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Operator-Friendly Policies Have Positioned Senegal and Mauritania Natural Gas Industries for Success (By NJ Ayuk)

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Natural Gas

Senegal and Mauritania are rising fast in the world of natural gas — and this trajectory owes much to their cooperation with each other as well as to the enabling environment they have created for IOCs

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, June 28, 2022/APO Group/ — 

By NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber (www.EnergyChamber.org)

After Mauritania and Senegal signed the inter-governmental cooperation agreement in 2018 that allowed partners Kosmos Energy, BP, and their partners to proceed with the deepwater Tortue natural field project in the Ahmeyim basin, Kosmos Chairman and CEO Andrew Inglis praised both countries’ leaders. It was their ability to cut through red tape, pursue mutually beneficial solutions, and think in the long term, he said, that would enable Mauritania and Senegal to reap the vast rewards of hydrocarbon province, which is expected to deliver approximately 2.5 mmtpa of natural gas in its initial phase.

“Kosmos congratulates Mauritania, Senegal, and their respective ministries and national oil companies for working together so effectively to reach an agreement that enables their shared gas resources to be developed quickly and efficiently for the benefit of both countries,” Inglis said.

Since then, the project has been moving forward, and Phase 1, a floating liquified natural gas vessel (FLNG), is expected to start operations this year. Other natural gas projects are on the horizon for Senegal and Mauritania as well.  BP and Kosmos plan to launch another large project in the ultra-deepwater Yakaar-Teranga gas field offshore Senegal, which holds 2,739 bcf of natural gas reserves. The Senegalese Ministry of Petroleum and Energies said a final investment decision will be made by the end of the year, and first production will take place in 2024. And in Mauritania, BP has begun studies on its BirAllah offshore gas discovery.

Despite a global pandemic, increasing Western hostility toward hydrocarbons, and a USD33 billion decline in capital expenditure in African projects, Senegal and Mauritania are rising fast in the world of natural gas — and this trajectory owes much to their cooperation with each other as well as to the enabling environment they have created for international oil companies (IOCs). In fact, in 2018, Senegal joined the list of the top five most reforming countries in sub-Saharan Africa, meaning they’ve made considerable strides to improve the business climate and increase their attractiveness to investors. Not to be outdone, Mauritania comes in at number 10 on the list of top reformers worldwide

Savvy Fiscal Regimes

Among the reforms, Senegal and Mauritania have tackled major threats to foreign investment, including high taxes and cost recovery limits.

Both nations have a unique opportunity to shape these policies in a way that continues to embrace IOCs, keep industries competitive, and continue down a path of energy independence

Unlike Nigeria, whose unclear fiscal policies often constrain its huge reserves’ profitability, the two Sub-Saharan nations have created fairly reasonable policies for projects such as Tortue, Bir Allah, Orca, Cayar, and Yakaar-Teranga. As the African Energy Chamber’s soon-to-be-released Petroleum Laws – Benchmarking Report for Senegal and Mauritania discusses in detail, Senegal offers the largest natural gas reserves for the most reasonable fiscal policies.

Even at first glance, Senegal and Mauritania have offered investor-friendly incentives for recent projects. Tax rates are low, there are no royalties, and the Profit Oil Government Share — that is, the amount of production, after deducting production allocated to costs and expenses, that will be divided between the participating parties and the host government under the production sharing contract — is capped at 42% for Tortue and 58% for Yakaar-Teranga. Equally important, their cost recovery limits make it clear that Senegal and Mauritania want warm relations with IOCs for the long haul, not just the initial stages of foreign investment. With a cost recovery limit of up to 75%, they remove many of the anxieties and uncertainties inherent in foreign investment. Contrast that with the cost recovery limit in Egypt’s giant offshore gas field in Egypt, which declines to 20% 11 years after start-up.

In short, Mauritania and Senegal have some of the most operator-friendly fiscal policies on the continent, and that is bound to attract additional investment. Only Mozambique, South Africa, and Ghana offer better terms currently, but this contrast in no way undermines Senegal’s and Mauritania’s path to success. With other advantages such as more peaceful locations and larger, recently discovered reserves, they’re only beginning to realize their full potential.

Reserves Meet Stability

Political stability is often an investment watchword — and it’s an advantage for both Senegal and Mauritania. While IOCs have often successfully persevered in unstable nations, investments inevitably suffer from political fallout.

In a study of contrasts, Mozambique discovered similar natural gas reserves (100 trillion cubic feet to Senegal’s 120 trillion) in 2010. But despite comparable foreign attention and investment – not to mention a four-year head start – Mozambique’s gas industry lags somewhat behind Senegal’s, due in no small part to ongoing regional violence. While France’s TotalEnergies announced its plans to return to Mozambique in 2022, it doesn’t anticipate production to begin until a full year after Tortue’s own target date – and even that ambition rests on the hope that Mozambique first enhances its security.

Such violence can even hurt nations with huge reserves and longstanding IOC relationships. Shell pulled out of Nigeria partly because of oil theft and pipeline sabotage, even though the nation enjoys twice the oil reserves of Senegal. After decades of tolerating such violent environments for the sake of rich resources, IOCs will inevitably look to Senegal’s potent combination of huge reserves and peaceful environment. Free of that added burden of local instability, foreign investment can only grow to new heights in this emerging nation.

Going Forward

Despite Western talk of renewables, the world can’t deny a continued need for oil and gas — a need only highlighted by uncertainty in the wake of the Ukraine conflict. By offering such a unique combination of political stability, reasonable fiscal policies, and large reserves, Senegal and Mauritania have laid the framework for a bright future in this industry.

Better yet, both nations acknowledge that they still have room to improve and truly expand on their potential. The African Energy Chamber hopes they will take the opportunity to systematically update and clarify their other policies, such as local content laws. While Senegal recently revised their policies, the enforcement mechanisms remain somewhat vague. Mauritania, for its part, has not revisited theirs in almost a decade. Both nations have a unique opportunity to shape these policies in a way that continues to embrace IOCs, keep their industries competitive, and continue down a path of energy independence.

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

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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Energy Capital

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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