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Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2024 Kicks Off in Paris, African Producers Move Toward Just Energy Transition

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The second annual Invest in African Energy forum – organized by Energy Capital & Power – opened in Paris on Tuesday, with OPEC and African petroleum ministers calling for accelerated energy sector investment, in collaboration with international partners

PARIS, France, May 14, 2024/APO Group/ — 

The second annual Invest in African Energy (IAE) forum opened in Paris on Tuesday, with OPEC and petroleum ministers from the Republic of Congo and Gabon adopting a unified stance on a just energy transition.

Africa is at a critical nexus in its energy development, as the continent seeks to scale up its energy supplies to meet electrification and industrialization goals, while also balancing climate concerns. As a result, African oil and gas markets are pursuing increased collaboration with international partners, along with an influx of foreign investment and technology to achieve a balanced energy mix.

Congolese Minister of Hydrocarbons Bruno Jean-Richard Itoua highlighted the Congo’s recent measures to create an attractive environment for future investments, including the upcoming submission of a new gas code to the Council of Ministers. The Republic of Congo has recently advanced several large-scale integrated gas projects, including Eni’s Marine XII permit development – targeting the production of 3 million tons of LNG by 2025 – and Wing Wah’s multi-phase Banga Kayo project set to produce 30 billion cubic meters of associated gas.

“Our goal is clear: not only to optimize the use of existing resources, but also to develop local infrastructures and skills that will create a solid and sustainable value chain,” stated Minister Itoua. “We are actively seeking to collaborate with international partners who share our vision of natural resource exploitation that is both fair and sustainable.”

Gabon’s Minister of Petroleum and OPEC 2024 President Marcel Abéké addressed efforts to expand the country’s low-carbon energy supply, as well as valorize associated gas resources. Gabon recently instituted the Global Gas Flaring Reduction initiative to reduce greenhouse gases and is in the process of establishing an incentive tax framework for the development of gas projects, as well as certified its gas reserves and launched a national gas master plan.

Our goal is clear: not only to optimize the use of existing resources, but also to develop local infrastructures and skills that will create a solid and sustainable value chain

“Gabon has entered into a process of energy transition by directing its sectoral policy towards the encouragement of low-cost investment projects,” said Minister Abéké. “This progressive approach… aims to reverse the national energy mix in favor of renewable energies.”

Underscoring Africa’s long-term growth prospects and key drivers of oil demand, OPEC Secretary General Haitham Al-Ghais affirmed OPEC’s commitment to driving Africa’s oil industry forward and fostering dialogue with international partners. By 2045, the continent’s oil demand is expected to double to 8.2 million barrels per day on the back of rising demand from residential, commercial and agricultural sectors, while refining capacity is set to expand by 3.2 million barrels per day.

“OPEC is here today in Paris in full force because we are an integral part of Africa, and Africa is an integral part of OPEC,” said Secretary General Al-Ghais. “The continent offers a vast horizon of undeveloped oil resources, which will be needed to meet future world energy needs. All sources of energy are going to be called upon to meet growing global primary energy demand, which is said to increase by 23% by 2045. Oil is still expected to represent the largest share of the energy mix through 2045, when we see long-term global oil demand rising to 116 million barrels per day.”

NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber highlighted that investment in Africa’s energy sector is crucial now more than ever. “This is the time for real partnership… We have to continue to demand a just energy transition for Africa – we have to produce every drop of hydrocarbons in order to transition into clean energies.”

Jude Brice Ondonda, Upstream Petroleum Director of Congolese national oil company, Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo stated that inn the Congo, SNPC is ready to lead a sustainable energy transformation, while tapping its resources and protecting its environment. “We would like to move towards a clean energy mix… and there is opportunity for investment in this area.”

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

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

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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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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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