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Gabon’s Gas Agenda Amplified with Recent Independent-led Power Projects

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Gabon Power Company

A recently signed MoU between Perenco and the Gabon Power Company lays the foundation for a new gas-fired power plant that will help electrify the country and compliment the government’s broader plans to utilize its abundant but overlooked gas resources

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, April 11, 2023/APO Group/ — 

Demonstrating the significant role natural gas continues to play in electrifying Africa, Anglo-Swiss oil and gas heavyweight Perenco together with representatives of the Gabonese government signed a groundbreaking memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the construction of a gas-fired power plant aimed at electrifying the country’s remote southern provinces. The development comes amidst broader plans to harness the country’s unmet potential as a natural gas producer and confirms Perenco’s central role in the region’s ambitions.

In the presence of Vincent de Paul Massassa (https://apo-opa.info/3zPIwOk), Gabon’s Minister of Oil and Gas, the MoU was signed by Perenco’s Gabon Director General, Adrien Broche, and Joseph Diboma, Director of Development at Gabon Power Company (GPC) in the capital Libreville. Under the terms of the MoU, the two companies will co-develop a state-of-the-art power plant in Mayumba on the south coast to supply the southern provinces of Nyanga and Ngounié with electricity generated using gas, which will be extracted from Perenco’s nearby offshore oil and associated gas fields.

The initial phase of the project will see an investment of 24 billion CFA from Perenco to build the infrastructure for gas compression and transport via sub-sea pipeline to the site, where GPC has committed to invest a further 50 billion CFA in the power plant itself. This should provide approximately 20 MW of installed capacity, amounting to 180 GWh per year. This will go a long way towards meeting the 150 MW that the government’s Acceleration and Transformation Plan estimates is required to meet the energy needs of the southern country. To help meet this potential, GPC will build a 90 kV high-voltage line, a 20 KV low-voltage line, and a lifting station to supply the main cities of Tchibanga in Nyanga, and Mouila in Ngounié. The second phase of the project will see a 50 MW extension to supply the town of Lambaréné in Moyen Ogooué province. Phase one is expected to electrify 80,000 households and generate some 450 jobs.

The initial phase of the project will see an investment of 24 billion CFA from Perenco to build the infrastructure for gas compression and transport

The model for this development is similar to projects further north, in which gas from Perenco’s offshore Mbia field is being harnessed to power the country’s two main cities, the capital Libreville, and Gabon’s main offshore oil and gas hub Port Gentil. In addition to unlocking significant economic benefits, the project demonstrates the role natural gas and independent oi and gas companies will play in electrifying, industrializing and growing both Gabon and Africa’s broader economy. The project itself is but the latest demonstration of Perenco’s long-standing commitment to the Gabonese energy sector, where the company’s forte for revitalizing mature fields is particularly relevant in the local environment, where oil production has been steadily declining since its peak in 1996. The company entered Gabon in 1992 with the acquisition of offshore oil fields off Port-Gentil and has since acquired more assets both on and offshore. Exploitation of these assets has been accompanied by Perenco’s further investment in pipelines and Floating Storage and Offloading vessels. The company’s contribution to infrastructure reached a climax in February of this year when Perenco announced a final investment decision for the creation of the $1-billion Cap de Lopez liquified natural gas (LNG) facility, which will have a capacity of 700,000 tons of LNG, with production expected to come online in 2026.

These developments showcase a much broader ambition laid out in the government’s Gas Master Plan, aimed at diversifying Gabon’s energy mix by tapping into the country’s previously unexploited natural gas potential. Gabon has an estimated 1.2 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves, largely located offshore in the form of associated gas in the country’s oil fields. Gas production peaked in 2021 at 70 billion cubic feet, however this figure is set to rise as the government aims to eliminate flaring and instead harness its gas assets to electrify local homes, address climate change, and boost export revenues by meeting growing demand for LNG in wealthy European markets.

As Gabon ushers in a new era of economic growth on the back of natural gas, the country is set to sign new deals and kickstart further development during the continent’s premier event for the oil and gas sector, African Energy Week (AEW) 2023 (www.AECweek.com) – which is organized by the African Energy Chamber (the voice of the African energy sector) and taking place from October 16-20 in Cape Town. During AEW 2022, the country made a strong play for investment, with a Gabonese delegation led by H.E. Minister Massassa engaging with investors, driving discussions and connecting E&P players with Gabonese opportunities. This year, this trend will only continue as opportunities presented by the Gas Master Plan entice new financiers and players to the emerging gas market. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Energy

High-Level Minister Roundup to Headline African Energy Week 2026

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African Energy Chamber

African Energy Week 2026 will convene ministers from Algeria, Ghana, Senegal, Zambia and Niger to spotlight oil, gas expansion, reforms and investment opportunities continentwide

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, March 13, 2026/APO Group/ –A high-level ministerial roundup will take center stage at this year’s African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 – taking place in Cape Town from 12–16 October –, convening some of the continent’s most influential energy leaders at a defining moment for Africa’s oil, gas and power sectors. As hydrocarbon expansion converges with accelerating energy transition strategies, the gathering is set to spotlight real-time project execution, regulatory reform and cross-border infrastructure that are actively reshaping Africa’s energy future.

 

Confirmed ministers to date include Algeria’s Minister of Energy and Renewable Energies Mourad Adjal, Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, Senegal’s Minister of Energy, Petroleum and Mines Birame Soulèye Diop, Zambia’s Minister of Energy Makozo Chikote and Niger’s Minster of Petroleum Hamadou Tinni.

 

Fresh from a March OPEC+ decision to lift output to 977,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd), Algeria enters AEW 2026 amid a $60 billion sector transformation. The country is also advancing a 500-well exploration drive and accelerating its 1.48 GW “Project of the Century” solar rollout. Gas exports to Europe remains central to the country, supported by hydrogen corridor planning and refinery expansion aimed at boosting capacity to 50 million tons by 2029.

 

Following license extension for Jubilee and TEN to 2040 and the late-2025 restart of the Tema Oil Refinery, Ghana is pushing a $3.5 billion upstream reinvestment plan while settling $500 million in gas arrears. A 1,200 MW state thermal plant and expanded gas processing at Atuabo anchor its gas-to-power shift, alongside a renewed upstream push in the Voltaian Basin.

The participation of these distinguished ministers underscores the scale of opportunity unfolding across Africa’s energy landscape and the urgency of aligning policy with capital

 

Senegal’s delegation comes on the back of strong production momentum, with the Sangomar oil field delivering 36.1 million barrels in 2025, outperforming forecasts, while the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG development ramped up to 2.9 million tons per annum following first gas. Dakar is now prioritizing domestic gas through refinery upgrades at the SAR refinery and preparations for Sangomar Phase 2 to push output beyond 100,000 bpd.

 

Zambia is redefining its power mix after drought-induced hydro shortfalls. New solar capacity – including the 200 MW Chisamba expansion and 136 MW Itimpi Phase 2 – is part of a broader 2,500 MW diversification drive. Cabinet has approved major regional fuel pipelines, while the Energy Single Licensing System fast-tracks approvals. Lusaka targets 10 GW generation by 2030, with solar and wind rising to one-third of supply.

Niger’s presence reflects its emergence as a serious oil exporter, with the fully operational 1,950-km Niger-Benin pipeline now moving up to 90,000 bpd to international markets. Alongside uranium expansion and renewed cooperation with Algeria on upstream assets, Niamey is advancing digital oversight reforms and reinforcing energy sovereignty amid evolving geopolitical dynamics.

 

“The participation of these distinguished ministers underscores the scale of opportunity unfolding across Africa’s energy landscape and the urgency of aligning policy with capital,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber. “Their leadership reflects a continent moving decisively from strategy to execution, creating a platform where investors can engage directly with the policymakers shaping Africa’s next wave of oil, gas and energy growth.”

 

At AEW 2026, this ministerial cohort will be well-positioned to offer investors direct insight into Africa’s most dynamic energy markets – where new barrels, new pipelines and new megawatts are reshaping regional growth trajectories in real time.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Enlit Africa 2026 Programme: 280+ speakers, African nuclear 2.0, Bruce Whitfield Business Breakfast

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Enlit Africa

The event, taking place 19-21 May 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, expects 7,200+ attendees and 250+ exhibitors, making it Africa’s largest gathering of energy and water professionals

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, March 12, 2026/APO Group/ –Enlit Africa (https://apo-opa.co/4cEX08g) has released its full 2026 conference programme, featuring 280+ speakers across 8 specialised tracks including a new African Nuclear 2.0 session covering Koeberg’s 20-year life extension and Ghana’s nuclear vendor selection process.

 

The event, taking place 19-21 May 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, expects 7,200+ attendees and 250+ exhibitors, making it Africa’s largest gathering of energy and water professionals.

Award-winning business journalist and best-selling author Bruce Whitfield will deliver the opening address at the Project & Investment Network Business Breakfast on 19 May, kicking off three days of strategic sessions, deal-making platforms, and technical masterclasses.

New programme content includes:

African Nuclear 2.0 – A dedicated session examining the transition from planning to execution, featuring:

Koeberg Nuclear Power Station’s successful 20-year life extension (Units 1 and 2 now licensed until 2044/2045)

Ghana’s progression to Phase 3 of its nuclear programme, evaluating US, Chinese, and Russian technology bids

West African Power Pool‘s 10 GW regional nuclear capacity target

Small Modular Reactor (SMR) deployment readiness across African grids

Independent Transmission Projects (ITP) – A new session exploring how private investment is unlocking Africa’s transmission bottleneck, featuring global case studies from India’s PowerGrid and lessons for scaling grid capacity across the continent.

Generation Masterclasses – Five interactive roundtables on gas-to-power, nuclear, hydro power, clean coal, and hydrogen.

AI in Africa’s Power Grid – Examining practical deployment realities, real-time analytics, and predictive maintenance applications already in operation across African utilities.

Conference sessions and technical hub sessions on the expo floor are CPD-accredited by the South African Institute of Electrical Engineers (SAIEE) and the South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE).

Co-located platforms:

Water Security Africa features country playbooks from Namibia (55-year potable reuse programme), Uganda (NRW reduction from 42% to 32%), Cape Town (Day Zero recovery strategies), and sector-specific stewardship sessions with Harmony Gold, Heineken, Mediclinic, and Growthpoint Properties.

Project & Investment Network (P&IN), part of the new Level 2 Executive Experience, connects project developers, investors, African utility CEOs, and DFIs through structured matchmaking, ministerial dialogues, and project briefings. Over the past two years, P&IN has facilitated $3 billion in project pitches.

Utility CEO Forum brings together 35+ confirmed utility CEOs under Chatham House Rule for candid, off-the-record strategic discussions on unbundling, prosumer management, and financial sustainability.

Municipal Forum addresses South African municipalities’ distribution, metering, and revenue challenges, including sessions on NRW management, tariff reform, Cost of Supply studies, and electrifying informal settlements.

Technical Hub sessions on the exhibition floor offer free, CPD-accredited training across Power, Renewable Energy & Storage, and Water tracks, with confirmed speakers from Eskom, ENGIE SA, ACTOM, National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA), RenEnergy, and Matla Energy.

Site visits on 22 May include Koeberg Nuclear Power Station and the V&A Waterfront desalination plant.

Pass options:
Free expo pass registration: https://apo-opa.co/4bl2bYu

Free expo passes provide access to 250+ exhibitors and CPD-accredited Technical Hub sessions.

Delegate Pass:
Early bird registration closes 3 April 2026. Delegate passes start at R15,100 (Silver), with P&IN Executive passes at R32,000 including access to the Bruce Whitfield breakfast, Level 2 executive lounge, and investor matchmaking.

Download the full programme: https://apo-opa.co/3NwCble

Register: https://apo-opa.co/4cEX08g

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

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Binance Secures Second Major Legal Victory in U.S. Court Under Anti-Terrorism Act in Two Weeks

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Binance

US Federal Court in Alabama Dismisses All Claims Against Binance in Latest Lawsuit Victory

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, March 12, 2026/APO Group/ –Binance (www.Binance.com), the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, announced today that a U.S. federal court in Alabama has dismissed all claims against the company in a lawsuit alleging violations of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA). This marks Binance’s second major legal victory in an  ATA matter within one week, following their victory in the Southern District of New York.

A Full and Complete Legal Victory

In a detailed 19-page ruling, the Court found the plaintiffs’ complaint to be legally and factually deficient. The court’s decision to dismiss every claim across the board represents a decisive legal victory for Binance.

Sanctions compliance and terrorism financing are serious matters of law – they require evidence, legal rigour, and due process

The judge described the filing as a “shotgun pleading.” The complaint failed to clearly specify the claims and improperly grouped all defendants together without distinguishing individual conduct or liability. The ruling also emphasized that the plaintiffs did not meet the basic pleading standard to provide a “short and plain statement” of their claims.

Following the ruling, the court granted the plaintiffs until April 10, 2026, to file an amended complaint addressing the deficiencies identified. However, the judge warned that failure to adequately address these issues would result in dismissal of the entire case.

Building on Momentum and Upholding Legal Integrity

“This decision reinforces our unwavering commitment to protecting Binance and our community from unsubstantiated and bad-faith lawsuits,” shared Eleanor Hughes, General Counsel at Binance. “Sanctions compliance and terrorism financing are serious matters of law – they require evidence, legal rigour, and due process. Courts have now examined these claims on two separate occasions and found them to be without merit. These outcomes speak for themselves. We will not tolerate attempts to misuse the legal system to target our industry, and we remain as committed as ever to transparency, security, and lawful conduct in everything we do”.

This latest decision follows closely on the heels of Binance’s comprehensive victory in New York (https://apo-opa.co/46Xg0ev), where the Court similarly rejected allegations that the company assisted, participated in, or conspired with terrorists. Together, these rulings reflect Binance’s strong resolve to protect its platform and community.

Binance has consistently invested in industry-leading compliance infrastructure, regulatory engagement, and legal governance. The company will continue to vigorously defend itself against any attempts to bring unfounded claims or misrepresent its operations.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Binance.

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