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Azule Energy Reiterates Commitment to Angola, Pioneers World’s First Green Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) Vessel

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Azule Energy

The African Energy Chamber commends Azule Energy for its sustainability efforts and operations in Angola as it supports the country’s E&P goals

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, July 17, 2024/APO Group/ — 

In a bid to solidify its position as a key player in the global energy market, Angola has set its sights on ramping up oil and gas production to counter expected natural decline. The country plans to increase oil output to 1.1 million barrels per day (bpd), maintaining this output until 2027. Meanwhile, Angola is also working to increase natural gas’ share in its energy mix to 25% by 2025, a move that will strengthen feedstock for the Angola LNG facility. With substantial investments in upstream projects, Azule Energy is poised to play a crucial role in helping the country achieve its ambitious energy goals.

Upstream Investments to Bolster Angolan Energy Security 

Azule Energy represents one of the largest independent equity producers of oil and gas in Angola, with two billion barrels equivalent of net resources, stakes in 20 licenses – of which 11 are operated – and participation in the Angola LNG joint venture – the entity that operates the country’s inaugural LNG plant. The company has set a target of increasing oil production to 250,000 bpd within the 2023-2026 period, accelerating gas monetization through the New Gas Consortium (NGC) – operated by Azule Energy – while developing 500 MW of renewable energy by 2025. This diversified project portfolio aligns closely with the government’s efforts to bolster energy security in the country.

Major upcoming projects also include the Agogo Integrated West Hub development, which features the development of a new production hub at Block 15/06. The project will produce hydrocarbons from the already-producing Agogo field and the newly developed Ndungu field, utilizing the existing Ngoma FPSO and the under-construction Agogo FPSO. Utilizing existing infrastructure in Block 15/06, the Agogo FPSO will have a capacity of 120,000 bpd and a gas injection capacity of 230 million cubic feet per day. Achieving FID in 2023, the Agogo Integrated West Hub project will come online in 2026.

Notwithstanding new developments, Azule Energy is committed to going even further with its support for production growth in Angola by maximizing output in existing fields. In line with Angola’s recently established Incremental Production Program – which seeks to incentivize investment in already-producing assets – the company is assessing expansion opportunities at mature fields. Currently, Azule Energy’s portfolio of operated blocks include Cabinda Norte and Cabinda Centro (onshore), as well as Blocks 31, 15/06, 1/14, 18 and 28 (offshore). The company also has four FPSO vessels in operation, with a capacity of 1.75 million bpd each. Investments in incremental production at producing blocks would not only maximize field development but drive energy security across the nation.

Angola is and remains at the core of our corporate strategy even as we explore other interesting opportunities outside

In addition to oil, the company is also spearheading the development of the country’s first non-associated gas project through the NGC. The first phase of the project monetizes gas resources from the Quiluma and Maboqueiro fields – located in the shallow waters of the Northern Gas Complex – to produce four billion cubic meters of gas per year via two offshore platforms and an onshore gas processing plant. The project is strategically designed to supply gas for the Angola LNG plant and is on track for first production in 2026. The NGC has the potential to utilize gas from Blocks 2, 3 and 15/14 for the Angola LNG plant, thereby supporting diversification and boosting gas monetization in Angola.  

“Azule is fully committed to Angola. Angola is and remains at the core of our corporate strategy even as we explore other interesting opportunities outside. Our leadership is fully committed to investing and developing local content in Angola because we believe that is the right thing to do,” said Adalberto Fernandes, Government Affairs Director at Azule Energy.

Pioneering Sustainable Oil and Gas Solutions

Azule Energy has placed sustainability at the heart of its operations in Angola. The company’s Agogo FPSO, for example, is a pioneering infrastructure that incorporates carbon capture and storage (CCS) capabilities. The vessel is designed in a way that redefines sustainability in the industry and is largely-considered the first-of-its-kind. Specifically, the FPSO features the world’s first post-combustion CO2 capture plants installed on an offshore facility, thereby significantly reducing the amount of CO2 emitted. The FPSO also integrates a number of electrification and automation technologies in line with the company’s vision to achieve net-zero in terms of Scope 1 emissions by 2030.

Meanwhile, the company is currently producing its first-ever sustainability report, which provides a comprehensive overview of Azule Energy’s performance regarding Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices. The report will outline a plan to achieve net-zero and introduce stakeholders to measures and technologies being applied to drive sustainable oil and gas operations.

Additionally, Azule Energy is committed to strengthening local content in Angola. Through the company’s operations, Azule Energy supports job creation opportunities and has incorporated a skills development component to all projects. Block 15/06 alone is expected to become a hub for local industries, generating $5.6 billion and creating 1,400 jobs by 2044. Meanwhile, the company’s onshore gas processing plant in Soyo – representing part of the NGC – features specific local content components. The NGC estimates that $1 billion of the project’s costs will be allocated to the procurement of local goods, services and materials. In tandem with renewable energy investments, these endeavors aim to set a new standard for sustainable oil and gas operations in Angola.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Energy

High-Level Minister Roundup to Headline African Energy Week 2026

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African Energy Chamber

African Energy Week 2026 will convene ministers from Algeria, Ghana, Senegal, Zambia and Niger to spotlight oil, gas expansion, reforms and investment opportunities continentwide

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, March 13, 2026/APO Group/ –A high-level ministerial roundup will take center stage at this year’s African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 – taking place in Cape Town from 12–16 October –, convening some of the continent’s most influential energy leaders at a defining moment for Africa’s oil, gas and power sectors. As hydrocarbon expansion converges with accelerating energy transition strategies, the gathering is set to spotlight real-time project execution, regulatory reform and cross-border infrastructure that are actively reshaping Africa’s energy future.

 

Confirmed ministers to date include Algeria’s Minister of Energy and Renewable Energies Mourad Adjal, Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, Senegal’s Minister of Energy, Petroleum and Mines Birame Soulèye Diop, Zambia’s Minister of Energy Makozo Chikote and Niger’s Minster of Petroleum Hamadou Tinni.

 

Fresh from a March OPEC+ decision to lift output to 977,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd), Algeria enters AEW 2026 amid a $60 billion sector transformation. The country is also advancing a 500-well exploration drive and accelerating its 1.48 GW “Project of the Century” solar rollout. Gas exports to Europe remains central to the country, supported by hydrogen corridor planning and refinery expansion aimed at boosting capacity to 50 million tons by 2029.

 

Following license extension for Jubilee and TEN to 2040 and the late-2025 restart of the Tema Oil Refinery, Ghana is pushing a $3.5 billion upstream reinvestment plan while settling $500 million in gas arrears. A 1,200 MW state thermal plant and expanded gas processing at Atuabo anchor its gas-to-power shift, alongside a renewed upstream push in the Voltaian Basin.

The participation of these distinguished ministers underscores the scale of opportunity unfolding across Africa’s energy landscape and the urgency of aligning policy with capital

 

Senegal’s delegation comes on the back of strong production momentum, with the Sangomar oil field delivering 36.1 million barrels in 2025, outperforming forecasts, while the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG development ramped up to 2.9 million tons per annum following first gas. Dakar is now prioritizing domestic gas through refinery upgrades at the SAR refinery and preparations for Sangomar Phase 2 to push output beyond 100,000 bpd.

 

Zambia is redefining its power mix after drought-induced hydro shortfalls. New solar capacity – including the 200 MW Chisamba expansion and 136 MW Itimpi Phase 2 – is part of a broader 2,500 MW diversification drive. Cabinet has approved major regional fuel pipelines, while the Energy Single Licensing System fast-tracks approvals. Lusaka targets 10 GW generation by 2030, with solar and wind rising to one-third of supply.

Niger’s presence reflects its emergence as a serious oil exporter, with the fully operational 1,950-km Niger-Benin pipeline now moving up to 90,000 bpd to international markets. Alongside uranium expansion and renewed cooperation with Algeria on upstream assets, Niamey is advancing digital oversight reforms and reinforcing energy sovereignty amid evolving geopolitical dynamics.

 

“The participation of these distinguished ministers underscores the scale of opportunity unfolding across Africa’s energy landscape and the urgency of aligning policy with capital,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber. “Their leadership reflects a continent moving decisively from strategy to execution, creating a platform where investors can engage directly with the policymakers shaping Africa’s next wave of oil, gas and energy growth.”

 

At AEW 2026, this ministerial cohort will be well-positioned to offer investors direct insight into Africa’s most dynamic energy markets – where new barrels, new pipelines and new megawatts are reshaping regional growth trajectories in real time.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Enlit Africa 2026 Programme: 280+ speakers, African nuclear 2.0, Bruce Whitfield Business Breakfast

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Enlit Africa

The event, taking place 19-21 May 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, expects 7,200+ attendees and 250+ exhibitors, making it Africa’s largest gathering of energy and water professionals

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, March 12, 2026/APO Group/ –Enlit Africa (https://apo-opa.co/4cEX08g) has released its full 2026 conference programme, featuring 280+ speakers across 8 specialised tracks including a new African Nuclear 2.0 session covering Koeberg’s 20-year life extension and Ghana’s nuclear vendor selection process.

 

The event, taking place 19-21 May 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, expects 7,200+ attendees and 250+ exhibitors, making it Africa’s largest gathering of energy and water professionals.

Award-winning business journalist and best-selling author Bruce Whitfield will deliver the opening address at the Project & Investment Network Business Breakfast on 19 May, kicking off three days of strategic sessions, deal-making platforms, and technical masterclasses.

New programme content includes:

African Nuclear 2.0 – A dedicated session examining the transition from planning to execution, featuring:

Koeberg Nuclear Power Station’s successful 20-year life extension (Units 1 and 2 now licensed until 2044/2045)

Ghana’s progression to Phase 3 of its nuclear programme, evaluating US, Chinese, and Russian technology bids

West African Power Pool‘s 10 GW regional nuclear capacity target

Small Modular Reactor (SMR) deployment readiness across African grids

Independent Transmission Projects (ITP) – A new session exploring how private investment is unlocking Africa’s transmission bottleneck, featuring global case studies from India’s PowerGrid and lessons for scaling grid capacity across the continent.

Generation Masterclasses – Five interactive roundtables on gas-to-power, nuclear, hydro power, clean coal, and hydrogen.

AI in Africa’s Power Grid – Examining practical deployment realities, real-time analytics, and predictive maintenance applications already in operation across African utilities.

Conference sessions and technical hub sessions on the expo floor are CPD-accredited by the South African Institute of Electrical Engineers (SAIEE) and the South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE).

Co-located platforms:

Water Security Africa features country playbooks from Namibia (55-year potable reuse programme), Uganda (NRW reduction from 42% to 32%), Cape Town (Day Zero recovery strategies), and sector-specific stewardship sessions with Harmony Gold, Heineken, Mediclinic, and Growthpoint Properties.

Project & Investment Network (P&IN), part of the new Level 2 Executive Experience, connects project developers, investors, African utility CEOs, and DFIs through structured matchmaking, ministerial dialogues, and project briefings. Over the past two years, P&IN has facilitated $3 billion in project pitches.

Utility CEO Forum brings together 35+ confirmed utility CEOs under Chatham House Rule for candid, off-the-record strategic discussions on unbundling, prosumer management, and financial sustainability.

Municipal Forum addresses South African municipalities’ distribution, metering, and revenue challenges, including sessions on NRW management, tariff reform, Cost of Supply studies, and electrifying informal settlements.

Technical Hub sessions on the exhibition floor offer free, CPD-accredited training across Power, Renewable Energy & Storage, and Water tracks, with confirmed speakers from Eskom, ENGIE SA, ACTOM, National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA), RenEnergy, and Matla Energy.

Site visits on 22 May include Koeberg Nuclear Power Station and the V&A Waterfront desalination plant.

Pass options:
Free expo pass registration: https://apo-opa.co/4bl2bYu

Free expo passes provide access to 250+ exhibitors and CPD-accredited Technical Hub sessions.

Delegate Pass:
Early bird registration closes 3 April 2026. Delegate passes start at R15,100 (Silver), with P&IN Executive passes at R32,000 including access to the Bruce Whitfield breakfast, Level 2 executive lounge, and investor matchmaking.

Download the full programme: https://apo-opa.co/3NwCble

Register: https://apo-opa.co/4cEX08g

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

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Binance Secures Second Major Legal Victory in U.S. Court Under Anti-Terrorism Act in Two Weeks

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Binance

US Federal Court in Alabama Dismisses All Claims Against Binance in Latest Lawsuit Victory

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, March 12, 2026/APO Group/ –Binance (www.Binance.com), the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, announced today that a U.S. federal court in Alabama has dismissed all claims against the company in a lawsuit alleging violations of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA). This marks Binance’s second major legal victory in an  ATA matter within one week, following their victory in the Southern District of New York.

A Full and Complete Legal Victory

In a detailed 19-page ruling, the Court found the plaintiffs’ complaint to be legally and factually deficient. The court’s decision to dismiss every claim across the board represents a decisive legal victory for Binance.

Sanctions compliance and terrorism financing are serious matters of law – they require evidence, legal rigour, and due process

The judge described the filing as a “shotgun pleading.” The complaint failed to clearly specify the claims and improperly grouped all defendants together without distinguishing individual conduct or liability. The ruling also emphasized that the plaintiffs did not meet the basic pleading standard to provide a “short and plain statement” of their claims.

Following the ruling, the court granted the plaintiffs until April 10, 2026, to file an amended complaint addressing the deficiencies identified. However, the judge warned that failure to adequately address these issues would result in dismissal of the entire case.

Building on Momentum and Upholding Legal Integrity

“This decision reinforces our unwavering commitment to protecting Binance and our community from unsubstantiated and bad-faith lawsuits,” shared Eleanor Hughes, General Counsel at Binance. “Sanctions compliance and terrorism financing are serious matters of law – they require evidence, legal rigour, and due process. Courts have now examined these claims on two separate occasions and found them to be without merit. These outcomes speak for themselves. We will not tolerate attempts to misuse the legal system to target our industry, and we remain as committed as ever to transparency, security, and lawful conduct in everything we do”.

This latest decision follows closely on the heels of Binance’s comprehensive victory in New York (https://apo-opa.co/46Xg0ev), where the Court similarly rejected allegations that the company assisted, participated in, or conspired with terrorists. Together, these rulings reflect Binance’s strong resolve to protect its platform and community.

Binance has consistently invested in industry-leading compliance infrastructure, regulatory engagement, and legal governance. The company will continue to vigorously defend itself against any attempts to bring unfounded claims or misrepresent its operations.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Binance.

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