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African Energy Week (AEW) 2024: Petrosen Targets Final Investment Decision (FID) for Yakaar-Teranga in 2025, Seeks Third-Party Partner

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Petrosen

Speaking at an ‘Invest in MSGBC Energies’ session at AEW: Invest in African Energies 2024, Petrosen’s Thierno Ly announced plans to take FID for the Yakaar-Teranga project in 2025

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, November 7, 2024/APO Group/ — 

The Yakaar-Teranga project – situated offshore Senegal – is expected to make a Final Investment Decision (FID) in 2025, with production starting between 2028 and 2029, said Petrosen Director General Thierno Ly.  

Speaking at a Technip Energies-sponsored Invest in MSGBC Energies panel discussion at African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies, Ly explained that the project focuses on producing gas for the domestic market.  

“We are working with our partner Kosmos Energy [on the project]. We are in the final stages of the project and are looking for a partner to join us to bring added value to this project. By end of year, we anticipate a third-party to join us,” Ly stated.  

The Yakaar-Teranga project is just one of many underway across the region. Senegal achieved a milestone in 2024 with the start of production at the Sangomar oilfield development. Serving as the country’s first offshore oil project, the $5.2 billion project has a capacity of 100,000 barrels per day. Senegal also has 16 offshore blocks available for tender and expects the first phase of the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) LNG development to start operations shortly.  

“Sangomar was a major milestone for the country,” said Papa Samba Ba, Director of Hydrocarbons, Ministry of Petroleum and Energies, Senegal. “This project means that we can supply affordable, accessible and sustainable energy to its population. This is a top priority and vision of the government.”  

For Mauritania, GTA represents just the start of its energy ambitions. The country is also home to the 13 trillion cubic feet (tcf) BirAllah development, is offering 15 offshore blocks for exploration in 2024 and is promoting investment in renewable energy and mining.   

This project means that we can supply affordable, accessible and sustainable energy to its population

“Building on three elements – namely, gas, mining and renewables – we have set up an integrated energy vision that aims to position the country as a major exporter. Our vision it to have universal access to electricity by 2030 and we need all these energies to do this,” said Moustapha Bechir, Senior Advisor: Upstream, Mauritania’s Ministry of Petroleum & Energy.  

Beyond Senegal and Mauritania, neighboring countries in the MSGBC region are promoting offshore block opportunities. Guinea-Conakry, for example, is currently finalizing the terms of a 22-block bid round, which is expected to bring new players to the market. The country – strategically located in the heart of the MSGBC region – aims to integrate not only its only energy industry with other sectors such as mining, but those of regional neighbors. 

“We are busy exploring and one of the critical things we want to highlight is that this is the moment to invest in the petroleum sector in Guinea. Our geological position within the MSGBC basin is optimal. This allows you to connect your investments with other countries in the region,” said Lanciné Conde, Director General of Guinea Conakry’s NOC Société Nationale des Pétroles.  

The Gambia also has potential for major discoveries offshore. The country’s Blocks A2 and A5 lie in proximity to the 230-million-barrel Sangomar field in Senegal. According to Lamin Camara, Permanent Secretary, Government of The Gambia, “We have seen developments taking place in Mauritania and Senegal and continue to accelerate our exploration. We have changed our strategy, and are now in direct negotiations with players to explore resources.” 

Major operators such as Golar LNG, AGL Group and Technip Energies continue to drive projects forward across the region. Golar LNG, for example, aims to utilize its innovative FLNG technology to unlock additional commercial reserves.  

“FLNG is scalable and enables access to export markets. There is a commercial flexibility that it holds. There is a technology available to the basin which fits both large-scale projects and smaller start-ups. Those two aspects married together, will increase the likelihood of a commercial discovery,” said Anthony Barker, EVP-Commercial, Golar LNG.  

For Technip Energies, the region stands to benefit from diversified project solutions. Dominique Gadelle, Vice-President Early Engagement, Gas & Low Carbon Energies Business Line, Technip Energies, explained that “There is no single solution when we look at the MSGBC region. We see projects with massive reserves and some with smaller reserves, and these might not have the same development model. There is a fit-for-purpose solution for all these developments.”  

AGL Group sees an opportunity for local companies to enhance their role in the emerging MSGBC oil and gas industry. According to Sidi Ahmed Abeidna, CEO, SOGECO SA, AGL Group, stated that “We play the role to drive local content, supporting local companies integrate their services and bring their expertise to international standards. AGL is investing around EUR 500 million in 45 countries across various projects.”  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) Leads up to €2 Billion Syndicated Facility in Largest-Ever Global Loan Syndication for Bank of Industry

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Africa Finance Corporation

The transaction is a record global loan syndication for BOI, and marks the largest capital raise in its history, setting a new standard for developmental finance across Africa

LAGOS, Nigeria, December 3, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) (www.AfricaFC.org), the continent’s leading infrastructure solutions provider, today announced its role as Global Coordinator, Lead Co-Arranger, Underwriter, Bookrunner, and Guarantor in the successful syndication of an up to €2 billion facility for Bank of Industry (BOI), Nigeria’s largest and most impactful development finance institution. The transaction is a record global loan syndication for BOI, and marks the largest capital raise in its history, setting a new standard for developmental finance across Africa.

Proceeds of the facility will be used for general corporate purposes including to finance trade and trade related projects of eligible corporates in Nigeria. The facility was syndicated at two levels with AFC, Standard Chartered Bank, African Export-Import Bank, First Abu Dhabi Bank PJSC, FirstRand Bank Limited, acting through its Rand Merchant Bank division (London Branch), Mashreqbank PSC, SMBC Bank International PLC, Absa Bank (Mauritius) Limited, Absa Bank Limited (acting through its Corporate and Investment Banking division) and Export-Import Bank of India London Branch acting as part of a senior syndicate, together raising an initial €1.43 billion. Following this, AFC led a general syndication, through which an additional €447 million was raised, bringing the total transaction to €1.9 billion, representing an oversubscription of 87%. The facility is expected to further grow to €2 billion.

This landmark global loan syndication is significant for Nigeria and BOI, as the institution was able to successfully tap the international capital market at a time when credit is scarce and prohibitively expensive. It also highlights market confidence in BOI and AFC as leading financial institutions, demonstrating the power of collaboration and innovation between African financial institutions. 

This successful syndication is a significant milestone achievement, not only for BOI but for Africa’s financial landscape as a whole

“This successful syndication is a significant milestone achievement, not only for BOI but for Africa’s financial landscape as a whole. We are proud to have played a central role in this historic global loan syndication, solidifying AFC’s position as a trusted bridge between global investors and infrastructure projects in Africa,” said Banji Fehintola, Executive Board member & Head of Financial Services at AFC. “Our sincere appreciation also goes to our Joint Coordinator and partner Standard Chartered Bank and all other banks that participated in making this transaction a huge success,” he added.

“This financing, the sixth international capital raising for BOI, is the largest fundraising in our history and the largest syndication in the history of African development finance institutions. A key constant in achieving this success is the continued support of our international funding partners, including AFC. We are grateful for the unique role that AFC played to make this transaction a success,“ said Dr. Olasupo Olusi, the Managing Director of BOI.

As part of the syndication, AFC leveraged its A3 (stable outlook) investment-grade rating, recently affirmed by Moody’s, to bring together an international consortium of financial institutions. The transaction aligns with the Corporation’s mission to provide pragmatic solutions that close the continent’s infrastructure gap, accelerate industrialisation, and enhance Africa’s economic resilience against global economic challenges.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Finance Corporation (AFC).

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Board Accepts Carlos Tavares’ Resignation as Chief Executive Officer

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Stellantis

The process to appoint the new permanent Chief Executive Officer is well under way, managed by a Special Committee of the Board, and will be concluded within the first half of 2025

AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands, December 3, 2024/APO Group/ —

  • Creation of Interim Executive Committee to be chaired by John Elkann
  • New CEO will be appointed in the first half of 2025
  • Full year 2024 financial guidance confirmed

Stellantis’ success since its creation has been rooted in a perfect alignment between the reference shareholders, the Board and the CEO

Stellantis N.V. (“Stellantis” or “the Company”) (www.Stellantis.com) announces that the Company’s Board of Directors, under the Chairmanship of John Elkann, accepted Carlos Tavares’ resignation from his role as Chief Executive Officer with immediate effect.

The process to appoint the new permanent Chief Executive Officer is well under way, managed by a Special Committee of the Board, and will be concluded within the first half of 2025. Until then, a new Interim Executive Committee, chaired by John Elkann, will be established.

Stellantis confirms the guidance it presented to the financial community on October 31, 2024, in respect of its full year 2024 results.

Stellantis’ Senior Independent Director, Henri de Castries, commented: “Stellantis’ success since its creation has been rooted in a perfect alignment between the reference shareholders, the Board and the CEO. However, in recent weeks different views have emerged which have resulted in the Board and the CEO coming to today’s decision.”

Chairman John Elkann said: “Our thanks go to Carlos for his years of dedicated service and the role he has played in the creation of Stellantis, in addition to the previous turnarounds of PSA and Opel, setting us on the path to becoming a global leader in our industry. I look forward to working with our new Interim Executive Committee, supported by all our Stellantis colleagues, as we complete the process of appointing our new CEO. Together we will ensure the continued deployment of the Company’s strategy in the long-term interests of Stellantis and all of its stakeholders.” 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Stellantis.

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Shakwa Nyambe Ranked as a Highly Regarded Lawyer for Oil and Gas in Namibia by IFLR1000 2024 Rankings

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Shakwa Nyambe

IFLR1000 is an internationally esteemed guide that ranks leading lawyers and firms based on their expertise and impact across practice areas

WINDHOEK, Namibia, December 3, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Shakwa Nyambe, the Managing Partner of SNC Incorporated (www.SNCLawGroup.com), has been recognised as a Highly Regarded Lawyer for Oil and Gas in Namibia by the IFRL1000 rankings of 2024. He is specifically recognised for his exceptional work in the practice area of Projects: Energy, with a focus on the Oil and Gas industry, further cementing his reputation as a world-renowned Energy, Oil and Gas, Natural Resource and Commercial Lawyer.

IFLR1000 is an internationally esteemed guide that ranks leading lawyers and firms based on their expertise and impact across practice areas. Being ranked as a Leading Lawyer for Oil and Gas by this global institution places Shakwa among the most influential individuals in Namibia’s Oil and Gas sector and highlights his invaluable contributions to the field.

Shakwa Nyambe’s recognition is a reflection of his understanding of the complexities of the Oil and Gas industry and his ability to provide innovative solutions to clients navigating the challenges of this sector. As the Managing Partner of SNC Incorporated, a full-service energy, natural resources, corporate & commercial law and dispute resolution law firm, Shakwa has built a legacy of excellence in the legal and commercial sectors. His experience encompasses, advising international corporations, state-owned enterprises, governments, and individuals in oil & gas, renewable energy, and mining projects, and provision of legal services in matters ranging from mergers and acquisitions, commercial transactions, and corporate governance to project financing as well as rendering advisory services on general commercial matters.

To be acknowledged as a Highly Regarded Lawyer by IFLR1000 in Namibia for my work in Energy and Oil & Gas is a profound honour

Shakwa is the President-Elect of the Association of International Energy Negotiators (AIEN) for the period 2024 – 2025 and will take over the Presidency for the period 2025 – 2026. His qualifications include, amongst others, a Master of Laws (LLM) in Oil and Gas Law with Professional Skills from the University of Aberdeen in the United Kingdom, a Postgraduate Diploma in Drafting and Interpretation of Contracts from the University of Johannesburg and an Executive Diploma in Global Business (Master’s Level) from the Saïd Business School, University of Oxford.

His expertise and strategic guidance have made him the go-to advisor for international oil companies, energy companies, mining companies. multinational corporations and local entities engaged in Namibia’s energy development.

This acknowledgment comes at a critical moment for Namibia, as the country is emerging as a significant player in the global energy market, driven by transformative discoveries in the Orange Basin by major international companies. Shakwa’s legal and strategic leadership has been instrumental in helping stakeholders capitalize on these opportunities while ensuring compliance with Namibia’s regulatory landscape.

Commenting on the rankings, Shakwa Nyambe stated, “To be acknowledged as a Highly Regarded Lawyer by IFLR1000 in Namibia for my work in Energy and Oil & Gas is a profound honour. It reflects not just my efforts but the dedication of the team at SNC Incorporated and the trust of our clients. This motivates me to continue raising the bar for legal and business excellence in Namibia’s oil and gas sector.”

As a globally recognized thought leader, he frequently engages in high-level dialogues on energy, corporate and resource law, sharing insights that shape policy and practice in Namibia and internationally.

As Namibia continues its rise as a frontier oil and gas producer, Shakwa Nyambe exemplifies excellence, driving the sector forward with vision, expertise and an unwavering commitment to his clients.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of SNC Incorporated.

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