Malawi has recorded several industry growth milestones in 2025, with global partners expediting exploration and production projects in line with the country’s Agriculture, Tourism and Mining Strategy, designed to attract new investments for economic growth. Last month, Australian company Lotus Resources secured $38.5 million (https://apo-opa.co/3Fym3et) in funding from South African banks First Capital Bank and Standard Bank for its Kayelekera Uranium Project. This financing injection not only supports operational readiness, but also enhances Malawi’s positioning as a competitive uranium producer amid rising global demand. With the funds providing working capital and supporting the firm’s equipment procurement, the development marks a huge milestone for the project, ahead of a planned Q3 2025 first production target.

Sovereign Metals, supported by Rio Tinto, is fast-tracking the Kasiya Rutile-Graphite Project, home to the world’s largest known rutile resource and the second-largest flake graphite reserve. A February 2025 test conducted by the firm confirmed the mine’s suitability for refractory applications, while a January 2025 feasibility study projected $16.4 billion in revenue potential. As global markets increasingly seek sustainable sources of high-quality rutile and graphite, Kasiya is well-positioned to become a pivotal supplier, meeting rising industrial and green energy needs. With $665 million allocated for project development, Kasiya is expected to become a major revenue generator for Malawi.

In the rare earths sector, Australia’s Lindian Resources is seeking to attract new investment partners for its Kangankunde Rare Earths Project. The company recently awarded a $1.3 million contract to Mota-Engil to develop infrastructure and carry out civil works, advancing project timelines. With rare earth elements playing a crucial role in high-tech industries, clean energy and defense applications, this project strengthens Malawi’s position in the global supply chain.

In January 2025, Kula Gold and African Rare Metals established a joint venture (JV) for the Wozi Niobium Project to accelerate project development through expertise and shared capital. The JV has applied for an exploration license, with plans for fieldwork, sampling and a $100,000 drilling program beginning in Q2 2025. Given growing demand for niobium for steel production, the project is poised to generate substantial foreign exchange earnings for Malawi.

Amid these developments, African Mining Week will provide a platform for deal-making and partnerships, connecting Malawi’s mining sector with global investors and showcasing the country’s growing potential as a hub for critical minerals. With an increasing focus on securing reliable mineral supplies for the energy transition, Malawi’s rich deposits of uranium, graphite, niobium and rare earths present a unique opportunity for international stakeholders seeking long-term, stable partnerships.

African Mining Week serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.

APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), the leading pan-African media relations and communications consultancy, is pleased to announce the promotion of Papa Chimere Diop to Director of Strategic Growth & Market Development at Group level. This appointment, effective from 1 March 2025, highlights APO Group’s commitment to strengthening its commercial leadership and driving expansion across Africa.

Chimere, who previously served as Senior Sales Director and later Senior Growth Director, has been instrumental in shaping APO Group’s business development strategies. His transition into this role reflects the company’s dedication to empowering its top talent while reinforcing its leadership in the African communications industry.

Bas Wijne, CEO of APO Group, said, “As a key driver of APO Group’s commercial success, Chimere has consistently secured high-impact opportunities and built strong client relationships across the continent. His promotion to a Group-level role is a natural progression in our strategy to deepen partnerships, enhance market intelligence, and accelerate sustainable growth in key regions. His leadership will be vital as we continue to expand our footprint across Africa.”

In his new role, Chimere will focus on identifying strategic opportunities, strengthening client engagement with senior decision-makers, and driving sustainable revenue growth. He will also lead initiatives to expand APO Group’s presence in high-growth industries and regions, deepen relationships with senior executives to unlock new opportunities, and utilise market intelligence to reinforce the company’s leadership in Francophone and Lusophone Africa. Additionally, he will represent APO Group at major industry events, enhancing the company’s thought leadership and brand visibility across the African communications landscape.

“I am honoured to take on this expanded role at APO Group, building on the momentum we have created over the years,” said Chimere. “Our team is a reflection of Africa itself—rich in cultural and geographic diversity, with deep expertise and an extensive understanding of the continent’s media and business landscape. As we continue to be the trusted communications partner for leading organisations across Africa, we also welcome fresh perspectives and creative contributions that can help drive meaningful growth and reinforce our presence in all African markets.”

With this strategic appointment, APO Group continues to solidify its leadership in the African communications industry. Clients, partners, and industry stakeholders are encouraged to engage with APO Group to explore new collaboration opportunities.

Over the past five years, AEW has facilitated multi-billion-dollar deals, shaped policy discussions and strengthened regional cooperation. Its inaugural edition in 2021 set a strong foundation, attracting 1,700 delegates, including ministers, global energy executives and financial institutions. The event reinforced Africa’s appeal to investors while establishing AEW’s strategic goal of eradicating energy poverty by 2030. The event introduced key features such as the African Energy Awards, panel discussions and forums covering the entire energy sector across four venues. Country spotlight sessions provided market insights, while the African Energy Chamber, alongside African energy ministers and a representative from the German government, launched the African Green Energy Dialogue Initiative to accelerate investment in Africa’s green energy space.

The 2022 edition of AEW kicked off with opening remarks from esteemed African leaders including the presidents of Uganda and Mozambique, Minister of Hydrocarbons from the Republic of Congo, as well as prominent industry figures from APPO, the European Commission, the International Energy Forum and the private sector. AEW 2022 provided a platform for high-level discussions on investment opportunities, energy policy and strategies for driving Africa’s energy transition. In addition to insightful discussions and networking opportunities, AEW 2022 introduced the Just Energy Transition Concert, blending music and culture with energy dialogue to promote investment, development and wider participation across the energy industry.

AEW 2023 saw an unprecedented level of participation, with opening remarks from the presidents of Namibia, Senegal and Uganda, alongside energy ministers from South Africa, South Sudan, Uganda, Equatorial Guinea, the Republic of Congo, Ghana and Mozambique. Representatives from OPEC, APPO, GECF, and key global partners from Russia, the U.S., Europe, and Saudi Arabia further reinforced the event’s strategic importance. Afreximbank played a central role, hosting a dedicated deal room and supporting Africa’s growing M&A activity. Key agreements signed included Afreximbank’s $75 million financing deal with Torxen Energy Resources for Nigeria’s PPL 241, a hydrogen exploration agreement between The Gambia and H2 Gambia Limited, and a $60 million term loan for Alphaden Energy & Oilfield Limited to develop a gas facility in Nigeria. Additionally, the African Energy Chamber partnered with the Black Impact Foundation to promote global opportunities for the Black community. The African Farmout Forum connected investors with available blocks, accelerating exploration and partnerships across Africa’s oil and gas sector.

In 2024, AEW underscored its role as a catalyst for deal-making and sectoral development. Afreximbank committed over $120 million in financial facilities to support Africa’s oil and gas sector, while the Republic of Congo’s Société nationale des pétroles du Congo partnered with the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan to modernize the CORAF refinery and the African Farmout Forum returned to highlight available block opportunities for partnership and investment. The event featured a distinguished lineup of speakers and delegations, including energy ministers from South Africa, Namibia, the Republic of Congo, Gabon, Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea and Angola; OPEC and APPO secretary generals; and top executives from Eni, bp, Chevron, TotalEnergies and other leading energy companies.

The fifth edition of AEW promises an even greater focus on investment opportunities and project developments, including 2025/2026 licensing rounds, multi-phase LNG facilities, new refining capacity, drilling and appraisal programs and cross-border pipeline infrastructure. All flagship features will return, including the Big Five Stages of Premium Industry Content, the African Farmout Forum, the Deal Room, the OPEC-Africa Roundtable and more. With capital-intensive projects requiring global financing, AEW 2025 will serve as the premier platform to connect investors with Africa’s most promising energy opportunities.

By bringing together key stakeholders, AEW has enhanced Africa’s global competitiveness, enabled cross-border partnerships and fostered policy dialogue that advances sustainable energy development. As the conference celebrates five years of impact, its role in shaping the future of Africa’s energy sector remains stronger than ever, ensuring that the continent’s vast energy resources continue to drive sustainable development and economic transformation.

“The five-year milestone is a testament to AEW’s commitment to shaping the future of Africa’s energy sector. As the continent continues to navigate the complexities of energy development, AEW remains a vital platform for stakeholders to engage and drive progress across the continent,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber, adding “As AEW celebrates five years of impact, its influence on the continent’s energy landscape remains unparalleled. The conference has consistently demonstrated its ability to drive sustainable energy development, ensuring that Africa’s vast energy resources are harnessed to drive economic transformation and sustainable development.”

AEW: Invest in African Energies 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.