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Ministers Rallying Around Namibian International Energy Conference 2022 to Share Knowledge

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A strong line-up of African energy ministers are heading to the Namibian International Energy Conference in April 2022, focused on knowledge sharing, regional cooperation and capacity building

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, March 30, 2022/ — Set to take place from April 20-22, 2022, in Windhoek, the fourth edition of the Namibia International Energy Conference (NIEC) represents the country’s official meeting place for the energy sector. In a recent push to share experiences, lessons learnt and support, top energy ministers from across the African continent have rallied around the conference, and will be attending the NIEC to drive capacity building, knowledge sharing and strategies for accelerated industry growth.

Organized by RichAfrica Consultancy, under the patronage of the Ministry of Mines and Energy led by Hon. Tom Alweendo and supported by the African Energy Chamber, the NIEC comes at a crucial time for the Namibian energy sector. With the country having made two sizeable oil and gas discoveries in 2022 – by international oil majors Shell and TotalEnergies – both domestic and regional stakeholders are focused on ensuring the country realizes its development objectives and usher in a new era of sustained economic growth backed by energy-related investment and development. Under the theme, ‘The Energy Mix: Positioning for industrialization, investment and growth,’ the NIEC convenes regional and global energy stakeholders for two days of intense dialogue on how the country can maximize discoveries while developing a strong and competitive domestic energy industry.

Namibia Energy Conference - 2022

In line with regional cooperation goals, Africa’s energy ministers have declared their support of and commitment towards Namibia’s energy growth. Notably, H.E. Gabriel Mbaga Obiang Lima, Minister of Mines & Hydrocarbons, Equatorial Guinea, has accepted an invitation by Hon. Tom Alweendo to participate at the event. Representing one of Africa’s most formidable oil and gas economies, Equatorial Guinea – with over 1.5 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of gas reserves – has been highly successful in monetizing resources and maximizing growth. Projects such as the Gas Mega Hub – a multi-faceted gas development to unlock the potential of both domestic and regional discovered resources by utilizing gas processing and distribution infrastructure – and the 10,000 barrel per day (bpd) Punta Europa refinery – intended to enhance domestic refining capacity to meet regional demand – have made the country an ideal partner regarding hydrocarbon monetization and growth.

Meanwhile, H.E. Chief Timipre Sylva, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, the Republic of Nigeria will be attending the NIEC to drive a discussion on exploration, production and domestic capacity building. Representing sub-Saharan Africa’s largest oil producing country, with production estimated at 1.36 million bpd, and holding the largest gas reserves in Africa – estimated at over 600 tcf – Nigeria represents one of Africa’s heavyweights. In addition to projects such as the 650,000 bpd Dangote Refinery, the Ogidigben Gas Revolution Industrial Park, the Zabazaba and Etan Integrated Development, and the 614km Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano pipeline, Nigeria has emerged as a frontrunner regarding hydrocarbon legislation, demonstrating the role and value market-driven policies play in driving industry growth. In Namibia, H.E. Chief Sylva will be sharing lessons learnt from the implementation of the country’s Petroleum Industry Bill as well as the Decade of Gas initiative, making a strong case for aligned energy policies in 2022 and beyond.

Moreover, Hon. Bruno Jean-Richard Itoua, Congo’s Minister of Hydrocarbons and current President of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), will be instrumental in driving the discussion on oil and gas, promoting the role hydrocarbons play in driving economic growth. As the third-largest oil producer in sub-Saharan Africa, as well as the home of the African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO), the Congo represents a particularly valuable partner for Namibia as the country moves to realize its oil and gas potential. With over 2.9 billion barrels of proven oil reserves, modernized regulation such as the Hydrocarbon Code and Gas Master Plan, and a drive to improve local content and capacity building both domestically and regionally, the Congo’s experience will be vital for Namibia.

Similarly, Hon. Peter Chibwe Kapala, Minister of Energy, the Republic of Zambia, has also issued his support of the NIEC, and will be participating in Namibia alongside other regional ministers. Despite the lack of domestic oil and gas reserves, Zambia represents one of the world’s top mineral resource markets, boasting the highest-grade deposits of copper globally – with 6% of the world’s resources -as well as a highly competitive emerging renewable energy market. As Africa progresses with its transition to a clean energy future and renewable energy technologies play an increasingly important role, Zambia’s potential as an energy transition leader is unmatched, and the minister will promote this in Namibia. While Namibia’s renewable energy sector grows rapidly, particularly with regards to green hydrogen, knowledge sharing between Zambia and Namibia will be critical.

“The NIEC is proud to announce the confirmation of some of Africa’s top energy ministers at its fourth edition in April 2022. Confirmations made by H.E. Obiang Lima, H.E. Chief Sylva, H.E. Itoua and Hon. Kapala have not only demonstrated the importance of the event in driving regional energy dialogue, but the role Namibian energy will play in addressing continental energy poverty while driving economic growth. Led by Hon. Alweendo, Namibia’s Minister of Mines and Energy, the conference is set to be transformational for the country’s energy sector,” states Ndapwilapo Selma Shimutwikeni, convener and Managing Director of RichAfrica Consultancy.

Finally, joining the strong line-up of ministers, APPO Secretary General, Dr. Omar Farouk, alongside the AEC, will be leading a strong delegation of private sector industry players as well as regional and international investors to Namibia. Representing one of the continent’s most esteemed energy organizations, and a key driver of Africa’s oil and gas development, APPO is committed to sharing industry knowledge, capacity building strategies as well as the promotion of local content so as to ensure African producers are energy secure and independent.

Meanwhile, representing the voice of the African energy sector, the AEC is well positioned to unite the public and private sectors, and will do so in Namibia in April. Both APPO and the AEC believe in the role that the private sector will play in Namibia, and will be pushing for joint ventures, public-private partnerships and cooperation, as well as training and skills transfer within the Namibian hydrocarbon industry. Namibia is on track to usher in a wave of industry and economic growth, and the commitment of Africa’s energy ministers and the private sector will help the country realize its development objectives.


Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Genesis Energy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to Discuss Energy Expansion at Congo Energy & Investment Forum

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January 20, 2025

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Genesis Energy

Akinwole Omoboriowo II will discuss Genesis Energy’s plan to deliver 10.5 GW of power across Africa, highlighting how Nigeria’s power sector experience can inform the development of the Republic of Congo’s domestic energy grid and gas export potential

BRAZZAVILLE, Republic of the Congo, January 20, 2025/APO Group/ — 

Akinwole Omoboriowo II, CEO of Genesis Energy, will speak at the Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) in Brazzaville this March, where he will discuss the company’s plans to deliver 10.5 GW of power across Africa, with a focus on energy initiatives that align with the Republic of Congo’s energy development goals.

Genesis Energy is driving transformational power projects, including providing 334MW to the Port Harcourt Refinery in Nigeria and plans to produce 1 GW within the WAEMU region. In October 2024, Genesis and BPA Komani announced their strategic partnership to mobilize capital and facilitate critical infrastructure projects focused on renewable energy, particularly Battery Energy Storage Systems across Africa. Additionally, Genesis’ recent MOU with the U.S. Agency for International Development will mobilize $10 billion for green energy and renewable projects, supporting Africa’s transition to a sustainable energy future.

The inaugural Congo Economic and Investment Forum, set for March 25-26, 2025 in Brazzaville, will bring together international investors and local stakeholders to explore national and regional energy and infrastructure opportunities. The event will explore the latest gas-to-power projects and provide updates on ongoing expansions across the country.

During CEIF 2025, Omoboriowo will explore how Genesis’ successful energy infrastructure development projects in Africa, combined with private sector innovation, can guide the Republic of Congo in strengthening its energy security and achieving its decarbonization goals. By leveraging its expertise in clean energy and strategic partnerships, Genesis Energy is poised to play a key role in helping the Republic of Congo harness its energy potential and expand its regional energy influence.

The Republic of Congo’s renewable energy sector is in a phase of growth, with increasing interest in solar, hydro and wind energy projects. Battery energy storage capacities are also gaining traction as a vital component of the country’s energy infrastructure, helping to balance supply and demand. The government is focusing on diversifying its energy mix to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and enhance grid reliability. Looking ahead, the Congo aims to expand its renewable energy capacity and integrate storage solutions to meet growing domestic and regional energy needs while supporting environmental sustainability.

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

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Eni, TotalEnergies Announce New Exploration Projects in Libya

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January 20, 2025

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National Oil Corporation

Eni is launching three exploration plays, TotalEnergies is expecting promising results from its recent onshore exploration project, and other developments were shared during an upstream IOC-led panel at the Libya Energy & Economic Summit

TRIPOLI, Libya, January 19, 2025/APO Group/ — 

Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) and international energy companies TotalEnergies, Eni, OMV, Repsol and Nabors outlined key exploration milestones and strategies to advance oil and gas production in Libya at the Libya Energy & Economic Summit 2025 on January 18.

Among the key developments highlighted were TotalEnergies’ recent onshore exploration project and promising exploration opportunities in the Sirte and Murzuq basins.

“With 40% of Africa’s reserves, Libya remains largely untapped,” said Julien Pouget, Senior Vice President for the Middle East and North Africa at TotalEnergies. Pouget shared TotalEnergies’ plans for 2025, including the completion of an onshore exploration project and new exploration in the Waha and Sharara fields. “We expect results next week,” he added.

Luca Vignati, Upstream Director at Eni, echoed optimism for Libya’s potential and outlined the company’s ongoing investment initiatives in the country. “We are launching three exploration plays – shallow, deepwater and ultra-deep offshore. No other country offers such opportunities,” Vignati stated. He also highlighted the company’s investments in gas projects, including over $10 billion for the Greenstream gas pipeline and a CO2 capture and storage plant in Mellitah.

Repsol affirmed its commitment to advancing exploration in Libya, focusing on overcoming industry challenges and achieving significant production milestones.

We have 48 billion barrels of discovered but unexploited oil, with total potential estimated at 90 billion barrels, especially offshore

“Over the past decade, Libya has made remarkable efforts to fight natural field decline and encourage exploration,” said Francisco Gea, Executive Managing Director, Exploration & Production at Repsol. “We have reached 340,000 barrels per day. The two million target is within reach, and as international companies, we have the responsibility to bring capacity and technology.”

“Innovation is key to maximizing production and accelerating exploration. By deploying cutting-edge solutions, Nabors can enhance efficiency, reduce costs and ensure safer operations,” added Travis Purvis, Senior Vice President of Global Drilling Operations at Nabors.

Bashir Garea, Technical Advisor to the Chairman of the NOC, highlighted the country’s immense oil and gas potential. “We have 48 billion barrels of discovered but unexploited oil, with total potential estimated at 90 billion barrels, especially offshore,” he said. He also pointed to Libya’s sizable gas reserves, noting, “Libya has 122 trillion cubic feet of gas yet to be developed. To unlock this potential, we need more investors and new technology, particularly for brownfield revitalization.”

“Our strategy spans the entire value chain. Strengthening infrastructure is essential to maximizing production and efficiency,” said Hisham Najah, General Manager of the NOC’s Investment & Owners Committees Department.

NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber and session moderator, underlined Libya as a prime destination for foreign investment: “Libya is at the cusp of a new energy era. The time for bold investments and strategic partnerships is now.”

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

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Libya’s Oil Minister: Brownfields, Local Investment Key to 2M Barrels Per Day (BPD) Production

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January 20, 2025

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Libya’s Oil & Gas Minister outlined plans to boost production to 1.6 million bpd in 2025 and 2 million bpd long-term, with brownfield development and local investment at the core, during the Libya Energy & Economic Summit

TRIPOLI, Libya, January 19, 2025/APO Group/ — 

Libya is setting its sights on boosting oil production to 2 million barrels per day (bpd) within the next two to three years, with brownfield development and local investment identified as critical drivers of this growth. Speaking at the Libya Energy & Economic Summit (LEES) in Tripoli on Saturday, Minister of Oil and Gas Dr. Khalifa Abdulsadek outlined the country’s strategy to reach 1.6 million bpd by year-end and laid the groundwork for longer-term growth.

“There are massive opportunities here, massive fields that have been discovered, but a lot of fields have fallen between the cracks,” stated Minister Abdulsadek during the Ministerial Panel, Global Energy Alliance – Uniting for a Secure and Sustainable Energy Future. “We want to make sure local oil companies take part. We also want to leverage the upcoming licensing round to support our planned growth in the oil sector.”

The minister’s remarks were complemented by a strong call for international participation in Libya’s upcoming licensing round, signaling the government’s commitment to fostering collaboration and maximizing the potential of its energy sector.

Highlighting Libya’s vast natural gas potential – with reserves of 1.5 trillion cubic meters – Mohamed Hamel, Secretary General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum, stressed the need for enhanced investment in gas projects. He pointed to ongoing initiatives like the $600 million El Sharara refinery as opportunities to stimulate economic diversification.

There are massive opportunities here, massive fields that have been discovered, but a lot of fields have fallen between the cracks

“Natural gas is available,” Hamel stated, adding, “It is the greenest of hydrocarbons and we see natural gas continuing to grow until 2050.”

The panel also tackled the global energy transition, emphasizing Africa’s unique challenges and the need for the continent to harness its resources to achieve energy security. Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim, Secretary General of the African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO), underscored the critical need for finance, technology and reliable markets to drive progress.

“At APPO, we have noted three specific challenges for the African continent. Finance, technology and reliable markets,” he stated, questioning whether Africa can continue to depend on external forces to develop its resources.

As one of Africa’s top oil producers, Libya holds an estimated 48 billion barrels of proven oil reserves. The country’s efforts to expand production, attract investment and drive innovation are central to the discussions at LEES 2025. Endorsed by the Ministry of Oil and Gas and National Oil Corporation, the summit has established itself as the leading platform for driving Libya’s energy transformation and exploring its impact on global markets.

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

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