Connect with us
Anglostratits

Business

Sonatrach Discusses Shale, Investment and Gas as the Fuel of the Future During African Energy Chamber Working Visit to Algeria

Published

3 years ago

on

Sonatrach

Algeria’s National Oil Company is looking at attracting new players into the Algerian E&P market while expanding its own investments across the African energy sector at large

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, June 27, 2023/APO Group/ — 

Algeria’s National Oil Company (NOC), Sonatrach, is making moves across the African continent, not only promoting investments in Algerian oil and gas but expanding its own portfolio of assets in emerging markets in Africa. A working visit to Algeria by the African Energy Chamber (AEC) (http://www.EnergyChamber.org) – the voice of the African energy sector and organizer of the African Energy Week (AEW) conference, scheduled for October 16-20 in Cape Town – saw discussions center on how the NOC plans to leverage its position as a major African oil and gas player to facilitate new capital and collaboration across the African gas industry. 

Sonatrach has long been considered one of Africa’s premier oil and gas companies and has been awarded the title of the first-ever ‘African major’. As a fully integrated group, Sonatrach serves as operator on some of the largest deposits in Africa; managing a strong pipeline of regional infrastructure projects, while facilitating the production of petroleum products at six refinery complexes – all of which are in production. Representing the Government’s interests in all oil and gas activities, Sonatrach is also tasked with attracting investment into the Algerian market, and as such, works closely with a number of Algerian and foreign players to unlock the full potential of the North African energy market.

Much of the country’s hydrocarbon success can be attributed to efforts made by Sonatrach, among other government entities, to establish an enabling environment for investment. A series of reforms have made the market highly attractive, with enhanced procedural clarity, improved fiscal terms, and growth-focused policies ensuring high returns on investment for foreign players. A new Hydrocarbon Law implemented in 2019 dramatically improved the legal/fiscal framework, enabling new capital to flow inwards. Against this backdrop, Algeria enjoys a strong presence of foreign players while the NOC has effectively expanded its footprint across high potential markets in Africa. Currently, several international oil companies operate or have interests in the country, including TotalEnergies, ENI, OXY, Equinor, among others, while others have expressed interest in investing.

Sonatrach is committed to investing in Africa’s energy future, and is working towards facilitating capital, expertise and local content across the entire energy value chain

During the AEC’s working visit, Sonatrach’s Vice President for Planning and Strategy, Rachid Zerdani, made clear the company’s long-term development plan. The company considers shale gas – of which Algeria holds the third largest reserves in the world at over 20 trillion cubic meters – to be both a lucrative investment opportunity and key solution for accelerating energy security in Africa, and is committed to increasing investment in this area. Sonatrach also hopes to supply the gas market with upwards of 110 billion cubic meters of gas per year through 2027 and increase its oil refining capacity to upwards of 30 million tons per year while advancing the development of domestic oil and gas fields. To do so requires significant levels of investment, which has led to the country opening a licensing round – spearheaded by the National Agency for the Valorization of Hydrocarbon Resources – in Cape Town in the near future to do just that. Sonatrach is also in negotiations with energy majors to advance shale gas exploration, and is seeking new partners to help develop its promising industry. As such, both the AEC and Sonatrach are aligned, with both parties emphasizing the crucial role gas monetization plays, not only in scaling up energy security on a continental basis, but by accelerating the pace at which Africa transitions to a clean energy future.

However, Sonatrach’s development ambitions go beyond the country’s borders, with the NOC looking at advancing its investment across both mature and emerging markets in Africa. Simply put, Sonatrach is committed to investing in Africa’s energy future, and is working towards facilitating capital, expertise and local content across the entire energy value chain with the aim of making energy poverty history by 2030 – the mandate of the AEW 2023 conference. The company already offers various technical assistance and workforce training programs aimed at scaling up human capital development, and with a number of world-class training facilities in-country, Algeria’s role as a skills development hub is quickly on the rise.

As an exploration and production (E&P) player, Sonatrach already represents the partner of choice for African resource-rich countries. The company has interests in markets including Libya (Block 65 and 95/96), Niger (Block KAFRA), Nigeria (Pipeline project), Tunisia (Kaboudia, Hmra & Nord Des Chotts Blocks), Mali (Block 20), and Mauritania (Block Ta29 and Ta1), however it is looking at significantly expanding this investment. From technical know-how to regulatory insights and oil and gas services, Sonatrach serves to advance energy developments across the continent through partnerships and collaboration.

Looking ahead, the AEW 2023 conference will see Sonatrach provide critical insight into the company’s continental objectives, with a strong delegation from Algeria coming to Cape Town to discuss collaboration, natural gas and intra-African trade. AEW 2023 provides the ideal platform where the Sonatrach delegation can engage with various global investors as well as regional counterparts, thereby forging new partnerships and investments. During the conference, a series of special sessions will take place, dedicated to the investment opportunities cropping up across the Algerian hydrocarbons market. Such sessions will provide key insight into Algeria’s regulatory and fiscal regime, the country’s untapped acreage and its long-term action plan.

“Sonatrach continues to make strides towards making energy poverty history by 2030. The company has placed investing in Africa as a top priority, and as such, is making efforts to partner with foreign companies and other NOCs, providing the support countries need to get large-scale oil and gas projects off the ground. Algeria’s shale gas opportunities cannot be overstated, and this industry is set to play a much larger role in Africa’s energy future. We are looking forward to the discussions and insights set to be provided by the Algerian delegation during AEW 2023. Algerian oil and gas is not only profitable for global investors but serves as a blueprint for how other African countries can monetize their resources and drive long-term economic growth,” stated NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Advertisement

Energy

High-Level Minister Roundup to Headline African Energy Week 2026

Published

14 hours ago

on

March 20, 2026

By

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.

Continue Reading

Business

Enlit Africa 2026 Programme: 280+ speakers, African nuclear 2.0, Bruce Whitfield Business Breakfast

Published

14 hours ago

on

March 20, 2026

By

Enlit Africa

The event, taking place 19-21 May 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, expects 7,200+ attendees and 250+ exhibitors, making it Africa’s largest gathering of energy and water professionals

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, March 12, 2026/APO Group/ –Enlit Africa (https://apo-opa.co/4cEX08g) has released its full 2026 conference programme, featuring 280+ speakers across 8 specialised tracks including a new African Nuclear 2.0 session covering Koeberg’s 20-year life extension and Ghana’s nuclear vendor selection process.

 

The event, taking place 19-21 May 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, expects 7,200+ attendees and 250+ exhibitors, making it Africa’s largest gathering of energy and water professionals.

Award-winning business journalist and best-selling author Bruce Whitfield will deliver the opening address at the Project & Investment Network Business Breakfast on 19 May, kicking off three days of strategic sessions, deal-making platforms, and technical masterclasses.

New programme content includes:

African Nuclear 2.0 – A dedicated session examining the transition from planning to execution, featuring:

Koeberg Nuclear Power Station’s successful 20-year life extension (Units 1 and 2 now licensed until 2044/2045)

Ghana’s progression to Phase 3 of its nuclear programme, evaluating US, Chinese, and Russian technology bids

West African Power Pool‘s 10 GW regional nuclear capacity target

Small Modular Reactor (SMR) deployment readiness across African grids

Independent Transmission Projects (ITP) – A new session exploring how private investment is unlocking Africa’s transmission bottleneck, featuring global case studies from India’s PowerGrid and lessons for scaling grid capacity across the continent.

Generation Masterclasses – Five interactive roundtables on gas-to-power, nuclear, hydro power, clean coal, and hydrogen.

AI in Africa’s Power Grid – Examining practical deployment realities, real-time analytics, and predictive maintenance applications already in operation across African utilities.

Conference sessions and technical hub sessions on the expo floor are CPD-accredited by the South African Institute of Electrical Engineers (SAIEE) and the South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE).

Co-located platforms:

Water Security Africa features country playbooks from Namibia (55-year potable reuse programme), Uganda (NRW reduction from 42% to 32%), Cape Town (Day Zero recovery strategies), and sector-specific stewardship sessions with Harmony Gold, Heineken, Mediclinic, and Growthpoint Properties.

Project & Investment Network (P&IN), part of the new Level 2 Executive Experience, connects project developers, investors, African utility CEOs, and DFIs through structured matchmaking, ministerial dialogues, and project briefings. Over the past two years, P&IN has facilitated $3 billion in project pitches.

Utility CEO Forum brings together 35+ confirmed utility CEOs under Chatham House Rule for candid, off-the-record strategic discussions on unbundling, prosumer management, and financial sustainability.

Municipal Forum addresses South African municipalities’ distribution, metering, and revenue challenges, including sessions on NRW management, tariff reform, Cost of Supply studies, and electrifying informal settlements.

Technical Hub sessions on the exhibition floor offer free, CPD-accredited training across Power, Renewable Energy & Storage, and Water tracks, with confirmed speakers from Eskom, ENGIE SA, ACTOM, National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA), RenEnergy, and Matla Energy.

Site visits on 22 May include Koeberg Nuclear Power Station and the V&A Waterfront desalination plant.

Pass options:
Free expo pass registration: https://apo-opa.co/4bl2bYu

Free expo passes provide access to 250+ exhibitors and CPD-accredited Technical Hub sessions.

Delegate Pass:
Early bird registration closes 3 April 2026. Delegate passes start at R15,100 (Silver), with P&IN Executive passes at R32,000 including access to the Bruce Whitfield breakfast, Level 2 executive lounge, and investor matchmaking.

Download the full programme: https://apo-opa.co/3NwCble

Register: https://apo-opa.co/4cEX08g

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

Continue Reading

Business

Binance Secures Second Major Legal Victory in U.S. Court Under Anti-Terrorism Act in Two Weeks

Published

14 hours ago

on

March 20, 2026

By

Binance

US Federal Court in Alabama Dismisses All Claims Against Binance in Latest Lawsuit Victory

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, March 12, 2026/APO Group/ –Binance (www.Binance.com), the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, announced today that a U.S. federal court in Alabama has dismissed all claims against the company in a lawsuit alleging violations of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA). This marks Binance’s second major legal victory in an  ATA matter within one week, following their victory in the Southern District of New York.

A Full and Complete Legal Victory

In a detailed 19-page ruling, the Court found the plaintiffs’ complaint to be legally and factually deficient. The court’s decision to dismiss every claim across the board represents a decisive legal victory for Binance.

Sanctions compliance and terrorism financing are serious matters of law – they require evidence, legal rigour, and due process

The judge described the filing as a “shotgun pleading.” The complaint failed to clearly specify the claims and improperly grouped all defendants together without distinguishing individual conduct or liability. The ruling also emphasized that the plaintiffs did not meet the basic pleading standard to provide a “short and plain statement” of their claims.

Following the ruling, the court granted the plaintiffs until April 10, 2026, to file an amended complaint addressing the deficiencies identified. However, the judge warned that failure to adequately address these issues would result in dismissal of the entire case.

Building on Momentum and Upholding Legal Integrity

“This decision reinforces our unwavering commitment to protecting Binance and our community from unsubstantiated and bad-faith lawsuits,” shared Eleanor Hughes, General Counsel at Binance. “Sanctions compliance and terrorism financing are serious matters of law – they require evidence, legal rigour, and due process. Courts have now examined these claims on two separate occasions and found them to be without merit. These outcomes speak for themselves. We will not tolerate attempts to misuse the legal system to target our industry, and we remain as committed as ever to transparency, security, and lawful conduct in everything we do”.

This latest decision follows closely on the heels of Binance’s comprehensive victory in New York (https://apo-opa.co/46Xg0ev), where the Court similarly rejected allegations that the company assisted, participated in, or conspired with terrorists. Together, these rulings reflect Binance’s strong resolve to protect its platform and community.

Binance has consistently invested in industry-leading compliance infrastructure, regulatory engagement, and legal governance. The company will continue to vigorously defend itself against any attempts to bring unfounded claims or misrepresent its operations.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Binance.

Continue Reading

Trending