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New gas projects booming in Africa, but can the continent secure its future in a changing energy landscape?

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Equinor’s Senior Vice President for Africa, Nina Birgitte Koch, stressed the importance of a stable investment climate to attract international capital

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, October 9, 2024/APO Group/ — 

The pipeline of gas projects being developed in Africa has never been stronger. However, if the continent is to be competitive in an extremely dynamic international gas market, it must ensure that it offers value. 

This means shaping an offer that meets the financial and environmental sustainability needs of stakeholders. Africa’s gas investment proposition must be relevant and future-proof, if it is to continue to attract global capital. 

This was the consensus at a panel discussion on Day 1 of AOW: Investing in African Energy – Africa’s leading oil, gas and energy event. 

Over the past few years, gas development ambitions have grown – in the public and private sector – supported by renewed exploration and production activity and pragmatic energy transition plans. This is especially true now, with gas increasingly accepted as the ideal bridging fuel, balancing the continent’s growing energy needs with its decarbonisation commitments. 

“Natural gas is at the centre of what we are doing in Africa,” said Mario Bello, Head of Sub-Saharan Africa Region at Eni. “It’s the cleanest fossil fuel, producing fewer emissions than coal, so it plays an important role as we transition to renewables.” 

Eni enables this through its Floating Liquified Natural Gas (FLNG) projects, particularly in Mozambique and the Republic of Congo. Bello emphasised the technology’s ability to unlock stranded offshore gas resources, accelerate project timelines, and contribute to both domestic energy security and export revenue. “Floating LNG is the key to unlocking the region’s gas potential, making it easier and faster to develop offshore resources,” Bello explained.  

Floating LNG is the key to unlocking the region’s gas potential, making it easier and faster to develop offshore resources

However, financing these ambitious projects remains a significant hurdle. Paul Eardley-Taylor, Head of Oil & Gas, Southern Africa, at Standard Bank, emphasised the need for bankable projects that address investor concerns, particularly around sovereign risk. He highlighted the transformative potential of both large-scale LNG projects and smaller, domestically focused gas ventures.  

“The impact of these projects in African markets is incalculable,” Eardley-Taylor said, citing the potential for job creation, economic growth, and improved energy access. He further emphasised the importance of small-scale LNG and helium projects, particularly in markets like South Africa and Namibia.  

Equinor’s Senior Vice President for Africa, Nina Birgitte Koch, stressed the importance of a stable investment climate to attract international capital. She highlighted the need for competitive projects with strong environmental credentials, particularly in reducing carbon emissions. “CO2 is the key criteria,” Koch said. “It’s not just a ‘nice to have’ any more. I don’t think it’s possible to get capital to a big LNG project unless it’s highly competitive when it comes to CO2.”  

The panel also discussed the critical role of technology and regional cooperation in maximising the benefits of Africa’s gas resources. Gianluca Ciricugno, Africa Director, Enterprise Customer Solution at Baker Hughes, emphasised the need for a long-term vision and collaboration between governments, investors, and technology providers.  

“It requires a broader vision, probably government and all the people around the table, with a long-term approach… and not just four-year terms,” Ciricugno urged, highlighting the need for stable regulatory frameworks and a commitment to infrastructure development.  

Dr Tshepo Mokoka, Group COO of South Africa’s Central Energy Fund (CEF), echoed the call for government intervention to address market failures and unlock investment. He outlined CEF’s role in enabling critical gas infrastructure projects, such as the Romp pipeline and LNG import terminals. “We need to solve the market failure,” Dr Mokoka said, highlighting the need for government-backed gas offtake agreements and risk-sharing mechanisms to attract private capital.  

ExxonMobil’s Executive Director Global, LNG Marketing, Deri Irawan, emphasised the importance of a holistic approach to project development, considering not just the technical and economic aspects but also the social and political landscape. He highlighted the need for strong partnerships and stakeholder engagement to ensure long-term project success. “It is insufficient to just bring a commodity to the doorstep,” Irawan explained. “You also need to unlock that value chain.” 

With Africa on the cusp of a gas revolution, the panel’s message was clear: the continent has the resources, the ambition, and the opportunity to become a major player in the global gas market. 

However, success hinges on creating a stable and attractive investment climate, embracing technological innovation, and fostering regional collaboration to ensure that Africa’s gas resources benefit both its people and the planet.  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of AOW: Investing in African Energy.

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Century Group Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 as Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) Partner, Showcasing Regional Offshore Expansion

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African Energy Chamber

The Nigerian FPSO operator will highlight its fleet capabilities, regional expansion plans and investment partnerships at African Energy Week 2026

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, April 10, 2026/APO Group/ –Century Group has been confirmed as an Energy Infrastructure and FPSO Partner at African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 in Cape Town, reflecting its growing footprint as one of Nigeria’s leading indigenous offshore operators. The company’s participation underscores its expanding operational capacity, fleet strength and role in driving local content and infrastructure solutions across Africa.
 




 

Century Group’s operational strategy is evolving beyond traditional service provision toward asset ownership, infrastructure management and regional expansion. In October 2025, the company confirmed it is in ongoing discussions with South African partners about potential oil and gas infrastructure projects, highlighting its interest in deploying FPSO and midstream solutions into new regional markets.

This partnership highlights how African-led solutions are increasingly shaping the continent’s energy landscape

At AEW 2026, Century Group will showcase how indigenous operators can support offshore production stability, build local capacity and forge strategic investment partnerships. Its asset portfolio and regional collaborations reflect Nigeria’s evolving offshore landscape, where local operators are increasingly ensuring production continuity, reducing bottlenecks and connecting domestic output to export markets – capabilities central to discussions at AEW’s upstream and infrastructure sessions.

“At AEW 2026, Century Group will showcase not only its fleet capabilities but also its strategic vision for offshore infrastructure development,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber. “This partnership highlights how African-led solutions are increasingly shaping the continent’s energy landscape and how indigenous operators can bridge technical execution with regional growth opportunities.”

The company’s broader engagement in continental energy dialogues further underscores its strategic outlook. Century Group executives have advocated for deeper Africa‑Gulf partnerships, identifying Africa’s youthful demographics and growing energy demand as opportunities for joint investment and capability development in global energy markets.

These developments align with a wider shift in Nigeria’s energy ecosystem, where local capacity and policy reforms are boosting indigenous participation, enhancing competitiveness and unlocking private capital. Century Group’s trajectory – from managing FPSO/FSO infrastructure to cross-border expansion and strategic partnerships – reinforces its value as an FPSO partner for AEW and as a leader in Africa’s offshore energy sector.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

 




 

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ES-KO Secures Five-Year Catering & Facilities Management Contract Renewal with TotalEnergies EP Congo

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The contract renewal has generated strong momentum, reinforcing alignment, confidence, and renewed energy as ES-KO moves forward into this next chapter alongside TotalEnergies EP Congo

POINTE-NOIRE, Congo (Republic of the), April 10, 2026/APO Group/ –In mid-March, ES-KO (www.ES-KO.com) marked an important milestone in Congo with the renewal of its catering and housekeeping contract with TotalEnergies EP Congo for an additional five years. Awarded following a full tendering process, the renewal affirms ES-KO’s competitiveness, reliability, and operational excellence.
 




 
Download Brochure: https://apo-opa.co/4spz8K0

During the on-site visit, Beatrice Falsetti, ES-KO Operations Manager, and Olivier Guigon, ES-KO Congo General Manager, met with TotalEnergies EP Congo representatives to officially launch this new phase of collaboration. Discussions focused on future priorities, including continuous operational improvement, service quality, and initiatives to further strengthen coordination across sites.

The visit also included a trip offshore to Likouf, one of TotalEnergies EP Congo’s key production sites. Located 75 km off the coast of the Republic of Congo, Likouf is a massive floating production unit (FPU), roughly the size of two football fields and weighing around 80,000 tonnes. Operating 24/7, it is a fully self-contained industrial and living environment.

Likouf is also notable for being the first fully electric FPU, designed to significantly reduce its environmental footprint. Its “all-electric” system provides the power required for operations while minimizing gas combustion, supporting more sustainable offshore production.

Operating in such a remote and high-tech environment presents unique logistical and operational challenges—from complex supply chain coordination to maintaining consistent service standards at sea. Personnel typically live on the platform for rotations of up to one month, making daily life onboard highly structured and repetitive. In this context, ES-KO’s catering and facilities management services play a key role in supporting well-being and morale, bringing comfort, variety, and moments of relief that help break the routine.

Back onshore, ES-KO management gathered at the office to share the news with in-house teams and personally congratulate them on their efforts and contribution to this achievement. The contract renewal has generated strong momentum, reinforcing alignment, confidence, and renewed energy as ES-KO moves forward into this next chapter alongside TotalEnergies EP Congo.

Earlier in February, ES-KO was awarded an HSSE Trophy by TotalEnergies EP Congo in recognition of its strong 2025 performance in health, safety, security, and environmental practices.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of ES-KO.

 




 

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Ascott expands in Nairobi with new Citadines signing, reinforcing the city’s position as a regional hub

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Ascott

The signing reinforces Ascott’s commitment to expanding in high-potential urban markets and builds on its existing footprint in Kenya, where it currently operates Somerset Westview Nairobi, with additional properties in the pipeline

NAIROBI, Kenya, April 11, 2026/APO Group/ –The Ascott Limited (www.DiscoverASR.com), the wholly owned lodging business unit of Capital and Investment (CLI), has announced the signing of Citadines Westview Nairobi, a 160-key hotel located in the capital’s established Kilimani district. The new property will complement the existing 162-key Somerset Westview Nairobi serviced apartments, forming a strategic dual-brand offering that enhances Ascott’s ability to serve both short- and extended-stay demand across a broader range of traveller segments. Scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2028, Citadines Westview Nairobi is designed to cater to a growing mix of both corporate and leisure travellers as well as the meeting and conferences demand.

 




  

 

Reinforcing Nairobi’s Role as a Regional Business Hub
Nairobi continues to strengthen its position as a key regional business and investment hub, supported by growing corporate activity, infrastructure development and increasing international connectivity. This is driving sustained demand for high-quality, flexible accommodation that caters to both short-term and extended stays. The signing reinforces Ascott’s commitment to expanding in high-potential urban markets and builds on its existing footprint in Kenya, where it currently operates Somerset Westview Nairobi, with additional properties in the pipeline.

Nairobi is one of Africa’s most important commercial and lifestyle hubs, with strong fundamentals supporting continued growth in hospitality demand

Part of Ascott’s Broader Africa Growth Strategy
The Nairobi signing forms part of Ascott’s broader expansion across Africa, where the company has secured 10 signings over the past year. Once fully operational, these will expand its portfolio from two properties today to 23 properties with over 2,800 units across 10 cities in eight countries by 2028. In addition to Kenya, Ascott is growing its presence in key markets including Morocco, Nigeria and Ethiopia, where two properties are slated to open in Addis Ababa’s Bole district, further strengthening its footprint in East Africa.

Vincent Miccolis, Managing Director for Middle East, Africa and Türkiye, The Ascott Limited, said:
“Nairobi is one of Africa’s most important commercial and lifestyle hubs, with strong fundamentals supporting continued growth in hospitality demand. This signing reinforces our commitment to the Kenyan market and reflects our focus on expanding in cities where we see sustained demand from both business and leisure travellers. We are honoured to further strengthen our partnership with Britam on this development, bringing together strong institutional investment and Ascott’s global operating expertise. By introducing Citadines alongside Somerset, we are able to offer a broader range of accommodation options that cater to different guest segments, while maintaining the quality and flexibility that define our brands.”

Ambrose Dabani – CEO & Principal Officer Britam Holdings PLC, said: “This investment reflects our long-term confidence in Nairobi as a key economic and commercial hub in the region. We are focused on high-quality, resilient assets that deliver sustainable value over time. Partnering with Ascott allows us to combine strong real estate fundamentals with an experienced global operator, ensuring the development is well positioned to meet evolving demand for professionally managed accommodation in the market.”

Designed for Modern Urban Living
Citadines Westview Nairobi will offer a mix of well-balanced hotel rooms, studios and one-bedroom apartments, supported by a comprehensive range of amenities including food and beverage outlets, meeting and conferencing facilities, a swimming pool, and a fully equipped gymnasium. The F&B offering will complement the Somerset Westview Nairobi’s Jabu rooftop bar and La Mascotte restaurant, contributing to a more vibrant and integrated lifestyle destination within the development. Strategically located  adjacent to Somerset Westview Nairobi in the prime Kilimani district, the property offers seamless access to Nairobi’s key business hubs and lifestyle destinations, providing guests with the flexibility and convenience for a comfortable stay, whether travelling for business or leisure, on short or extended stays.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Ascott Limited.

 

 




 

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