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Equatorial Guinea Signs Three Production Sharing Contracts with Panoro Energy, Africa Oil Corporation

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Panoro Energy

The signing of three production sharing contracts with Panoro Energy and the Africa Oil Corporation, is a step in the right direction regarding expanding exploration in Africa

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, February 20, 2023/APO Group/ — 

Antonio Oburu Ondo, Equatorial Guinea’s recently appointed Minister of Mines and Hydrocarbons, has awarded independent exploration and production company, Panoro Energy, a 56% participating interest and operatorship in Block EG-01 offshore the hydrocarbon-rich West African country, as well as Canadian oil and gas company, the Africa Oil Corporation, two production sharing contracts (PSC) for offshore Blocks EG-18 and EG-31.

With the PSCs, the Ministry of Mines and Hydrocarbons, under the leadership of Minister Ondo, has taken significant strides towards opening up Equatorial Guinea’s offshore basins even further, working closely with two reputable oil and gas companies to usher in a new era of hydrocarbon exploration and production.

For Panoro, the awarding of Block EG-01 enables the company to work alongside its partners in the block, Kosmos Energy (24%) and national oil company, GEPetrol (20%), to conduct subsurface studies on existing seismic data to identify and define hydrocarbon reserves available over a period of three years. Located in water depths of between 30 meters and 500 meters, Block EG-01 has indicated the presence of high-quality hydrocarbon reserves, with previous exploration activities encountering thin oil and gas pay as well as oil shows. To date, the Eocene sands and Upper Cretaceous identified in the block have been tied to producing wells in Block G – bordering Block EG-01 – where over one billion barrels of commercial oil reserves have been identified. With Panoro Energy and its partners set to extend the contract with an additional two years to conduct exploration activities, the PSC is set to drive Equatorial Guinea into a new era of oil and gas market expansion.

John Hamilton, the CEO of Panoro Energy, stated that the “awarding of Block EG-01 is a natural and complementary expansion of our portfolio in Equatorial Guinea, and is in line with our infrastructure-led exploration strategy, increasing our access to a large inventory of oil prospects and leads within tie back distance of existing production facilities for a modest financial exposure. Panoro is pleased to become an operator in Equatorial Guinea.”

With Panoro Energy’s contract in the Ceiba Field extended to 2029 and in the Okume Complex to 2034, the company’s role in driving Equatorial Guinea’s energy future is imminent

The new contract increases Panoro Energy’s contribution towards the growth of Equatorial Guinea’s energy sector. As a partner and operator in the Ceiba Field and Okune Complex – comprising six operating oil and gas wells – Panoro Energy has been crucial player in maintaining Equatorial Guinea’s energy sector stability and growth. With Panoro Energy’s contract in the Ceiba Field extended to 2029 and in the Okume Complex to 2034, the company’s role in driving Equatorial Guinea’s energy future is imminent.

Meanwhile, for the Africa Oil Corporation, the duo-PSCs enable the company to enter into the promising Equatorial Guinean market. With the agreements, the Canadian explorer will own an 80% interest in both Block EG-18 and EG-31, with GEPetrol owning a 20% interest in each. Currently, Block EG-31 has shown to contain several gas-prone prospects in shallow water depths of less than 80 meters, and is strategically situated close to existing infrastructure such as the Alba gas field and onshore Punta Europa liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal. As such, the Africa Oil Corporation has emphasized that any future discoveries could present low-cost, low-risk gas development, thereby further consolidating the country’s position as a global LNG hub.

In Block EG-18, potentially large and highly prospective basin floor fan prospects of Cretaceous age – similar to those within the company’s portfolio in Namibia and South Africa – further enhance opportunities for sizeable discoveries. As such, President and CEO, Keith Hill, stated that, “These blocks offer high-impact value upside for our shareholders at relatively low cost, and we look forward to continued collaboration with the government of Equatorial Guinea to explore and develop its natural resources.”

While Minister Ondo is prioritizing boosting Equatorial Guinea’s oil and gas exploration and production to meet growing energy demand locally, across the region and at global scale, the partnership with both Panoro Energy and Africa Oil Corporation is a step in the right direction towards boosting the country’s energy landscape. As such, the African Energy Chamber (AEC) (https://EnergyChamber.org/), as the voice of the African energy sector, strongly supports and commends Minister Ondo’s move in setting the pace for the country’s oil and gas industry expansion by maximizing exploration activities.

“We need to drill more wells in Equatorial Guinea and the Gulf of Guinea. Panoro and Africa Oil Corp will work in a proven but underexplored oil basin in the Gulf of Guinea and it makes it exciting to see the results of their work in the near future,” stated NJ Ayuk, the Executive Chairman of the AEC.

“We have always believed that you need to invest in exploration if you want to see production of oil and gas. The move by the Minister as well as Panoro Energy and Africa Oil Corp should be commended. We strongly support the minister’s strategic response in addressing Equatorial Guinea’s natural decline in oil and gas production. We believe that the awarding of the three PSCs will bring in the much-needed investments to accelerate exploration and production in West Africa. We look forward to witnessing some new discoveries on these exciting blocks in the future,” concluded Ayuk.

Deals such as Panoro Energy and the Africa Oil Corporation’s in Equatorial Guinea will be a key focus at this year’s African Energy Week (AEW) (https://AECWeek.com/) conference and exhibition – Africa’s premier event for the energy sector – which will take place from 16-20 October in Cape Town. AEW 2023’s high-level panel discussions, deal-signings, exhibitions and exclusive networking sessions will focus on how African energy producing countries such as Equatorial Guinea can maximize oil and gas exploration and production through partnerships with local, regional and international independents and majors.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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24th Sichuan Guangwu Mountain International Red Leaf Festival to Showcase Asia’s Spectacular Autumn Colors

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September 22, 2026

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BAZHONG, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 September 2026 – The 24th Sichuan Guangwu Mountain International Red Leaf Festival will run from October 1 to November 18 at the Guangwu Mountain Tourism Area in Bazhong, Sichuan Province, China.

Located in southwest China, Guangwu Mountain boasts a forest coverage rate of 97%, earning its reputation as a “natural oxygen bar.” Each autumn, 680 square kilometers of mountain forests burst into a dazzling palette. Over 40 tree species, including Fagus pashanica, maples and lindens, weave the mountains into a stunning autumn landscape.

Known as “Asia’s longest natural red carpet,” the Mountain has become a top autumn destination for backpackers, photographers and travelers seeking immersive cultural and nature experiences, and is widely recognized as one of western China’s signature autumn attractions.

 




 
 

The tourism area caters to international visitors who prefer slower-paced, in-depth, off-the-beaten-path travel. The new Yanziling Loop Boardwalk, launched in May 2026, winds along mountain cliffs, with a sea of clouds rolling beneath visitors’ feet and brilliant foliage unfolding alongside the trail, creating the feeling of “stepping into a painting.”

Guangwu Mountain offers a wealth of outdoor attractions. Highlights include the 1,888-meter Red Leaf Coaster and a glass water slide certified by Guinness World Record, combining thrilling experiences with stunning natural scenery.

The large-scale immersive production “New Dream of Guangwu Mountain” integrates cutting-edge light and visual technology with Bashan folklore and traditions, transforming the forest into an atmospheric nighttime experience. Visitors can also enjoy welcome performances and interactive robot activities, which offer more ways to discover the mountain’s late-autumn charm.

A major highlight of this year’s festival is the newly completed Micang Avenue. Stretching 85 kilometers, the route connects seven core scenic spots, including Guangwu Mountain, Micang Mountain, and Nuoshui River, reducing a four-hour drive to just one hour. Lined with continuous stretches of colorful forest and layered peaks, the avenue brings brand-new travel experiences for autumn foliage enthusiasts.

The festival will also feature cultural, sports and international exchange activities, including the third season of the “Sending You a Red Leaf” campaign, the China Micang Avenue International Road Cycling Race, and the “World Red Leaf Landmark” global collection campaign.

In addition, 31 scenic attractions and 18 museums and cultural venues across Bazhong will provide special ticket offers and visitor benefits during the festival.

Across mountains and seas, Guangwu Mountain invites visitors from around the world to witness one of China’s most vibrant red-and-gold autumn displays.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
 
 




 

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DHL Invests in Greater Middle East-Africa Connectivity with New Aviation Lane

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21 minutes ago

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September 22, 2026

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The investment also reflects shifting global supply chains, as companies diversify sourcing, manufacturing and customer markets beyond traditional corridors

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, September 21, 2026/APO Group/ —
  • New weekly B767/F Bahrain-Johannesburg service strengthens Sub-Saharan Africa connectivity and supports growing trade flows between Africa, the Gulf and global markets

DHL Express (www.DHL.com) has marked an important milestone in its regional aviation network with the successful operation of the first direct DHL flight between Bahrain and South Africa.

The inaugural flight arrived at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, opening a new weekly aviation lane operated by a DHL Express B767/F freighter. The route reinforces DHL’s continued investment in strengthening Sub-Saharan Africa network connectivity, expanding heavier-weight capability, improving flexibility and supporting growing trade flows between the Middle East and Africa.

 




  

As trade between Africa and the Middle East develops, businesses need resilient, well-connected logistics networks. The new service provides greater inbound and outbound capacity for South Africa and neighbouring countries through the DHL Johannesburg Hub, one of the company’s key gateways on the continent.

 

The investment also reflects shifting global supply chains, as companies diversify sourcing, manufacturing and customer markets beyond traditional corridors. Bahrain’s position as a gateway between Africa, the Gulf and Asia make it an important link for businesses seeking faster access to international markets.

 

Every new connection we introduce is designed with our customers in mind

“Every new connection we introduce is designed with our customers in mind. As global trade routes diversify and economic ties between Africa and the Middle East continue to strengthen, we are seeing powerful geographical tailwinds creating new opportunities for businesses. Demand is growing across sectors such as healthcare, technology, manufacturing and cross-border e-commerce, all of which rely on fast, reliable international logistics,” said Anthony Beckley, Vice President of Operations and Aviation for DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa.

 

“While this first direct DHL flight between Bahrain and South Africa is a significant network milestone, its real value lies in the opportunities it creates for customers.”

 

 

South Africa is one of DHL’s Geographic Tailwinds markets, reflecting its growing role in global trade flows and its potential to drive future trade growth. And Johannesburg remains a critical gateway in DHL’s SSA network, linking South Africa and neighbouring markets to global opportunities through Bahrain and the wider DHL aviation network. Through continued investment in routes, aircraft capacity and hub connectivity, DHL is supporting customers across this dynamic lane.

 

“DHL Express is the only logistics provider operating a dedicated intra-regional air fleet across the Middle East, connecting customers through Bahrain with major global gateways including Hong Kong, Leipzig and Cincinnati,” said Richard Gale, Vice President of Aviation, DHL Express MENA.

 

“Bahrain’s position at the crossroads of Africa and the Middle East makes it an ideal hub for customers seeking faster, more reliable access across these growing trade corridors. We are pleased to add this direct Johannesburg connection as economic ties between Africa and the Gulf deepen.”

 

DHL remains committed to helping customers seize opportunities created by changing trade patterns and expanding economic relationships.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of DHL Express.

 

 




 

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Afreximbank and Africa Trading and Distribution Company (ATDC) sign US$500 million facility to expand African trade and distribution

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23 minutes ago

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September 22, 2026

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Under the Facility, Afreximbank will provide ATDC with trade-finance capacity to undertake and scale eligible trading and distribution transactions across the continent

CAIRO, Egypt, September 21, 2026/APO Group/ –African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) and the Africa Trading and Distribution Company (ATDC) have signed a US$500 million Global Credit facility agreement to support trade, movement and distribution of commodities and products across African and global markets.

 




  

ATDC is a pan-African platform established to support the expansion of Africa’s trade, accelerate industrialisation through increased local value addition, and strengthen economic integration across the continent. With initial local operations in Egypt, Nigeria, Malawi and Zimbabwe, the platform is closing gaps in trade and market intelligence, improving market access, and supporting implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

This facility strengthens ATDC’s ability to aggregate supply, mobilise working capital and move goods efficiently across value chains

Under the Facility, Afreximbank will provide ATDC with trade-finance capacity to undertake and scale eligible trading and distribution transactions across the continent. The financing will support purchasing and aggregation of African goods, associated logistics, transportation, warehousing and distribution costs, providing ATDC with the financing required across different stages of the trade and distribution cycle.

ATDC will deploy financing available under the facility towards eligible trade, logistics and distribution transactions with repayments anchored on proceeds generated from the sale of goods financed through the facility.

Commenting on the signing, Mrs. Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President, Intra-African Trade and Export Development, Afreximbank commented: “The US$500 million Global Credit Facility extended to ATDC underscores Afreximbank’s commitment to strengthening the trade, logistics and distribution architecture required to realise the full potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). By facilitating the efficient distribution of ‘Made-in-Africa’ goods across the continent, the facility will deepen regional value chains, expand market access for African producers, and boost manufactured exports, advancing the AfCFTA’s vision of a more integrated and industrialised African economy. It will also enhance the global competitiveness of African products, positioning the continent as a significant exporter of value-added and manufactured goods. These are critical building blocks for expanding Africa’s export footprint and driving the continent’s economic transformation”.

Mr. Stewart Makura, Chief Executive Officer of ATDC, said: “Realising Africa’s full trade potential requires reliable systems that connect producers, processors, manufacturers and markets. This facility strengthens ATDC’s ability to aggregate supply, mobilise working capital and move goods efficiently across value chains. Together with Afreximbank, we will support stronger supply chains, value addition, import substitution and intra-African trade.”

Beyond financing individual transactions, the facility will help ATDC develop repeatable trade corridors and expand access to dependable sourcing and distribution networks across African markets. It will support commercially sustainable trade flows, greater processing of African commodities and increased regional availability of raw materials, inputs and value-added products.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

 




 

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