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Over $370 million secured in Engineering, Procurement, and Construction deals at Afreximbank’s Lagos workshop

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Afreximbank

More than 180 participants, representing EPC companies, financial institutions, law firms and government agencies from West Africa as well as Egypt, Angola and Uganda, were in attendance

LAGOS, Nigeria, November 14, 2024/APO Group/ — 

During the recently held African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) Intra-African Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) workshop in Lagos participants formalised business deals totalling over US$370 million, a significant step towards empowering African contractors.

The deals, signed during the workshop held in Lagos on 28 October, included a US$300-million Global facility agreement to Hassan Allam of Egypt, a US$45-million term sheet to Pavifort Construction of Sierra Leone and a US$25-million term sheet to Afric Cement of Burkina Faso.

Organised to help address the significant gap in Africa’s infrastructure spending, currently standing at over $100 billion annually, which is traditionally awarded to non-African contractors, the workshop brought together key stakeholders to explore transformative solutions to empower African contractors to compete for and secure large-scale projects within the continent.

Addressing the participants, Ayman El-Zoghby, Director, Trade and Corporate Finance Unit in Afreximbank’s Intra-African Trade Bank, said that the Bank was actively working to address the infrastructure gap by empowering local contractors to take more prominent roles in large-scale projects. He said Afreximbank, had launched the Afreximbank-EPC Tenders Platform to connect contractors with project opportunities while offering them critical financial support throughout project lifecycles.

According to Mr. El-Zogby, Afreximbank is dedicated to enhancing local content through skills development, technology transfer and fostering of partnerships between African and international firms as an essential step for strengthening Africa’s contractor base and achieving long-term, self-sustained infrastructure growth.

In addition, recognizing the role of sub-sovereign governments in enabling trade and investment, Afreximbank was engaging with government entities to better understand their specific needs, educate them on providing stable environments and supporting debt strategies in order to provide African contractors with stronger negotiation power and credibility on the global stage, he added.

This workshop underscores our commitment to transforming Africa’s infrastructure landscape by empowering local contractors to lead in major projects

“This workshop underscores our commitment to transforming Africa’s infrastructure landscape by empowering local contractors to lead in major projects. By equipping African firms with the financial, technical and risk management tools necessary to compete effectively, we are not only closing the infrastructure gap but also fostering sustainable economic growth, job creation and regional integration which will strengthen Africa’s position in the global EPC market,” Mr. El-Zogby explained.

Mr. Moctar Mando, Chairman, COGEB Group International noted: “I am grateful to Afreximbank for their trust and support. This signing marks a significant milestone for COGEB Group International in its diversification strategy, centred on complementary activities. This financing is dedicated entirely to the construction of the AFRIC CEMENTS cement plant which will help strengthen my Group’s leadership within its ecosystem.”

Mr. Alimu Sanu Barrie, Chief Executive Officer Pavifort Al Associates noted: “The EPC Workshop empowered us to appreciate the challenges indigenous African companies face and Afreximbank’s interventions in solving these challenges through financing, capacity building and networking. We are extremely grateful to the Bank for the signed Term-Sheet of $45 million. The funds will boost the infrastructural and economic development of Sierra Leone and greatly enhance the capacity of our company.”

Eng. Mahmoud El Essawy – Managing Director – Hassan Allam Construction (Egypt) noted: “I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Afreximbank for its unwavering support in addressing the infrastructure financing needs of Africa. The $200 million facility extended to Hassan Allam Holding, recently increased by an additional $100 million, has been instrumental in supporting our efforts to undertake key projects that promote economic growth and resilience. As we navigate the challenges in the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) sector across the continent—such as regulatory complexities, financing gaps, and the need for sustainable practices, Afreximbank’s commitment to facilitating essential funding stands as a testament to their vision for a prosperous Africa. Their support not only empowers us as a group but also strengthens the entire ecosystem needed to meet Africa’s infrastructure demands.”

Panellists speaking at the event explored financing solutions, strategies for enhancing local content and opportunities to reshape Africa’s infrastructure landscape among other key themes.

More than 180 participants, representing EPC companies, financial institutions, law firms and government agencies from West Africa as well as Egypt, Angola and Uganda, were in attendance.

The event was also graced by representatives of the Lagos State Government, members of the diplomatic corps, officials of the Nigeria Customs Service and several business leaders. Key outcomes included the audience’s familiarization of the EPC Platform, designed to connect African contractors with project opportunities, and the signing of EPC-related deals worth over $370 million, underscoring the workshop’s role in fostering partnerships and financial engagement across the continent, which was followed by a lively post-event business networking session. The event highlighted Afreximbank’s ongoing commitment to enhancing local content and capacity building, setting a strong foundation for future workshops and strategic initiatives aimed at advancing the African construction sector.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

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

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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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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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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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