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SkyPower Global and Africa Finance Corporation Forge Strategic Joint Development Agreement to Propel Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC’s) Renewable Energy Vision

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SkyPower

The Joint Development Agreement is set to catalyse the construction of the first 200MW phase of the project

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, February 16, 2024/APO Group/ — 

In a significant move to advance renewable energy deployment in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) (www.AfricaFC.org), the continent’s leading infrastructure solutions provider and SkyPower Global have entered a Joint Development Agreement for the first phase of SkyPower’s Green Giant project in the DRC. This 200MW Phase 1 is a crucial step in realising the landmark 1,000MW Solar Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) signed between SkyPower and the DRC’s state-owned utility, Société Nationale d’Electricité (SNEL).

The partnership creates a formidable force in the pursuit of sustainable energy solutions for the continent in the fight against climate change by leveraging SkyPower’s unparalleled global experience in developing large-scale solar projects and AFC’s proven track record of successfully de-risking and distributing capital for well-structured power and other infrastructure projects across Africa. Coming in the wake of COP28, this agreement underscores both organizations’ dedication to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly emphasizing the critical role of partnerships in accelerating renewable energy adoption and addressing the escalating climate crisis.

The DRC Green Giant project, heralded by the signing of the initial PPA with SNEL, marked a historic commitment from the DRC government to enhance electrification rates through renewable energy partnerships. President Félix Tshisekedi’s strategic vision targets a significant boost to the nation’s clean energy output, contributing to a projected US$2.3 billion stimulus to the DRC’s GDP and the creation of approximately 30,000 job years.

We aim to contribute significantly to rapid industrialisation, local job creation, sustainable economic growth and a pragmatic transition to net zero in DRC and Africa as a whole

The Joint Development Agreement is set to catalyse the construction of the first 200MW phase of the project, with all necessary approvals secured and land allocation completed, ensuring a swift transition to development stage and the commencement of construction by 2025. Testament to the collaborative efforts between SkyPower, AFC, and the DRC, the agreement represents a beacon for sustainable economic development and a cleaner, more resilient future for the region, as well as a template for further joint initiatives.

“Partnering with SkyPower, an institution known for their decades of global expertise in large-scale solar projects, is well aligned with our mission to advance energy access on the continent through renewable energy,” said Amadou Wadda, Senior Director of Project Development and Technical Solutions at Africa Finance Corporation (AFC). “Through this collaboration, we aim to contribute significantly to rapid industrialisation, local job creation, sustainable economic growth and a pragmatic transition to net zero in DRC and Africa as a whole.

Kerry Adler, President & Chief Executive Officer of SkyPower, highlighted AFC’s leadership role and its commitment to fast-tracking the deployment of essential energy projects as crucial to leveraging solar energy to spur economic development, create job opportunities, and tackle climate change effectively. “Partnering with AFC exemplifies a concerted effort toward realizing the ambitious goals set by forward-looking countries such as the DRC, aiming for a brighter, more sustainable future for everyone,” Adler noted. “This agreement underlines AFC’s pivotal contribution to promoting renewable energy solutions and both AFC and SkyPower’s unwavering commitment and dedication to ensuring a greener, more resilient world.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Finance Corporation (AFC).

Energy

Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) Pre-Conference to Set the Stage for $70B Investment Drive

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Energy Capital

The AOG 2026 pre-conference in Luanda will advance investment, licensing, subsurface innovation, fiscal reform and local content strategies, setting the stage for Angola’s $70 billion upstream growth agenda

LUANDA, Angola, May 12, 2026/APO Group/ –The Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) 2026 conference and exhibition will once again host a dedicated pre-conference on September 8 in Luanda, ahead of the main event taking place from September 9–10. This strategic platform sets the technical and regulatory foundation for high-level discussions shaping Angola’s upstream and midstream investment landscape.

 

Featuring a series of in-depth presentations and workshops, the pre-conference runs from 09:00 to 18:00 and is designed to deliver targeted knowledge exchange through technical sessions and networking engagements. The program aligns closely with Angola’s objective of attracting approximately $70 billion in oil and gas investment over the next five years, setting the stage for conversation and deals-signings during the main conference agenda.

 

The pre-conference program emphasizes subsurface imaging and structural analysis across Angola’s most prospective basins, including the Lower Congo, Kwanza, Benguela and Namibe. Discussions will focus on unlocking pre-salt reservoirs, improving seismic clarity beneath complex salt formations and advancing exploration strategies in frontier and mature acreage.

 

In parallel, the pre-conference will address licensing opportunities and regulatory frameworks under Angola’s multi-year strategy lead by the National Oil, Gas & Biofuels Agency. Insights into the 2025/2026 licensing rounds will highlight offshore and onshore block availability, marginal field opportunities and progress under the Permanent Offer Program.

 

Fiscal competitiveness will form a central theme, with sessions benchmarking Angola’s evolving terms against global standards. Recent reforms – including reduced petroleum income tax rates, lower royalties for mature assets and increased cost recovery ceilings – have repositioned Angola as a more attractive destination for capital-intensive deepwater and gas projects.

 

The pre-conference also places strong emphasis on local content development and procurement optimization. With local participation reaching approximately 12% in 2025 and a national target of 20% by 2027, discussions will explore strategies to expand domestic capacity, strengthen supply chains and increase value retention within Angola’s energy economy.

 

Digital transformation is another core pillar of the program, reflecting the sector’s shit toward data-driven operations. Topics include the integration of AI-enabled systems, real-time monitoring of offshore assets, centralized data infrastructure and the modernization of regulatory oversight through digital platforms to enhance transparency and efficiency.

 

The structure of the day combines invitation-only networking sessions, in-depth technical workshops and targeted discussions on institutional strengthening. It concludes with a networking cocktail designed to facilitate deal-making and partnership building ahead of the main conference and exhibition.

 

The value of the pre-conference is underscored by outcomes of the 2025 edition, which delivered early insights into licensing rounds, supported multiple deal signings during the main event and introduced new engagement formats connecting local entrepreneurs with international investors and operators.

 

With participation expected from regulators, investors and technical experts across the energy value chain, the AOG 2026 pre-conference offers a focused environment to assess opportunities, understand regulatory direction and position for upcoming projects. Attendance is limited and demand is high. With slots filling up quickly, stakeholders are encouraged to secure their place at the AOG 2026 pre-conference to access critical insights and engage with key decision-makers shaping Angola’s next phase of energy growth.

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

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DHL Express expands global portfolio with new Heavy Weight Express Service for shipments up to 3,000 kg

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DHL

Heavy Weight Express is designed to meet the needs of industries where shipment reliability and timing are critical business drivers

  • Heavy Weight Express enables global heavyweight express shipping up to 1,000 kg per piece / 3,000 kg per shipment
  • Proactive shipment control through dedicated Heavy Weight Priority Desks ensures high reliability and customer service support
  • DHL Express expands in the heavyweight segment, responding to growing demand

 

DHL Express (www.DHL.com) announced the worldwide expansion of its Time Definite International portfolio with the introduction of Heavy Weight Express (HWX), an express air solution for shipments up to 1,000 kilograms per piece and 3,000 kilograms per shipment. With this launch, DHL Express strengthens its role as a leading global integrator capable of moving heavyweight cargo with express speed and reliability across more than 220 countries and territories, supported by a dedicated aviation and ground network that ensures stable uplift, predictable transit times, and globally consistent handling standards.

Heavy Weight Express is designed to meet the needs of industries where shipment reliability and timing are critical business drivers. The service integrates fast, time‑definite delivery with full end‑to‑end control, proactive monitoring, and transparent all‑in pricing that eliminates the rate volatility and cost uncertainties associated with other areas of freight. Customers benefit from guaranteed express transit times, comprehensive shipment visibility at every stage, and DHL’s uncompromising operational standards, including stringent handling procedures for shock‑sensitive, high‑value, or regulated goods.

Heavy Weight Express represents a strategically important step for our business, expanding the value that DHL Express brings to global supply chains

DHL Express CEO John Pearson said “Heavy Weight Express represents a strategically important step for our business, expanding the value that DHL Express brings to global supply chains. As industries face rising volatility, increasingly complex production cycles, and significant financial exposure from delays and supply chain disruption, DHL’s ability to offer express‑level speed, access to capacity and higher reliability for shipments up to 3,000 kilograms fundamentally changes the service levels that customers can expect from their logistics provider.”

 

“Across Sub‑Saharan Africa, we are seeing customers move larger, more critical shipments at faster speeds as industries scale, modernise and integrate into global value chains. Heavy Weight Express responds directly to that need—combining DHL Express’ unmatched time‑definite reliability with the capability to move complex, heavyweight shipments without compromise. This service gives businesses certainty, visibility and control at a time when supply‑chain performance is a key competitive advantage,” said Hennie Heymans, CEO DHL Express SSA.

The introduction of HWX is supported by the introduction of dedicated Heavy Weight Priority Desks around the world. These specialized teams are responsible for proactive tracking, early exception detection, real‑time intervention, and direct communication with customers to ensure uninterrupted shipment flow. Each heavyweight shipment receives dedicated case ownership, giving customers predictability and personal attention often associated with smaller or specialist logistics providers, but with the additional advantage of DHL’s global integrator infrastructure, standardized processes, and 24/7 operational control.

The solution directly addresses six critical heavyweight use cases observed across global industries: avoiding production downtime, managing program and product launches with immovable timelines, optimizing working capital by reducing inventory buffers, supporting procurement‑driven large‑scale shipping environments, complying with stringent special handling requirements, and stabilizing complex multi‑site supply chains. These use cases are especially prominent in the technology sector, automotive manufacturing, engineering and machinery, life sciences, pharmaceuticals, and the oil and gas and energy sectors—industries where even small delays can result in severe financial impacts.

Reducing shippers’ dependence on fluctuating airline capacity and removing the cost variability of add‑on fees and handling surcharges, HWX offers customers the stability of a single carrier from pickup to delivery. DHL Express manages its own aircraft fleet, hubs, gateways, customs operations, and last‑mile delivery—providing customers with predictability even during periods of global disruption or limited air capacity.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of DHL Express.

 

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strengthens Angolan Oilfield Operations as Easy People Backs Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) 2026 as Sponsor

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Energy Capital

Easy People’s Silver Sponsorship reflects its ambition to position digital infrastructure and IT solutions at the forefront of Angola’s upstream market

LUANDA, Angola, May 12, 2026/APO Group/ –Angola’s oil and gas sector is entering a new phase of digital acceleration, where artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing and enterprise IT systems are becoming integral to operational performance. Within this transition, IT services and consulting company Easy People is positioning itself as a partner of choice for operators seeking to scale efficiency through digital solutions.

 

Easy People has been confirmed as a Silver Sponsor of the Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) Conference and Exhibition, taking place September 9–10, with a pre-conference day on September 8. The sponsorship reflects its commitment to placing digital infrastructure at the forefront of Angola’s hydrocarbon development. Its participation comes amid a broader AI-driven evolution in the country, where digital tools are increasingly being deployed to address operational challenges across the oil and gas value chain.

With a target of sustaining crude production above one million barrels per day, Angolan operators are under pressure to reduce costs while improving efficiency. To balance these priorities, many are moving beyond traditional workflows toward integrated digital environments that optimize exploration, production and asset management. AI-enabled analytics, predictive maintenance and real-time monitoring are beginning to reshape asset performance, particularly in complex offshore operations where inefficiencies can quickly translate into cost overruns.

One of the clearest examples of this shift is Angola’s national oil company, Sonangol. The company inaugurated a new corporate data center in 2026, consolidating previously fragmented systems into a single, high-security hub. Designed to centralize operational control, the facility supports Angola’s broader digital and energy transition agenda. By enabling faster processing of seismic and production data, it is helping move decision-making toward real-time, AI-enabled workflows and away from siloed legacy systems.

Angola’s Block 15 partners are also advancing AI-driven applications across operations. ExxonMobil is deploying autonomous drones for visual and acoustic inspections, reducing inspection times by around 60%. At Blocks 17 and 32, TotalEnergies is using Airborne Ultralight Spectrometer for Environmental Applications drone technology to measure methane emissions, while service providers such as Cabship are leveraging AI-powered software to improve operational visibility and accelerate decision-making.

Within this evolving ecosystem, Easy People plays a supporting but increasingly strategic role. By delivering scalable IT solutions tailored to operator needs, the company enables both major producers and independent players to integrate digital tools into core workflows. This is particularly relevant as independent operators expand their footprint in Angola and require flexible, cost-effective systems to remain competitive alongside larger incumbents.

AOG 2026 provides a platform to align these technology capabilities with industry demand. As Angola works to sustain production, address infrastructure constraints and improve project economics, digital transformation is emerging as a parallel priority alongside upstream investment. The participation of companies like Easy People reflects a broader recalibration in the sector: the next phase of Angola’s oil and gas growth will increasingly be shaped by data integration, systems intelligence and the operational application of AI.

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

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