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African Energy Week (AEW) 2024 to Host Hydrogen Summit as Demand for Clean Fuels in Africa Grows

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African Energy Week

AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024 will unpack the continent’s ongoing green hydrogen projects and future investment opportunities during a dedicated hydrogen summit

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, June 27, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Africa’s estimated green hydrogen production capacity is expected to grow to 50 million tons per year by 2035. The continent’s abundant renewable energy resources, attractive fiscal policies and development potential make it a highly attractive market, and with African energy demand projected to grow two-fold by 2040, investment is projected to increase significantly across the continent.

This year’s African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energy 2024 conference – taking place in Cape Town from November 4-8 – will feature a dedicated hydrogen summit, with panel discussions unpacking the continent’s ongoing projects and future investment opportunities. The summit builds on the rising demand for hydrogen globally to connect partners, address challenges and advance project development in Africa.

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.

Africa stands to become a global green hydrogen hub given the continent’s strategic proximity to high-demand international markets and abundant resources

As global demand for alternative fuels grows – driven by the energy transition -, Africa has emerged as the investment market of choice for many countries worldwide. The EU market, for example, serves as the largest commercial opportunity for hydrogen projects in Africa given the blocs target of importing 10 million tons of green hydrogen from international partners by 2030. Partners from the Middle East and the Americas have shown similar interest in Africa’s green hydrogen potential, and as a result, a slate of projects has kicked off in recent years.

This month, renewable energy company ACWA Power signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the government of Tunisia to advance green hydrogen production in the country. The partnership aims to produce 600,000 tons of green hydrogen annually through a three-phase approach for export to Europe. The initial phase aims to generate 200,000 tons per year to be exported via the SoutH2 Corridor – a planned hydrogen pipeline connecting Tunisia to Italy, Austria and Germany.

Additionally, Mauritania unveiled ambitious plans to produce 12.5 million tons of green hydrogen annually by 2035. In May, transitional energy group Chariot finalized the feasibility study for a 10 GW green hydrogen project in Mauritania – Project Nour. Plans are currently underway to implement a phased development approach for the project, where the initial phase aims to establish 3 GW of renewable capacity, generating up to 1.6 GW of electrolysis capacity to yield 150,000 tons of green hydrogen annually. Green hydrogen from the project will be used to meet domestic needs as well as international demand, leveraging Mauritania’s proximity to European markets. Other projects in Mauritania include Danish developer GreenCo Energy’s 35 GW Megaton Moon, renewable energy developer CWP Global’s 16-20 GW Aman project and a 10 GW project spearheaded by Egyptian utility company Infinity and energy company Conjuncta.

Meanwhile, poised to become Africa’s first 100% net-zero green community, the Daures Green Hydrogen Village project in Namibia will comprise solar, wind, hydrogen and ammonia production systems and transportation networks. Set to be developed through 2032, the project will provide a pilot proof of concept while eventually targeting large-scale green hydrogen production, exploration and export to regional and global markets.

“Africa stands to become a global green hydrogen hub given the continent’s strategic proximity to high-demand international markets and abundant resources. While several countries across the continent have made great strides towards developing large-scale projects, significant investment opportunities remain. Africa should leverage rising global demand to build green hydrogen projects and related infrastructure, therefore bringing a new energy source to the market,” stated NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.

Stepping into this picture, the summit aims to explore how green hydrogen can achieve climate goals and foster global partnerships while showcasing the significant role that hydrogen will play in the future of African energy. Panel discussions, such as Unleashing the African Hydrogen Revolution and Creating a Sustainable African Hydrogen Value Chain explore the potential of hydrogen as a clean, sustainable energy source and its implications for Africa’s energy landscape. Panelists will discuss scalability, cost effectiveness and hydrogen’s potential as a catalyst for economic growth.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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OPPO Awards Media OutReach Newswire “Partner of the Year 2024” for Excellence in Global Press Release Distribution Services

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March 10, 2025

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OPPO

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 March 2025 – Media OutReach Newswire, Asia Pacific’s first global newswire, has been honoured with OPPO’s prestigious ‘Partner of the Year’ award for the second time, following its exemplary performance in OPPO’s rigorous annual vendor evaluation system. Media OutReach Newswire achieved an exceptional rating exceeding 90% in OPPO’s evaluation matrix—an A-tier classification that OPPO’s Global Procurement team characterises as ‘extremely difficult to achieve.’ This distinguished OPPO award further solidifies Media OutReach Newswire’s position as a trusted global press release distribution partner. In their formal commendation accompanying the award, OPPO acknowledged the partnership’s strategic value, stating: “You have demonstrated a deep understanding of client requirements and consistently delivered outstanding results.”

Since 2019, Media OutReach Newswire has been a trusted newswire partner of OPPO, the world’s leading smart device brand known for combining aesthetic excellence with innovative technology. Media OutReach Newswire has supported OPPO by distributing the company’s press releases across Asia Pacific, Southeast Asia, the USA & Canada, the Middle East, Africa, Europe & the UK, and Latin America.

“Being recognised as the ‘OPPO Partner of the Year’ for the second time is a proud moment for Media OutReach Newswire and a testament to the excellence of our distribution network and customer services,” said Jennifer Kok, Founder and CEO of Media OutReach Newswire. “This award reflects our deep understanding of clients’ needs and our commitment to delivering results that exceed expectations globally. It highlights our expertise in connecting OPPO’s press releases with journalists, securing guaranteed news postings on high-quality media outlets globally, and providing post-release reports with data insights and PR Campaign Intelligence. Our continuous investment in press release distribution network ensures OPPO’s PR and marketing teams achieve impactful results in their global communications campaigns. Media OutReach Newswire is the trusted partner for corporations and governments looking to elevate their global brand trust and recognition.”

Through its comprehensive database of more than 200,000 journalists and editors over 500 trade categories, Media OutReach Newswire ensured OPPO’s press releases reached both general news (newspapers) and targeted trade media such as telecommunications & mobile, general technology, business, finance, ESG, retail and lifestyle which are key to OPPO’s business communications. By delivering OPPO’s press release directly to the inbox of targeted journalists and editors, Media OutReach Newswire’s press release distribution service has generated write-ups from trade media such as Gadgets 360, GMSArena, Phone Arena, Hardware Zone, Tech Edition as well as from tier one media outlets like CNBC, Forbes and South China Morning Post.

Media OutReach Newswire offers a Total Communications Solution that addresses the full requirements of PR and IR professionals, which includes a comprehensive global network of editors and journalists, guaranteed online news postings on quality and real media, and multiformat ready to use post release report with data insights and pioneering PR Campaign Intelligence to facilitate C-Suite’s reporting.

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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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23 hours ago

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March 9, 2025

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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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23 hours ago

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March 9, 2025

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OPEC

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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