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Rich Africa Consultancy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Joins G20 Forum Amid Namibian Oil and Gas Drive

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African Energy Chamber

Selma Shimutwikeni’s participation comes as Namibia inches towards first oil production

Selma Shimutwikeni, CEO of strategic advisory company RichAfrica Consultancy, has joined the African Energy Chamber’s (AEC) G20 Africa Energy Investment Forum (www.EnergyChamber.org) – taking place November 21 in Johannesburg. Her participation comes at a defining moment for Namibia, as the country accelerates oil and gas exploration and development following a string of world-class discoveries made in recent years. During the forum, Shimutwikeni is expected to share insight into how the country is turning offshore discoveries into catalysts for inclusive economic growth.

 

Namibia’s oil and gas industry has captured global attention over the past three years, with discoveries by TotalEnergies, Shell and Galp Energia marking one of the most significant new hydrocarbon plays globally. Recent estimates place the country’s reserves at approximately 11 billion barrels of oil and 2.2 trillion cubic feet of gas, underscoring the wealth of development opportunities that lie in offshore basins. The country is now positioning itself to achieve first oil production by 2029, an achievement that could transform its economy, strengthen energy security and establish Namibia as a new pillar of African oil and gas production.

With world-class discoveries and strong leadership from both government and the private sector, Namibia has a real opportunity to become a model for sustainable energy development

Exploration continues to gain traction in the country’s Orange Basin as both international energy companies and independent explorers pursue new discoveries. Highlights include Rhino Resources’ announcement of a discovery at the Voltans-1X well in October 2025. The find follows a string of successes, including the Sagittarius-1X and Capricornus-1X discoveries. Oregen Energy Corporation has expanded its presence in Namibia with a 33.95% stake in Block 2712A while Sintana Energy extended its PEL 79 license by 12 months. The company has stakes in five offshore assets and one onshore license across three basins and is seeking a partner to fund drilling operations at PEL 87. Beyond the Orange Basin, independent operators are advancing exploration efforts in the offshore Walvis and onshore Kavango Basins. ReconAfrica drilled the onshore Kavango West-1X well in 2025, with results set to be announced later this year.

As the country works to monetize its discoveries, the role good governance, inclusive policy frameworks and effective stakeholder collaboration plays in ensuring economic growth becomes increasingly more vital. Companies such as RichAfrica Consultancy play an instrumental part in this process by bridging policy, business and community interests. The firm’s work on regulatory alignment, stakeholder engagement and responsible investment reflects a commitment to balancing commercial growth with environmental and social responsibility. As Namibia prepares for first oil, these capabilities are vital to shaping the frameworks that will guide exploration, production and revenue management.

“At this pivotal stage in Namibia’s energy story, institutions like RichAfrica Consultancy bring together the legal, social, and commercial expertise needed to translate discoveries into long-term national prosperity. With world-class discoveries and strong leadership from both government and the private sector, Namibia has a real opportunity to become a model for sustainable energy development in Africa. The key now is ensuring that investment translates into jobs, skills, and long-term value for Namibians,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, AEC.

To register for the Forum click here (https://apo-opa.co/49PShPy).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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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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North African Power Could Be Europe’s Next Energy Lever

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Energy Capital

As Europe seeks diversified and lower-carbon energy supplies, emerging electricity interconnections and gas infrastructure across North Africa – including Libya’s grid ambitions – are drawing investor attention ahead of the Invest in African Energy Forum in Paris

PARIS, France, March 19, 2026/APO Group/ –For decades, Europe’s energy relationship with North Africa has centered primarily on hydrocarbons – Algerian pipeline gas, Libyan oil and LNG shipments from the Mediterranean basin. At the same time, another energy link is gaining momentum: electricity. With growing renewable capacity, expanding transmission networks and new cross-Mediterranean interconnectors under development, North Africa’s power sector is emerging as a strategic complement to Europe’s energy system.

 

The trend is already visible in major infrastructure projects linking the two regions. The ELMED interconnector, a planned high-voltage subsea cable connecting Tunisia to Sicily, will allow bidirectional electricity flows between the African and European grids when it comes online later this decade. The project will transmit up to 600 MW of power through a 220-km cable, helping integrate North African electricity markets with Europe and enabling exports when surplus generation is available.

Libya’s Untapped Electricity Potential

Libya’s electricity sector remains largely domestically focused today, but the country sits at the center of a potential North African power corridor. Discussions between Libya, Algeria and Tunisia have already explored an “electric corridor” project linking their grids, a step that could eventually connect with broader Mediterranean power systems feeding into Europe.

Such initiatives would allow electricity generated in North Africa – whether from gas-fired plants, renewables or hybrid systems – to flow across borders and ultimately toward European markets. For Libya in particular, electricity exports could complement its longstanding role as a hydrocarbon supplier to Europe.

The country already holds substantial gas resources and power-generation capacity, much of which is fueled by domestic natural gas. With targeted investment in grid modernization, renewable integration and regional transmission infrastructure, Libya could evolve into a flexible power exporter within a wider Mediterranean electricity market.

Complementing LNG With Power

Electricity trade does not replace Africa’s LNG expansion – it complements it. Across the continent, gas developments in countries such as Mozambique, Senegal-Mauritania and Nigeria are strengthening Africa’s position in global LNG supply chains.

North Africa’s electricity ambitions add another layer to this energy relationship. Gas-fired generation can provide stable baseload power for export through cross-Mediterranean cables, while renewables help reduce emissions intensity and align with Europe’s decarbonization targets.

For European buyers facing volatile energy markets and geopolitical supply risks, this hybrid model – LNG imports paired with electricity interconnections – offers diversification across both fuels and delivery systems.

New Opportunities for Energy Investors

These developments are set to inform discussions at the upcoming Invest in African Energy Forum (IAE) in Paris, where government officials, utilities and infrastructure investors will assess emerging cross-border energy opportunities. Participation from the Renewable Energy Authority of Libya, including Chairman Dr. Abdulsalam Elansari, signals growing Libyan interest in positioning the country within this evolving regional power landscape.

For investors, the appeal lies not only in generation projects but also in the infrastructure connecting them: high-voltage transmission lines, subsea cables, storage systems and grid modernization.

Electricity trade between North Africa and Europe remains at an early stage, but the foundations are forming rapidly. As Europe accelerates its search for diversified and lower-carbon energy sources, North Africa’s combination of gas resources, solar potential and geographic proximity could transform the region into a strategic electricity partner.

If the current wave of interconnectors and regional grid initiatives succeeds, the Mediterranean may soon carry not only pipelines and LNG tankers – but high-voltage power as well. And for investors gathering in Paris, that emerging electricity corridor could become one of the most compelling energy stories linking Africa and Europe.

IAE 2026 (https://apo-opa.co/40Fn8sA) is an exclusive forum designed to connect African energy markets with global investors, serving as a key platform for deal-making in the lead-up to African Energy Week. Scheduled for April 22–23, 2026, in Paris, the event will provide delegates with two days of in-depth engagement with industry experts, project developers, investors and policymakers. For more information, visit www.Invest-Africa-Energy.com. To sponsor or register as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Amapá’s Strategic Push into Caribbean Energy: Brazil’s Northern Frontier in Spotlight at Caribbean Energy Week (CEW) 2026

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Caribbean

At Caribbean Energy Week in Paramaribo, the Amapá Economic Development Agency – led by President Wandenberg Pitaluga Filho – will outline how Brazil’s northern state is building ports, logistics and exploration capacity to connect with regional energy investment flows

PARAMARIBO, Suriname , Marc 19, 2026/APO Group/ –The Amapá Economic Development Agency will bring Brazil’s northern frontier into Caribbean energy conversations at Caribbean Energy Week (CEW) 2026, where Wandenberg Pitaluga Filho, the agency’s president, is set to address delegates on strategic investment, logistics and cross‑border energy opportunities.

 

Amapá’s interest in the energy sector has grown alongside federal exploration initiatives in Brazil’s Equatorial Margin – a deepwater frontier stretching along the northern Atlantic coast that includes the offshore area north of the state. In October 2025, Brazilian state‑owned oil firm Petrobras received an environmental operating license from the country’s environmental regulator IBAMA to drill an exploratory well in Block FZA‑M‑059, located roughly 175 km off the coast of Amapá. The operation, focused on gathering geological data, marks a significant milestone for northern Brazil’s entry into frontier exploration.

 

This milestone reflects broader efforts by Amapá to tie its economic development strategy to emerging energy opportunities. The state government and the Amapá Economic Development Agency have actively engaged with industry players and engineering firms on logistics and port infrastructure planning, including feasibility studies for offshore support facilities that could serve oil and gas operations. In late 2025, Amapá officials held technical meetings with DTA Engenharia Portuária to evaluate possible offshore port locations between Santana and Calçoene – a project aimed at creating dedicated logistics capacity for offshore energy activity.

 

For Caribbean energy stakeholders, Amapá’s combination of exploration progress and infrastructure planning shows how subnational actors can turn geographic proximity and federal initiatives into regional linkages. With offshore developments in Suriname and Guyana ramping up to the north, Amapá’s emerging ports, logistics hubs and service‑support capacity could become a key bridge for integrating Brazilian capabilities into the Caribbean energy value chain.

 

Brazil itself remains a heavyweight in the energy landscape. As Latin America’s largest oil producer with deep technical expertise and a robust oilfield services ecosystem, the country’s industrial and logistics networks could complement Caribbean basin operations, offering scale and synergies for complex offshore campaigns.

 

Through its participation at CEW 2026, the Amapá Economic Development Agency will present these opportunities to international investors and regional policymakers, with discussions expected to focus on strengthening cross‑border trade, expanding port infrastructure, and fostering collaboration between Brazilian companies and operators active in the Guyana–Suriname basin.

With offshore exploration ramping up along Brazil’s northern coast and growing investment in Guyana and Suriname, regional collaboration is increasingly central to the Caribbean energy landscape. Amapá’s participation at CEW positions the state as a practical partner in connecting production, services and investment across borders, integrating Brazil’s northern frontier into the emerging Caribbean energy corridor and demonstrating its role in building the infrastructure and partnerships that will shape the region’s next wave of development.

Join us in shaping the future of Caribbean energy. To participate in this landmark event, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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