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East Africa’s Energy Renaissance: East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), Tanzania Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Set to Transform the Region

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EACOP

With projects like the East African Crude Oil Pipeline and Tanzania LNG reaching major development milestones, East Africa is on track to become a key player in the global crude and LNG export markets

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, March 27, 2025/APO Group/ –Representing a strategic oil and gas frontier, the East African region offers significant opportunities for investors. Large-scale infrastructure projects such as the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) and Tanzania LNG project are not only expected to drive economic growth in the region, but also trigger an oil and gas renaissance in East Africa. As the region gains increasing attention from international stakeholders, it is poised to become a key player in the global energy landscape, attracting both foreign investments and strategic partnerships.

EACOP

Set to begin exporting oil in 2026, the 1,443-km EACOP will play a vital part in driving East Africa’s energy renaissance. Currently in the EPC stage, the pipeline connects the Kingfisher and Tilenga oilfields – set to come online in 2025 – with international markets via Tanzania’s Port of Tanga, offering a direct export route to global markets. Recent developments showcase the strong commitment by project developers TotalEnergies and China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), as well as the respective national oil companies of Uganda and Tanzania, to advancing the project.

In March 2025, EACOP conducted orbital welding training in Uganda to support the development and maintenance of the pipeline. The training aligns with local content and technology transfer aspirations, facilitating greater participation by local communities in the pipeline’s development. Earlier this month, the project operators completed the first Integrated E-House Main Line Block Valve. The valve represents the first of 65 stand-alone MLBV E-station containers – 59 of which are along the export pipeline and 6 along the Tilenga Feeder Line – that will support pipeline operations. The Government of Tanzania and EACOP signed an MoU in February 2025 on project security, reinforcing a shared commitment to ensuring safe and secure operations.

One of the biggest challenges faced by the project has been access to financing. To date, the pipeline has secured $2 billion in global financing, representing the largest single investment in both Uganda and Tanzania. However, EACOP is seeking an additional $3 billion in debt financing to fast-track development. Standard Bank announced its support of the project in 2024, while China is expected to offer financing through Sinosure and the Export-Import Bank of China. While this support is vital, additional investment is needed to bring this project to fruition.

AEW: Invest in African Energies will bridge the region’s financing gap by connecting key players to discuss opportunities, challenges and development strategies

Tanzania LNG

The Tanzania LNG project aims to reach a final investment decision in 2028. Representing the largest gas project in Eastern and Southern Africa, the project will position Tanzania as a major LNG exporter, monetizing 16 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of gas resources within the Shell-operated Blocks 1 and 4 and 20 tcf in the Equinor-operated Block 2. The Tanzanian government is currently revising terms of a Host Government Agreement – initially reached in 2023 – with energy majors Shell, Equinor and ExxonMobil. Discussions are set to conclude by June 2025. Despite project delays, in 2024, Equinor affirmed its commitment to the $42 billion project, citing a need to reach mutually-beneficial commercial terms. Following the conclusion of these talks, the project developers will move forward with the development, engaging financiers to expedite the project’s progress.

Tanzania LNG will not only position the country as an LNG exporter, but also help monetize future discoveries offshore. Currently, the country is preparing to launch an international licensing round, with 26 blocks initially allocated for tender. At present, CNOOC is leading exploration, conducting seismic surveys in deepwater blocks near previously-discovered acreage. Fresh investment will bolster Tanzania’s gas production, consolidating the region’s position as an energy producer.

African Energy Week: Bridging East African Investment

The African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference – returning to Cape Town for its fifth edition from September 29 to October 3 – serves as a vital link between global investors and East African energy projects. Uniting project investors, operators, African governments and policymakers, the event aims to unlock new energy frontiers across the continent. This year’s conference will provide updates on the EACOP and Tanzania LNG projects, while offering valuable insight into upcoming investment opportunities in East Africa’s growing oil and gas sector.

“The EACOP and Tanzania LNG projects have the potential to transform the East African energy landscape, and finalizing these projects has become more critical than ever. AEW: Invest in African Energies will bridge the region’s financing gap by connecting key players to discuss opportunities, challenges and development strategies,” stated Tomás C. Gerbasio, VP Commercial and Strategic Engagement, African Energy Chamber.

AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Business

Morocco’s First Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) Top Three Finalist is Pioneering Water and Sanitation Solutions

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Africa’s Business Heroes

Her inspiring leadership, technical knowledge and commitment to making a difference have seen her rise as a business leader in the water and sanitation industry

RABAT, Morocco, April 7, 2025/APO Group/ —

In a remarkable milestone for Morocco, Dr. Salma Bougarrani has made history by becoming the first female Moroccan entrepreneur to reach the Top three finalists in the esteemed Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) www.AfricaBusinessHeroes.org/ Prize Competition. Finishing as the 1st Runner-Up. Dr. Bougarrani, the co-Founder and CEO behind Green Watech (apo-opa.co/4jrjZnv), is not just pushing sanitation forward for the rural communities; she’s also blazing a trail for women entrepreneurs in an industry where females are often not noticed or heard from. Her inspiring leadership, technical knowledge and commitment to making a difference have seen her rise as a business leader in the water and sanitation industry.

The recognition from ABH, the Jack Ma Foundation’s flagship philanthropic program in Africa, aligns with its mission to spotlight and support local talent like Dr. Bougarrani, who are driving positive change in their communities. Over a decade, the program aims to honor 100 African entrepreneurs while providing grant funding, training and broader ecosystem support to foster African entrepreneurship.

Dr. Bougarrani’s journey into the world of water and sanitation began with her firsthand observations of untreated wastewater wreaking havoc in Moroccan villages. Witnessing these difficulties sparked her passion for creating sustainable solutions, leading her to leave the world of academia and pursue a career in entrepreneurship. In 2018, she formed Green Watech to give rural communities access to reasonably priced and energy-efficient sanitation systems. She holds a PhD in Advanced Water Treatment Processes from Med V University and Leipzig University.

Impacting Lives Through Sustainable Innovation

At the centre of Green Watech’s innovation is a groundbreaking soil-based filtration system, which provides the means to treat wastewater for agricultural irrigation. Unlike expensive, energy-hungry technologies, this system is all about being low-maintenance, budget-friendly, and sustainable – perfect for rural communities that often struggle with limited infrastructure. By cutting down the need for fresh water by as much as 70%, Green Watech is transforming the water management landscape in Morocco.

Since its inception, Green Watech has changed the lives of over 30,000 people in 17 Moroccan villages and farms. The company has cleaned more than 200 million litres of wastewater, which helps with water shortages and makes farms more productive. Thanks to Green Watech’s participatory model, local communities actively participate in the process. Villagers are taught how to set up, maintain, and grow sanitation systems through training programs, which promote resilience and sustainability in the long run.

Green Watech’s soil-based filter system also cuts down on the need to use fresh water for crops. It offers a long-lasting, cheap, and easy-to-keep-up answer for people in rural areas. The company plans to grow beyond Morocco in the future. It aims to reach North Africa and other places during the year.

Breaking Down Barriers as an ABH Trailblazer

Dr. Bougarrani’s recognition as the first Moroccan entrepreneur to be placed among the top three finalists in the ABH competition is significant. Her success defies cultural expectations and gender norms in a field where male entrepreneurs predominate. Her accomplishment serves as a role model for aspiring female entrepreneurs throughout Africa and highlights her technical expertise and leadership abilities.

Her work in sustainable water management has gained her worldwide recognition. She has received top honours, including the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) Grand Prize.

The Future of Green Wateche

Dr. Bougarrani plans to put the $150,000 prize back into Green Watech to help it reach more African communities in need. She has an ambitious goal to reach 1 million end-users by 2030.  Her career is an outstanding example of how someone with a strong will and passion can break walls, challenge stereotypes and uplift entire communities.

2025 ABH Applications Are Now Open

African entrepreneurs who want to enter the 2025 edition of the competition and stand a chance to win a share of US$1.5 million can do so at https://AfricaBusinessHeroes.org/en/register.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH

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African Development Bank and Bank of Africa Tanzania sign $7.5 million facility to boost trade finance

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The facility will support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and local corporates engaged in the import sector

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania, April 7, 2025/APO Group/ –The African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) and the Bank of Africa Tanzania (BOAT) have signed a $7.5 million trade finance transaction guarantee facility to boost trade finance activities of the Bank of Africa in Tanzania.

Under this facility, the African Development Bank will provide a guarantee of up to 100% to confirming banks against non-payment risks arising from letters of credit and similar trade finance instruments issued by the Bank of Africa Tanzania. The facility will support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and local corporates engaged in the import sector. The facility aligns with efforts to bolster intra-Africa trade, contributing directly to the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) (https://AU-AfCFTA.org/).

This partnership strengthens our ability to support businesses across various sectors by providing seamless trade finance solutions

Speaking at the signing event on March 10, 2025, in Dar es Salaam, the Bank’s Country Manager for Tanzania, Patricia Laverley, stressed the importance of the facility in addressing Tanzania’s trade finance needs, saying that given the country’s import requirements, it will aid priority sectors such as trade, agriculture, manufacturing, and energy. “This facility will support trade by enabling BOAT to play a more strategic role in the regional and international market.”

Representing BOAT’s management, Deputy Managing Director Hamza Cherkaoui lauded the strong partnership with the African Development Bank, emphasizing its role in expanding trade finance capabilities across the continent. “This partnership strengthens our ability to support businesses across various sectors by providing seamless trade finance solutions, expanding our confirmation network, and enabling access to top-tier confirming banks,” he said.

The new Trade Guarantee facility aligns with Bank of Africa Tanzania’s strategic priorities and the African Development Bank’s broader objectives, including promoting regional integration, increasing food security, and industrializing Africa. It also supports Tanzania’s Country Strategy paper 2021-2025, which focuses on enhancing the private sector business environment for job creation. It also aligns with the country’s development vision (Vision 2025), which aims to build a strong and resilient economy capable of competing globally.

The signing of the agreement marks a significant milestone in the African Development Bank Group’s direct engagement with Tanzania’s private sector, reinforcing its commitment to strengthening the country’s financial sector and economic development.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB

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PAC Capital Limited Named Best Transaction Advisory Firm in Nigeria at the Grand Annual Awards Ceremony 2025

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As part of the PanAfrican Capital Holdings Group, PAC Capital continues to expand its footprint across Africa and globally, with a focus on impact-driven transactions that promote sustainable economic growth

LAGOS, Nigeria, April 7, 2025/APO Group/ –PAC Capital Limited (www.PACCapitalLtd.com), a leading investment banking and advisory firm, is proud to announce its recognition as the Best Transaction Advisory Firm – Nigeria 2025 by the International Business Magazine Awards!

The award celebrates PAC Capital’s consistent track record in structuring and executing high-impact transactions across various sectors, including infrastructure, energy, transport, and financial services. This international recognition highlights the firm’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and delivering value-driven advisory services.

At PAC Capital, we are committed to delivering transformative financial solutions that not only meet but exceed expectations

Humphrey Oriakhi, Managing Director of PAC Capital, expressed his pride and appreciation for the recognition:

“This award is a strong validation of our efforts to lead with insight, integrity, and innovation in the transaction advisory space. We are truly honored to be acknowledged on a global platform. I dedicate this achievement to our clients who trust us with their most strategic decisions and to our team whose dedication fuels our success.”

Bolarinwa Sanni, Executive Director of PAC Capital, emphasized the importance of collaboration and resilience in the firm’s journey:

“Winning this award reflects the strength of our advisory team and the boldness of the clients we serve. At PAC Capital, we are committed to delivering transformative financial solutions that not only meet but exceed expectations. This recognition inspires us to keep pushing boundaries and shaping Africa’s investment landscape.”

As part of the PanAfrican Capital Holdings Group, PAC Capital continues to expand its footprint across Africa and globally, with a focus on impact-driven transactions that promote sustainable economic growth.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of PAC Capital Limited

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