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Regional and Global Industry Leaders to Make Strong Case for Hydrocarbon Investment at Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) 2022

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AOG

Following on from discussions held during COP27 in Egypt, a suite of regional energy ministers will be coming to Angola Oil & Gas 2022 to discuss national energy developments, the need to ramp up financing and the role regional cooperation plays in Africa’s energy future

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, November 17, 2022/APO Group/ — 

With the biggest energy event in Africa post-COP27 set to take place in Luanda from November 29 to December 1, a strong lineup of regional energy ministers will make their way to Angola to lead discussions on the state of play of their respective energy sectors. Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) 2022 is committed to securing new investment, not just in Angola’s sector, but the wider regional energy landscape at large, with the participation of these ministers serving to only enhance this agenda.

At the head is Diamantino Azevedo, Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas of Angola, who has played an instrumental role in positioning Angola as the biggest oil producer in Africa, an emerging globally competitive gas player and an increasingly attractive renewable energy market. On the oil and gas front, Angola has seen new discoveries being made such as ExxonMobil’s discovery at the Bavuca South-1 exploration well at the Block 15, offshore Angola this month; the launch of three new refinery projects; and the establishment of one of the largest single investments in the country’s energy sector, the Angola Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) project. While on the renewables front, new commitments by TotalEnergies and other regional players to monetize the country’s abundant solar and wind potential. As such, the sector is ripe for investment and offers unparalleled opportunities for project developers and financiers alike.

Representing Namibia, the country’s Minister of Mines and Energy, Hon. Tom Alweendo, will also be participating in Angola, driving the discussion around the role an accelerated exploration drive plays in Africa’s energy future. With two major oil discoveries by TotalEnergies and Shell made off the coast of Namibia just this year, the country is poised for large-scale developments and is seeking new partnerships with regional and global financiers. In addition to oil and gas, Namibia’s significant green hydrogen potential has laid the foundation for multi-billion-dollar project launches by the likes of Hyphen Hydrogen Energy and others. With a sectoral transformation on the cards, Hon. Minister Alweendo will drive the investment discussion in Angola.

Contributing to this discussion will be Gabriel Mbaga Obiang Lima, Minister of Mines and Hydrocarbons of Equatorial Guinea and a strong advocate for the role gas plays in Africa. For his part, Minister Obiang Lima has been instrumental in positioning his country as a regional gas hub, unlocking untapped gas resources across West Africa while working towards creating intra-African energy networks in pursuit of energy security. Through the processing facility Punta Europe, Equatorial Guinea monetizes both domestic and regional resources. As the country looks to maximize gas in Africa even further, securing new capital will be key in furthering Minister Obiang Lima’s expansion agenda.

Also driving the investment in gas agenda, Dr. Aissatou Sophie Gladima, Senegal’s Minister of Petroleum and Energies, will be participating at AOG 2022, advocating for heightened investment in African energy. With the 2.5 million ton per annum Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG development set to come online in early 2023, as well as the launch of other large-scale projects such as 230-million-barrel Sangomar oil project, Senegal’s energy future looks bright. However, to unlock the full potential of the sector, H.E. Dr. Minister Gladima is looking at improving investment as well as regional collaboration.

Meanwhile, representing one of Africa’s final frontiers, Didier Budimbu Ntubuanga, Minister of Hydrocarbons of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), has investment on the agenda, and will be providing critical insight into the DRC’s 30-block strong licensing round. With 27 oil and three gas blocks opening for investment in July 2022, the country offers stakeholders the opportunities to explore one of the last untapped basins worldwide.

Local content, free markets, energy poverty, women in energy and financing Angola’s energy growth will be critical

Finally, in pursuit of a defined and aligned oil and gas agenda for Africa, H.E. Haitham Al Ghais, Secretary General of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) will be driving the discussion on how Africa can remain resilient despite global market instability. As head of one of the most influential energy organizations worldwide, the Secretary General is well positioned to drive the discussion on investment, exploration and production, and will be joining the ministerial lineup in making a strong case for African oil and gas.

“We will drive a discussion about Oil and Gas in Angola. Gas is critical and essential for Angola’s industrialization. Renewables are critical for the future, and we should embrace both. Local content, free markets, energy poverty, women in energy and financing Angola’s energy growth will be critical” NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber

“Like we saw at the African Energy Week, Angolan energy industry reforms when it comes to eliminating red tape and cut unnecessary barriers is ensuring that the industry remains strong and reinforced our commitment to supporting the oil and natural gas industry in the years to come. I am confident that investment opportunities and deals will be closed in Luanda during this event” Concluded Ayuk

With AOG 2022 set to unlock significant investment across both the Angolan and regional energy landscape, the regional energy ministers in attendance will further this agenda by providing key insight into their respective sectors, engaging with stakeholders from across the regional and global market while driving the discussion on the role oil and gas plays in Africa’s energy future.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Afreximbank Posts Robust Q1 2026 Results with 25% Growth in Net Income and Improved Profitability

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4 days ago

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May 22, 2026

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Afreximbank

The results demonstrate continued resilience, disciplined balance sheet management and strong deal execution despite a challenging global operating environment

The growth in net interest income and profitability demonstrates the strength of our operating model and the continued relevance of our mandate

CAIRO, Egypt, May 22, 2026/APO Group/ –African Export-Import Bank (“Afreximbank” or the “Bank”) (www.Afreximbank.com) and its subsidiaries (the “Group”) announced its results for the three months ended 31 March 2026. The results demonstrate continued resilience, disciplined balance sheet management and strong deal execution despite a challenging global operating environment.

 

The Group continued to expand its lending activities in Q1 2026, resulting in total credit exposure growing by 2% to reach a portfolio of US$42 billion, up from US$41 billion as of 31 December 2025. This performance reflects Afreximbank’s leading role as a Development Finance Institution (DFI) in financing trade and trade-enabling infrastructure, and its strategic contribution to economic resilience across Africa and the Caribbean.

Average loans and advances for Q1 2026 stood at US$32 billion, up 8% compared to the same period in the prior year, driving the recorded growth in interest income. The Group’s liquidity position remained strong, with cash and cash equivalents of US$5.6 billion, representing 14% of total assets, consistent with FY2025 and above the Bank’s strategic minimum.

Asset quality also remained strong, with the non-performing loan (NPL) ratio at 2.40%, broadly in line with 2.43% at FY2025 and below industry average.

Shareholders’ funds increased to US$8.6 billion at 31 March 2026, up from US$8.4 billion at FY2025, supported by internally generated capital of US$268.9 million and new equity investments received during the quarter, underscoring the Bank’s continued ability to mobilise capital from its shareholders in support of its growth and development mandate.

The Group delivered strong profitability during the quarter.  Notwithstanding declining benchmark rates, total interest income rose by 14% year-on-year to reach US$813.6 million, while net interest income increased by 24% to US$510.0 million, compared with US$411.2 million in the first quarter of 2025. The Group’s cost-to-income ratio remained contained at 19%, well within the Group’s strategic ceiling of 30%. As a result, Profit for the period increased to US$268.9 million, up from US$215.4 million in Q1 2025.

The Group continued to maintain a strong capital position, with a capital adequacy ratio of 23% as at 31 March 2026, in line with the Bank’s long-term capital management targets.

During the quarter, Afreximbank continued to demonstrate its counter-cyclical role in response to external shocks. In March 2026, the Bank launched a US$10 billion Gulf Crisis Response Programme to help member countries mitigate adverse spillover effects from the Gulf crisis. The facility is designed to support liquidity, stabilise trade and payments, and address supply-side disruptions, particularly in energy, tourism and aviation, fertilisers, food and other critical imports.

The Bank also continued to deploy targeted financing and advisory support to strengthen trade flows, industrial capacity and economic resilience across Africa and CARICOM. Regional integration received further momentum following South Africa’s ratification of the Bank’s Establishment Agreement in February 2026, bringing one of Africa’s largest and most diversified economies into the Bank’s membership and giving the Bank full continental coverage.

Highlights of the results for Afreximbank Group are shown below:

Financial Performance Metrics

Q1’2026

Q1’2025
Gross Income (US$ million)

874.1

784.9
Net Income (US$ million)

268.9

215.4
Return on average equity (ROAE)

13%

12%
Return on average assets (ROAA)

2.62%

2.38%
Cost-to-income ratio

19%

16%

 

Financial Position Metrics

Q1’2026

FY’2025
Total Assets (US$ billion)

41.7

42.3
Total Liabilities (US$ billion)

33.0

33.9
Shareholders’ Funds (US$ billion)

8.6

8.4
Non-performing loans ratio (NPL)

2.40%

2.43%
Cash/Total assets

14%

14%
Capital Adequacy ratio (Basel II)

23%

          23%

 

Mr. Denys Denya, Afreximbank’s Senior Executive Vice President, commented:

“Against a backdrop of continued global uncertainty, heightened geopolitical risks and tight financial conditions, the Group delivered a resilient first-quarter performance, underpinned by disciplined balance sheet management, sound asset quality and strong capital and liquidity buffers. The growth in net interest income and profitability demonstrates the strength of our operating model and the continued relevance of our mandate. Our swift launch of the US$10 billion Gulf Crisis Response Programme further underscores Afreximbank’s counter-cyclical role in supporting member countries during periods of disruption. We remain focused on stabilising trade flows, easing liquidity pressures and advancing the industrial and economic transformation of Africa and the Caribbean.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

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Via Licensing Alliance Expands Voice Codec Program with New Licensee, New Licensors, Publishes Comprehensive Pool Rate Structure

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4 days ago

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May 22, 2026

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Via Licensing Alliance

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 May 2026 – Via Licensing Alliance (Via) today announced continued momentum for its Voice Codec patent pool, including the addition of a new unnamed licensee and new licensors, NovaVoice Limited and Cordial IP, further growing the program’s patent stack and market penetration from its initial five, large global licensors.

The addition of the new licensee, unnamed at this time, reflects growing industry adoption of the collaborative licensing pathway Via’s Voice Codec program creates for accessing IP rights to critical voice technologies. This addition reflects a growing market uptake of advanced voice technologies, including EVS and IVAS, driven by rising demand as 5G and 5G-Advanced technologies are adopted worldwide.

Additionally, Via continues to prioritize transparency and has published its full rate structure for the Voice Codec pool, providing further clarity and predictability for implementers and to the broader market. For implementers, the full rate structure allows for complete visibility as they consider the appropriate royalty structure to choose from to meet their product level costs, evaluate future growth paths for their product lines, or plan their geographical expansion plan needs. This level of disclosure not only reduces uncertainty in licensing decisions but also enables more consistent benchmarking, reinforcing confidence in fair, market-aligned SEP licensing practices. The program’s royalty rates are listed on Via’s website at https://www.via-la.com/licensing-programs/voice-codec/#license-fees.

The addition of the new licensors indicates increased interest from patent holders in licensing their voice technology SEPs through highly efficient, aggregated licensing vehicles such as patent pools. Future growth in both the licensor list and the number of patents consolidated through the pool license will continue to enhance the value of the Voice Codec License for implementers. Via’s Voice Codec program licensors are listed here: https://www.via-la.com/licensing-programs/voice-codec/#licensors.

Via’s Voice Codec pool covers Enhanced Voice Services (EVS), which supports voice communications across more than one billion and growing active devices globally, as well as Immersive Voice and Audio Services (IVAS), which will play a central role in next-generation voice and spatial audio applications.

“We are pleased to welcome these new entrants to our pool, which signal continued growth and momentum our Voice Codec program,” said Kevin Mack, President of Via Licensing Alliance. “This pool license offers strong value relative to other market options and represents the only collaborative licensing solution for EVS and IVAS technologies, making it a smart and efficient pathway for companies seeking to license critical voice capabilities.”

EVS remains a foundational technology for high-quality voice communications in 5G and 5G-Advanced networks, with adoption continuing to expand as 5G, 5G-Advanced and future network iterations reach global scale. As spatial audio and advanced voice technologies expand into 6G and a broader range of non-cellular devices, the importance of IVAS technologies is expected to increase, with Via’s pool offering an early and effective licensing pathway.

For more information about the Voice Codec patent pool, including information for prospective licensees, please visit https://www.via-la.com.

About Via Licensing Alliance:
Via Licensing Alliance is the collaborative licensing leader, dedicated to accelerating global technology adoption, fostering participation, and generating return on innovation with balanced licensing solutions for innovators and manufacturers of all sizes around the globe. Via has operated dozens of licensing programs for a variety of technologies. Via is an independently managed company owned by industry-leading participants with over 25 years of intellectual property licensing leadership. For more information about Via, please visit https://www.via-la.com.

 

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Joint statement welcoming the Republic of Togo’s announcement on Visa facilitation for African nationals

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May 22, 2026

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Togo

The AfCFTA Secretariat and Afreximbank commend the Government and people of the Republic of Togo for hosting Biashara Afrika 2026 and for their continued commitment to advancing Africa’s economic integration agenda

LOMÉ, Togo, May 21, 2026/APO Group/ –The AfCFTA Secretariat and African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) welcome the announcement by the Government of the Republic of Togo, under the leadership of H.E. Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, President of the Council of the Republic of Togo, regarding measures to facilitate visa-free entry for all nationals of African States holding valid passports, as announced by the Minister of Security on 18 May 2026.

The announcement was made in Lomé on the sidelines of Biashara Afrika 2026, the continent’s premier trade and business platform, which has brought together policymakers, private sector leaders, investors, and stakeholders from across Africa to advance dialogue on intra-African trade, investment, and regional integration.

Throughout the engagements, participants underscored the importance of facilitating the movement of African citizens, entrepreneurs, and investors as an important enabler of intra-African trade and economic cooperation. Against this backdrop, the announcement reflects the growing continental momentum towards strengthening connectivity and deepening African integration.

The AfCFTA Secretariat and Afreximbank, to which Togo is a State Party and a Member State, envision a continent where goods, services, capital, and people move more freely across borders in support of an integrated African market. Measures that facilitate mobility and connectivity continue to contribute towards advancing the broader mandate of both institutions; the attainment of the aspirations of Agenda 2063.

The AfCFTA Secretariat and Afreximbank commend the Government and people of the Republic of Togo for hosting Biashara Afrika 2026 and for their continued commitment to advancing Africa’s economic integration agenda.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

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