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African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 Renegade Intel Platform to Position Oil & Gas at the Center of the Global Artificial Intelligence (AI) Data Center Drive

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5 months ago

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African Energy Week

The Renegade Intel platform will position AI infrastructure, gas-fired power and hyperscale data centers as the next major frontier for African industrialization and energy investment

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, May 12, 2026/APO Group/ –Africa’s premier energy event, African Energy Week (AEW), is placing the global AI data center evolution at the forefront of Africa’s energy transformation with the launch of dedicated platform: Renegade Intel. Taking place during the strategic program from October 12-16 in Cape Town, the platform will connect African energy producers, technology firms, financiers and digital infrastructure developers at a pivotal moment for the continent’s industrial future.

 

The launch comes as African governments and private investors increasingly position data centers not simply as digital infrastructure assets, but as catalysts for electrification, industrial growth, gas monetization and long-term energy security. Renegade Intel will focus on the intersection between AI, power generation, natural gas, data sovereignty and infrastructure financing, while examining how Africa can build its own AI-enabled industrial ecosystem rather than exporting both its raw resources and digital value abroad.

The launch of Renegade Intel comes at a pivotal time for the continent, with rising demand for AI, cloud computing, fintech and expanded mobile connectivity set to drive the growth of the emerging data center market. While Africa’s data market is currently in its infancy stage, forecasts show the sector growing from $2.2 billion in 2026 to approximately $4.3 billion by 2031, highlighting a unique – and increasingly strategic – opportunity for both energy producers and technology firms.

Renegade Intel is about bringing energy companies, technology firms, financiers and infrastructure developers together to build a commercially viable African model

Yet infrastructure remains the primary bottleneck. Unreliable grid systems and low electrification rates impede the development of the continent’s AI data center market – but integrating investments across sectors could turn this trend around. AI-driven demand is already transforming global electricity markets. In the United States, utilities are already warning that hyperscale AI facilities could materially increase grid strain and power prices in key regions. Africa’s opportunity, however, may lie in avoiding that model altogether by building dedicated gas-to-power ecosystems specifically designed for data center operations.

South Africa is currently leading the continent’s data center expansion, with cloud zones from Microsoft and AWS already live and Google expected to follow. While power shortages and grid instability continue to constrain economic expansion, gas is increasingly being positioned as a strategic transition fuel capable of supporting large-scale digital infrastructure. The country not only boasts significant offshore discoveries in the Orange Basin and Outeniqua Basin, but also holds substantial shale gas resources in the Karoo Basin. Combined with Cape Town and Johannesburg’s growing role as digital and cloud connectivity hubs, these resources could support a new generation of gas-fired power projects dedicated to data centers and AI infrastructure.

Nigeria presents an even larger commercial opportunity. Home to more than 200 trillion cubic feet of proven natural gas reserves – the largest on the continent – the country is increasingly looking at gas monetization beyond LNG exports. The model creates an opportunity to channel associated gas and currently flared gas into domestic power generation for hyperscale facilities, while simultaneously reducing emissions, addressing energy poverty and accelerating upstream gas development. The commercial logic is increasingly straightforward: monetize domestic gas resources through long-term power supply agreements tied directly to data center development. Renegade Intel will place this commercial model at the center of discussions in Cape Town.

“Africa cannot afford to sit on the sidelines of the AI revolution while exporting its gas, exporting its data and importing digital infrastructure. Renegade Intel is about bringing energy companies, technology firms, financiers and infrastructure developers together to build a commercially viable African model for AI growth. Gas-to-power, data sovereignty and industrialization are now part of the same conversation,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber.

The launch of Renegade Intel signals a broader evolution in how Africa’s energy future is being framed. Rather than viewing oil, gas and digital infrastructure as separate sectors, AEW 2026 will position them as interconnected pillars of industrial growth, power generation and economic competitiveness. As AI demand reshapes global infrastructure investment, Renegade Intel will provide a platform for technology companies, financiers and oil and gas producers to forge the partnerships needed to build Africa’s next generation of energy-backed digital infrastructure.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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SLB commissions new fluids systems plant in Pemba to support Mozambique’s offshore energy development

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2 hours ago

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October 9, 2026

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Mozambique

New facility expands in-country drilling and completion fluids capability, advancing the next phase of SLB’s growth in Mozambique

PEMBA, Mozambique, October 9, 2026/APO Group/ –SLB (NYSE: SLB) (www.SLB.com) announced the opening of a new fluids systems plant in Pemba, Mozambique. The new facility strengthens in-country capacity to prepare, store and deliver drilling and completion fluids for offshore operations, reinforcing the infrastructure needed as Mozambique’s offshore activity grows and its role as a strategic energy hub for East Africa continues to expand.

The commissioning of the plant, also known as a liquid mud plant, coincides with SLB marking 70 years of operations in Mozambique. It reflects the company’s long-term commitment to investing in people, infrastructure and capability that support the country’s long-term offshore energy development plans.

 




  

With an initial storage capacity of 21,000 barrels, the liquid mud plant provides a scalable platform for future growth, supporting multiple customers and rising offshore activity while improving logistics and enhancing operational flexibility.

As SLB marks 70 years in Mozambique, this investment reflects our confidence in the country’s future and our commitment to supporting its energy ambitions

“As SLB marks 70 years in Mozambique, this investment reflects our confidence in the country’s future and our commitment to supporting its energy ambitions,” said Miguel Baptista, Central, East and Southern Africa, Managing Director, SLB. The new liquid mud plant strengthens local energy infrastructure, expands opportunities for local content development, and enhances our ability to support customers as they deliver some of Africa’s most significant offshore energy resources.”

The liquid mud plant project was delivered with strong local participation and that momentum is expected to continue into operations. During project delivery, more than 100 jobs were created in Pemba with nationals representing 80% of the workforce, reflecting a focus on building local capability.

The project was delivered with a strong focus on safety, operational integrity, and quality, achieving more than 67,000 hours worked without a recordable safety incident.

This key infrastructure strengthens SLB’s ability to support consistent service quality and enhance supply chain readiness for increasing offshore activity across Mozambique, supporting customers execute safely and efficiently while developing local skills and expertise.

Key Points:

  • SLB has commissioned a new fluids system plant in Pemba, expanding in-country drilling and completion fluids capability for offshore operations.
  • With an initial storage capacity of 21,000 barrels, the facility provides a scalable platform to support growing offshore activity in Mozambique.
  • The investment marks the next phase of SLB’s growth in Mozambique, strengthening local capability and supporting long-term offshore energy development.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of SLB.

 

 




 

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South African Energy Storage Association (SAESA) welcomes 4,600 MW battery storage prioritisation and calls for integrated energy planning

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2 hours ago

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October 9, 2026

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Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are becoming critical system infrastructure, supporting flexibility, reducing avoidable curtailment, shifting energy into periods of demand and strengthening security of supply

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, October 9, 2026/APO Group/ –The South African Energy Storage Association (SAESA) (www.SAESA.org.za) welcomes the prioritisation of 4,600 MW of battery energy storage under the first Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2025 Section 34 determination.

 




  

The timing is significant. Recent Integrated Energy Plan (IEP) modelling and assumptions discussions highlighted a fundamental shift that South Africa’s energy planning now needs to capture: we cannot plan the future power system by counting megawatts of generation alone.

We must plan for when energy is available, where it is available, how it moves through a constrained grid and how it is stored and dispatched when the system needs it most.

The announcement reinforces that shift. Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are becoming critical system infrastructure, supporting flexibility, reducing avoidable curtailment, shifting energy into periods of demand and strengthening security of supply.

For SAESA, the message for the IEP is clear: storage, flexibility and system services must be modelled as integral components of South Africa’s future electricity architecture, with their contribution considered from the outset of generation planning.

“The IEP must plan the power system we are becoming, not simply model the power system we have inherited,” says SAESA.

The IEP must plan the power system we are becoming, not simply model the power system we have inherited

Partnership with C&I Energy + Storage Summit

SAESA is an association partner of the C&I Energy + Storage Summit, created by VUKA Group, taking place on 28–29 October 2026 at The Maslow Hotel, Sandton, Johannesburg.

The summit brings together commercial and industrial energy users, project developers, financiers, regulators and solution providers to explore practical approaches to energy security, procurement and storage deployment.

For businesses assessing how storage can support their operations, the event offers an opportunity to meet SAESA and engage with the wider energy community on the decisions shaping South Africa’s evolving electricity system.

Commercial and industrial energy decision-makers are invited to apply to attend as hosted buyers. Qualifying buyers receive complimentary summit access and curated opportunities to engage with industry partners.

 

Meet SAESA at C&I Energy + Storage Summit: Join the Hosted Buyer Programme

The Hosted Buyer Programme connects commercial and industrial energy decision-makers with solution providers shaping South Africa’s evolving private energy market.

Qualified energy buyers receive complimentary access to the summit and curated engagement with industry partners exploring energy procurement, storage deployment and project development.

Apply for the Hosted Buyer Programme (https://apo-opa.co/4ehLijJ)

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

 




 

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Nigeria Mining Week 2026 sets the agenda for the sector’s next decade

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8 hours ago

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October 9, 2026

By

Nigeria Mining Week

International Lithium Association and Mercuria Energy Trading NG join Nigeria Mining Week 2026 ahead of its opening in Abuja on 12 October

Nigeria has the mineral endowment to play a growing role in global supply chains, including critical minerals

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, October 8, 2026/APO Group/ —Programme and delegate passes: www.NigeriaMiningWeek.com

With less than a week to go, Nigeria Mining Week 2026 has added a global commodity trader and the world’s lithium trade association to its programme. Mercuria Energy Trading NG has signed as a Gold Sponsor, and the International Lithium Association (ILiA) has joined as a Supporting Association.

 




 
 

They join Nigeria’s mining leaders, investors and operators in Abuja from 12 to 14 October for three days on the questions that will define the sector’s next decade: who finances Nigerian projects, who buys their output, and how much of it is processed in Nigeria.

Now in its 11th edition, the event takes place at the Abuja Continental Hotel under the theme “Unlocking Investment and Growth through Partnerships”. More than 3,080 attendees and more than 90 sponsors and exhibitors are expected across seven strategic forums.

The decisions made on processing, financing and market access over the next few years will shape Nigerian mining for the decade ahead. Nigeria Mining Week puts the people making those decisions in the same room.

On the agenda

The programme follows six content pillars: exploration and geological data; financing and investment; industrialisation and processing; infrastructure and power; ESG, transparency and community development; and international and regional collaboration.

  • 12 October: pre-conference and roundtables on geological data, financing for junior miners, compliance and enforcement, and power and infrastructure.

Available to conference attendees only.

  • 13 October: conference and exhibition opening, the new Critical Minerals Forum, the Women in Extractive Industries Forum and technical workshops
  • 14 October: Gold Day, sessions on steel and industrial minerals, the Deal Room and further technical workshops

The Deal Room is a curated space for one-on-one meetings between mining projects and financiers, off-takers and strategic partners. Projects seeking offtake or financing can apply to take part.

International Lithium Association joins as Supporting Association

ILiA, the global trade association for the lithium industry, will take part in the Critical Minerals Forum on 13 October. Astrid Karamira, EMEA Representative Director at ILiA, joins the panel “Building Reliable Pathways from Nigeria to Global Battery, Magnet & EV Markets”.

The session looks at what Nigerian projects must do to reach international battery markets: technical and quality standards, traceability and responsible sourcing, export readiness, and the step from exploration success to commercial operation.

“Global buyers are asking more of their suppliers on quality, traceability and responsible sourcing than ever before. Nigeria Mining Week is an opportunity to discuss openly what those expectations mean in practice, and how Nigerian projects can meet them.”

Mercuria Energy Trading NG signs as Gold Sponsor

Mercuria Energy Trading NG is the Nigerian subsidiary of Mercuria, one of the world’s leading independent energy and commodity groups. It brings a buyer and offtaker perspective to the programme.

For many Nigerian projects, a credible buyer is the gap between a promising deposit and a financed mine. Mercuria will contribute to discussions on commodity trading and offtake partnerships, critical minerals supply chains, and infrastructure and logistics.

“Nigeria has the mineral endowment to play a growing role in global supply chains, including critical minerals. We look forward to sharing how trading, offtake and logistics partnerships can help Nigerian projects reach global markets.”

Event details

The programme is subject to change.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Nigeria Mining Week.

 

 




 

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