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African Refiners and Distributors Association’s (ARDA’s) Roadmap for Africa’s Downstream Sector

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ARDA

ARDA Executive Secretary Anibor Kragha delves into the Association’s efforts to harmonize fuel specifications across Africa and support oil and gas projects throughout the continent

DAKAR, Senegal, August 13, 2024/APO Group/ — 

In an exclusive interview with Energy Capital & Power (www.EnergyCapitalPower.com), Anibor Kragha, Executive Secretary of the African Refiners and Distributors Association (ARDA), discusses the Association’s efforts to harmonize fuel standards, implement a three-decade energy transition strategy and invest in infrastructure. Kragha will participate in this year’ edition of MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power – scheduled for December 3-4 in Dakar – where he will highlight the role downstream expansion plays in inclusive energy access for all.

What opportunities do you see in the MSGBC region for the energy sector and how can events like MSGBC Oil & Gas and Power 2024 help foster growth?

Africa’s energy demand is rising and MSGBC’s is growing alongside it. To meet this demand sustainably with minimal carbon footprint, we need a strategic approach. First, regulators in MSGBC must create favorable frameworks for investment. Second, projects need thorough preparation to ensure they are bankable, with clear scopes, costs and schedules. Third, projects must prioritize low carbon footprints and incorporate ESG considerations. Fourth, we need skilled professionals to execute these projects. With these foundations in place, financing becomes more accessible. The MSGBC platform can play a crucial role in establishing these pillars to attract investment and achieve a sustainable energy future for the region.

What are your views on developing refineries in the MSGBC region, specifically regarding Société africaine de raffinage (SAR) in Senegal and its role in the country’s first oil production?

We are working with the African Union and the African Petroleum Producers Organization to promote a robust intra-African oil and gas industry. Our goal is to balance energy security and the energy transition while maximizing oil production and value addition on the continent to reduce imports and enhance long-term energy security. In the MSGBC region, with a population of over 30 million, Senegal plays a key role with just over 18 million (people). The SAR refinery, recently upgraded from 27,000 to 30,000 barrels per day, plans further expansion, with SAR 2.0 to boost energy security and reduce reliance on imported crude. Mauritania, with its significant gas potential, adds another dimension to MSGBC’s downstream potential especially with regards to an integrated, value-added petrochemicals sector for the region.

How does ARDA plan to implement investment projects and promote best practices in the downstream sector, especially in the MSGBC region?

ARDA enhances Africa’s downstream sector through key initiatives such as ARDA Week and seven specialized workgroups, focusing on refining upgrades, associated storage & distribution (S&D) infrastructure development, ESG, adoption of LPG for Clean Cooking, effective regulatory frameworks, strategic human resource management and cost-effective sustainable project financing. ARDA collaborates with regulators to create supportive investment frameworks and host investment forums to connect African project developers with financiers. Our partnership with McKinsey & Company aims to create a register of bankable, sustainable African energy infrastructure projects. Our Association is focused on launching two funds: a $1 billion fund dedicated to investing in large-scale LPG projects and another for upgrading refineries to produce clear fuels via reduced carbon footprints and supporting petrochemical projects. Our goal is to match projects like SAR 2.0 with financiers to secure essential funding to deliver the project within the envisioned timeline.

How crucial are large projects like the Dangote Refinery in overcoming Africa’s resource curse?

The Dangote Refinery, with a 650,000-barrel-per-day capacity, is the world’s largest single-train refinery. Once operating at full capacity, it will produce AFRI 6 (10-ppm sulphur) fuels, significantly boosting Africa’s energy security. With energy demand in Africa projected to grow 45-55% by 2040, the refinery will be a game-changer, reducing the need for imported crude and enhancing energy independence. ARDA aims to support investments that refine more African crude locally, balancing energy security with a lower carbon footprint. ARDA is excited about the Dangote Refinery and other key projects, such as upgrades at SIR (Société ivoirienne de raffinage) in Ivory Coast and new refineries in Ghana and Uganda.

How is ARDA balancing the harmonization of cleaner fuels with the advancement of renewable energies?

ARDA’s “tale of three decades” strategy guides our Association’s plans to deliver a unique, sustanaible energy transition roadmap for the African Downstream sector. With Africa’s only contributing less than 3% of global cumulative carbon emissions to date, compared to 33% for the EU’s and 29% for North America, our continent needs a tailored approach that balances energy security and energy transition. Our strategy focuses on three pillars: cleaner transport and cooking fuels( including low-sulfur fuels and LPG) and  S&D infrastructure and petrochemical projects first; support for biofuels, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and mature, cost-effective renewable energy solutions second; and finally cleaner primary energy sources for power e.g. replacing coal and oil with natural gas. ARDA’s vision of the “Tale of Three Decades is as follows: Decade One (no to 2030), focus should be on upgrading refineries to produce cleaner fuels and reduce carbon footprint, LPG for Clean Cooking and regional S&D infrastructure while adopting cost-effective renewables like solar technology. Decade Two (2030 to 2040) will integrate biofuels, wind and other emerging renewables technologies. Decade Three(2040 to 2050), will incorporate more advanced solutions like CCUS, hydrogen, etc, as they become more mature.

How is ARDA working to standardize fuel specifications in Africa?

ARDA has led efforts to harmonize fuel specifications across Africa, notably through supporting the 2020 ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) directive adopting AFRI-5 specs of 50 parts per million (ppm) sulfur for fuel. Africa currently has 11 diesel grades (10 to 10,000 ppm sulfur) and 12 gasoline grades (10 to 2,500 ppm). ARDA has partnered with UNEP (UN Environment Program) and participated in the 2022 UNEP Africa Meetings with energy ministers in Nairobi to promote cleaner fuel and vehicle emissions standards across the continent. ARDA has also collaborated with the African Union Commission to deliver reports highlighting the health and socio-economic benefits of adopting cleaner, low-sulphur fuels as well as the costs of upgrading African refineries to produce AFRI-6 (10-ppm sulphur) fuels. Finally, as part of the OPEC-Africa Energy Dialogue, ARDA continues to work with OPEC, the African Union Commission and the African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO) on the development of a robust, intra-African oil and gas industry that is focused on eliminating energy poverty while balancing both energy security and energy transition.

Explore opportunities, foster partnerships and stay at the forefront of the MSGBC region’s oil, gas and power sector. Visit www.msgbcoilgasandpower.com to secure your participation at the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power conference. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

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

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

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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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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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