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Stellantis Starts Production in its Tafraoui Plant in Algeria

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Tafraoui Plant

The plant represents an initial investment of €200 million and will assemble 90,000 cars annually for Algerian market with over 35% localization rate

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ORAN, Algeria, December 27, 2023/APO Group/ — 

Stellantis (www.Stellantis.com) delivers on its commitment made in November 2022; The plant represents an initial investment of €200 million and will assemble 90,000 cars annually for Algerian market with over 35% localization rate; This strategic move illustrates a long-term commitment to the development of the Algerian automotive industry, job creation, and technology transfer; Letter of Intent signed aiming to accelerate Stellantis contribution to the development of the Automotive Ecosystem in Algeria; Algeria will play a key role in Stellantis Middle East and Africa Dare Forward plan to become one of the leading automotive players in the region with a strong industrial footfprint and a production capacity of over 1 million vehicles per year.

Stellantis delivers on the commitment made in November 2022 announcing the start of production in its manufacturing plant in Tafraoui – Algeria, a  strategic move to bolster the development of the country automotive sector through localized manufacturing of Fiat models, including Fiat 500 and Fiat Doblò, and to further strengthen Stellantis’ market share in the Middle East and Africa region.

The inauguration ceremony, chaired by Mr. Ali Aoun, Minister of Industry and Pharmaceutical Production, featured Mr. Carlos Tavares, Stellantis Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Valentino Valentini, Vice Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy, HE. Mr. Giovanni Pugliese, Ambassador of Italy in Algeria, Mr. Saïd Saayoud, Wali of Oran, Mr. Samir Cherfan, Stellantis Middle East and Africa Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Olivier François, FIAT Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Florian Huettl, Opel and Vauxhall Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Arnaud DEBOEUF, Chief Manufacturing Officer and Mr. Hakim Boutehra, Managing Director of Stellantis Algeria, Tunisia.

On this occasion, a Letter of Intent has been signed between Stellantis and the Algerian Authorities to accelerate Stellantis contribution to the development of the Automotive Industry; a step 2 ambition, in terms of production capacity, local integration rate and the creation of a Stellantis Academy in partnership with the Algerian Education Ministries. This new phase is associated with conditions of success that are being discussed between the two parties.

“Today, a letter of intent regarding the expansion of Stellantis’ industrial project in Algeria will be signed to increase the production capacity of this plant, which will be oriented towards the local and export markets,” declared Ali Aoun, Minister of Industry and Pharmaceutical Production, during his speech. “We, as public authorities, commit to ensuring the support of all investment projects aimed at creating wealth and employment.”

This strategic move illustrates a long-term commitment to the development of the Algerian automotive industry, job creation, and technology transfer

“Our Dare Forward 2030 plan envisioned Algeria being cemented into Stellantis’ regional future, and today we’re proud to have followed through on this plan by bringing Fiat brand to the country and providing great models to our Algerian customers through the manufacturing of the cars in Algeria,” said Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares. “This is the beginning of a journey of growth and development for the benefit of the citizens of Tafraoui and Algerian customers. With today’s further announcement, we are poised to increase our commitment towards the country”.

This development follows the automotive specifications agreement signed in November 2022 with the Algerian Investment Promotion Agency (AAPI), confirming a framework agreement signed on October 13, 2022. The agreement initiated the development of industrial, aftersales, and spare parts activities for FIAT. Stellantis and its suppliers have committed an initial investment exceeding €200 million for the manufacturing of four models.

The Tafraoui plant, covering an area of 80 acres, will initially have an annual assembly capacity of 90,000 cars, featuring a range of four models, beginning with the Fiat 500 and the Fiat Doblò. In 2024, we aim to produce 40 000 units in SKD. The plant will reach 90 000 units in CKD including painting welding and stamping by 2026.

The industrial project has already created 500 direct jobs in Algeria in 2023, with the aim of reaching 1,200 jobs by end of 2024 and 2,000 jobs by 2026. In addition, the local supplier ecosystem will create over 1,600 indirect jobs by 2026.

Stellantis is committed to supporting Algerian authorities in developing the automotive industry and serve Algerian customers. The long-term commitment also includes developing a local supplier’s ecosystem and achieving a localization rate surpassing 35% in 2026, two years ahead of the regulatory threshold of 30%.

Additionally, knowledge and technology transfer are key and will be focusing on mastering advanced technologies, including electrified and electric vehicles. The current Stellantis and Suppliers operational teams have already undergone 125,000 hours of training in 2023; while the network staff has been trained over 15 000 hours. In addition, an “Automotive” University Diploma has been created for the factory technical and management teams and processes to guarantee Customer Satisfaction have been developed and deployed across the commercial network.

Stellantis launched its commercial operations in Algeria in March this year and has had a very strong ramp-up, closing the year with more than 50 points of sales covering 65% of the Algerian territory while offering 9 models and 2 brands: Fiat and Opel; with a team with close to 900 people and a robust logistics setting to deliver daily cars to our esteemed Algerian customers.

As part of this commitment, Algeria is positioned to become an export platform for Stellantis in the Middle East and Africa region. Benefiting from the advantages offered by Algeria, Stellantis aims to position the country as a strategic hub for automotive production.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Stellantis.

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Equatorial Guinea Relaunches Open-Door Licensing Process in Houston, Texas, Paving the Way for Major 2025/2026 Licensing Round

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Equatorial Guinea

Equatorial Guinea’s new fiscal reforms, exploration initiatives and data-sharing strategies – along with 24 available exploration blocks and two blocks for appraisal and development – will be highlighted at African Energy Week 2025: Invest in African Energies

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, March 17, 2025/APO Group/ –Equatorial Guinea has officially relaunched its open-door licensing process for 2025, setting the stage for a major licensing round at the end of 2025 or early 2026. This move marks a strategic shift toward prioritizing licensing and exploration, with a strong focus on regulatory competitiveness, tax incentives and data transparency. These developments will take center stage at African Energy Week (AEW) 2025: Invest in African Energies, taking place in Cape Town on September 29-October 3, where the “Invest in African Energies: Equatorial Guinea” session will provide a platform for global investors to engage with the country’s evolving energy strategy.

Equatorial Guinea’s Minister of Mines and Hydrocarbons, Antonio Oburu Ondo, outlined the country’s comprehensive exploration strategy at CERAWeek in Houston last week, aimed at boosting hydrocarbon production, attracting investment, addressing declining output and enhancing competitiveness. Fiscal reforms include reducing corporate tax from 35% to 25%, dividends tax from 25% to 10%, and withholding tax from 6.25% to 3% for residents (or from 15% to 10% for non-residents). The country’s open-door policy enables international oil and gas companies to apply for licenses through a streamlined process involving direct negotiation with the state.

The government’s aggressive promotion policy has already yielded results, with seven new production-sharing contracts awarded in record time. These include blocks EG-31 and EG-18 to Africa Oil Corp, blocks EG-11 and EG-06 to Chevron, blocks EG-23 and EG-01 to Panoro Energy and Block EG-08 to Antler Global. The next licensing round will be underpinned by a new competitive tax law, a strengthened hydrocarbons law and the launch of a multi-client 3D seismic acquisition initiative – all aimed at boosting investor confidence and accelerating exploration.

The new multi-client 3D seismic acquisition and reprocessing of legacy data is set to launch by year-end, ensuring that investors have access to high-quality geological insights. This initiative will be highlighted at AEW 2025, where industry leaders will explore how enhanced data-sharing and transparency can drive exploration success across Africa. These efforts directly support an intensified focus on drilling, with all the country’s operators having either executed in-field or exploration drilling campaigns in 2024 or planning to do so between 2025 and 2027, according to Minister Oburu Ondo.

Equatorial Guinea’s Gas Mega Hub initiative remains a key pillar of its energy strategy, with ongoing collaborations with Cameroon on the Yoyo-Yolanda fields and Nigeria on the Gulf of Guinea Pipeline Project to monetize and process gas at the onshore Punta Europa facilities. The country is advancing multi-phase initiatives including the Alen Gas Monetization Project (580 BCF), Alba Tail Gas Monetization Project (825 BCF) and Aseng Gas Monetization Project (~1 TCF) to strengthen its position as a regional gas powerhouse. The government is also making strides in climate initiatives, working to reposition Equatorial Guinea as a leader in gas and transitional energy while establishing carbon credit ventures through international collaborations.

As Africa works to attract investment to transform its energy sector, Equatorial Guinea’s strategic reforms provide a model for other nations, demonstrating how regulatory competitiveness, investor-friendly policies and a robust licensing framework can drive long-term success.

AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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One Week to Go to the Inaugural Congo Energy & Investment Forum

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CEIF

The Congo Energy & Investment Forum will take place from March 24-26 in Brazzaville

BRAZZAVILLE, Congo (Republic of the), March 17, 2025/APO Group/ –The highly anticipated Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) 2025 is just one week away. Taking place in Brazzaville from March 24-26, the forum will be held under the theme, Securing Growth and Investment in a New Era. With a comprehensive agenda and an impressive roster of high-level speakers, CEIF 2025 brings together top energy executives, investors and policymakers for three days of robust discussions, deal-signings and exhibitions.

Under the highest patronage of President Denis Sassou Nguesso and supported by the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and the Republic of Congo’s national oil company Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo (SNPC), CEIF 2025 highlights the country’s expanding influence in Africa’s energy landscape. The forum will bring together a diverse range of participants, including SNPC subsidiaries, international oil companies, Congolese and foreign banks, energy organizations and technology providers.

The inaugural Congo Energy & Investment Forum, set for March 24-26, 2025, in Brazzaville, under the highest patronage of President Denis Sassou Nguesso and supported by the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo, will bring together international investors and local stakeholders to explore national and regional energy and infrastructure opportunities. The event will explore the latest gas-to-power projects and provide updates on ongoing expansions across the country.

The conference will kick off with technical sessions, focused on Congo’s oil and gas market, highlighting the latest advancements in the country’s efforts to expand production, revitalize mature fields and capitalize on its immense reserves. The technical sessions will cover monetizing stranded gas, infrastructure development and opportunities to position Congo as a regional hub.

As the inaugural edition, this premier event is sure to provide attendees with invaluable knowledge and insights into the region’s robust and burgeoning industry

The CEIF 2025 program will feature a variety of dedicated panel sessions, technical workshops and presentations designed to provide deep insights into the latest developments and opportunities across the entire energy value chain. Attendees will gain valuable knowledge about ongoing and upcoming projects that contribute to Congo’s energy goals, as well as broader trends affecting the sector.

One of the highlights of CEIF 2025 will be the official unveiling of Congo’s new Gas Master Plan, which aims to consolidate the country’s existing gas assets while attracting new investments into the sector. Furthermore, a new Gas Code will be unveiled at CEIF 2025 to establish a supportive legal and regulatory framework for gas exploration and production investments.

As part of an ambition to double oil production to 500,000 barrels per day by 2027, CEIF 2025 will feature the launch of the country’s new oil and gas licensing round. The licensing round will offer onshore, offshore and marginal acreage to potential investors and developers. As such, CEIF 2025 offers a platform for delegates to connect with leading figures in Congo’s energy space. Deal signings will be a focal point of the forum, providing an environment where key decision-makers can engage to forge new business relationships.

High-level speakers at this monumental forum include Bruno Jean-Richard Itoua, Congo’s Minister of Hydrocarbons; Maixent Raoul Ominga, Director General of the SNPC; Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim, Secretary General of the African Petroleum Producers’ Organization; and Haitham Al Ghais, Secretary General of OPEC, among many others. As the premier gathering for energy players in Africa, CEIF 2025 represents the ideal platform to discuss, showcase and maximize growth and partnership investment opportunities across Congo and Central Africa.

“With one week out, we are positive that CEIF 2025 will cement its position as a pivotal platform for fostering investment, exploring energy opportunities and driving growth in Congo’s dynamic energy sector. As the inaugural edition, this premier event is sure to provide attendees with invaluable knowledge and insights into the region’s robust and burgeoning industry,” states Sandra Jeque, Events and Project Director at Energy Capital & Power.

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

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Youth Charter Chair, Geoff Thompson Calls for International Olympic Committee (IOC) President to Prioritise Sport for Development in Olympism…

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Geoff Thompson

Thompson highlighted that sport is not just a competition; it is a powerful tool for social change, community building, and personal development

LONDON, United Kingdom, March 17, 2025/APO Group/ –On Thursday, 13th March 2025 at the opening keynote of the annual “Youth in the Perspective of the Olympic Movement” conference, Chair Geoff Thompson emphasised the critical role of sport for development in shaping the future of Olympism. Addressing a diverse audience of young leaders, athletes, and stakeholders, Thompson urged the next President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to place this essential aspect at the heart and soul of the Olympic movement.

In his inspiring address, Thompson highlighted that sport is not just a competition; it is a powerful tool for social change, community building, and personal development. “As we stand on the brink of a new era in the Olympic movement, we must ensure that every young person has access to the transformative power of sport,” he stated. “The next IOC president must champion sport for development, recognising its potential to unite communities and inspire future generations.”

As we stand on the brink of a new era in the Olympic movement, we must ensure that every young person has access to the transformative power of sport

The conference, which brings together youth representatives from across the globe, aims to foster dialogue on the intersection of sport, education, and social responsibility. Thompson’s call to action resonates with the conference’s theme, emphasising the need for collaborative efforts in promoting inclusivity, sustainability, and empowerment through sport.

Thompson continued, “The Olympics have always been about more than medals. They embody the spirit of hope, resilience, and unity. It is our responsibility to harness that spirit and ensure it reaches every corner of the world, especially the youth who are our future leaders.”

On the second day of the conference, participants engaged in workshops and discussions aimed at developing actionable strategies to integrate sport for development into local and global initiatives. The outcomes will be presented to the IOC, as part of a collective vision for the future of the Olympic movement.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Youth Charter.

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