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The African Energy Chamber (AEC) Geneva Investor Event Highlights Africa’s Expanding Role in Global Energy Trade

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The African Energy Chamber

At the African Energy Chamber’s investor breakfast in Geneva on Friday, industry leaders discussed Africa’s evolving energy landscape, from Nigeria’s refinery expansions to South Africa’s fuel supply shifts to the growing role of traders in upstream financing

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, February 24, 2025/APO Group/ –The African Energy Chamber (AEC) (https://EnergyChamber.org/) – the voice of the African energy sector – hosted its Invest in African Energies investor breakfast in Geneva on Friday. The event attracted a significant number of European investors, financiers and commodity traders, underscoring Geneva’s pivotal role as a global hub for commodity trading.

The event kicked off with technical presentations by industry experts from S&P Global Commodity Insights, focusing on commodity trading, downstream activities and crude oil trading in West Africa. With crude lifts from the Dangote refinery ramping up in 2025, Nigeria is set to become a net exporter of gasoline for the first time. Meanwhile, a wave of refinery rationalizations is on the global horizon, particularly in North America and Europe, with over 3 million barrels per day of refining capacity expected to shut down by 2030.

“In this context, Africa is becoming a very interesting market and a battleground for different regions targeting it as an export market,” said Tanya Stepanova, Associate Director, Commodity Insights at S&P Global, adding that several Middle Eastern NOCs are acquiring retail and refining assets – seeking to solidify or establish their presence on the continent.

The ramp-up of the Dangote refinery has reduced Nigeria’s reliance on European imports, while also supplying jet fuel to Saudi Aramco and naphtha to Asian markets and the Lomé hub off Togo’s coast, according to Matthew Tracey-Cook, Senior Price Reporter at S&P Global. Nigeria is also witnessing several other refinery developments, including the approval of a new 10,000-barrel-per-day refinery in Delta State, the resumption of operations at the Warri refinery, the planned restart of the Port Harcourt refinery and ongoing discussions to build a private refinery.

Turning to South Africa – sub-Saharan Africa’s largest and most mature market – product growth has been slower. With refineries closing, the country faces critical decisions about the future of its fuel supply, balancing trader dominance with potential Middle Eastern influence, as middle eastern NOCs are reportedly considering the acquisition of Shell South Africa’s downstream assets.

“In the long term, South Africa has ambitions to revive its refining industry. For South Africa, it’s not just a matter of refining economics — there is a strong agenda for security of supply,” said Stepanova. “The question becomes: will it become a trader-dominated market, or will we see Middle Eastern influence? This is one of the issues to watch in 2025.”

Africa is becoming a very interesting market and a battleground for different regions targeting it as an export market

Regarding Africa’s LNG prospects, the continent faces a competitive landscape as new LNG supplies from the U.S. target European markets. Emerging markets like Mozambique could see ExxonMobil reach a Final Investment Decision (FID) on its Rovuma LNG project by 2026, while anticipated developments in TotalEnergies’ Mozambique LNG project reflect upwards of $10 billion in investments.

“For LNG, the demand is certainly there, but these projects need long-term commitments, particularly from offtakers, to happen. When we look at Mozambique, ExxonMobil just said that it’s a key part of their global portfolio and they are looking at FID in 2026,” said Verner Ayukegba, Senior Vice President, AEC, adding, “The only way to drive development in Africa is through trade and investment.”

Regarding financing upstream investments, the event highlighted a recent easing of banking sector constraints following the exit of many international banks from fossil fuel financing. However, new upstream exploration continues to attract primarily major players with substantial balance sheets, though traders are playing an increasingly significant role.

“When it comes to infill drilling, sometimes the traders come in and are able to finance off the back of an existing resource base. Traders have become bigger financial players, especially when you are looking to keep production at the same level. This is what we see likely to happen in the next two to four years,” said Ayukegba.

The investor breakfast serves as a precursor to the upcoming African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference, scheduled from September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town, South Africa. AEW 2025 aims to position Africa as a global energy champion, focusing on strategic investments and transformative deals to shape the continent’s energy future. Building on the success of previous editions, AEW continues to be the premier platform for deal-making, energy partnerships, and capital investment in Africa’s energy sector.

AEW: Invest in African Energy 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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As global power structures shift, Invest Africa convenes The Africa Debate 2026 to redefine partnership in a changing world

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The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation

LONDON, United Kingdom, February 5, 2026/APO Group/ –As African economies assert greater agency in a rapidly evolving global order, Invest Africa (www.InvestAfrica.com) is delighted to announce The Africa Debate 2026, its flagship investment forum, taking place at the historic Guildhall in London on 3 June 2026.

Now in its 12th year, The Africa Debate has established itself as London’s premier platform for African investment dialogue since launching in 2014, convening over 800 global decision-makers annually to shape the future of trade, finance, investment, and development across the continent.

Under the theme “Redefining Partnership: Navigating a World in Transition”, this year’s forum will focus on Africa’s response to global economic realignment with greater agency, ambition and economic sovereignty.

The Africa Debate puts Africa’s priorities at the centre of the conversation, moving beyond traditional narratives to focus on ownership, resilience and long-term value creation.

“Volatility is not new to Africa. What is changing is the opportunity to respond with greater agency and ambition,” says Invest Africa CEO Chantelé Carrington.

“This year’s edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy — so African economies can take greater ownership of their growth. Success will be defined by how effectively we turn disruption into leverage and partnership into shared value.”

The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation.

Key challenges driving the debate

Core focus areas for this year’s edition of The Africa Debate include:

This year’s edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy

Global Realignment & New Partnerships

How shifting geopolitical and economic power structures are reshaping Africa’s global partnerships, trade dynamics and investment landscape.

Financing Africa’s Future

The growing need to reform the global financial architecture, new approaches to development finance, as well as the strengthening of market access and financial resilience of African economies in a changing global system.

Strategic Value Chains

Moving beyond primary exports to build local value chains in critical minerals for the green economy. Also addressing Africa’s energy access gap and mobilising investment in renewable and transitional energy systems.

Digital Transformation & Technology

Unlocking growth in fintech, AI and digital infrastructure to drive productivity, inclusion, and the next phase of Africa’s economic transformation.

The Africa Debate 2026 offers a unique platform for high-level dialogue, deal-making, and strategic engagement. Attendees will gain actionable insights from leading policymakers, investors and business leaders shaping Africa’s economic future, while building strategic partnerships that define the continent’s next growth phase.

Registration is now open (http://apo-opa.co/46b19gj).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Invest Africa.

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Zion Adeoye terminated as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CLG due to serious personal and professional conduct violations

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After a thorough internal and external investigation, along with a disciplinary hearing chaired by Sbongiseni Dube, CLG (https://CLGglobal.com) has made the decision to terminate Zion Adeoye due to serious personal and professional conduct violations. This process adhered to the Code of Good Practice of the Labour Relations Act, ensuring fairness, transparency, and compliance with South African law.

Mr. Adeoye has been held accountable for several serious offenses, including:

  • Making malicious and defamatory statements against colleagues
  • Extortion
  • Intimidation
  • Fraud
  • Misuse of company funds
  • Theft and misappropriation of funds
  • Breach of fiduciary duty
  • Mismanagement

His actions are in direct contradiction to our firm’s core values. We do not approve of attorneys spending time in a Gentleman’s Club. CLG deeply regrets the impact this situation has had on our colleagues and continues to provide full support to those affected.

We want to express our gratitude to those who spoke up and to reassure everyone at the firm of our unwavering commitment to maintaining a respectful workplace. Misconduct of any kind is unacceptable and will be addressed decisively.

We recognize the seriousness of this matter and have referred it to the appropriate law enforcement, regulatory, and legal authorities in Nigeria, Mauritius, and South Africa. We kindly ask that the privacy of the third party involved be respected.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of CLG.

 

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The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) Strengthens Partnership with the Republic of Djibouti through US$35 Million Financing Facility

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This facility forms part of the US$600 million, three-year Framework Agreement signed in May 2023 between ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti, reflecting the strong and growing partnership between both parties

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, February 5, 2026/APO Group/ –The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (https://www.ITFC-IDB.org), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, has signed a US$35 million sovereign financing facility with the Republic of Djibouti to support the development of the country’s bunkering services sector and strengthen its position as a strategic regional maritime and trade hub.

The facility was signed at the ITFC Headquarters in Jeddah by Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al-Aama, Chief Executive Officer of ITFC, and H.E. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry of the Republic of Djibouti.

The financing facility is expected to contribute to Djibouti’s economic growth and revenue diversification by reinforcing the competitiveness and attractiveness of the Djibouti Port as a “one-stop port” offering comprehensive vessel-related services. With Red Sea Bunkering (RSB) as the Executing Agency, the facility will support the procurement of refined petroleum products, thus boosting RSB’s bunkering operations, enhancing revenue diversification, and consolidating Djibouti’s role as a key logistics and trading hub in the Horn of Africa and the wider region.

We look forward to deepening this partnership, creating new opportunities, and leveraging collaborative programs to advance key sectors and drive sustainable economic growth

Commenting on the signing, Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al-Aama, CEO of ITFC, stated:

“This financing reflects ITFC’s continued commitment to supporting Djibouti’s strategic development priorities, particularly in strengthening energy security, port competitiveness, and trade facilitation. We are proud to deepen our partnership with the Republic of Djibouti and contribute to sustainable economic growth and regional integration.”

H.E. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry of the Republic of Djibouti, commented: “Today’s signing marks an important milestone in the development of Djibouti’s bunkering services and reflects our strong and valued partnership with ITFC, particularly in the oil and gas sector. This collaboration supports our ambition to position Djibouti as a regional hub for integrated maritime and logistics services. We look forward to deepening this partnership, creating new opportunities, and leveraging collaborative programs to advance key sectors and drive sustainable economic growth.”

This facility forms part of the US$600 million, three-year Framework Agreement signed in May 2023 between ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti, reflecting the strong and growing partnership between both parties.

Since its inception in 2008, ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti have maintained a strong partnership, with a total of US$1.8 billion approved primarily supporting the country’s energy sector and trade development objectives.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC).

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