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Perenco bets big on Africa Upstream with Investments in sustainable energy projects

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Perenco

Perenco CEO Benoît de la Fouchardière provides insight into the company’s ambitious upstream agenda and why it represents the partner of choice for African countries

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, April 12, 2023/APO Group/ — 

Africa’s energy sector is growing rapidly owing to a series of ambitious exploration campaigns undertaken by independent oil and gas explorers. Companies such as Anglo-French independent Perenco continue to make strides towards unlocking the full potential of the oil and gas market. The African Energy Chamber (www.EnergyChamber.org) spoke with Benoît de la Fouchardière, CEO of Perenco (https://apo-opa.info/3MDPRYW) about the company’s upstream agenda and why Perenco represents the partner of choice for African countries.

Perenco recently signed a 20-year contract for the Rio del Rey concession in Cameroon. What is the significance of this contract and how does it align with Perenco’s overall upstream agenda?

Firstly, Rio del Rey (RDR) is the regional hub, surrounded by Dissoni, Bolongo, Moabi, Moudi and soon Bomana. It is also feeding the majority of the production to the COTSA Terminal, the Massongo. We have built this virtuous system of maximizing the synergies between various contracts to support the development of marginal fields which would not otherwise have been economic.

Secondly, RDR is generating its own growth. The fields constituting RDR have already produced over a billion barrels. We believed from the start in 2011 that they could deliver more than they were. We proved it, thanks to a special purpose rig called “the LUG”, developed by the Perenco Group specifically for RDR. It has already drilled 33 wells and production from these represent more than 30% of RDR’s current production. This is a big part of the solution, and we envisage it continuing to drill for years to come.

Perenco represents the largest operator in the country in terms of production. Are there plans to increase production at the Rio del Rey concession? Are there plans to drill more wells?

As I explained, we think we have the appropriate tool to perform fit for purpose infill drilling with the LUG rig. RDR barrels are not easy to find, but they are there. We just needed that versatile and powerful platform rig to produce them. It will at least maintain production at 40,000 barrels per day. It can be boosted if we have exploration success.

How does Perenco work with local communities and authorities to ensure that operations at Rio del Rey are socially responsible and environmentally sustainable?

From the beginning, Perenco has been engaged with the Republic of Cameroon to have a positive impact at local, regional and national levels. At the national level, through revenues generated by our activity, employment and training of young Cameroonians from all regions and all disciplines. Locally we are working with IECD, a Non-Governmental Organization partner to develop micro entrepreneurial initiatives, teaching people to learn how to manage funds and reinvest effectively.

On a global standpoint, we are engaged in a global initiative to remove plastic waste from the countries where we operate – Plastic Free. We are developing a pyrolysis machine at a small scale and another at an industrial scale (to be installed in Cap Lopez in Gabon).  It will clean the plastic from the country and use it to produce diesel in a virtuous circle, also reducing the need for diesel imports.

Perenco has developed a specific know-how that it is now perfecting with the introduction of multiple innovations

What are some of the unique challenges Perenco has encountered in the Rio del Rey basin and what has been done to address them?

The main challenge today is to address the gas flaring issue. The RDR reservoirs have a high gas/oil ratio and cumulated associated gas presents a risk that must be addressed. The issue is the number of locations and the low-pressure nature of the gas, but we have identified solutions to address the challenge. We are working with SNH to deliver the appropriate contractual, technical and economic solution, taking into consideration the country’s needs (gas-to-power, gas-to-industry and LPG) and the current value of gas on the international market. We expect an FID within a year with a fast track first phase right after.

Perenco has been bullish in Africa with the firm securing FID for the Gabon LNG facility as well as acquiring Glencore’s Chadian assets and New Age’s Etinde Asset in Cameroon. Looking ahead, what are Perenco’s plans for expanding exploration in Africa even further? Are there any new markets on the agenda? 

Perenco has developed a specific know-how that it is now perfecting with the introduction of multiple innovations. This know-how fits well with African onshore and shallow water projects, where we have a historical presence and which we can build upon. We know we can deploy our teams easily in other parts of the world, as we did in T&T, Mexico, Brazil and Chad in recent years. 

However, we would always prefer to consolidate our presence in an existing country versus opening up in a new one. Our added value for the country is our ability to create reserves while we produce them. This requires expertise and permanent creativity to fight the natural decline. In the last years, we have added an extensive knowledge of gas to our historical expertise in mature & marginal oil fields. We know that we can replicate in gas what we have learned in oil and bring these ground-breaking solutions to life for the African energy sector.

Why does Perenco represent the partner of choice for African countries looking at developing offshore assets? How does the firm incorporate new technology and innovation into exploration efforts?

Perenco has an entrepreneurial approach. When we initially look at a field, we may not have certainty at that stage how we will produce it. We study it, starting by analyzing all of the available data from the time of exploration and the early development of the field; we share ideas, drawing on our 30 years’ experience; we redevelop in one, two, or three phases; and we connect, explore, or acquire adjacent blocks so as to achieve a virtuous circle where all the fields support each other.

We also have alternative development studies called the ‘oil & gas’ program. As an example, in Gabon on the GANGA field, a field holding 40 million barrels and 1 trillion cubic feet of gas, we have a joint development of oil and gas. By doing so, we are creating value with both products.

The 2023 edition of the African Energy Week conference takes place in Cape Town in October. How does the event serve to advance Perenco’s exploration agenda in Africa and what deals do you hope to sign?

African Energy Week (https://AECWeek.com/) will be an important moment to share with our peers and multi-governmental authorities the specifics of the company and how it adds value in the countries where we operate. As an example, we entered Chad in July 2022.  Eight months later we have already reached 18,000 bpd (from zero at the take over time) and now feed Moundou with a reliable and immediate gas-to-power solution which supports the development of the city.

What makes us different is that when we enter a country it is for the long term; we have a pure, entrepreneurial, approach, not a financial one; and we understand that the countries need to develop themselves and that we must be playing an active part in that development.

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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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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