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Global Black Impact Summit (GBIS) 2024: Enabling Black-Owned Businesses to Go Global

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Global Black Impact Summit

The upcoming Global Black Impact Summit, which is organized by Energy Capital & Power, will explore best practices for Black-owned brands and businesses to find success in the global marketplace

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, January 19, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Black-owned businesses have emerged as integral players in the global economy, able to foster economic empowerment and contribute to enhanced diversity and inclusion in the workplace. In the United States, the number of Black-owned businesses increased by nearly 14% pre-pandemic and accounted for a larger share of increases in revenues, employees and payrolls than other racial groups. Marked by rising Black entrepreneurship rates and growing demand for minority-owned businesses, there is a unique opportunity for Black-owned brands to play an even more prominent role in the global marketplace.

The upcoming Global Black Impact Summit (GBIS) – taking place next month in Dubai – will feature panel discussions, workshops and networking sessions on strategies for Black-owned businesses and brands to succeed across markets and customer segments.

Identifying Strategies for Success

Boasting some of the world’s most recognized and fastest-growing brands, the Black business community has positioned itself at the forefront of innovation. From entertainment and fashion to technology and manufacturing, these companies have bridged gaps in their respective industries through pioneering market research, innovative marketing techniques, dynamic partnerships and a strong digital presence, among other key strategies.

Boasting some of the world’s most recognized and fastest-growing brands, the Black business community has positioned itself at the forefront of innovation

Businesses and brands like World Wide Technology, Jay Z’s Roc Nation, BET Networks, Shea Moisture, FUBU, Dangote Group and the African Energy Chamber have successfully thrived in international markets due to their high degree of cultural competence, awareness and adaptability. BET Networks, for instance – since its formation in 1980 by Robert L. Johnson, the first African American billionaire – has evolved into a prominent global television network and earned recognition due to the authenticity of its programming and resonance with its target audience.

As the global economy continues to evolve – shaped by growing demand for innovative and next-generation services – a comprehensive knowledge of customer segmentation and niche and mass markets are crucial to the success of Black-owned businesses across geographies. In this context, companies like Shea Moisture stand out. With a history spanning over three decades, the beauty and personal care brand has garnered global acclaim for its diverse product range that targets a customer segment (women of color) previously ignored by mainstream beauty brands.

Beyond generating revenues, Black-owned businesses play a pivotal role in empowering local communities and alleviating poverty. A notable example is the Dangote Group, established by Nigerian businessman Aliko Dangote and serving as one of the largest conglomerates in Africa, spanning industries like construction, consumer goods, logistics, textiles and agriculture. Currently employing over 18,000 individuals across various African markets, the Dangote Group not only stimulates job creation, but also contributes to broad and diversified economic growth in the countries in which it operates.

Black-owned firms also serve as key advocates for enhanced diversity and inclusivity within their respective business environments. An exemplary case is the African Energy Chamber – founded by NJ Ayuk, a Cameroonian attorney, author and businessman – which spearheads initiatives like African Energy Week, championing local and female participation in the energy sector and bringing diverse perspectives and innovative ideas to the forefront of Africa’s energy poverty crisis.

As Black-owned businesses continue to expand, they also contribute to a more competitive and innovative business ecosystem. The success of these companies provides a model for aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners, fostering entrepreneurship and cultivating diverse talent across industries. Moreover, the success of Black-owned businesses can help address economic disparities and systemic inequalities by providing new avenues for economic participation and wealth accumulation within Black communities.

Celebrating the success of Black-owned businesses on a global scale, GBIS 2024 will host high-level discussions sharing insights and strategies for companies to thrive in international markets, drawing on existing examples of success and innovation.

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

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Liberia to Preview Next Oil & Gas Licensing Round Strategy at Houston Investor Day

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The Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority will host operators, investors and partners in Houston on August 19 to preview future licensing opportunities and showcase the exploration potential of its offshore basins

HOUSTON, United States of America, August 7, 2026/APO Group/ –The Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority (LPRA) will present its strategy for the country’s next offshore licensing round at Liberia Investor Day Houston on August 19, bringing together international exploration companies, investors, service providers and energy leaders to discuss the next phase of Liberia’s upstream development.

Hosted in partnership with Energy Capital & Power, the event will provide a platform for the LPRA, led by Director General Hon. Marilyn T. Logan, to outline Liberia’s regulatory framework, investment priorities and plans to attract new participation across the country’s offshore sector. Discussions will focus on upcoming licensing opportunities, exploration prospects and the subsurface data supporting future investment decisions.

Liberia’s offshore sector is entering a new phase of exploration activity, with renewed international participation and a growing pipeline of opportunities. Following the award and ratification of eight Production Sharing Contracts in 2025, Liberia has re-established itself as a frontier exploration destination, with international operators advancing work programs designed to further evaluate the country’s petroleum potential. TotalEnergies is progressing exploration activities that include offshore geochemical surveys, 3D seismic acquisition and seabed mapping, while Oranto Petroleum has also signed contracts to explore Liberia’s offshore.

At the Liberia Investor Day Houston, the LPRA will provide industry stakeholders with insight into the priorities shaping the next licensing round, including the anticipated process, qualification requirements, available acreage and access to technical data. The engagement will give prospective investors a clearer view of Liberia’s exploration landscape and the opportunities emerging across its offshore basins.

The event will also facilitate direct dialogue between LPRA and the global upstream community, connecting companies with policymakers and industry stakeholders involved in shaping Liberia’s next chapter of petroleum development.

As exploration companies continue to seek new frontier opportunities, Liberia Investor Day Houston will highlight the role of regulatory certainty, data availability and strategic partnerships in unlocking long-term investment across Liberia’s offshore sector.

Registration is now open for attendees. Companies interested in Liberia’s emerging offshore opportunities are invited to join LPRA, investors and upstream leaders in Houston for insights into the country’s licensing strategy and exploration outlook. For more information contact info@energycapitalpower.com.

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

 

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Beyond Stabroek: Guyana’s Offshore Basin Attracts New Wave of Exploration Investment

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As ExxonMobil advances appraisal activity in Stabroek and new operators target frontier acreage, Guyana is attracting global capital and building a diversified offshore portfolio designed to sustain long-term growth

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, August 7, 2026/APO Group/ –Guyana’s transformation into one of the world’s fastest-growing oil producers is entering a new phase, with a growing network of IOCs expanding exploration activity across the country’s offshore basin. Beyond the landmark discoveries that first put Guyana on the global energy map, new drilling campaigns and licensing partnerships are creating a broader exploration ecosystem designed to support long-term production growth.

At the center of this momentum is ExxonMobil’s continued exploration and appraisal activity in the prolific Stabroek Block. The company has submitted a proposal for a 35-well exploration and appraisal drilling campaign, expected to run from 2028 through 2033, pending regulatory approval. The program would build on more than 30 commercial discoveries already made in the block, with drilling activity focused on evaluating new prospects and appraising existing discoveries to support future development opportunities.

Exploration activity is also extending into Guyana’s frontier acreage, with ExxonMobil advancing drilling operations at the deepwater Canje Block. The company has deployed the Noble Stena Carron drillship for exploration activity, highlighting continued industry interest in evaluating Guyana’s underexplored offshore potential beyond the established Stabroek Block.

Guyana’s strong exploration outlook comes as the country’s economy continues to benefit from rapid oil sector expansion, with hydrocarbons expected to remain a key driver of exports, government revenues and economic growth. As production scales up, attracting additional investment across exploration, services and infrastructure will be critical to supporting the next phase of development.

That momentum is being reinforced through partnerships established under Guyana’s 2023 offshore licensing round. A consortium comprising TotalEnergies, QatarEnergy and Petronas is advancing exploration activities in Block S4 under a five-year production sharing agreement signed with the government in late 2025. The award represents one of the first major outcomes of the licensing round and demonstrates continued international confidence in Guyana’s offshore resource potential.

Beyond the largest operators, a diverse group of companies is also expanding activity across Guyana’s offshore basin. Eco Atlantic is advancing exploration at the Orinduik Block; CGX Energy and Frontera Energy are progressing work in the Corentyne Block; Occidental is evaluating opportunities in the Roraima Block; while Ratio Guyana and Cataleya Energy hold interests in the Kaieteur Block. Together, these partnerships are broadening Guyana’s exploration landscape, increasing competition for acreage and creating opportunities for future discoveries.

As Guyana transitions from an emerging producer to a global energy hub, the next challenge will be converting exploration success into sustainable investment, local value creation and regional growth. These opportunities will be explored at Caribbean Energy Week 2027, held under the theme “Unlocking the Caribbean Energy Corridor: Oil, Gas, LNG & Investment for a New Global Hub.” Bringing together governments, IOCs, investors and technology providers, the event will examine how Guyana’s expanding partnerships can accelerate offshore development, strengthen regional energy cooperation and attract the capital needed to support the Caribbean’s evolving energy landscape.

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

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Energy Capital & Power Establishes London Entity, Expanding Global Platform for Energy and Mining Events

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The move strengthens ECP’s presence in the UK and Europe, and its ability to connect African and South American markets with global investors

LONDON, United Kingdom, August 6, 2026/APO Group/ –International events company Energy Capital & Power (ECP) (www.EnergyCapitalPower.com) has officially established its UK entity in London, marking a milestone in the company’s growth strategy and reinforcing its ability to deliver world-class energy and mining events and campaigns in the UK and Europe.

By establishing a presence in a key hub like London – the pre-eminent energy and mining finance center – ECP actively shapes the global energy conversation. The expansion positions ECP to better serve clients, partners and investors seeking to develop business opportunities between Africa, Europe, the Americas and energy markets worldwide.

Opening our UK company brings ECP closer to key investors in the global energy finance capital

The milestone comes as ECP strengthens its reach through a series of investment platforms that connect global capital to energy and mining projects. These include the Venezuela Energy Week London Showcase on July 30 – with over 300 delegates registered – and the annual Invest in African Energy Forum, held in Paris as the premier event connecting global investors to Africa’s energy transformation.

ECP hosts high level summits and investor conferences in leading energy and minerals producing countries in Africa and South America, including: Venezuela Energy Week; Angola Oil & Gas; MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power; African Mining Week; Libya Energy & Economic Summit; Congo Energy & Investment Forum; South Sudan Oil & Power; and Caribbean Energy Week. The company has hosted investor forums and supported licensing round roadshows in Houston, London and Paris since 2016.

“Opening our UK company brings ECP closer to key investors in the global energy finance capital,” states CEO James Chester. “Having a permanent presence in London further cements our footprint in Europe, enabling us to fulfil our mission to bring minerals and energy investment to diverse global markets.”

With teams located across Africa, Europe and the Americas, ECP has long-facilitated strategic engagement, market intelligence and industry convening, uniting investors with leading energy and mining projects.

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

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