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African Resources to Catalyze Global Energy Security, Says African Energy Week (AEW) 2024 Opening Panel

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Energy Security

With energy demand projected to increase more than 50% between 2020 and 2050, Africa is strategically positioned to meet global energy needs while driving its own socioeconomic development

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, November 6, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Global energy demand is anticipated to increase 27% by 2040, with fossil fuels projected to account for the lion’s share of the world’s energy mix beyond 2050. Meeting this demand will require alternative energy supplies, and Africa, with over 125 billion barrels of proven oil reserves and 620 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of proven gas, is uniquely positioned to drive global energy security efforts.

The opening panel discussion at the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2024 conference explored how African energy resources drive global energy security. With a large share of Africa’s proven oil and gas reserves unexploited and regulatory reforms strengthening the business environment across the continent, Africa has emerged as a highly competitive investment destination.

Atul Arya, Senior Vice President and Chief Energy Strategist at S&P Global Commodity Insights, explained that “There is no shortage of potential in Africa. The transition is going to be multidimensional and multi-fueled. In Africa, we have seen $58 billion invested in upstream activities in 2019 and it went down to $20 billion in 2020. We hope to see it hit $58 billion in the coming years again.”

Africa’s biggest producers continue to invest heavily in exploration and production aiming to increase output and exports. In 2024, Nigeria launched its latest licensing round, energy majors have resumed exploration in Libya while Angola is preparing to launch its next offshore bid round. These efforts will drive production growth in Africa, consolidating the continent’s position as a global supplier.

We made great discoveries over the last two years and we continue to have more interest coming in terms of exploration

“Nigeria has enormous potential. We have about 37 billion barrels of crude and 209 tcf of gas. However, we believe that we have a lot more than that. We believe that we can produce 2.5 million barrels per day (bpd) within the next year. Today, we produce 1.7 million bpd. By addressing our decaying infrastructure, we can boost output,” said Heineken Lokpobiri, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil).

Angola has turned to regulatory reform to boost production. According to the country’s Minister of Mineral Resources and Petroleum, Diamantino Pedro Azevedo, “We started by changing the governance model of the sector, introducing two new regulators – one for upstream and one for mid and downstream – and we also instituted changes in the laws and fiscal regime.” This will strengthen export capacity and regional petroleum trade.

For Gabon, deepwater exploration is a significant opportunity for investors. Marcel Abéké, Minister of Petroleum, Gabon, said that “We have significant potential in the deep offshore waters. The majority of gas we have in Africa is in the deep waters. For now, we do not have the means to utilize those resources. We are here to call on big investors to come to Africa and explore.”

Accelerated field development is also a top priority for emerging producers in Africa. Namibia, for instance, is widely-considered the biggest frontier play worldwide. With a string of offshore discoveries made since 2022, the country is targeting first oil production in the Orange Basin by 2029.

“We made great discoveries over the last two years and we continue to have more interest coming in terms of exploration. Now, we are putting more emphasis on local content issues. Through local content, we will generate other economic activities within the Namibian economy. When you have an alignment, whether it’s projects or local content or regulations, everything is possible,” said Tom Alweendo, Minister of Mines and Energy, Namibia.

International oil companies like Chevron are driving a multi-energy approach to generate high returns and unlock new sources of sustainable energy for Africa. Liz Schwarze, Chevron’s Vice President of Global Exploration, explained that “The future energy mix will have oil and gas in it for much longer. As we grow our business worldwide and reduce the carbon intensity of our operations, one of Chevron’s strategic areas is Africa. This is because there is tremendous potential, from rocks and geology to a welcoming environment. Ultimately, this will enable us to deliver energy where it is most needed.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Business

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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Energy

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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