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From Discoveries to Development: Strategic Growth in Africa’s Oil and Gas Basins (By Elizaveta Evseeva)

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Africa

By focusing on solid infrastructure, enhancing local skills, and developing several production sites instead of just large projects, this new exploration wave could finally tap into Africa’s long-awaited energy potential

SANDTON, South Africa, September 24, 2025/APO Group/ —By Elizaveta Evseeva, International Fellow, African Energy Chamber (https://EnergyChamber.org). 

Africa’s hydrocarbon frontier is at an inflection point. Large areas remain underexplored, but recent breakthroughs point to deliberate, strategic growth. The situation in these basins — a series of high-impact deepwater discoveries in Southern and West Africa alongside renewed onshore interest in Angola — challenges the old logic that Africa’s success depends only on mega-projects. These developments underscore how geology, export infrastructure and domestic politics must be considered together when judging a basin’s commercial prospects.

The Southern African Renaissance

According to the African Energy Chamber’s State of African Energy 2026 Outlook, Namibia’s Orange Basin has emerged as the epicenter of African exploration. TotalEnergies’ Venus discovery offshore Namibia is more than a deepwater find: it is a breakthrough that reshapes industry perceptions of Southern Africa’s potential. The development centers on a 160,000-barrel-per-day FPSO tied to roughly 40 subsea wells. Venus is moving into development planning, with a final investment decision expected in 2026 and first oil targeted between 2029–2030. TotalEnergies also plans to drill the Olympe-1X prospect in Block 2912. This marks a daring westward venture into unknown areas as it is the furthest west any well has been drilled in the Orange Basin. If successful, this four-way closure in Lower Cretaceous formations could unlock new play concepts.

South Africa’s participation in this renaissance cannot be overlooked. The basin’s eastern extension signals growing confidence. Examples include Rhino Resources (Volans-1X) and Eco Atlantic (Block 1). Shell is planning a five-well campaign in South Africa, close to its discoveries in Namibia. This highlights the basin’s cross-border potential. However, commercial constraints — strict fiscal terms, monetization challenges, geological complexity — and legal headwinds such as the ongoing judicial challenges to seismic/exploration approvals for the Wild Coast and related licences remain a drag on timelines.

Angola presents a fascinating duality in frontier exploration. The ultra-deepwater is still a Tier-A chance, especially with Azule Energy’s (Eni-BP joint venture) Quitexe-1 well in Block 47. However, the real surprise might come from onshore. The Kwanza Basin, inactive for four decades, could see its first pre-salt exploration well since the 1980s. Corcel’s planned 2026 drilling of the Sirius structure, potentially holding one billion barrels in place, represents a contrarian bet that could unlock an entirely new petroleum province. The deals are subject to final approvals. Of particular significance are the institutional, regulatory and contractual reforms the Angolan government is currently implementing. Our recent State of African Energy 2026 Outlook examines these reforms in depth.

West African Resurgence

Geology, export infrastructure and domestic politics must be considered together when judging a basin’s commercial prospects

Côte d’Ivoire has positioned itself as a compelling exploration destination. Murphy Oil’s Civette-1 well will be drilled by the Deepwater Skyros in the fourth quarter of this year. This well could reveal new play concepts in an area proven by Eni’s Baleine field. The prospect portfolio includes Caracal, which has a potential of 150-360 million barrels, and Kobus, with up to 1.26 billion barrels. These figures demonstrate the materiality of remaining opportunities.

The Gulf of Guinea’s broader renaissance extends to often-overlooked jurisdictions. São Tomé and Príncipe, Africa’s second-smallest nation by land area, exemplifies this trend. Shell’s Falcao-1 wildcat in Block 10 is set for late September 2025. It builds on Galp Energias’ 2022 Jaca-1 discovery with a proven working petroleum system. The updated view of the subsurface geology now resembles already producing countries like Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. As a result, there’s a surge of drilling plans for 2026-2027.

The ultra-deepwater journey in West Africa remains nascent, with few wells venturing deeper than 3,000 meters in this region. As such, the region stands as one of the last true frontiers for offshore exploration.

Reframing Risk and Reward

Recent African exploration reveals a surprising truth: “failures” can be valuable. Non-commercial wells that encounter source rocks or show petroleum systems may seem disappointing, but they help refine basin models and cut future exploration costs. Even a few technical successes, even if not commercially viable, can significantly lower expected finding costs for a basin. Portfolios that quickly adapt to negative information and change their exploration strategies tend to do better than those stuck with old geological models.

Investors often favor mega-fields, especially in high-risk areas in Africa. However, smaller, quicker oil projects have strong benefits. These projects can act as a public-policy force multiplier and provide clear cash flows that are able to change government incentives. Examples include Senegal’s Sangomar field, which accelerated licensing through early revenues, and Angola’s smaller post-2018 tiebacks, which sustained local services and prompted regulatory reforms.

Multiple modest FPSO developments build political goodwill. This reduces future political risk better than one large project. Early cash flows have the potential to change the political landscape by speeding up licensing rounds and supporting local projects. Companies such as Rhino Resources use a ‘first-to-first-oil’ approach — prioritising early, smaller-scale production to build presence and negotiating leverage. It sees early production as not just revenue, but as a key investment for better future access and terms. Smaller projects also tackle Africa’s human capital challenges better than large megaprojects do. They spread employment across regions without overwhelming local capacity. This enables gradual skills transfer and avoidance of the boom-bust cycles that have plagued resource economies elsewhere.

Turning Discoveries into Development

Africa’s next exploration wave defies simple characterization. It’s not just a boom or a careful exploration. It’s a smart, multi-faceted push into the world’s last frontier basins. The view of Africa as only a high-risk, quick-reward region is evolving. Now, patient investment, strong infrastructure and careful planning are as crucial as geological skills. Companies that treat ultra-deepwater wells as chances to build networks, prefer quick adjustments over strict plans and see the value in early production could gain more. By focusing on solid infrastructure, enhancing local skills, and developing several production sites instead of just large projects, this new exploration wave could finally tap into Africa’s long-awaited energy potential.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Aurionpro expands its multi-country transaction banking engagement with Diamond Trust Bank (DTB)

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Aurionpro

Aurionpro’s upgraded iCashpro platform for DTB delivers a unified digital experience across payments, trade, virtual accounts, and real-time reporting, enhancing straight-through processing, visibility, and control for both the bank and its corporate customers

MUMBAI, India, April 30, 2026/APO Group/ –Aurionpro Solutions Limited (www.AurionPro.com) (BSE: 532668 | NSE: AURIONPRO)a global leader in banking technology, announced the expansion and upgrade of its transaction banking engagement with Diamond Trust Bank (DTB), to modernize and enhance the bank’s corporate transaction banking capabilities across multiple countries.

Download Document: https://apo-opa.co/4edHUaC

This multi-country transaction banking upgrade covering Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania aligns with DTB’s intent to enhance customer experience, streamline operations, and support growing transaction volumes as it expands its regional corporate banking footprint. DTB continues to focus on building a more agile, ‘digital-first’ banking experience, particularly around payments for its corporate customers across Africa, and is now well positioned to scale these capabilities. As part of its broader transformation agenda, the bank has been steadily investing in platforms that enhance scale, reliability, and service consistency across markets.

Through this partnership, we are proud to lead the next era of transformation in transaction banking, helping DTB enhance operational agility

Aurionpro’s upgraded iCashpro platform for DTB delivers a unified digital experience across payments, trade, virtual accounts, and real-time reporting, enhancing straight-through processing, visibility, and control for both the bank and its corporate customers. By enabling DTB to standardize and scale its transaction banking operations across countries, the platform ensures consistent service levels, stronger control, and improved efficiency. It also supports enhanced user experience, advanced security, and the flexibility to introduce new features as DTB expands its regional transaction banking footprint.

Murali Natarajan (https://apo-opa.co/48trPdk), Managing Director & CEO, DTB Kenya   commented: “We are delighted to strengthen and broaden our partnership with Aurionpro Solutions as part of DTB’s ongoing digital transformation journey across multiple markets. Our focus on innovation, operational excellence, and customer-centricity continues to guide our technology investments. This upgrade strengthens our transaction banking capabilities, enabling us to deliver greater value to our customers through robust digital channels and seamlessly integrated experiences.”

Ashish Rai, Group CEO, Aurionpro Solutions, commented: “We are pleased to deepen our multi-country engagement with Diamond Trust Bank and support the next phase of its transaction banking modernization. As DTB continues to scale across markets, platform resilience and consistency become paramount. Through this partnership, we are proud to lead the next era of transformation in transaction banking, helping DTB enhance operational agility, deliver superior experiences to corporate customers, and create long-term value across geographies.”

He added, “Aurionpro’s iCashpro lays a strong digital foundation for transaction & wholesale banks across the globe to grow their corporate and SME client portfolio today, while creating a clear roadmap for next- generation capabilities in AI-driven insights, advanced automation and API-led connectivity for businesses in Kenya and across Africa.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Aurionpro Solutions Ltd.

 

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Minerals Council Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Joins African Mining Week (AMW) as South Africa Improves Sectorial Investment Climate

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Energy Capital

Minerals Council CEO to share insights on policy, infrastructure and investment trends shaping South Africa’s mining industry

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 30, 2026/APO Group/ –The upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) conference will feature Mzila Mthenjane, CEO of the Minerals Council of South Africa, as a speaker. Scheduled for October 14 – 16, 2026 in Cape Town, the event will bring together global investors, policymakers and industry leaders, with Mthenjane’s participation highlighting the council’s commitment to engaging international stakeholders and promoting investment across South Africa’s mining sector.

His participation comes at a critical moment as the Minerals Council works closely with government on finalizing the Mineral Resources Development Bill 2025, a policy framework aimed at strengthening the country’s mining investment climate and the sector’s contribution to GDP. According to the council, the revised legislation will support new investment across the value chain as South Africa seeks to mobilize R2 trillion over the next five years to unlock its critical minerals potential.

The policy reforms come amid shifting production trends in the sector. In 2025, South Africa recorded declines in gold and platinum group metals output of 1.9% and 4.1%, respectively. The new regulatory framework is expected to strengthen public-private partnerships and stimulate investment, enabling South Africa to increase production and capitalize on strong global commodity prices. Increased private sector investments is crucial with South Africa seeking targeting to unlock an estimated R40 trillion in untapped iron ore potential as well as maintain its position as the world’s leading producer of chrome and manganese.

At AMW 2026, Mthenjane is expected to outline these trends, providing insights into how the council is contributing to addressing challenges disrupting the sector. Infrastructure and energy costs remain key concerns for industry players. To support the energy-intensive sector, South Africa approved a 35% reduction in electricity tariffs for major ferrochrome producers, helping stabilize an industry that has faced significant cost pressures after electricity prices surged by roughly 900% since 2008.

Logistics constraints are also a priority area for reform. South Africa’s economy is losing an estimated R1 billion per day due to inefficiencies across rail and port infrastructure. As a result, the government is considering measures supported by the Minerals Council to increase private sector participation in logistics. Planned reforms include rail modernization initiatives targeting 250 million tons of freight capacity by 2029, alongside port upgrades and private operator participation aimed at strengthening mineral exports and improving supply chain efficiency.

Beyond infrastructure and policy reforms, the Minerals Council is advocating for stronger exploration investment to support long-term industry growth.

At AMW, Mthenjane is expected to highlight these developments and outline the steps required to reinforce South Africa’s position in the global minerals supply chain. His insights will offer investors and stakeholders a timely perspective on opportunities within the country’s mining sector.

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

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Seychelles Targets Energy Investment Push as Minister Jérémie Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 as a Speaker

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African Energy Chamber

Seychelles energy minister will speak at AEW 2026, positioning her to highlight reforms, renewable projects and investment opportunities as the island nation advances its transition toward a diversified energy system

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 29, 2026/APO Group/ –Marie-May Jérémie, Minister of Environment, Climate, Energy and Natural Resources for Seychelles will participate as a speaker at this year’s African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, taking place from October 12–16 in Cape Town. Her participation underscores the country’s growing role in shaping Africa’s small-island energy transition agenda.

Minister Jérémie’s presence at AEW 2026 comes at a critical time as Seychelles accelerates efforts to reduce its heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels. The event provides a platform to attract investment, strengthen policy alignment and showcase bankable projects, positioning the country as a viable destination for private-sector participation in island energy systems.

Seychelles is demonstrating how policy reform and innovation can unlock investment in constrained environments

In May last year, international finance institution the World Bank approved the Renewable Energy Acceleration Program, a seven-year initiative aimed at modernizing the grid and increasing renewable energy penetration to 15% by 2030. The program focuses on unlocking private capital while strengthening transmission infrastructure to accommodate variable renewable energy sources.

Project development is gaining traction in the country, particularly in innovative technologies suited to Seychelles’ land constraints. The 5.8 MW Seysun Lagoon floating solar PV project, developed by independent renewable power producer Qair, is under construction and expected online in 2026.

Alongside renewables, Seychelles continues to pursue upstream opportunities to diversify its economy. The government approved new exploration entrants in 2025 and extended exiting petroleum agreements, while securing an infrastructure partnership with China. Multilateral estimates suggest over $800 million in investment will be required over the next 25 years.

Regulatory reform is central to this transition, with Seychelles introducing an independent power producer framework to open the market to private developers. Standardized power purchase agreements, grid access reforms and strengthened public-private partnership structures are being implemented to improve transparency, reduce risk and accelerate project bankability across solar, storage and emerging wind opportunities.

“Minister Jérémie’s participation highlights the strategic importance of island nations in Africa’s broader energy transition,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber. “Seychelles is demonstrating how policy reform and innovation can unlock investment in constrained environments. Her insights will be critical to advancing dialogue on resilient, low-carbon energy systems across the continent.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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