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African Energy Week (AEW) 2024 Positions Women at Center of Africa’s Energy Transformation

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African Energy Week

The upcoming African Energy Week: Invest in African Energy conference will host a dedicated forum on women in energy, in collaboration with the African Women Business Energy Network

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, July 31, 2024/APO Group/ — 

African Energy Week (AEW) (www.AECWeek.com): Invest in African Energy 2024 will feature the Transformative Impact of Women in Energy forum – hosted by the African Women Business Energy Network (AWBEN) – on November 7 in Cape Town. This forum will highlight African female policymakers, businesswomen and entrepreneurs who are leading innovative energy projects and driving economic transformation across the continent.

While the global energy industry has been traditionally male-dominated, the sector is experiencing a notable shift towards enhanced gender diversity, equity and inclusion. Driven by collective efforts for change, African women are increasingly being recognized for their dynamic contributions across leadership, policy, finance, technology and innovation within the energy sector.

AEW: Invest in African Energy is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

Established by the African Energy Chamber (AEC) – the voice of Africa’s energy sector – AWBEN empowers women in energy and supports women-owned businesses by facilitating investment and access to new business opportunities. Key initiatives include fostering collaboration among African women in the sector, hosting mentorship programs and promoting members’ personal and professional development. AWBEN also provides coaching and sponsorship for girls and young women in STEM, as well as encourages higher leadership positions for African women in energy.

It is imperative that we not only include, but actively build up and promote women at every level of the industry to harness the full potential of our continent’s energy resources

Similar initiatives are being implemented across the continent. USAID’s Power Africa initiative promotes female advancement in the energy sector, aiming for more equal representation within national and regional governments, private sector firms, power utilities and energy enterprises. Women in Rwandan Energy serves as a nation-wide commitment to providing career coaching, technical training, apprenticeships and mentorship services to empower women for successful careers and leadership roles in Rwanda’s energy sector. Programs like Women in African Power enhance female professional development through targeted networking events and skill training initiatives specific to the energy industry.

In Africa’s oil and gas space, women are increasingly assuming top leadership positions in both the public and private sector. Serving as Petroleum Commissioner of Namibia’s Ministry of Mines and Energy, Maggy Shino has played a key role in securing upstream investment from major international oil companies. With Namibia serving as a global exploration hotspot on the back of prolific offshore Orange Basin discoveries, Shino’s strategic vision and leadership have been instrumental in driving the country’s energy sector and attracting foreign investment.

Uganda’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Development Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu is playing a critical role in the country’s upstream market. With Uganda targeting first oil output by 2025, projects such as the $10-billion Lake Albert Development – home to the Tilenga and Kingfisher fields – are set to transform the national energy landscape. Ssentamu’s leadership has been crucial in advancing these projects, maximizing Uganda’s resource potential and establishing its position as a major up-and-coming oil market.

In Equatorial Guinea, Teresa Isabel Nnang Avomo, CEO of national oil company GEPetrol, has led initiatives to improve national oil and gas infrastructure, boost production and strengthen partnerships with international operators. Under her leadership, GEPetrol signed a PSC with energy major Chevron aimed at increasing production from Blocks EG-06 and EG-11, as well as awarded engineering firm Petrofac a technical service contract last month to support the operation of Block B, home to the Zafiro field.

With the global energy transition underway, women have also risen to become pivotal leaders in Africa’s clean energy space. Sandra Chukwudozie, Founder and CEO of clean energy firm Salpha Energy, is pioneering clean, affordable and innovative energy solutions for a carbon-neutral future. Rekik Bekele, CEO and Founder of Green Scene Energy, is targeting the delivery of affordable solar solutions in Ethiopia, while Monique Ntumngia, CEO of the Green Girls Project and Monafrik Energy, is advocating for climate-gender justice across the continent and leveraging AI to address clean energy challenges in rural African communities.

“The future of Africa’s energy sector hinges on the full participation of women. Their diverse perspectives and innovative approaches are essential for driving sustainable growth and economic transformation. It is imperative that we not only include, but actively build up and promote women at every level of the industry to harness the full potential of our continent’s energy resources,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.

At AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024, the Transformative Impact of Women in Energy forum will highlight the critical role that African businesswomen, entrepreneurs and policymakers are playing in energy sector innovation and growth. By showcasing their ongoing leadership and achievements, the forum aims to inspire further progress towards a more diverse and inclusive energy industry.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Aurionpro expands its multi-country transaction banking engagement with Diamond Trust Bank (DTB)

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Aurionpro

Aurionpro’s upgraded iCashpro platform for DTB delivers a unified digital experience across payments, trade, virtual accounts, and real-time reporting, enhancing straight-through processing, visibility, and control for both the bank and its corporate customers

MUMBAI, India, April 30, 2026/APO Group/ –Aurionpro Solutions Limited (www.AurionPro.com) (BSE: 532668 | NSE: AURIONPRO)a global leader in banking technology, announced the expansion and upgrade of its transaction banking engagement with Diamond Trust Bank (DTB), to modernize and enhance the bank’s corporate transaction banking capabilities across multiple countries.

Download Document: https://apo-opa.co/4edHUaC

This multi-country transaction banking upgrade covering Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania aligns with DTB’s intent to enhance customer experience, streamline operations, and support growing transaction volumes as it expands its regional corporate banking footprint. DTB continues to focus on building a more agile, ‘digital-first’ banking experience, particularly around payments for its corporate customers across Africa, and is now well positioned to scale these capabilities. As part of its broader transformation agenda, the bank has been steadily investing in platforms that enhance scale, reliability, and service consistency across markets.

Through this partnership, we are proud to lead the next era of transformation in transaction banking, helping DTB enhance operational agility

Aurionpro’s upgraded iCashpro platform for DTB delivers a unified digital experience across payments, trade, virtual accounts, and real-time reporting, enhancing straight-through processing, visibility, and control for both the bank and its corporate customers. By enabling DTB to standardize and scale its transaction banking operations across countries, the platform ensures consistent service levels, stronger control, and improved efficiency. It also supports enhanced user experience, advanced security, and the flexibility to introduce new features as DTB expands its regional transaction banking footprint.

Murali Natarajan (https://apo-opa.co/48trPdk), Managing Director & CEO, DTB Kenya   commented: “We are delighted to strengthen and broaden our partnership with Aurionpro Solutions as part of DTB’s ongoing digital transformation journey across multiple markets. Our focus on innovation, operational excellence, and customer-centricity continues to guide our technology investments. This upgrade strengthens our transaction banking capabilities, enabling us to deliver greater value to our customers through robust digital channels and seamlessly integrated experiences.”

Ashish Rai, Group CEO, Aurionpro Solutions, commented: “We are pleased to deepen our multi-country engagement with Diamond Trust Bank and support the next phase of its transaction banking modernization. As DTB continues to scale across markets, platform resilience and consistency become paramount. Through this partnership, we are proud to lead the next era of transformation in transaction banking, helping DTB enhance operational agility, deliver superior experiences to corporate customers, and create long-term value across geographies.”

He added, “Aurionpro’s iCashpro lays a strong digital foundation for transaction & wholesale banks across the globe to grow their corporate and SME client portfolio today, while creating a clear roadmap for next- generation capabilities in AI-driven insights, advanced automation and API-led connectivity for businesses in Kenya and across Africa.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Aurionpro Solutions Ltd.

 

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Minerals Council Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Joins African Mining Week (AMW) as South Africa Improves Sectorial Investment Climate

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Energy Capital

Minerals Council CEO to share insights on policy, infrastructure and investment trends shaping South Africa’s mining industry

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 30, 2026/APO Group/ –The upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) conference will feature Mzila Mthenjane, CEO of the Minerals Council of South Africa, as a speaker. Scheduled for October 14 – 16, 2026 in Cape Town, the event will bring together global investors, policymakers and industry leaders, with Mthenjane’s participation highlighting the council’s commitment to engaging international stakeholders and promoting investment across South Africa’s mining sector.

His participation comes at a critical moment as the Minerals Council works closely with government on finalizing the Mineral Resources Development Bill 2025, a policy framework aimed at strengthening the country’s mining investment climate and the sector’s contribution to GDP. According to the council, the revised legislation will support new investment across the value chain as South Africa seeks to mobilize R2 trillion over the next five years to unlock its critical minerals potential.

The policy reforms come amid shifting production trends in the sector. In 2025, South Africa recorded declines in gold and platinum group metals output of 1.9% and 4.1%, respectively. The new regulatory framework is expected to strengthen public-private partnerships and stimulate investment, enabling South Africa to increase production and capitalize on strong global commodity prices. Increased private sector investments is crucial with South Africa seeking targeting to unlock an estimated R40 trillion in untapped iron ore potential as well as maintain its position as the world’s leading producer of chrome and manganese.

At AMW 2026, Mthenjane is expected to outline these trends, providing insights into how the council is contributing to addressing challenges disrupting the sector. Infrastructure and energy costs remain key concerns for industry players. To support the energy-intensive sector, South Africa approved a 35% reduction in electricity tariffs for major ferrochrome producers, helping stabilize an industry that has faced significant cost pressures after electricity prices surged by roughly 900% since 2008.

Logistics constraints are also a priority area for reform. South Africa’s economy is losing an estimated R1 billion per day due to inefficiencies across rail and port infrastructure. As a result, the government is considering measures supported by the Minerals Council to increase private sector participation in logistics. Planned reforms include rail modernization initiatives targeting 250 million tons of freight capacity by 2029, alongside port upgrades and private operator participation aimed at strengthening mineral exports and improving supply chain efficiency.

Beyond infrastructure and policy reforms, the Minerals Council is advocating for stronger exploration investment to support long-term industry growth.

At AMW, Mthenjane is expected to highlight these developments and outline the steps required to reinforce South Africa’s position in the global minerals supply chain. His insights will offer investors and stakeholders a timely perspective on opportunities within the country’s mining sector.

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

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Seychelles Targets Energy Investment Push as Minister Jérémie Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 as a Speaker

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African Energy Chamber

Seychelles energy minister will speak at AEW 2026, positioning her to highlight reforms, renewable projects and investment opportunities as the island nation advances its transition toward a diversified energy system

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 29, 2026/APO Group/ –Marie-May Jérémie, Minister of Environment, Climate, Energy and Natural Resources for Seychelles will participate as a speaker at this year’s African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, taking place from October 12–16 in Cape Town. Her participation underscores the country’s growing role in shaping Africa’s small-island energy transition agenda.

Minister Jérémie’s presence at AEW 2026 comes at a critical time as Seychelles accelerates efforts to reduce its heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels. The event provides a platform to attract investment, strengthen policy alignment and showcase bankable projects, positioning the country as a viable destination for private-sector participation in island energy systems.

Seychelles is demonstrating how policy reform and innovation can unlock investment in constrained environments

In May last year, international finance institution the World Bank approved the Renewable Energy Acceleration Program, a seven-year initiative aimed at modernizing the grid and increasing renewable energy penetration to 15% by 2030. The program focuses on unlocking private capital while strengthening transmission infrastructure to accommodate variable renewable energy sources.

Project development is gaining traction in the country, particularly in innovative technologies suited to Seychelles’ land constraints. The 5.8 MW Seysun Lagoon floating solar PV project, developed by independent renewable power producer Qair, is under construction and expected online in 2026.

Alongside renewables, Seychelles continues to pursue upstream opportunities to diversify its economy. The government approved new exploration entrants in 2025 and extended exiting petroleum agreements, while securing an infrastructure partnership with China. Multilateral estimates suggest over $800 million in investment will be required over the next 25 years.

Regulatory reform is central to this transition, with Seychelles introducing an independent power producer framework to open the market to private developers. Standardized power purchase agreements, grid access reforms and strengthened public-private partnership structures are being implemented to improve transparency, reduce risk and accelerate project bankability across solar, storage and emerging wind opportunities.

“Minister Jérémie’s participation highlights the strategic importance of island nations in Africa’s broader energy transition,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber. “Seychelles is demonstrating how policy reform and innovation can unlock investment in constrained environments. Her insights will be critical to advancing dialogue on resilient, low-carbon energy systems across the continent.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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