Connect with us

Business

Direct Carrier Billing gains a strong foothold, boosting the region’s official rating

Published

on

Direct Carrier Billing

Direct Carrier Billing is a payment technology that allows mobile users to pay for any service by charging the purchase to their carrier bill

Egalement disponible en Français

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, December 13, 2023/APO Group/ — 

Moving from 2.8 to 2.9, the market exhibits innovation advancements while harboring opportunities for further development in anti-fraud technology; ​​The entry of the Saudi market into the rating boosts the region’s average score; Data shows promising DCB potential for Morocco, South Africa, and Egypt, the top countries in this year’s ranking; Ivory Coast registers the highest growth in the Index, from 2.4 to 3.1.

Evina (www.Evina.com), a cybersecurity for Carrier Billing company and Telecoming (www.Telecoming.com), a tech firm developing DCB experiences, released the 2023 edition of the DCB Index today. The DCB Index 2023 offers a detailed analysis of the Direct Carrier Billing (DCB) market’s progression and potential in the Middle East and Africa. This year’s edition continues to rank countries on a 5-point scale, incorporating new insights into fraud prevention, innovation, local market penetration, and DCB’s growth potential. The DCB Index provides insights into the Direct Carrier Billing market of countries in the Middle East and Africa region (MEA), ranking them according to their current DCB status and potential to develop this growth-boosting mobile payment method further.

For the first time, the 2023 edition of the DCB Index includes three new countries with positive ratings: Algeria at 2.9, Botswana at 2.3, and Saudi Arabia leading with a score of 3.4.

Direct Carrier Billing is a payment technology that allows mobile users to pay for any service by charging the purchase to their carrier bill.

Download the complete DCB Index here (https://apo-opa.co/3GEvDtF)

As per the latest DCB INDEX analysis, mobile penetration in Africa and the Middle East is on track to surpass 90% by 2023

The Evina & Telecoming DCB Index results reveal that Morocco is the leading country in the ranking, with the highest score (3.6 out of 5). Almost all mobile players are deploying DCB, and the industry invests significantly in its security, making the Morocco’s DCB market a reliable and consistent sector. The market’s resilience and steady progress point to a solid foundation for future DCB development. South Africa is second this year with 3.5 out of 5. Mobile users in ZA have quickly adopted alternative payment methods, such as mobile money, reaching 8 million users in South Africa this year. When combined with effective cybersecurity, this trend will enable DCB to boost revenues for mobile players significantly. 

At the same stage, Iraq (3.5 out of 5) and Egypt (3.5 out of 5) differentiated by opening more opportunities for DCB deployment and increasing their protection against fraud attempts on Direct Carrier Billing. Saudi Arabia (3.4 out of 5) is one of the new countries in the ranking and follows close behind. Also, in the Middle East and North Africa, UAE (3.3 out of 5) and Kuwait (3.0 out of 5) stole the show, surpassing last year’s leaders, Qatar down to 2.9 this year from 3.3 in 2022 and Tunisia that goes down to 2.9 from 3.3 in 2023. Algeria is also new onboard and has the same level as Tunisia, with 2.9 points out of 5 on the list.

As per the latest DCB INDEX analysis, mobile penetration in Africa and the Middle East is on track to surpass 90% by 2023. This significant growth reflects the expanding accessibility of mobile services across these regions. Notably, our findings show an impressive rise in innovation, with the indicator climbing an average of 3.4 points out of 5 this year alone. This trend is joined by the substantial growth of the most innovative new mobile payment solutions. These advancements are vital in driving the mobile economy, where DBC has already established a prominent presence. Telecoming is witnessing the region’s dynamism and the exciting developments currently shaping the market.” said Roberto Monge, COO of Telecoming.

“This year’s ranking shows a modest increase in the overall level of security among DCB players operating in the MEA region. This positive trend is welcome, but should not mask the growing disparity in security levels between players. Some players are investing in their development and security on the DCB and reaping significant benefits in terms of growth and profitability, while others are caught in a downward spiral where they find themselves unprotected and under attack by fraudsters who target the least protected regions of the world and avoid defended players.” said David Lotfi, CEO of Evina.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Telecoming.

Business

Genesis Energy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to Discuss Energy Expansion at Congo Energy & Investment Forum

Published

on

Genesis Energy

Akinwole Omoboriowo II will discuss Genesis Energy’s plan to deliver 10.5 GW of power across Africa, highlighting how Nigeria’s power sector experience can inform the development of the Republic of Congo’s domestic energy grid and gas export potential

BRAZZAVILLE, Republic of the Congo, January 20, 2025/APO Group/ — 

Akinwole Omoboriowo II, CEO of Genesis Energy, will speak at the Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) in Brazzaville this March, where he will discuss the company’s plans to deliver 10.5 GW of power across Africa, with a focus on energy initiatives that align with the Republic of Congo’s energy development goals.

Genesis Energy is driving transformational power projects, including providing 334MW to the Port Harcourt Refinery in Nigeria and plans to produce 1 GW within the WAEMU region. In October 2024, Genesis and BPA Komani announced their strategic partnership to mobilize capital and facilitate critical infrastructure projects focused on renewable energy, particularly Battery Energy Storage Systems across Africa. Additionally, Genesis’ recent MOU with the U.S. Agency for International Development will mobilize $10 billion for green energy and renewable projects, supporting Africa’s transition to a sustainable energy future.

The inaugural Congo Economic and Investment Forum, set for March 25-26, 2025 in Brazzaville, will bring together international investors and local stakeholders to explore national and regional energy and infrastructure opportunities. The event will explore the latest gas-to-power projects and provide updates on ongoing expansions across the country.

During CEIF 2025, Omoboriowo will explore how Genesis’ successful energy infrastructure development projects in Africa, combined with private sector innovation, can guide the Republic of Congo in strengthening its energy security and achieving its decarbonization goals. By leveraging its expertise in clean energy and strategic partnerships, Genesis Energy is poised to play a key role in helping the Republic of Congo harness its energy potential and expand its regional energy influence.

The Republic of Congo’s renewable energy sector is in a phase of growth, with increasing interest in solar, hydro and wind energy projects. Battery energy storage capacities are also gaining traction as a vital component of the country’s energy infrastructure, helping to balance supply and demand. The government is focusing on diversifying its energy mix to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and enhance grid reliability. Looking ahead, the Congo aims to expand its renewable energy capacity and integrate storage solutions to meet growing domestic and regional energy needs while supporting environmental sustainability.

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

Continue Reading

Business

Eni, TotalEnergies Announce New Exploration Projects in Libya

Published

on

National Oil Corporation

Eni is launching three exploration plays, TotalEnergies is expecting promising results from its recent onshore exploration project, and other developments were shared during an upstream IOC-led panel at the Libya Energy & Economic Summit

TRIPOLI, Libya, January 19, 2025/APO Group/ — 

Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) and international energy companies TotalEnergies, Eni, OMV, Repsol and Nabors outlined key exploration milestones and strategies to advance oil and gas production in Libya at the Libya Energy & Economic Summit 2025 on January 18.

Among the key developments highlighted were TotalEnergies’ recent onshore exploration project and promising exploration opportunities in the Sirte and Murzuq basins.

“With 40% of Africa’s reserves, Libya remains largely untapped,” said Julien Pouget, Senior Vice President for the Middle East and North Africa at TotalEnergies. Pouget shared TotalEnergies’ plans for 2025, including the completion of an onshore exploration project and new exploration in the Waha and Sharara fields. “We expect results next week,” he added.

Luca Vignati, Upstream Director at Eni, echoed optimism for Libya’s potential and outlined the company’s ongoing investment initiatives in the country. “We are launching three exploration plays – shallow, deepwater and ultra-deep offshore. No other country offers such opportunities,” Vignati stated. He also highlighted the company’s investments in gas projects, including over $10 billion for the Greenstream gas pipeline and a CO2 capture and storage plant in Mellitah.

Repsol affirmed its commitment to advancing exploration in Libya, focusing on overcoming industry challenges and achieving significant production milestones.

We have 48 billion barrels of discovered but unexploited oil, with total potential estimated at 90 billion barrels, especially offshore

“Over the past decade, Libya has made remarkable efforts to fight natural field decline and encourage exploration,” said Francisco Gea, Executive Managing Director, Exploration & Production at Repsol. “We have reached 340,000 barrels per day. The two million target is within reach, and as international companies, we have the responsibility to bring capacity and technology.”

“Innovation is key to maximizing production and accelerating exploration. By deploying cutting-edge solutions, Nabors can enhance efficiency, reduce costs and ensure safer operations,” added Travis Purvis, Senior Vice President of Global Drilling Operations at Nabors.

Bashir Garea, Technical Advisor to the Chairman of the NOC, highlighted the country’s immense oil and gas potential. “We have 48 billion barrels of discovered but unexploited oil, with total potential estimated at 90 billion barrels, especially offshore,” he said. He also pointed to Libya’s sizable gas reserves, noting, “Libya has 122 trillion cubic feet of gas yet to be developed. To unlock this potential, we need more investors and new technology, particularly for brownfield revitalization.”

“Our strategy spans the entire value chain. Strengthening infrastructure is essential to maximizing production and efficiency,” said Hisham Najah, General Manager of the NOC’s Investment & Owners Committees Department.

NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber and session moderator, underlined Libya as a prime destination for foreign investment: “Libya is at the cusp of a new energy era. The time for bold investments and strategic partnerships is now.”

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

Continue Reading

Business

Libya’s Oil Minister: Brownfields, Local Investment Key to 2M Barrels Per Day (BPD) Production

Published

on

Libya’s Oil & Gas Minister outlined plans to boost production to 1.6 million bpd in 2025 and 2 million bpd long-term, with brownfield development and local investment at the core, during the Libya Energy & Economic Summit

TRIPOLI, Libya, January 19, 2025/APO Group/ — 

Libya is setting its sights on boosting oil production to 2 million barrels per day (bpd) within the next two to three years, with brownfield development and local investment identified as critical drivers of this growth. Speaking at the Libya Energy & Economic Summit (LEES) in Tripoli on Saturday, Minister of Oil and Gas Dr. Khalifa Abdulsadek outlined the country’s strategy to reach 1.6 million bpd by year-end and laid the groundwork for longer-term growth.

“There are massive opportunities here, massive fields that have been discovered, but a lot of fields have fallen between the cracks,” stated Minister Abdulsadek during the Ministerial Panel, Global Energy Alliance – Uniting for a Secure and Sustainable Energy Future. “We want to make sure local oil companies take part. We also want to leverage the upcoming licensing round to support our planned growth in the oil sector.”

The minister’s remarks were complemented by a strong call for international participation in Libya’s upcoming licensing round, signaling the government’s commitment to fostering collaboration and maximizing the potential of its energy sector.

Highlighting Libya’s vast natural gas potential – with reserves of 1.5 trillion cubic meters – Mohamed Hamel, Secretary General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum, stressed the need for enhanced investment in gas projects. He pointed to ongoing initiatives like the $600 million El Sharara refinery as opportunities to stimulate economic diversification.

There are massive opportunities here, massive fields that have been discovered, but a lot of fields have fallen between the cracks

“Natural gas is available,” Hamel stated, adding, “It is the greenest of hydrocarbons and we see natural gas continuing to grow until 2050.”

The panel also tackled the global energy transition, emphasizing Africa’s unique challenges and the need for the continent to harness its resources to achieve energy security. Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim, Secretary General of the African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO), underscored the critical need for finance, technology and reliable markets to drive progress.

“At APPO, we have noted three specific challenges for the African continent. Finance, technology and reliable markets,” he stated, questioning whether Africa can continue to depend on external forces to develop its resources.

As one of Africa’s top oil producers, Libya holds an estimated 48 billion barrels of proven oil reserves. The country’s efforts to expand production, attract investment and drive innovation are central to the discussions at LEES 2025. Endorsed by the Ministry of Oil and Gas and National Oil Corporation, the summit has established itself as the leading platform for driving Libya’s energy transformation and exploring its impact on global markets.

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

Continue Reading

Trending