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African Energy Stakeholders Discuss Investment, Domestic Gas Utilization and Namibia’s Oil Boom

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The African Energy Chamber hosted a webinar to discuss the challenges and opportunities within Africa’s energy sector and the importance of collaboration amongst African stakeholders to boost market growth

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, April 14, 2022/APO Group/ — 

With over 600 million without access to electricity in Africa in 2022, urgent solutions are required. In this regard, signing deals to expand energy production is key to addressing energy poverty and the continent’s energy market stakeholders need to ensure they push for local content and address issues such as gender diversity to unlock the full potential of the energy sector. At the same time, collaboration among African governments to address a lack of adequate funding within the sector and to bring deals into concrete projects that create jobs and address energy security is also vital. These were the main messages by industry stakeholders participating in a webinar hosted by the African Energy Chamber (AEC) (www.EnergyChamber.org), on Wednesday, April 13, 2022.

Moderated by the AEC’s Executive Chairman, NJ Ayuk, panellists included Abdur-Rasheed Tunde Omidiya, Managing Director at QSol Consulting DMCC and Head of Nigeria for the AEC; Grace Orife CEO at Adeelar Energy and AEC Board Member; Leoncio Amada Nze Nlang Executive President at the AEC for CEMAC and Founder & Chairman at APEX INDUSTRIES SA; Taimi Itembu who is President for Namibia, AEC; and Verner Ayukegba, Senior-Vice President at the AEC.

During the webinar, the panellists discussed the challenges and opportunities within Africa’s hydrogen and oil and gas sectors, debating investment, infrastructure and how Africa can emerge as the preferred supplier to European markets in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine crisis.

“Africa has the money to build its own infrastructure, it is getting half a billion US dollars by selling oil and gas per day. We just need to direct that money towards infrastructure development. At the same time, Africa also needs to improve its taxes on energy to attract investments and to avoid majors exiting the market. Chevron and other big firms are leaving the west African market because fiscal terms are not making sense, there are high taxes,” stated Leoncio Amada Nze Nlang.

Verner Ayukegba added that, “Without peace in African hydrocarbon producing countries, there won’t be any deals. Peace is important and with it we will see more oil and gas companies that have a strong base across the continent expanding their operations in oil and gas-rich countries. We are so happy South Sudan has reached a deal to ensure security and this means more energy deals will be signed. Moreover, we need to de-politicize energy deals to ensure long term energy partnerships are signed.”

Africa also needs to improve its taxes on energy to attract investments and to avoid majors exiting the market

Additionally, participants also analyzed the impact of the Russia-Ukraine crisis on the African oil and gas market and its possibility of Africa increasing energy exports to Europe.

Grace Orife, explained that “We need private investors and African investors because Europe is not going to give us the money to accelerate infrastructure deployment. Looking at the huge gas reserves Africa has, domestic gas supply should be a priority before we supply to Europe and other markets considering we have 600 million people across the continent that do not have access to energy. With gas also considered a clean energy, Africa should utilize it to address energy poverty and decarbonize at the same time.”

Abdur Rasheed extended on this notion, adding that “Since Africa is the closest to Europe, why are we not the priority market to get gas to Europe? The challenge we have seen regarding Africa not getting gas to Europe is the lack of infrastructure. However, Africa is already exporting gas to Europe. What we need is more investments and transmission systems. We are glad the Niger, Nigeria and Algeria pipeline deal has been signed. This is something that should have been done years ago. Underinvestment has restrained Africa to expand to Europe, Nigeria and other African countries that have high gas reserves need to ramp up infrastructure development to be able to increase exports to Europe.”

Meanwhile, ahead of the Namibia International Energy Conference 2022, a platform to unite energy stakeholders with investors and international partners to drive industry growth and development, which will take place from 20 – 21 April 2022 in Windhoek, the webinar also highlighted developments and opportunities within the country’s energy sector.

“Namibia is ready in terms of policy and governance but in terms of infrastructure the country has a lot of work to do. This is where foreign direct investments are needed as well as the participation of private sector investors. Namibia is going to need the support of other leading hydrocarbon producers in Africa such as Nigeria and Niger and to partner with firms with high technical experience to ensure local people are skilled. In terms of the green hydrogen sector, Namibia is taking the narrative from America of taking hydrogen into the energy mix. The Netherlands and Germany and the private sector are helping in that regard,” stated Taimi Itembu.  

Finally, the webinar also highlighted the importance of collaborations such as the Team-Energy Africa initiative, an initiative between the AEC, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa and the Secretariat of Sustainable Energy for All, that will launch in Kigali, Rwanda from 17-19 May 2022. With the Team-Energy Africa initiative launching with $1 billion in funding, the project will play a key role in accelerating electrification in Africa to ensure the achievement of sustainable development goals.

The webinar also served as an introduction of discussions that will be held at the AEC’s premier event for the oil and gas sector, African Energy Week (AEW), which will take place from 18 – 21 October 2022 in Cape Town. During AEW, topics such as policy reforms and increasing exploration and production activities as stakeholders align to ensure Africa uses its oil and gas resources to make energy poverty history by 2030.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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China-India ties at 75: ‘Dragon-Elephant Tango’ will benefit both

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April 3, 2025

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diplomatic relations

BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 April 2025 – CGTN published an article on China-India relations as the two Asian neighbors celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, exploring the bilateral cooperation and exchanges and emphasizing why working together will benefit both countries, the region and the world.
China and India celebrated the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations on Tuesday with mutual congratulatory messages from their leaders.

In his message to Indian President Droupadi Murmu, Chinese President Xi Jinping described China-India ties as the “Dragon-Elephant Tango,” symbolizing a harmonious partnership between the countries’ emblematic animals. He noted that realizing the “Dragon-Elephant Tango” is the right choice for the two sides, as it serves the fundamental interests of both countries and their peoples.

China-India relations have made positive strides over the past year. Last October, President Xi and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met in Kazan, Russia, signaling a new phase of engagement. Since then, both sides have worked to implement the important consensus reached by the two leaders, strengthening exchanges at various levels and achieving a series of positive outcomes.

‘Partners of mutual achievement’

Noting that China and India, as ancient civilizations, major developing countries and important members of the Global South, are both at a critical stage of their respective modernization efforts, Xi called on the two sides to be partners of mutual achievement.

In an interview with CGTN, Harsh Pant, vice president for Studies and Foreign Policy at the leading Indian think tank Observer Research Foundation, pointed out that the two major economies should engage with each other much more substantively on economic matters amid simmering global trade tensions.

“If they continue to work according to the principles of free and open global trade, I think that can inspire other countries to do the same,” he noted.

He added the cooperation between the two sides could bring long-term sustainability to the current global economic order.

China reclaimed its position as India’s top trading partner last year, surpassing the United States after a two-year gap, according to the latest report from the Global Trade Research Initiative. Bilateral trade between the two Asian giants reached $118.4 billion in 2024, reflecting a four-percent increase from $113.8 billion in 2023.

Both countries have leveraged their strengths in technology and production. While China remains a vital supplier of industrial goods such as electronics, machinery and chemicals, it imports pharmaceuticals, agricultural products and software services from India.

Beyond trade, cultural exchanges have also played a vital role in strengthening ties. In January, China and India agreed to resume direct passenger flights and take steps to facilitate travel and journalist exchanges.

In the first quarter of this year, around 70,000 visas were issued, representing about a 15-percent year-on-year increase, according to Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong.

‘Sound, steady development’ of ties

President Xi called on both sides to enhance strategic mutual trust, strengthen exchanges and cooperation in various fields, deepen communication and coordination in major international affairs, jointly safeguard peace and tranquility in the China-India border area, promote a sound and steady development of bilateral relations, and contribute to world peace and prosperity.

In a recent interview, Modi emphasized the need to strengthen ties with China despite past tensions, advocating dialogue over discord and cooperation over conflict.

Recent months saw frequent exchanges between the two sides at all levels. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar met several times at multilateral events. The two countries held the 23rd meeting of Special Representatives for China-India Boundary Question in Beijing in December, 2024, as well as China-India Vice Foreign Minister-Foreign Secretary Dialogue in January, reaching broad consensus on bilateral relations, practical cooperation, and boundary issues.

Ambassador Xu noted that such frequent and constructive interactions have been rare in recent years, signaling that China-India relations are at a crucial stage of improvement and development. Moving forward, both sides will need to further overcome obstacles, remove disruptions, and take proactive steps to sustain and build on this positive momentum, he said.

https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-04-02/Why-realizing-Dragon-Elephant-Tango-is-right-choice-for-China-India-1Cf7KsMpJiU/p.html

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Centurion Law Group (CLG) Granted CEMAC Tax Accreditation, Reinforcing Position as Regional Legal Partner

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April 3, 2025

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Centurion Law Group

As the CEMAC region pursues accelerated growth across its oil, gas and mining industries, CLG’s accreditation will strengthen its position as a partner for multinational companies active across the region

SANDTON, South Africa, April 3, 2025/APO Group/ –Legal, tax and business advisory conglomerate CLG (www.CLGGlobal.com) – formerly Centurion Law Group – has officially been approved as a Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) tax advisor by the CEMAC Standing Committee on Fiscal and Accounting Harmonization. CLG Tax and Legal will provide its full suite of tax services across all CEMAC member countries, supporting business and transactions across various strategic fields, including oil, gas and mining.

The tax certification not only comes as part of a broader restructuring of CLG’s tax and legal services offerings, aimed at positioning the firm to better serve clients throughout the region with integrated solutions, but as the CEMAC region pursues accelerated growth across its strategic economic sectors. Specifically, the region’s oil and gas sector is on track for rapid growth, as nations implement ambitious production targets. The Republic of Congo aims to produce 500,000 barrels per day (bpd) by 2027; Gabon targets 220,000 bpd in the short-term; while Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon are scaling-up gas monetization. These targets require significant levels of investment and CLG stands ready to support transactions and broader economic growth.

Given the potential of the CEMAC region’s natural and mineral resources, project developers and investors have already begun to expand their presence across the region. In the Republic of Congo, TotalEnergies is investing $600 million in the Moho Nord project; Trident Energy recently acquired stakes in the Nkossa, Nsoko II, Lianzi and Moho-Bilondo fields; while Perenco increased production at the Tchibouela II and Tchendo II fields following a $30 million investment. In Gabon, wildcat drilling is underway on Blocks BC-9 and BCD-10 while Perenco advances the $1 billion Cap Lopez LNG terminal toward a 2026 start. In Equatorial Guinea, the country is preparing to launch an oil and gas licensing round while Cameroon drives a gas-to-industry agenda. Further developments in Chad are underway, highlighting the region’s potential as a major producing hub.

The CEMAC accreditation aligns with our strategy to support impactful transactions in Africa and we look forward to strengthening our presence across the continent

Stepping into this picture, CLG’s accreditation will serve to further support current and future transactions. Over the past decade, CLG has significantly grown its tax practice, providing comprehensive tax advisory and compliance services to numerous multinational companies operating across Africa. This sustained growth reflects CLG’s commitment to meeting the complex tax needs of investors and businesses on the continent, from corporate tax planning and regulatory compliance to cross-border taxation strategies.

“By bolstering our tax practice in the CEMAC region, CLG continues to establish itself as a one-stop-shop for investors in the region and across the continent. The CEMAC accreditation aligns with our strategy to support impactful transactions in Africa and we look forward to strengthening our presence across the continent,” stated Zion Adeoye, CEO and Managing Partner of CLG.

CLG already has a strong presence in Africa, with offices in South Africa, Nigeria, Mauritius, Ghana, the Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Namibia and South Sudan. The company caters to a diverse portfolio of multinational companies operating globally, delivering bespoke solutions tailored to address the unique challenges and complexities faced by clients in different industries. CLG’s expertise covers energy, infrastructure, mining, agriculture and ESG, to name a few. For the CEMAC region, CLG’s extensive network and growing expertise positions the firm as strategic partner for regional and global firms. As companies expand their presence across the region, CLG’s agile, integrated approach – underpinned by its local roots and depth of experience – demonstrates the rising prominence of African advisory firms on the global stage. The CEMAC tax certification not only expands CLG’s regional service coverage but also solidifies its reputation as a trusted partner for businesses navigating Central Africa’s evolving tax landscape.

“CLG’s deep understanding of its clients’ businesses, collaborative approach with local authorities, multinational orientation and highly experienced local teams are some of the factors that set our tax practice apart in the region,” stated Daoudou Mohammed, CLG Tax and Legal Director.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of CLG

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Emerging Markets-Focused Fintech Platform PalmPay Unveils New Debit Card in Nigeria with Verve

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6 hours ago

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April 3, 2025

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PalmPay

The new PalmPay Debit Card brings advanced features such as savings yield on deposits and merchant rewards within reach for mass market users in Nigeria

LAGOS, Nigeria, April 3, 2025/APO Group/ –PalmPay (www.PalmPay.com), a leading digital bank and fintech platform focused on emerging markets, has launched the PalmPay Debit Card in Nigeria in partnership with Verve, Africa’s largest domestic card scheme.

The launch of its debit card represents a key milestone in PalmPay’s evolution – from a mobile wallet known for it’s fee-free transfers and cashback rewards into a full-service digital banking platform offering an integrated ecosystem for payments, savings, credit, insurance, and now, card access.

The new PalmPay Debit Card brings advanced features such as savings yield on deposits and merchant rewards within reach for mass market users in Nigeria. With zero maintenance fees, a simple in-app application process, and nationwide delivery, PalmPay aims to convert millions of its 35 million users to become cardholders this year. The card is accepted at all merchants in the Verve network, and supports both debit and contactless transactions.

“This launch is another step forward in our mission to deliver accessible, reliable and rewarding financial services.“ said Sofia Zab, Chief Marketing Officer at PalmPay. “With the PalmPay Debit Card, we are expanding our ecosystem and enabling our users to pay and earn rewards at even more touch points, including across offline and online commerce. And for merchants, this opens up new opportunities to reach millions of Nigerian digital consumers and collaborate with us to build reward-driven experiences that boost loyalty and sales.”

Alongside the standard debit card, PalmPay is also rolling out PalmPay Premium, a new reward scheme and card designed for high-volume users. It offers enhanced perks such as priority support, advanced financial tools, and exclusive merchant benefits.

With the PalmPay Debit Card, we are expanding our ecosystem and enabling our users to pay and earn rewards at even more touch points, including across offline and online commerce

With over 35 million users and a growing network of 1.1 million agents and merchants in Nigeria – and operations in Tanzania, Ghana, and Bangladesh – PalmPay is building a next-generation financial ecosystem designed to empower consumers and businesses in emerging markets. PalmPay processes up to 15 million transactions daily, underscoring the scale and reliability of its platform.

In addition to its digital banking services, PalmPay provides a suite of B2B offerings for local MSMEs and international merchants, including:

  • Smart POS terminals and a business app
  • Payment orchestration and checkout solutions
  • Bulk payment tools via a self-service merchant portal
  • APIs for embedding and reselling PalmPay’s services
  • Direct integration of services into the PalmPay consumer and business apps

 

“At PalmPay, we believe that building a thriving digital economy requires collaboration. From lending and insurance providers to card schemes like Verve, our ecosystem is powered by strategic partnerships.”, said Jiapei Yan, Chief Commercial Officer of PalmPay. “The launch of our debit card is another example of how we are combining cutting-edge technology with our partner strengths to deliver inclusive financial services at scale – and in doing so we empower businesses targeting Africa to grow faster, reach more customers and unlock more revenue streams.”

Vincent Ogbunude, Managing Director of Verve International, added: “We are proud to partner with PalmPay on this important milestone. Our alliance reflects our shared mission of accelerating financial inclusion and delivering payment innovation that meets the needs of African consumers.”

From zero-fee transfers and high-yield savings to instant credit, insurance, and now cards, PalmPay is redefining what digital banking in emerging markets can look like – personalised, comprehensive, and accessible to everyone.

As international businesses seek entry into Africa’s dynamic digital economy, PalmPay offers a trusted platform with the infrastructure, user base, and reach to help them scale.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of PalmPay

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