wave of oil, gas and energy growth.”

 

At AEW 2026, this ministerial cohort will be well-positioned to offer investors direct insight into Africa’s most dynamic energy markets – where new barrels, new pipelines and new megawatts are reshaping regional growth trajectories in real time.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Enlit Africa 2026 Programme: 280+ speakers, African nuclear 2.0, Bruce Whitfield Business Breakfast

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2 days ago

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March 20, 2026

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Enlit Africa

The event, taking place 19-21 May 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, expects 7,200+ attendees and 250+ exhibitors, making it Africa’s largest gathering of energy and water professionals

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, March 12, 2026/APO Group/ –Enlit Africa (https://apo-opa.co/4cEX08g) has released its full 2026 conference programme, featuring 280+ speakers across 8 specialised tracks including a new African Nuclear 2.0 session covering Koeberg’s 20-year life extension and Ghana’s nuclear vendor selection process.

 

The event, taking place 19-21 May 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, expects 7,200+ attendees and 250+ exhibitors, making it Africa’s largest gathering of energy and water professionals.

Award-winning business journalist and best-selling author Bruce Whitfield will deliver the opening address at the Project & Investment Network Business Breakfast on 19 May, kicking off three days of strategic sessions, deal-making platforms, and technical masterclasses.

New programme content includes:

African Nuclear 2.0 – A dedicated session examining the transition from planning to execution, featuring:

Koeberg Nuclear Power Station’s successful 20-year life extension (Units 1 and 2 now licensed until 2044/2045)

Ghana’s progression to Phase 3 of its nuclear programme, evaluating US, Chinese, and Russian technology bids

West African Power Pool‘s 10 GW regional nuclear capacity target

Small Modular Reactor (SMR) deployment readiness across African grids

Independent Transmission Projects (ITP) – A new session exploring how private investment is unlocking Africa’s transmission bottleneck, featuring global case studies from India’s PowerGrid and lessons for scaling grid capacity across the continent.

Generation Masterclasses – Five interactive roundtables on gas-to-power, nuclear, hydro power, clean coal, and hydrogen.

AI in Africa’s Power Grid – Examining practical deployment realities, real-time analytics, and predictive maintenance applications already in operation across African utilities.

Conference sessions and technical hub sessions on the expo floor are CPD-accredited by the South African Institute of Electrical Engineers (SAIEE) and the South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE).

Co-located platforms:

Water Security Africa features country playbooks from Namibia (55-year potable reuse programme), Uganda (NRW reduction from 42% to 32%), Cape Town (Day Zero recovery strategies), and sector-specific stewardship sessions with Harmony Gold, Heineken, Mediclinic, and Growthpoint Properties.

Project & Investment Network (P&IN), part of the new Level 2 Executive Experience, connects project developers, investors, African utility CEOs, and DFIs through structured matchmaking, ministerial dialogues, and project briefings. Over the past two years, P&IN has facilitated $3 billion in project pitches.

Utility CEO Forum brings together 35+ confirmed utility CEOs under Chatham House Rule for candid, off-the-record strategic discussions on unbundling, prosumer management, and financial sustainability.

Municipal Forum addresses South African municipalities’ distribution, metering, and revenue challenges, including sessions on NRW management, tariff reform, Cost of Supply studies, and electrifying informal settlements.

Technical Hub sessions on the exhibition floor offer free, CPD-accredited training across Power, Renewable Energy & Storage, and Water tracks, with confirmed speakers from Eskom, ENGIE SA, ACTOM, National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA), RenEnergy, and Matla Energy.

Site visits on 22 May include Koeberg Nuclear Power Station and the V&A Waterfront desalination plant.

Pass options:
Free expo pass registration: https://apo-opa.co/4bl2bYu

Free expo passes provide access to 250+ exhibitors and CPD-accredited Technical Hub sessions.

Delegate Pass:
Early bird registration closes 3 April 2026. Delegate passes start at R15,100 (Silver), with P&IN Executive passes at R32,000 including access to the Bruce Whitfield breakfast, Level 2 executive lounge, and investor matchmaking.

Download the full programme: https://apo-opa.co/3NwCble

Register: https://apo-opa.co/4cEX08g

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

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Binance Secures Second Major Legal Victory in U.S. Court Under Anti-Terrorism Act in Two Weeks

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2 days ago

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March 20, 2026

By

Binance

US Federal Court in Alabama Dismisses All Claims Against Binance in Latest Lawsuit Victory

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, March 12, 2026/APO Group/ –Binance (www.Binance.com), the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, announced today that a U.S. federal court in Alabama has dismissed all claims against the company in a lawsuit alleging violations of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA). This marks Binance’s second major legal victory in an  ATA matter within one week, following their victory in the Southern District of New York.

A Full and Complete Legal Victory

In a detailed 19-page ruling, the Court found the plaintiffs’ complaint to be legally and factually deficient. The court’s decision to dismiss every claim across the board represents a decisive legal victory for Binance.

Sanctions compliance and terrorism financing are serious matters of law – they require evidence, legal rigour, and due process

The judge described the filing as a “shotgun pleading.” The complaint failed to clearly specify the claims and improperly grouped all defendants together without distinguishing individual conduct or liability. The ruling also emphasized that the plaintiffs did not meet the basic pleading standard to provide a “short and plain statement” of their claims.

Following the ruling, the court granted the plaintiffs until April 10, 2026, to file an amended complaint addressing the deficiencies identified. However, the judge warned that failure to adequately address these issues would result in dismissal of the entire case.

Building on Momentum and Upholding Legal Integrity

“This decision reinforces our unwavering commitment to protecting Binance and our community from unsubstantiated and bad-faith lawsuits,” shared Eleanor Hughes, General Counsel at Binance. “Sanctions compliance and terrorism financing are serious matters of law – they require evidence, legal rigour, and due process. Courts have now examined these claims on two separate occasions and found them to be without merit. These outcomes speak for themselves. We will not tolerate attempts to misuse the legal system to target our industry, and we remain as committed as ever to transparency, security, and lawful conduct in everything we do”.

This latest decision follows closely on the heels of Binance’s comprehensive victory in New York (https://apo-opa.co/46Xg0ev), where the Court similarly rejected allegations that the company assisted, participated in, or conspired with terrorists. Together, these rulings reflect Binance’s strong resolve to protect its platform and community.

Binance has consistently invested in industry-leading compliance infrastructure, regulatory engagement, and legal governance. The company will continue to vigorously defend itself against any attempts to bring unfounded claims or misrepresent its operations.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Binance.

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