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South Sudan, Equatorial Guinea Reaffirm Africa was not Forced to Cut Production, Rejects Ideas of Political Motives

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South Sudan

South Sudan’s Minister of Petroleum, Hon. Puot Kang Chol, and Equatorial Guinea’s Minister of Mines and Hydrocarbons, H.E. Gabriel Mbaga Obiang Lima, rejected accusations that the decision to cut production by OPEC+ was politically motivated, but rather, based on technical factors

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, October 19, 2022/APO Group/ — 

During the 2022 edition of Africa Energy Week (AEW) (www.AECWeek.com) – taking place this week in Cape Town – African energy ministers emphasized that the decision made by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies to cut oil production was not a political one, or a decision in which African ministers were forced to comply with, but rather the decision was based on technical data and fully supported by all members.

Speaking during a panel discussion on global energy security and moderated by African Energy Chamber Executive Chairman, NJ Ayuk, Equatorial Guinea’s Minister of Mines and Hydrocarbons, H.E. Gabriel Mbaga Obiang Lima, and South Sudan’s Minister of Petroleum, Hon. Puot Kang Chol, reiterated that the decision to cut production by two million barrels during the Ministerial Meeting earlier this month was supported by each and every member of OPEC+.

“If OPEC decides to have a meeting and decide something, it is not something that is up for debate by others. We were not forced to agree to production cuts. Each country entered OPEC willingly. We were not forced by anyone: we did it purposefully,” stated Hon. Chol, adding that, “It was not a political decision but a technical agreement, and therefore, should only be addressed technically and not politically.”

It was not a political decision but a technical agreement, and therefore, should only be addressed technically and not politically

Citing concerns over an impending global recession and ongoing market instability, OPEC+’s decision to cut oil production aims to stabilize the market and ensure more consistency between the physical and paper markets. Yet, following OPEC’s decision, accusations that the move to cut production was based on political drivers began to surface, with the international community – the U.S. in particular – accusing the organization of bowing to Russia’s agenda.

However, as H.E. Lima stated during the panel discussion, “The decision at OPEC was not political. What the consumers and producers want is stability of pricing and demand. If you look at the price for consumers, the price has not gone down: it has been maintained.”

Over the last two years, the global oil market has seen the highest fluctuation in decades, with COVID-19 and ongoing geopolitical tensions causing prices to skyrocket, supply to be short and countries worldwide seeking more stability. At the beginning of 2022, oil prices reached the highest in years, measuring upwards of $130 per barrel – compared to 2020 lows of just short of $40 per barrel. For consumers, this has caused significant stress, with prices changing significantly and fuel being in short supply. As such, OPEC has prioritized market stability, with the production cuts expected to help meet this objective.

As H.E. Haitham Al Ghais, Secretary General of OPEC, stated during his keynote presentation at AEW 2022, “The producers of the declaration of cooperation remain a vital stabilizing force despite being in a period of great uncertainty. The last meeting was held a few days ago and the heads of delegations unanimously decided to take a proactive stance to create stability in global markets. With the very real potential of a global recession, there was a consensus among the ministers. I would like to thank the African heads of delegations for their ongoing support to provide lasting stability in global oil markets,” adding that, “Our efforts at the declaration of cooperation aim to provide stable oil markets.”

As such, the panel discussion as well as H.E. Al Ghais’ keynote address made clear the intent of both OPEC member and non-member countries, and with market stability at the forefront of the organization’s agenda, a new era of price consistency and consumer satisfaction is in full swing.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Week (AEW).

Energy

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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Business

Canada–Africa Financing Forum to Convene Investors and Decision-Makers in Cape Town – May 14, 2026

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Ateau Zola

This timely Forum comes on the heels of commitments announced by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, deepening Canada–Africa commercial ties and expanding investment partnerships

TORONTO, Canada, April 29, 2026/APO Group/ –The Canada–Africa Chamber of Business (https://CanadaAfrica.ca) will convene investors, financiers, policymakers, and industry leaders in Cape Town on May 14, 2026 for the Canada–Africa Financing Forum—a high-level platform focused on unlocking capital and accelerating deal flow across African markets.

Registration is open (http://apo-opa.co/4vZN6oV)

This timely Forum comes on the heels of commitments announced by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, deepening Canada–Africa commercial ties and expanding investment partnerships. The program connects leaders from venture capital, private equity, and institutional investors to examine where capital is moving—and where the next opportunities lie—supported by Canadian project partners with proven capacity to deliver on-the-ground.

Delegates will engage directly with finance and investment decision-makers, following the program opening, featuring messages from President Cyril Ramaphosa and Prime Minister Mark Carney, in addition to high-level Ministerial representation.

This Forum is about capital deployment, not just conversation

“This Forum is about capital deployment, not just conversation,” said Garreth Bloor, President of the Canada–Africa Chamber of Business. “We are convening investors, institutions, and project leaders who are actively shaping transactions across Africa—and connecting them directly with Canadian partners who are ready to work together.”

The Canada–Africa Financing Forum reflects the Chamber’s role as a privately financed, market-led platform advancing Canada-Africa trade and investment through world-class networking and information-sharing events.

Why Attend

  • Direct access to active dealmakers and capital allocators
  • Insights into where capital is being deployed and key players delivering major projects
  • Opportunities to build partnerships across Canada and African markets
  • Participation in a curated, high-level environment focused on execution

Secure Your Place

Space is limited and demand is strong.

Apply to secure your place (http://apo-opa.co/4vXb9oz)

Read More and View the Program (http://apo-opa.co/4vZN6oV)

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business.

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Business

ORUN and 1xBET Partner to Support a Dynamic Creative Africa

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MIR Holding

During the MASA 2026 edition, held from April 11 to 18, 2026, ORUN and 1xBET implemented the We Champion Talent program, an initiative aimed at promoting African talent and advancing the development of Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs)

ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, April 28, 2026/APO Group/ –As part of the Innovation Village co-organized with MASA at the Palais de la Culture in Abidjan from April 14 to 18, ORUN (https://ORUN.Africa) announces the rollout of its partnership with 1xBET to support a creative Africa that is structuring itself, professionalizing, and scaling across the continent.

We aim to demonstrate that it is possible to support African talent, narratives, and creative ecosystems over the long term, with ambition and consistency

Designed as a space of convergence between heritage, innovation, and knowledge transmission, the Innovation Village features scenography crafted by Ivorian artisans, a program of panels and masterclasses on creative industries, an immersive experience produced by Orun Studios, and a major institutional highlight on April 17. Its narrative platform is built around three pillars: memory, structure, and transmission. The initiative aims to position cultural and creative industries as an economic driver for the continent.

“The Innovation Village was conceived as an act of construction. By partnering with organizations such as 1xBET, we aim to demonstrate that it is possible to support African talent, narratives, and creative ecosystems over the long term, with ambition and consistency,” said Habyba Thiero, CEO of Africa Currency Network and President of ORUN.

This vision aligns with ORUN’s broader ambition to produce, structure, and internationalize African creative industries through events, content, and strategic partnerships.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of ORUN, part of African Currency Network (ACN).

 

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