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OPEC President to Drive Upstream Oil and Gas Investment into Equatorial Guinea at African Energy Week (AEW) 2023

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OPEC

Minister Ondo will ramp up investments in Equatorial Guinea’s upstream sector at African Energy Week, by showcasing the country’s profitable oil and gas prospects

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, June 23, 2023/APO Group/ — 

Equatorial Guinea’s Minister of Mines and Hydrocarbons and OPEC President Antonio Oburu Ondo is taking the lead in an upstream investment drive in Equatorial Guinea, positioning the country as the perfect destination for exploration activities. As a keynote speaker at the upcoming African Energy Week (AEW) 2023 conference in Cape Town from October 16-20, Minister Ondo will highlight the progress made in Equatorial Guinea and advocate for increased gas-directed investments this year and beyond.

Serving as President of OPEC and the Minister of Mines and Hydrocarbons, Ondo brings with him a wealth of experience, having previously served as the Managing Director of national oil company GEPetrol where he was instrumental in positioning the company as a major player in the regional energy industry. As such, he is well versed in the upstream sector and is the best person to lead Equatorial Guinea’s efforts in attracting major players into the country.

Despite having only been appointed Minister this year, Ondo has already made significant progress to expand Equatorial Guinea’s upstream industry. He signed three producing sharing contracts (PSC) in February 2023 – one with independent E&P company Panoro Energy and two with Africa Oil Corporation – whereby Panoro Energy was awarded a 56% sharing interest operatorship in Block EG-01 while the signing of duo-PSCs with Africa Oil Corporation enabled the company to enter the Equatorial Guinean market. With the PSCs, Africa Oil Corporation will own an 80% interest in Block EG-18 and EG-31, respectively. These partnerships signify the country’s openness to collaboration and as well as the massive potential in its upstream sector.

Another prominent upstream oil company that has recognized Equatorial Guinea as an exploration hotspot is Kosmos Energy. The company has focused on production optimization services, as well as infrastructure-led exploration in proven basins within Equatorial Guinea. Kosmos Energy’s achievements in Equatorial Guinea have been remarkable, leading to the firm and its partners securing an extension of the production sharing contract for Block G, with interests in blocks, EG-21, EG-24, and S. This significant milestone was made possible through collaboration with the Ministry of Mines and Hydrocarbons of Equatorial Guinea and is a testament to the country’s enabling and investor friendly environment.

“Minister Antonio Oburu Ondo has a long history of understanding the industry, and as such, he will help keep the market stable and continue working on attracting the necessary hydrocarbon-focused investments into the country, building on the progress that has already been achieved in Equatorial Guinea,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.

AEW 2023 will provide an ideal platform for Ondo to bolster relations with international companies and neighbouring countries and the broader African continent

Equatorial Guinea has already positioned itself as an active player in the global oil and gas industry, exporting oil and gas to international markets. Additionally, the country is poised to play a vital role in the processing of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from neighbouring countries like Nigeria and Cameroon. This strategic positioning presents a unique opportunity for investors to participate in the development of a cross-border Mega-Gas-Hub. As such, the successful processing of LNG requires the expertise and investment of highly skilled companies and investors. With the Mega-Gas-Hub expected to see profitable results, it is in investors’ best interest to seize the opportunity to capitalize on this development.

In this scenario, Minister Ondo understands the importance of formulating a comprehensive plan that will ensure the profitability and success of these projects. AEW 2023 will provide an ideal platform for Ondo to bolster relations with international companies and neighbouring countries and the broader African continent, attracting potential investors who can contribute to the feasibility and prosperity of these initiatives.

Investors stand to benefit immensely from engaging in these projects, as they represent a massive investment opportunity with the potential to generate significant economic growth and prosperity. Equatorial Guinea’s commitment to becoming a regional energy powerhouse and its collaboration with neighbouring nations make it an attractive destination for investors seeking long-term returns and sustainable development.

With his deep understanding of the industry and his commitment to securing better fiscal terms, Minister Ondo is instrumental in enticing more explorers to invest in Equatorial Guinea, ultimately leading to increased production and further positioning the country as a preferred destination for upstream investment. AEW 2023 will therefore serve as a platform for Ondo to connect with stakeholders, African leaders, international and regional companies to incentivize new investment into the country’s upstream sector.

“Equatorial Guinea continues to make promising strides of becoming an oil and gas mega hub, and the chamber will continue to work closely with the Ministry of Mines and Hydrocarbons to realize their national objectives and support their drive to increase investments in its upstream sector. Equatoguinean resources, expertise and partnerships will be key for Africa’s energy future, and we look forward to seeing developments across all of these arenas during this year’s AEW conference,” adds Ayuk.

African Energy Week (AEW) is the African Energy Chamber’s (AEC) interactive exhibition and networking event, established in 2021, that seeks to unite African energy stakeholders, drive industry growth and development, and promote Africa as the destination for African-focused events.

For further information on the African Energy Week 2023 conference, click the link below:

https://apo-opa.info/3NBqdUA

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Energy

High-Level Minister Roundup to Headline African Energy Week 2026

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African Energy Chamber

African Energy Week 2026 will convene ministers from Algeria, Ghana, Senegal, Zambia and Niger to spotlight oil, gas expansion, reforms and investment opportunities continentwide

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, March 13, 2026/APO Group/ –A high-level ministerial roundup will take center stage at this year’s African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 – taking place in Cape Town from 12–16 October –, convening some of the continent’s most influential energy leaders at a defining moment for Africa’s oil, gas and power sectors. As hydrocarbon expansion converges with accelerating energy transition strategies, the gathering is set to spotlight real-time project execution, regulatory reform and cross-border infrastructure that are actively reshaping Africa’s energy future.

 

Confirmed ministers to date include Algeria’s Minister of Energy and Renewable Energies Mourad Adjal, Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, Senegal’s Minister of Energy, Petroleum and Mines Birame Soulèye Diop, Zambia’s Minister of Energy Makozo Chikote and Niger’s Minster of Petroleum Hamadou Tinni.

 

Fresh from a March OPEC+ decision to lift output to 977,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd), Algeria enters AEW 2026 amid a $60 billion sector transformation. The country is also advancing a 500-well exploration drive and accelerating its 1.48 GW “Project of the Century” solar rollout. Gas exports to Europe remains central to the country, supported by hydrogen corridor planning and refinery expansion aimed at boosting capacity to 50 million tons by 2029.

 

Following license extension for Jubilee and TEN to 2040 and the late-2025 restart of the Tema Oil Refinery, Ghana is pushing a $3.5 billion upstream reinvestment plan while settling $500 million in gas arrears. A 1,200 MW state thermal plant and expanded gas processing at Atuabo anchor its gas-to-power shift, alongside a renewed upstream push in the Voltaian Basin.

The participation of these distinguished ministers underscores the scale of opportunity unfolding across Africa’s energy landscape and the urgency of aligning policy with capital

 

Senegal’s delegation comes on the back of strong production momentum, with the Sangomar oil field delivering 36.1 million barrels in 2025, outperforming forecasts, while the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG development ramped up to 2.9 million tons per annum following first gas. Dakar is now prioritizing domestic gas through refinery upgrades at the SAR refinery and preparations for Sangomar Phase 2 to push output beyond 100,000 bpd.

 

Zambia is redefining its power mix after drought-induced hydro shortfalls. New solar capacity – including the 200 MW Chisamba expansion and 136 MW Itimpi Phase 2 – is part of a broader 2,500 MW diversification drive. Cabinet has approved major regional fuel pipelines, while the Energy Single Licensing System fast-tracks approvals. Lusaka targets 10 GW generation by 2030, with solar and wind rising to one-third of supply.

Niger’s presence reflects its emergence as a serious oil exporter, with the fully operational 1,950-km Niger-Benin pipeline now moving up to 90,000 bpd to international markets. Alongside uranium expansion and renewed cooperation with Algeria on upstream assets, Niamey is advancing digital oversight reforms and reinforcing energy sovereignty amid evolving geopolitical dynamics.

 

“The participation of these distinguished ministers underscores the scale of opportunity unfolding across Africa’s energy landscape and the urgency of aligning policy with capital,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber. “Their leadership reflects a continent moving decisively from strategy to execution, creating a platform where investors can engage directly with the policymakers shaping Africa’s next wave of oil, gas and energy growth.”

 

At AEW 2026, this ministerial cohort will be well-positioned to offer investors direct insight into Africa’s most dynamic energy markets – where new barrels, new pipelines and new megawatts are reshaping regional growth trajectories in real time.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Enlit Africa 2026 Programme: 280+ speakers, African nuclear 2.0, Bruce Whitfield Business Breakfast

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Enlit Africa

The event, taking place 19-21 May 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, expects 7,200+ attendees and 250+ exhibitors, making it Africa’s largest gathering of energy and water professionals

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, March 12, 2026/APO Group/ –Enlit Africa (https://apo-opa.co/4cEX08g) has released its full 2026 conference programme, featuring 280+ speakers across 8 specialised tracks including a new African Nuclear 2.0 session covering Koeberg’s 20-year life extension and Ghana’s nuclear vendor selection process.

 

The event, taking place 19-21 May 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, expects 7,200+ attendees and 250+ exhibitors, making it Africa’s largest gathering of energy and water professionals.

Award-winning business journalist and best-selling author Bruce Whitfield will deliver the opening address at the Project & Investment Network Business Breakfast on 19 May, kicking off three days of strategic sessions, deal-making platforms, and technical masterclasses.

New programme content includes:

African Nuclear 2.0 – A dedicated session examining the transition from planning to execution, featuring:

Koeberg Nuclear Power Station’s successful 20-year life extension (Units 1 and 2 now licensed until 2044/2045)

Ghana’s progression to Phase 3 of its nuclear programme, evaluating US, Chinese, and Russian technology bids

West African Power Pool‘s 10 GW regional nuclear capacity target

Small Modular Reactor (SMR) deployment readiness across African grids

Independent Transmission Projects (ITP) – A new session exploring how private investment is unlocking Africa’s transmission bottleneck, featuring global case studies from India’s PowerGrid and lessons for scaling grid capacity across the continent.

Generation Masterclasses – Five interactive roundtables on gas-to-power, nuclear, hydro power, clean coal, and hydrogen.

AI in Africa’s Power Grid – Examining practical deployment realities, real-time analytics, and predictive maintenance applications already in operation across African utilities.

Conference sessions and technical hub sessions on the expo floor are CPD-accredited by the South African Institute of Electrical Engineers (SAIEE) and the South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE).

Co-located platforms:

Water Security Africa features country playbooks from Namibia (55-year potable reuse programme), Uganda (NRW reduction from 42% to 32%), Cape Town (Day Zero recovery strategies), and sector-specific stewardship sessions with Harmony Gold, Heineken, Mediclinic, and Growthpoint Properties.

Project & Investment Network (P&IN), part of the new Level 2 Executive Experience, connects project developers, investors, African utility CEOs, and DFIs through structured matchmaking, ministerial dialogues, and project briefings. Over the past two years, P&IN has facilitated $3 billion in project pitches.

Utility CEO Forum brings together 35+ confirmed utility CEOs under Chatham House Rule for candid, off-the-record strategic discussions on unbundling, prosumer management, and financial sustainability.

Municipal Forum addresses South African municipalities’ distribution, metering, and revenue challenges, including sessions on NRW management, tariff reform, Cost of Supply studies, and electrifying informal settlements.

Technical Hub sessions on the exhibition floor offer free, CPD-accredited training across Power, Renewable Energy & Storage, and Water tracks, with confirmed speakers from Eskom, ENGIE SA, ACTOM, National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA), RenEnergy, and Matla Energy.

Site visits on 22 May include Koeberg Nuclear Power Station and the V&A Waterfront desalination plant.

Pass options:
Free expo pass registration: https://apo-opa.co/4bl2bYu

Free expo passes provide access to 250+ exhibitors and CPD-accredited Technical Hub sessions.

Delegate Pass:
Early bird registration closes 3 April 2026. Delegate passes start at R15,100 (Silver), with P&IN Executive passes at R32,000 including access to the Bruce Whitfield breakfast, Level 2 executive lounge, and investor matchmaking.

Download the full programme: https://apo-opa.co/3NwCble

Register: https://apo-opa.co/4cEX08g

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

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Binance Secures Second Major Legal Victory in U.S. Court Under Anti-Terrorism Act in Two Weeks

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Binance

US Federal Court in Alabama Dismisses All Claims Against Binance in Latest Lawsuit Victory

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, March 12, 2026/APO Group/ –Binance (www.Binance.com), the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, announced today that a U.S. federal court in Alabama has dismissed all claims against the company in a lawsuit alleging violations of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA). This marks Binance’s second major legal victory in an  ATA matter within one week, following their victory in the Southern District of New York.

A Full and Complete Legal Victory

In a detailed 19-page ruling, the Court found the plaintiffs’ complaint to be legally and factually deficient. The court’s decision to dismiss every claim across the board represents a decisive legal victory for Binance.

Sanctions compliance and terrorism financing are serious matters of law – they require evidence, legal rigour, and due process

The judge described the filing as a “shotgun pleading.” The complaint failed to clearly specify the claims and improperly grouped all defendants together without distinguishing individual conduct or liability. The ruling also emphasized that the plaintiffs did not meet the basic pleading standard to provide a “short and plain statement” of their claims.

Following the ruling, the court granted the plaintiffs until April 10, 2026, to file an amended complaint addressing the deficiencies identified. However, the judge warned that failure to adequately address these issues would result in dismissal of the entire case.

Building on Momentum and Upholding Legal Integrity

“This decision reinforces our unwavering commitment to protecting Binance and our community from unsubstantiated and bad-faith lawsuits,” shared Eleanor Hughes, General Counsel at Binance. “Sanctions compliance and terrorism financing are serious matters of law – they require evidence, legal rigour, and due process. Courts have now examined these claims on two separate occasions and found them to be without merit. These outcomes speak for themselves. We will not tolerate attempts to misuse the legal system to target our industry, and we remain as committed as ever to transparency, security, and lawful conduct in everything we do”.

This latest decision follows closely on the heels of Binance’s comprehensive victory in New York (https://apo-opa.co/46Xg0ev), where the Court similarly rejected allegations that the company assisted, participated in, or conspired with terrorists. Together, these rulings reflect Binance’s strong resolve to protect its platform and community.

Binance has consistently invested in industry-leading compliance infrastructure, regulatory engagement, and legal governance. The company will continue to vigorously defend itself against any attempts to bring unfounded claims or misrepresent its operations.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Binance.

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