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Benedict Peters and Aiteo Group: Defining an African Energy Champion

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3 days ago

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African Energy Chamber

As an entrepreneur turned industry leader, Benedict Peters has built Aiteo into Africa’s largest indigenous energy company – expanding from Nigerian oil production to continental gas ventures and downstream infrastructure

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, February 4, 2026/APO Group/ –Benedict Peters is one of the most influential figures in Africa’s oil and gas sector. As Founder and CEO of the Aiteo Group, he has transformed a homegrown petroleum trading company into one of the continent’s largest indigenous energy firms, navigating complex markets, strategic acquisitions and an expanding portfolio that now stretches beyond Nigeria.

 

A Vision Beyond Trading

 

Peters began his career in Nigeria’s energy sector with Ocean and Oil Services (now Oando) and MRS Oil & Gas, rising to Managing Director. These early roles provided him with hands-on experience across petroleum supply chains and operational management, laying the groundwork for his entrepreneurial leap. In 1999, he founded Sigmund Communecci, initially focused on petroleum products supply and trading. Over the next decade, the company grew into one of Nigeria’s largest operators of tank farms and storage infrastructure, with more than 250 million liters of capacity.

 

In 2008, Sigmund Communecci was rebranded as Aiteo Group, signaling a shift toward a fully integrated energy company with upstream ambitions.  Under Peters’ leadership, Aiteo now operates across the energy value chain – from production and transportation to distribution and power generation. Its most prominent asset is the NNPC-Aiteo Oil Mining Lease (OML) 29, which includes 11 oil and gas fields in Nigeria’s Niger Delta, including the historic Oloibiri field. After acquiring OML 29 and the Nembe Creek Trunk Line (NCTL) from Shell in 2015, Aiteo increased production from around 25,000 barrels per day (bpd) to roughly 90,000 bpd within a year, despite challenges from infrastructure damage and oil theft.

 

From Petroleum Marketing to Core Production

 

Aiteo’s marketing operations remain a cornerstone of the business. The company distributes gasoline, diesel, aviation fuel, kerosene and LPG through an extensive network of service stations and independent partners. This segment ensures steady revenue and maintains the company’s presence across Nigeria.

 

The company’s ambitions soon expanded beyond trading. The acquisition of OML 29 and the NCTL gave Aiteo control over significant upstream assets, forming the backbone of its production operations. Over subsequent years, production increased steadily, contributing nearly 100,000 bpd to Nigeria’s total crude output, or roughly five percent of national production.

 

Nembe Crude: A New Grade on the Global Stage

 

Under Peters’ guidance, Aiteo introduced Nembe crude, a low-sulfur, high-API gravity grade developed with the NNPC. Launched in 2023–2024, Nembe crude has been exported to refiners in Europe, marking the first time a crude grade developed and marketed primarily by Nigerian entities entered the global market.

 

The introduction of Nembe crude highlights Aiteo’s strategic focus: optimizing production assets for both domestic use and export, and demonstrating the commercial viability of indigenous Nigerian energy companies on the global stage.

Benedict Peters is all in on African energy development and prosperity for Africans

 

Operational Resilience in the Niger Delta

 

Operating in the Niger Delta presents significant challenges. Aiteo has faced infrastructure disruptions, oil theft and security-related production losses. In mid-2024, production resumed at the Nembe field following a major leak, reflecting the company’s focus on operational continuity, safety and infrastructure maintenance. These episodes underline the complexity of upstream operations in Nigeria and Aiteo’s approach to mitigating risk through infrastructure upgrades, security protocols and contingency planning.

 

Expanding Across Africa

 

While Nigeria remains central to Aiteo’s operations, Peters has pursued a pan-African strategy. The company acquired a stake in the Mazenga gas block in Mozambique, one of sub-Saharan Africa’s largest onshore gas reserves, estimated at 19 trillion cubic feet. Geological surveys and field evaluations are underway, reflecting a measured approach to developing new regional energy assets.

 

In July 2025, Aiteo signed a deal with the Government of Mozambique and state-owned Petromoc to develop a large-scale refinery capable of processing 240,000 bpd. The project aims to reduce Mozambique’s reliance on imported refined products and support regional energy distribution, representing a strategic expansion into downstream infrastructure.

 

Gas and Power Initiatives

 

Complementing its upstream and midstream operations, Aiteo is investing in gas processing and power generation. Through Aiteo Power, the company is developing gas-fed power plants in resource-rich regions of Nigeria, aiming to increase electricity supply for industrial and residential use. These initiatives reflect a broader strategy to diversify energy assets and support local economic development.

 

Recognition and Continental Ambitions

 

Peters’ leadership has earned international recognition, including being named Africa’s Oil and Gas Leader of the Year at the Forbes Best of Africa Gala in 2018, a testament to his role in building indigenous capacity within the energy sector. Under his guidance, Aiteo has followed a deliberate, strategic approach to becoming a fully integrated African energy company, balancing upstream production, downstream distribution, gas development and power generation. Today, the company produces nearly 100,000 barrels per day from its core Nigerian assets, while its Mozambican gas and downstream initiatives reflect its broader continental ambitions. Peters continues to prioritize measured expansion, infrastructure reliability, and long-term sector development, demonstrating that indigenous African enterprise can compete effectively with global majors.

 

“Benedict Peters is all in on African energy development and prosperity for Africans. For him and Aiteo, empowering the continent through sustainable energy development has been a lifelong commitment,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber, adding “A true representation of Rudyard Kipling’s ‘If,’ Benedict Peters underscores the idea that even in positions of power, he does not lose touch with his common roots. He is a leader who can walk with kings without losing the common touch.”

 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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As global power structures shift, Invest Africa convenes The Africa Debate 2026 to redefine partnership in a changing world

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2 days ago

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February 6, 2026

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Debate

The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation

LONDON, United Kingdom, February 5, 2026/APO Group/ –As African economies assert greater agency in a rapidly evolving global order, Invest Africa (www.InvestAfrica.com) is delighted to announce The Africa Debate 2026, its flagship investment forum, taking place at the historic Guildhall in London on 3 June 2026.

Now in its 12th year, The Africa Debate has established itself as London’s premier platform for African investment dialogue since launching in 2014, convening over 800 global decision-makers annually to shape the future of trade, finance, investment, and development across the continent.

Under the theme “Redefining Partnership: Navigating a World in Transition”, this year’s forum will focus on Africa’s response to global economic realignment with greater agency, ambition and economic sovereignty.

The Africa Debate puts Africa’s priorities at the centre of the conversation, moving beyond traditional narratives to focus on ownership, resilience and long-term value creation.

“Volatility is not new to Africa. What is changing is the opportunity to respond with greater agency and ambition,” says Invest Africa CEO Chantelé Carrington.

“This year’s edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy — so African economies can take greater ownership of their growth. Success will be defined by how effectively we turn disruption into leverage and partnership into shared value.”

The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation.

Key challenges driving the debate

Core focus areas for this year’s edition of The Africa Debate include:

This year’s edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy

Global Realignment & New Partnerships

How shifting geopolitical and economic power structures are reshaping Africa’s global partnerships, trade dynamics and investment landscape.

Financing Africa’s Future

The growing need to reform the global financial architecture, new approaches to development finance, as well as the strengthening of market access and financial resilience of African economies in a changing global system.

Strategic Value Chains

Moving beyond primary exports to build local value chains in critical minerals for the green economy. Also addressing Africa’s energy access gap and mobilising investment in renewable and transitional energy systems.

Digital Transformation & Technology

Unlocking growth in fintech, AI and digital infrastructure to drive productivity, inclusion, and the next phase of Africa’s economic transformation.

The Africa Debate 2026 offers a unique platform for high-level dialogue, deal-making, and strategic engagement. Attendees will gain actionable insights from leading policymakers, investors and business leaders shaping Africa’s economic future, while building strategic partnerships that define the continent’s next growth phase.

Registration is now open (http://apo-opa.co/46b19gj).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Invest Africa.

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Zion Adeoye terminated as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CLG due to serious personal and professional conduct violations

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2 days ago

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February 6, 2026

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CLG

After a thorough internal and external investigation, along with a disciplinary hearing chaired by Sbongiseni Dube, CLG (https://CLGglobal.com) has made the decision to terminate Zion Adeoye due to serious personal and professional conduct violations. This process adhered to the Code of Good Practice of the Labour Relations Act, ensuring fairness, transparency, and compliance with South African law.

Mr. Adeoye has been held accountable for several serious offenses, including:

  • Making malicious and defamatory statements against colleagues
  • Extortion
  • Intimidation
  • Fraud
  • Misuse of company funds
  • Theft and misappropriation of funds
  • Breach of fiduciary duty
  • Mismanagement

His actions are in direct contradiction to our firm’s core values. We do not approve of attorneys spending time in a Gentleman’s Club. CLG deeply regrets the impact this situation has had on our colleagues and continues to provide full support to those affected.

We want to express our gratitude to those who spoke up and to reassure everyone at the firm of our unwavering commitment to maintaining a respectful workplace. Misconduct of any kind is unacceptable and will be addressed decisively.

We recognize the seriousness of this matter and have referred it to the appropriate law enforcement, regulatory, and legal authorities in Nigeria, Mauritius, and South Africa. We kindly ask that the privacy of the third party involved be respected.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of CLG.

 

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The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) Strengthens Partnership with the Republic of Djibouti through US$35 Million Financing Facility

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2 days ago

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February 6, 2026

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ITFC

This facility forms part of the US$600 million, three-year Framework Agreement signed in May 2023 between ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti, reflecting the strong and growing partnership between both parties

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, February 5, 2026/APO Group/ –The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (https://www.ITFC-IDB.org), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, has signed a US$35 million sovereign financing facility with the Republic of Djibouti to support the development of the country’s bunkering services sector and strengthen its position as a strategic regional maritime and trade hub.

The facility was signed at the ITFC Headquarters in Jeddah by Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al-Aama, Chief Executive Officer of ITFC, and H.E. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry of the Republic of Djibouti.

The financing facility is expected to contribute to Djibouti’s economic growth and revenue diversification by reinforcing the competitiveness and attractiveness of the Djibouti Port as a “one-stop port” offering comprehensive vessel-related services. With Red Sea Bunkering (RSB) as the Executing Agency, the facility will support the procurement of refined petroleum products, thus boosting RSB’s bunkering operations, enhancing revenue diversification, and consolidating Djibouti’s role as a key logistics and trading hub in the Horn of Africa and the wider region.

We look forward to deepening this partnership, creating new opportunities, and leveraging collaborative programs to advance key sectors and drive sustainable economic growth

Commenting on the signing, Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al-Aama, CEO of ITFC, stated:

“This financing reflects ITFC’s continued commitment to supporting Djibouti’s strategic development priorities, particularly in strengthening energy security, port competitiveness, and trade facilitation. We are proud to deepen our partnership with the Republic of Djibouti and contribute to sustainable economic growth and regional integration.”

H.E. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry of the Republic of Djibouti, commented: “Today’s signing marks an important milestone in the development of Djibouti’s bunkering services and reflects our strong and valued partnership with ITFC, particularly in the oil and gas sector. This collaboration supports our ambition to position Djibouti as a regional hub for integrated maritime and logistics services. We look forward to deepening this partnership, creating new opportunities, and leveraging collaborative programs to advance key sectors and drive sustainable economic growth.”

This facility forms part of the US$600 million, three-year Framework Agreement signed in May 2023 between ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti, reflecting the strong and growing partnership between both parties.

Since its inception in 2008, ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti have maintained a strong partnership, with a total of US$1.8 billion approved primarily supporting the country’s energy sector and trade development objectives.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC).

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