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Sierra Leone Petroleum Directorate DG to Speak on New Licenses at MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2022

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Sierra Leone

With 56 promising offshore blocks freshly released in the country’s fifth licensing round, Mr Foday Mansaray will present on the country’s exploration opportunities in Dakar this September

DAKAR, Senegal, June 17, 2022/APO Group/ — 

Energy Capital & Power (ECP) (https://EnergyCapitalPower.com/) is proud to announce that Foday Mansaray, Director General of the Petroleum Directorate of Sierra Leone (PDSL) under the Office of the President, will present at the upcoming MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power Conference & Exhibition (https://bit.ly/3zFBqwU) in Senegal from 1 to 2 September this year. Joining the highly-anticipated ministerial and national oil company (NOC) (https://bit.ly/3HtDlqh) panels immediately following H.E. Macky Sall, Senegalese President and African Union Chairperson’s address on the opening morning, Mansaray will be joined by respective ministers from Senegal, Mauritania, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau and Guinea-Conakry, along with executives from Petrosen, Societe Mauritanienne des Hydrocarbures, the Gambia National Oil Company, PetroGuin, Société Nationale de Petroles and the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries.

This announcement follows Sierra Leone’s launch of a major 56-block offshore licensing round at the end of last month, with the round expected to close on September 30, 2022. Although no commercial hydrocarbon discoveries have yet been made in the nation, exploration works are underway from international oil companies. Exploration in Sierra Leon dates back to 1984, with an initial pair of wildcat wells drilled by Mobil and Amoco.

His presence and insights at the ministerial and NOC panels of MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2022 will be a blessing for all delegates

More recently, the PDSL has granted 8 offshore licenses to Nigeria’s Innoson Oil and Gas and rounding out its successful fourth licensing round. With recent discoveries along the Equatorial Atlantic Margin and non-commercial oil shows found at Venus B-1, Mercury-1, Jupiter-1 and Savannah-1X between 2009 and 2013 by Anadarko and Russia’s Lukoil, international interest in Sierra Leone and the wider west African region has piqued. Under Mansaray’s leadership since October 2020, the PDSL has been a hive of activity, granting Wildcat Petroleum non-exclusive rights to 20 offshore blocks for geological surveying early last month and celebrating Innoson’s announcement a week later of an 8.2 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of estimated gas reserves discovered in the nation.

With the theme of MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2022 being, “The Future of Gas: Growth Using Strategic Investment and Policymaking,” the prospective megafind adds a special significance to Mansaray’s address, his nation following on the heels of regional leader Senegal with its 15 tcf transnational Greater Tortue Ahmeyim megadevelopment coming online next year and 20 tcf at Yakaar-Teranga awaiting final investment decision and Mauritania with 13 tcf at BirAllah and a further one tcf at Banda launching gas to-power. Under the Medium-Term National Development Plan, Sierra Leone’s latest licensing round will offer 63,643km2 of total offshore acreage split equally across 56 equal blocks, and with investment delegations expected from across Africa, Europe, Asia, America, Australia and the Middle East and $2.5 billion in deals being signed at ECP’s events last year, MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2022, through Mansaray’s presence, offers Sierra Leone an ideal platform through which to push these prospects.

Mansaray himself holds unique and privileged insight into the field as a process engineer himself, working across projects from offshore South America to the coastline of west Africa to the deserts in the north of the continent. Working for the likes of Schlumberger and TotalEnergies, Expro and TechnipFMC on multi-billion-dollar ventures, his specialism is in the integrated development of greenfield projects, ensuring these are environmentally sound and economically viable.

ECP’s International Conference Director, Sandra Jeque, notes that, “Mr. Mansaray is a forward-facing energy leader for the nation of Sierra Leone, whose stand out works in public private partnerships, foreign investment promotion and gas valorization have led his country into a new era of promising exploration at the head of the MSGBC gas rush. His presence and insights at the ministerial and NOC panels of MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2022 will be a blessing for all delegates expected and a compass by which the west African basin’s countries may orientate their investment strategy and policies.”

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

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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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