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African Energy Week (AEW) 2023 Technical Program to Showcase Africa’s Exploration and Production (E&P) Innovation, Insights

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African Energy Week

The 2023 edition of African Energy Week will feature a strong technical focus, with a parallel program dedicated to exploring the challenges, solutions and success stories across Africa’s E&P landscape

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, August 10, 2023/APO Group/ — 

Representing the biggest gathering of energy stakeholders on the continent, the African Energy Week (AEW) conference and exhibition takes place under a mandate of making energy poverty history, with the event largely centered on the role oil and gas will play in meeting this objective. This year, the conference is proud to offer a technical program, taking place across three days in parallel to the conference itself.

The AEW 2023 technical program provides a platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration and improved dialogue via a series of presentations, case studies and high-level panel discussions. Industry experts, high-level E&P players and movers and shakers from across the African energy landscape will be presenting their technical papers during the course of the three-day program, providing insight into recent exploration activities and kicking off discussions and deals.

The technical component of the conference could not come at a better time for the continent. In 2023, Africa’s E&P landscape is witnessing unprecedented growth owing to growing regional demand, recent large-scale discoveries and calls by African stakeholders to advance hydrocarbon monetization. While major oil producing countries such as Angola and Nigeria look towards expanding production on the back of new exploration campaigns, nascent markets such as Namibia and Uganda have put forward ambitious upstream agendas which aim to position the countries as both producers and exporters.

Earlier this year we issued a call for technical papers, giving stakeholders the opportunity to submit their findings, projects and solutions to expanding African E&P

In this scenario, the AEW 2023 Technical Program will provide key insight into the various exploration campaigns taking place across the continent, with focus placed on the top upstream markets to watch in 2023 and beyond. On the onshore front, the continent has already become a hive for drilling campaigns, with the African Energy Chamber’s (AEC) 2023 outlook, The State of African Energy, identifying markets such as Uganda, Kenya and Zimbabwe as leaders of onshore E&P activity in 2023. Presenters will provide insight into Uganda’s Kingfisher Conventional Oil and Tilenga Developments; Kenya’s onshore exploration developments in the Lamu and South Lokichar basins; and Zimbabwe’s multi-well drilling campaign in the Muzarabani prospect among other high-profile onshore campaigns. Through the presentation of technical papers, AEW 2023 will explore the attractiveness of onshore compared to offshore; creating long-term value within the exploration crusade; as well as future campaigns and results.

Meanwhile, with up to 60% of sub-Saharan Africa’s recoverable reserves lying in deepwater regions, a strong slate of offshore exploration campaigns is currently underway across the continent. Presenting their own challenges to development, deepwater upstream projects have emerged as highly lucrative as well as difficult to navigate. As such, the technical program serves as the only platform dedicated to identifying these challenges, with presenters offering critical solutions and best practices. Projects such as the Wolf Prospect in South Africa; the Osprey and Welwitschia Deep campaigns in Namibia; and the Formosa and Atum/Anchova campaigns in Guinea-Bissau will be showcased. Key topics set to be presented during the AEW 2023 technical program include the monitoring of wells; market outlooks including Namibia, Angola, Congo and the Gambia; extension trends; and ensuring the successful drilling of high-impact wells.

However, the AEW 2023 technical program goes one step further to explore the entire energy value chain. In addition to Africa’s E&P landscape, the program will see high-level presentations covering the continent’s refining industry; natural gas market – including Liquefied Natural Gas solutions and the energy transition -; cyber security and technology adoption; as well as licensing rounds and regulatory incentives. Presenters will explore how countries such as Ghana, Senegal and Algeria are taking strides towards net zero, while dedicated papers on the energy transition will investigate success stories in Africa and technologies such as the homer pro software can be applied across the continent.

As the continent pursues the accelerated expansion of its entire energy sector, the AEW 2023 Technical Program will be key for advancing knowledge-sharing, strengthening engagement and driving project success on the back of collaboration.

“The AEC is proud to announce the launch of the AEW 2023 Technical Program, driven by high-level executives and industry experts from across both the regional and global energy landscape. What Africa needs to make energy poverty history by 2030 is for more wells to be drilled, downstream facilities constructed and new supplies brought on the market. Earlier this year we issued a call for technical papers, giving stakeholders the opportunity to submit their findings, projects and solutions to expanding African E&P. These papers will be presented during the AEW 2023 Technical Program, thereby advancing knowledge-sharing and engagement across this increasingly important segment of the energy sector,” stated NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Ecobank Côte d’Ivoire Launches West Africa’s First Gender Bond to Accelerate Financial Inclusion for Women Entrepreneurs

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Ecobank

This five-year bond provides an attractive annual interest rate of 6.5% with a two-year capital repayment grace period

ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, March 8, 2025/APO Group/ –Ecobank Côte d’Ivoire, a subsidiary of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (www.Ecobank.com), the leading Pan African Bank, takes a major step forward in its commitment to financial inclusion with the launch of the first Gender Bond in West Africa. This groundbreaking bond issuance, amounting to XOF 10 billion, aims to mobilize funding for women-owned and women-led businesses, reducing financing inequalities and fostering inclusive economic growth.

Named “Ellever Gender Bond 6.5% 2024-2029,” this bond has been structured and arranged by EDC Investissement Corporation (EIC), Ecobank’s Brokerage and Asset Management subsidiary. It marks Ecobank Côte d’Ivoire’s second bond issuance after its initial fundraising in 2013. Aligned with international sustainable finance standards, the Gender Bond has received an independent second-party opinion from Morningstar Sustainalytics, ensuring compliance with global best practices in responsible investment.

Since its inception, the ELLEVER program has made a tangible impact on women entrepreneurship. In 2024, over 3,465 businesses registered, benefiting from XOF 13.25 billion in disbursed loans. However, access to financing remains a significant challenge for women entrepreneurs in West Africa, where less than 20% of women-led SMEs have access to adequate funding. Globally, Gender Bonds represented only USD 14.5 billion, accounting for just 1.5% of the sustainable bond market in 2023, underscoring the need to expand such initiatives.

We have structured this bond to be attractive to investors while delivering a strong impact on women’s empowerment in Côte d’Ivoire

According to Paul-Harry Aithnard, Managing Director of Ecobank Côte d’Ivoire, women’s financial inclusion is a major economic priority. “This Gender Bond provides a tangible solution to the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in West Africa. Today, women-led businesses are recognized for their resilience and performance, yet they remain significantly underfunded. Through this issuance, we reaffirm our commitment to building an ecosystem where women have full access to the financial resources they need to grow and succeed. This is a powerful tool to transform access to financing and sustainably accelerate the growth of women-led businesses.”

The “Ellever Gender Bond 6.5% 2024-2029” offers investors and the public a unique opportunity to combine profitability with social impact. This five-year bond provides an attractive annual interest rate of 6.5% with a two-year capital repayment grace period. The total issuance of XOF 10 billion consists of one million securities with a nominal value of XOF 10,000 each.

All funds raised will be fully allocated to strengthening the ELLEVER program, financing initiatives led by women, and providing them with tailored financial and technical support. Roseline Abé, Chief Executive Officer of EDC Investissement Corporation, highlights the significance of this initiative: “We have structured this bond to be attractive to investors while delivering a strong impact on women’s empowerment in Côte d’Ivoire. This is a unique opportunity to combine financial performance with social inclusion.”

With this Gender Bond, Ecobank Côte d’Ivoire cements its leadership in sustainable finance and paves the way for greater economic inclusion. The bank’s ambition goes beyond this issuance, as it envisions a long-term strategy to promote innovative and inclusive financial instruments.

Paul-Harry Aithnard concludes: “This issuance is just the beginning. We will continue to develop tailored solutions to enhance women’s participation in the economy and encourage other financial institutions to follow this path.”

Through this initiative, Ecobank Côte d’Ivoire is transforming access to finance and reaffirming its commitment to inclusive and sustainable development.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated.

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Congo Drives Oil Development, Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to Participate at Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) 2025

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With aims to attract investment to the sector, Congo is preparing to launch an international licensing round at the inaugural Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) this March

BRAZZAVILLE, Congo (Republic of the), March 7, 2025/APO Group/ –As sub-Saharan Africa’s fourth largest oil producer, the Republic of Congo has ambitions to leverage its oil production to fuel further economic growth. With over 1.8 billion barrels of proven oil reserves, Congo has ambitions to double oil production to 500,000 barrels per day (bpd) by 2027.

With aims to attract investment to the sector, Congo is preparing to launch an international licensing round at the inaugural Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) this March. In light of these ambitions, an address by Haitham Al Ghais, Secretary General, OPEC at CEIF 2025 is set to strengthen confidence and support cooperation among major oil producing nations in Africa.

The inaugural Congo Energy & Investment Forum, set for March 24-26, 2025, in Brazzaville, under the patronage of President Denis Sassou Nguesso and supported by the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo, will bring together international investors and local stakeholders to explore national and regional energy and infrastructure opportunities. The event will explore the latest gas-to-power projects and provide updates on ongoing expansions across the country.

Haitham Al Ghais’ participation at CEIF 2025 underscores the vital role of international collaboration in shaping Africa’s energy future

Last June, Congo’s Minister of Hydrocarbons Bruno Jean-Richard Itoua participated in two OPEC meetings, where the decision was made to extend oil production cuts into 2025. During the meetings, Minister Itoua expressed the country’s steadfast commitment to supporting market stability while highlighting that production cuts will encourage new investment in African oil and gas projects.

Congo is currently leading several exploration and development programs to unlock new geological plays in the country. Independent hydrocarbon producer Perenco recently yielded a shallow water discovery at its PNGF Sud license and completed a 3D seismic acquisition campaign on the Tchibouela II, Tchendo II, Marine XXVIII and Emeraude permits, paving the way for future exploration drilling.

Meanwhile, Italian major Eni is focused on exploration efforts on the conventional and deep offshore areas off the coast of Pointe-Noire. Chinese energy company Wing Wah is currently developing the Banga Kayo block while French supermajor TotalEnergies is preparing to drill the Niamou-1 exploration well on the Marine XX offshore block.

“Haitham Al Ghais’ participation at CEIF 2025 underscores the vital role of international collaboration in shaping Africa’s energy future. His insights as OPEC Secretary General will enhance dialogue, foster investor confidence and strengthen partnerships crucial to unlocking Congo’s vast oil potential,” states Sandra Jeque, Events and Project Director at Energy Capital & Power.

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

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Youth Charter Celebrates International Women’s Day: Empowering Girls and Women Through Sports and Arts

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Youth Charter

Over the years, the Youth Charter has implemented numerous initiatives designed to inspire and support young women

LONDON, United Kingdom, March 7, 2025/APO Group/ –On this International Women’s Day, the Youth Charter (www.YouthCharter.org) proudly highlights its commitment to empowering girls and women across the globe through sports, physical activity, cultural, and artistic endeavours. We recognise the vital role that engagement in these areas plays in fostering confidence, resilience, and a sense of community among women and girls. We pay tribute to our female ambassadors who continue to support our work.

Over the years, the Youth Charter has implemented numerous initiatives designed to inspire and support young women. Our programmes not only promote participation in traditional sports but also encourage involvement in martial arts and combat sports, recognising their unique benefits in building self-defence skills, discipline, and mental fortitude.

“At the forefront of our mission is the belief that every girl and woman is entitled to equal access to sports and physical activity” said Dame Sarah Storey, Vice President of the Youth Charter. “We also recognise the importance of cultural and artistic expression in empowering women”.

At the forefront of our mission is the belief that every girl and woman is entitled to equal access to sports and physical activity

Combat sports also offer unique opportunities for empowerment and growth. The Youth Charter promotes martial arts as a means to enhance physical fitness, self-esteem, and personal safety.”

This International Women’s Day, we encourage everyone to support our mission by promoting participation in sports, arts, and martial arts among women and girls. Together, we can create an inclusive environment where young women can thrive, develop leadership skills, and inspire future generations.

Join us in celebrating the achievements of women and girls in sports and arts. Together, we can break barriers and create a world where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Youth Charter.

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