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Angola Strives for Energy Security through Increased Oil and Gas Production

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José Barroso

Speaking during CERAWeek in Houston, Angola’s Secretary of State for Oil and Gas José Barroso outlined the government’s long-term investment agenda

LUANDA, Angola, March 26, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Angola aims to hold and increase oil production beyond 1.18 million barrels per day (bpd) while positioning the gas sector to account for 25% of the country’s energy needs by 2025. To achieve this, government is inviting investment into exploration and production, with industry reforms guaranteeing both a competitive and stable investment environment.

Speaking at the CERAWeek conference in Houston this week, Angola’s Secretary of State for Oil and Gas José Barroso outlined the government’s vision to achieve energy security through oil and gas production. Barroso announced that the government will continue to promote investment opportunities through the continuous running of bid-rounds offering exploration licenses to qualified oil and gas companies while maintaining a robust outreach at major international oil and gas events and Angola’s premier industry event – the Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) conference, which takes place this year on October 2-4 in Luanda.

Organized by Energy Capital & Power, AOG is the largest oil and gas event in Angola. Taking place with the full support of the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas; the National Oil, Gas and Biofuels Agency (ANPG), the downstream regulator IRDP, national oil company Sonangol and the African Energy Chamber.

Industry Reforms Aim to Bolster Production

Since 2017, Angola has been undertaking aggressive industry reforms to ensure a transparent and competitive oil and gas market. The country introduced a six-year licensing round in 2019 which guarantees yearly investment opportunities in exploration for foreign players. The most recent of these – a 12-block tender covering blocks in the Lower Congo and Kwanza Basins – featured 53 bids, underscoring the scale of interest in Angolan oil and gas. Going forward, Barroso explained that the country’s national regulator and concessionaire, the National Oil, Gas & Biofuels Agency (ANPG), will continue to aggressively promote the industry, pushing bid rounds in line with national production targets.

Meanwhile, Barroso stated that Angola offers regulatory flexibility with regards to oil and gas agreements. In addition to production sharing agreements under the six-year licensing round, the country introduced a risk-reducing alternative in 2020, enabling the awarding of risk service contracts when the public bid process is unlikely to succeed. A permanent offer program initiated in 2021 also enables the ANPG to negotiate new contracts with operators without offering a bid round. Additional reforms include a Tax Benefits Code enacted in 2022, creating incentives for oil companies.

According to Barroso, the government is open to discussing terms and finding a balanced agreement that provides the right returns for investors. He added that the government is open to license renewal, thereby ensuring a strong and long-term relationship between oil companies and the state.

Leveraging Gas to Unlock Economic Growth

With over 11 trillion cubic feet of proven natural gas reserves, Angola plans to leverage investments in the sector to bolster industrialization and energy access. Barroso said that natural gas is of uttermost importance for the country, serving as a catalyst for the energy transition as well as economic growth.

Currently, LNG production is declining by 10-15% per year. However, upstream developments, including the Quiluma and Maboqueiro (Q&M) gas fields – set to start production in 2026 -, stand to reverse this trend. Q&M represents the country’s first non-associated gas development and will supply feedstock for the Angola LNG project. New investments in the sector, according to Barroso, will support industrialization by supplying gas for fertilizer plants, steel plants and power generation.

The government introduced a legal framework for gas in 2018 – Presidential Decree No. 7/18 – providing attractive terms and ensuring transparency within the sector. Now, Angola is inviting foreign investors to develop the market.

Angola’s 2050 Vision Prioritizes Diversification

The Angolan government approved the strategy for Vision 2050 in 2023 – a strategic plan for the country’s long-term economic growth. Vision 2050 aims to transform Angola from an oil-driven economy by creating investment opportunities in myriad economic sectors. Over $960 billion in investment is targeted across the economy under Vision 2050, with 80% of this raised through foreign direct investment. Centered on diversification, the strategy aims to more than double the non-oil sector’s long-term growth.

However, oil remains an integral part of the country’s economic agenda. According to Barroso, with oil accounting for over 30% of GDP, 70% of government revenue and 90% of exports, the plan ensures oil and gas production remains a top priority for the next ten years. Government aims to maintain or increase production above 1.1 million bpd while diversifying the economy through investments. This, in turn, creates opportunities for players within the oil sector as well as across the entire economic spectrum. As such, the government’s pro-growth approach to investment is poised to unlock high returns for many years to come.   

Join the AOG 2024 conference today and capitalize on the opportunities the growing Angolan economy has on offer. Covering the entire oil and gas value chain as well as associated sectors such as infrastructure, manufacturing, transport and ICT, the event connects companies to opportunities. Visit www.AngolaOilAndGas.com for more information.

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

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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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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