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Namibia International Energy Conference (NIEC) 2025: Namibia Puts Local Content at the Center of Development Agenda

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As a strategic partner to the Namibia International Energy Conference, the African Energy Chamber supports Namibia’s bold local content agenda, as the country emerges as a model for inclusive, value-driven energy development

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 24, 2025/APO Group/ –Opening the 7th Namibia International Energy Conference (NIEC) on April 23 in Windhoek, Namibian officials, global investors and regional stakeholders rallied around a shared vision for the country’s energy future – one rooted in local content, value addition and energy sovereignty.

Delivering the opening keynote, Namibian Prime Minister Dr. Elijah Ngurare reaffirmed Namibia’s commitment to developing local capacity – both human and infrastructural – to drive long-term sector growth. He emphasized academic training, integration of academia into planning, and strong public-private collaboration as key to transitioning Namibia’s discoveries into full-scale production.

“Our approach is practical and focused on long-term impact. Local content includes value addition and developing downstream infrastructure, but at the core of this is human capital development – equipping locals to lead in a changing global industry,” he said.

In a period marked by rapid offshore discoveries – most notably in the Orange Basin, but also extending to promising regions such as Walvis Bay and the Kavango Basin – Namibia has taken a proactive stance to ensure that it does not follow the path of resource-rich nations that failed to convert hydrocarbons into broad-based economic development.

Prime Minister Ngurare also expressed support for broader continental energy goals – highlighting that Africa accounted for 8% of global oil supply in 2024 and that Namibia is committed to helping raise the continent’s output to 7 million barrels per day.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industries, Mines & Energy, Natangwe Ithete, echoed these priorities, stressing the need for Namibia to evolve beyond the role of a raw resource exporter: “We want to prioritize local content and become a hub for processing. Creating jobs and developing infrastructure will drive industrialization and ensure regional energy security.”

Creating jobs and developing infrastructure will drive industrialization and ensure regional energy security

He noted that upcoming exploration and development projects across Namibia’s offshore and onshore basins are not only an opportunity for domestic growth, but also a catalyst for regional economic integration across the Southern African Development Community.

As a strategic partner to NIEC, the African Energy Chamber (AEC) joined government and industry leaders in affirming Namibia’s vision to make energy development a driver of local empowerment and economic growth. “Namibia and Africa have an energy deficit, and our message is clear: we must develop every drop of hydrocarbons to power our people. Namibians need to be part of that process, and there should be no apology in pushing for local content.,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.

Ayuk also emphasized that regulatory and fiscal stability are vital to attracting and sustaining energy investment: “We can’t produce wells without regulatory stability. We’ve seen African nations make discoveries, but fail to produce due to instability. We must learn from those mistakes. We don’t want Namibia to repeat the delays experienced elsewhere.”

Namibia’s Local Content Vision Aligns with AEW 2025 Agenda

Namibia’s strong stance on local content and value creation reflects central themes of this year’s African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference, set to return to Cape Town on September 29–October 3. As Africa’s premier platform for energy dialogue and investment, AEW 2025 will spotlight Namibia’s rising profile as a model for integrating local participation with investor confidence. The country is set to play a key role in shaping discussions around frontier and deepwater exploration, regional infrastructure integration and the development of localized supply chains.

As Namibia advances its energy ambitions, it is emerging not only as a frontier exploration hotspot, but as a regional leader in inclusive, value-driven development. With a growing number of international operators active in the Orange Basin and beyond, Namibia is poised to set a new standard for resource development rooted in skills training, local value creation and broad-based economic growth.

From Windhoek to Cape Town, momentum is building. While NIEC 2025 has reignited the conversation on Namibia’s energy future, AEW 2025 will push it forward – transforming ambition into actionable deals, aligned policies and impactful partnerships.

AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com  for more information about this exciting event.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber

Business

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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