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Sonatrach-Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) Research and Development (R&D) Partnership Signals Africa’s Energy Future is Innovation-Led

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African Energy Chamber

Facilitated by APPO Secretary General Farid Ghezali, the strategic partnership strengthens research and development within the oil and gas sector

ACCRA, Ghana, January 8, 2026/APO Group/ –Algeria’s state-owned oil company Sonatrach and the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under the auspices of the African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO), formalizing plans for a strategic partnership focused on research, development and innovation (R&D) in the oil and gas sector. Signed in Brazzaville, the Republic of Congo – the headquarters of APPO – and in the presence of APPO’s recently appointed Secretary General Farid Ghezali, the MoU establishes a framework for assessing joint opportunities, sharing expertise and creating structured working mechanisms to support the development of hydrocarbon resources for energy security and sustainable development across Africa.

 

The African Energy Chamber (AEC) welcomes the agreement and expresses its full support for Sonatrach and GNPC in advancing African-led R&D collaboration. The agreement signifies APPO as not only an instrumental part in facilitating the partnership but a central force in bringing all parties together to ratify this important deal. Under the leadership of Ghezali, APPO continues to showcase its commitment to unifying nations – as well as the broader industry – to reach decisive agreements such as this one. The partnership also reflects a growing recognition among national oil companies (NOC) that innovation, technology and knowledge-sharing are essential to unlocking value, reducing costs and ensuring Africa remains competitive in a rapidly evolving global energy market. The AEC believes that this collaboration is expected to move the entire industry into its next phase of development.

Africa needs oil and gas to develop, and partnerships like this ensure those resources deliver long-term value for our people

The scope of cooperation outlined in the MoU is both comprehensive and forward-looking. It includes advanced onshore and offshore seismic technologies such as high-definition processing and interpretation, artificial intelligence-enabled subsurface analysis, 4D seismic and real-time reservoir modeling. The agreement also covers digital wells and digital oilfields, enhanced and improved oil recovery, stratigraphic exploration objectives, integrity and corrosion management and oil and gas valorization – capabilities that directly improve recovery rates, extend the life of producing assets and maximize returns from existing infrastructure. The partnership also integrates energy transition and environmental priorities alongside core upstream development. Areas of cooperation include carbon footprint reduction, low-carbon industrial solutions, hydrogen and green technologies, as well as water and waste treatment and air pollution mitigation. This reflects a pragmatic African approach: developing hydrocarbons responsibly while embedding sustainability and emissions management into project design and operations from the outset.

The agreement comes at a critical time for both markets. For Ghana, the MoU signals a commitment to leveraging innovation to revitalize oil production as the nation looks to revive oilfields, diversify the industry through gas and support broader regional energy growth. With 17 oil and gas projects scheduled for development by 2027, Ghana is working to expand exploration, ramp up production and deepen private sector participation. Recent milestones point to a strong resurgence across the market. Just this month, Kosmos Energy announced that it successfully drilled and completed the J-74 well – part of the larger 2025-2026 Jubilee field development campaign. In partnership with the GNPC and Tullow, the company plans to drill 20 wells at Jubilee under a $2 billion upstream expansion plan, five of which are planned for 2026. Alongside oil Ghana is advancing gas developments under efforts to monetize its over 2.1 trillion cubic feet of available resources. Projects such as a planned second processing plant – with a capacity of 150 million standard cubic feet per day – are underway and will complement operational facilities such as the Atuabo Plant.

As one of Africa’s biggest oil and gas producers, Algeria is well-positioned to support Ghana’s hydrocarbon goals. The country is advancing its own ambitious hydrocarbon strategy, anchored by a five-year plan endorsed by Sonatrach that will mobilize up to $60 billion in investment. The program prioritizes sustained exploration and production to offset natural decline, alongside the modernization and expansion of downstream infrastructure to strengthen value addition, boost export capacity and enhance long-term energy security. Through this strategy, Algeria is reinforcing its role as a continental energy leader while generating technical expertise and operational know-how that can be leveraged through partnerships with peers such as GNPC. By prioritizing R&D, embracing technology and aligning hydrocarbons development with sustainability objectives, Sonatrach and GNPC are setting a strong precedent. The AEC commends both companies and APPO for advancing an African-led model that supports energy security, economic growth and sustainable development across the continent.

“APPO continues to showcase a commitment to advancing Africa’s hydrocarbon development. This MoU shows that African NOCs are investing in innovation to secure the continent’s energy future. Research and technology are critical to producing oil and gas more efficiently and sustainably, while supporting the broader energy transition. Africa needs oil and gas to develop, and partnerships like this ensure those resources deliver long-term value for our people,” stated NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, AEC.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Business

Energy Capital & Power Establishes London Entity, Expanding Global Platform for Energy and Mining Events

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Energy

The move strengthens ECP’s presence in the UK and Europe, and its ability to connect African and South American markets with global investors

LONDON, United Kingdom, August 6, 2026/APO Group/ –International events company Energy Capital & Power (ECP) (www.EnergyCapitalPower.com) has officially established its UK entity in London, marking a milestone in the company’s growth strategy and reinforcing its ability to deliver world-class energy and mining events and campaigns in the UK and Europe.

By establishing a presence in a key hub like London – the pre-eminent energy and mining finance center – ECP actively shapes the global energy conversation. The expansion positions ECP to better serve clients, partners and investors seeking to develop business opportunities between Africa, Europe, the Americas and energy markets worldwide.

Opening our UK company brings ECP closer to key investors in the global energy finance capital

The milestone comes as ECP strengthens its reach through a series of investment platforms that connect global capital to energy and mining projects. These include the Venezuela Energy Week London Showcase on July 30 – with over 300 delegates registered – and the annual Invest in African Energy Forum, held in Paris as the premier event connecting global investors to Africa’s energy transformation.

ECP hosts high level summits and investor conferences in leading energy and minerals producing countries in Africa and South America, including: Venezuela Energy Week; Angola Oil & Gas; MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power; African Mining Week; Libya Energy & Economic Summit; Congo Energy & Investment Forum; South Sudan Oil & Power; and Caribbean Energy Week. The company has hosted investor forums and supported licensing round roadshows in Houston, London and Paris since 2016.

“Opening our UK company brings ECP closer to key investors in the global energy finance capital,” states CEO James Chester. “Having a permanent presence in London further cements our footprint in Europe, enabling us to fulfil our mission to bring minerals and energy investment to diverse global markets.”

With teams located across Africa, Europe and the Americas, ECP has long-facilitated strategic engagement, market intelligence and industry convening, uniting investors with leading energy and mining projects.

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

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Business

Guyana’s Next Wave of Offshore Projects Sets the Stage for Caribbean Energy Week Launch

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Etu Energias

The Caribbean Energy Week 2027 launch in Georgetown on September 1 will highlight the multi-billion-dollar developments driving Guyana toward 1.7 million bpd and creating new opportunities across the energy value chain

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, August 6, 2026/APO Group/ –Guyana’s rapidly expanding offshore development pipeline will take center stage when government officials, operators, investors and service providers gather in Georgetown on September 1 for the official launch of Caribbean Energy Week 2027. As the country advances a series of multi-billion-dollar developments across the Stabroek Block, the launch event will provide an early look at the projects, partnerships and investment opportunities expected to define Guyana’s next phase of growth.

 

With more than 30 discoveries made to date and multiple projects under construction or progressing through development, Guyana is targeting oil production of 1.3 million bpd by the end of 2027 and 1.7 million bpd by 2030, up from approximately 900,000-910,000 bpd today. As exploration success transitions into long-term production growth, opportunities are expanding across upstream development, offshore infrastructure, engineering, logistics and oilfield services.

Among the most significant near-term milestones is the Uaru development, ExxonMobil’s fifth sanctioned project offshore Guyana, which is expected to achieve first oil in 2026. The $12.7 billion development will produce up to 250,000 bpd from approximately 800 million barrels of recoverable resources across the Uaru, Mako and Snoek fields, utilizing up to 76 development wells and an FPSO with storage capacity of two million barrels.

Production capacity will expand further through the Whiptail development, ExxonMobil’s sixth sanctioned project in Guyana. Targeting first oil in late 2027 or early 2028, the $12.7 billion project will unlock approximately 850 million barrels across the Whiptail, Pinktail and Tilapia fields through up to 72 development wells. Designed to produce 250,000 bpd, the development will utilize the Jaguar FPSO currently under construction by SBM Offshore.

Looking beyond the current construction pipeline, Guyana is already advancing the projects expected to sustain production growth toward its 2030 target. The Hammerhead development, approved in 2025, is expected to commence production in 2029 with capacity of 150,000 bpd, while the proposed Longtail development would combine the Longtail, Tripletail and Turbot discoveries into one of the country’s largest integrated offshore developments, with planned production of 1.5 billion cubic feet of gas per day and 290,000 bpd of condensate.

These projects illustrate the scale of Guyana’s long-term development pipeline and the breadth of opportunities emerging across the energy value chain. Beyond offshore production, continued investment will be required across subsea systems, floating production infrastructure, drilling, marine logistics, engineering services, gas infrastructure and local content development as successive projects move toward execution.

Caribbean Energy Week 2027 will host its in-country launch at the Guyana Marriott Hotel in Georgetown on September 1, 2026, bringing together government officials, investors, operators and industry stakeholders for an early look at the opportunities, priorities and partnerships that will shape the region’s energy future. To register, please visit https://apo-opa.co/4cql5i3

 

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

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South Sudan Oil & Power Returns as South Sudan’s Premier Investment Platform

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South Sudan

Returning for its seventh edition on November 24-25, South Sudan Oil & Power 2026 will bring together government, investors, operators and energy leaders to advance partnerships that unlock South Sudan’s energy potential and support nationwide economic development

JUBA, South Sudan, August 5, 2026/APO Group/ –South Sudan Oil & Power (SSOP) will return to Juba on November 24-25, 2026, reaffirming its position as the country’s official energy investment event and premier meeting place for stakeholders shaping South Sudan’s energy future. Fully endorsed by the Ministry of Petroleum, the seventh edition will convene senior government representatives, investors, international and national oil companies, financiers, service providers and development partners to advance investment across South Sudan’s energy sector.

Held under the theme “Resource Renaissance – Energy-Fueled Growth for a New Generation,” SSOP 2026 marks the return of the country’s flagship energy investment event at a pivotal moment for the industry. As South Sudan works to maximize the value of its natural resources, strengthen energy and export infrastructure and expand economic opportunities beyond the upstream sector, the conference will serve as a platform for securing the partnerships and investment needed to support long-term industrial growth, energy security and national development.

 

South Sudan’s oil sector is entering a new phase of recovery and investment, with production gains, renewed operational activity and infrastructure restoration driving momentum across the market. Operators are advancing field optimization and rehabilitation programs, with Greater Pioneer Operating Company recently recording its highest production in two decades at more than 60,000 barrels per day, while Sudd Petroleum Operating Company is pursuing production growth at Block 5A. Dar Petroleum Operating Company continues to expand activity across its producing assets. In March 2026, the company announced a discovery at the Al-Nahla field, improving production flows from Blocks 3 and 7.

 

Exploration represents another growth frontier for the country. While South Sudan holds up to 3.5 billion barrels of estimated reserves, approximately 90% of these resources remain undeveloped. The government seeks to raise these numbers by attracting investment across the entire oil value chain and facilitating greater exports.

 

With oil remaining the backbone of South Sudan’s economy, the government is prioritizing investment that sustains production growth, strengthens export resilience, develops local content and unlocks greater value across the energy value chain. SSOP 2026 will provide investors with direct access to South Sudan’s key energy stakeholders, including the Ministry of Petroleum, national oil company Nilepet and the country’s leading operators, while fostering engagement with African energy institutions and national oil companies, including South Africa’s South African National Petroleum Company, alongside the broader international investment community.

 

Building on the success of previous editions, SSOP has established itself as South Sudan’s leading platform for commercial engagement and strategic dialogue. The 2023 edition welcomed more than 600 delegates from 24 countries, including six government ministers, and resulted in five strategic agreements spanning upstream exploration, drilling capacity expansion, mining cooperation and regional energy collaboration. Bringing together stakeholders from across East Africa alongside partners from the U.S., China, Saudi Arabia, Canada, Egypt, Turkey and Norway, the conference reinforced South Sudan’s role as a regional investment destination and demonstrated its ability to translate dialogue into tangible commercial outcomes.

 

As South Sudan advances its long-term development agenda, SSOP 2026 will serve as a catalyst for new investment, strategic partnerships and regional cooperation. By bringing together government leaders, operators, investors and technology providers, the conference will help unlock the capital and expertise needed to transform South Sudan’s resource potential into lasting economic value.

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

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