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Marché des Arts et Spectacles Africains (MASA) 2026: ORUN lays the foundations for a sustainable African creative ecosystem

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MASA

The ceremony brought together decision-makers, investors, financial institutions, students, artists and the media with an steadfast belief: culture is not a secondary sector, it is a strategic economic vector for Africa

ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, April 24, 2026/APO Group/ —

The ORUN Innovation Village (MASA 2026) (https://ORUN.Africa/)

As part of the Innovation Village set up by Orun at the Marché des Arts et Spectacles Africains (MASA), in the Palais de la Culture in Abidjan, Orun officially unveiled its pan-African programme to sustainably structure the creative industries in Africa on Friday 17 April.

The ceremony brought together decision-makers, investors, financial institutions, students, artists and the media with an steadfast belief: culture is not a secondary sector, it is a strategic economic vector for Africa, capable of generating productive and competitive value chains, sustainable jobs and a real tool of influence and international diplomacy for the continent.

In a context where Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs) represent a catalyst that is still understructured, Orun offers a different mindset: make African creativity an infrastructure of sovereignty rooted in the heritage of its peoples.

INNOVATION VILLAGE HIGHLIGHTS

April 13th – Official opening by the First Lady of Côte d’Ivoire

On Monday 13 April, Ms Dominique Ouattara, First Lady of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, presided over the official opening ceremony of the village, together with Ms Françoise Remarck, Minister of Culture and Francophonie, and Mr Djibril Ouattara, Minister of Digital Transition and Technological Innovation of Côte d’Ivoire, sponsor of the MASA Innovation Village, as well as other government officials.

April 17th – Orun Day – Launch Ceremony

On 17 April, the Innovation Village served as a platform for the launch of Orun’s pan-African programme, a centre of creative and entrepreneurial excellence designed as a collaborative space bringing together craftsmen, designers, researchers, innovators and technology to modernise crafts, promote the transformation of African raw materials and enhance competitive and robust local industrial sectors in textiles, crafts and design.

With an ecosystem where designers, craftsmen and technologies can truly meet, Orun is opening a new path of an African creativity rooted in its heritage

This initiative will see light of day in Bouaké, the second largest city in Côte d’Ivoire, as Orun plans to partner with leading institutions, inspired by models such as the one developed by Morocco’s University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P).

This creative ecosystem will be a first in Côte d’Ivoire, the pilot country of this initiative, with the aim to deploy this model into other African countries.

The launch was attended by Mr Amadou Koné, Minister of Transport and Mayor of Bouaké.  Ms Françoise Remarck, Minister of Culture and FrancophonieHis Excellency Othman El Ferdaous, Ambassador of Morocco to Côte d’IvoireOlivia Yacé (Miss Côte d’Ivoire 2021 and Miss World Africa 2022) and several ambassadors from the diplomatic service.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Mr Abdoulaye Diaw, Orun Managing Director, explained: “What we are building here goes beyond a single project: it is a movement that puts people, creativity and commitment at the heart of our development. In Bouaké and beyond, we are laying the foundations for an ecosystem where talent, know-how and innovation come together to create sustainable value. But such a village can never be built alone: it calls for collective mobilization.

In her speech as Orun’s Ambassador for the programme, Olivia Yacé stated: “We need to support cultural industries with ambition, not as a secondary sector, but as an engine for growth and job creation. With an ecosystem where designers, craftsmen and technologies can truly meet, Orun is opening a new path of an African creativity rooted in its heritage while also projecting itself into the future.”

In his speech, Mr Othman El Ferdaous, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco, recalled his country’s exemplary leadership in valuing cultural heritage: “Today, the challenge for the continent is to strengthen its autonomy in creating and financing the cultural and creative industries, so as to no longer depend on external validation circuits. The border between crafts and industry is blurred, as exemplified by initiatives such as the Orun Innovation Village or the MASA.  This trend is fully in line with the current trajectory of Côte d’Ivoire’s cultural policy.”

The ceremony on 17 April was preceded by a high-level panel, dedicated to the structuring challenges faced by the value chains of the CCIs, which brought together leading institutional and financial figures, including Mr Paul-Harry Aithnard, Managing Director of Ecobank Côte d’Ivoire and Regional Executive Director for the WAEMU, Mr Jean-Arsène Yerima, Regional Director, French-speaking West Africa, Afreximbank, and Mr Omar Diop, UNESCO Representative in Côte d’Ivoire.  In addition, Mr Amine Tajeddine, UM6P representative, also took the floor to share the R&D work that the university is undertaking to modernise various crafts, including tapestry.

The event ended with the unveiling of the United States of Africa football jersey that Orun is launching for the FIFA World Cup 2026, as a symbol of continental unity in support of African teams.

ISO 20121-based and B. Corp-certified sustainable commitment

The Innovation Village is ISO 20121 certified, the same standard as for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.  This illustrates Orun’s commitment to apply a sustainable and holistic approach, aligned with international standards, and to build a sustainable economic model rooted in culture.

From 13 to 18 April, the Innovation Village offered an experience marked by various interactive and educational activities, combining immersive technology, heritage, arts and culture, embodying a continent where youth, creativity and innovation shape the future.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of ORUN, part of African Currency Network (ACN).

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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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