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The African Energy Chamber Urges African Union and the Africa Climate Summit to Prioritize Labeling Natural Gas and Nuclear as Green Energy/Renewable

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African Energy Chamber

In line with the European Union’s 2022 announcement, the African Union should similarly designate natural gas and nuclear energy as environmentally friendly, thus creating a pathway for greater investment in these essential African resources

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, September 6, 2023/APO Group/ — 

Representing the voice of the African energy sector, the African Energy Chamber (AEC) (http://www.EnergyChamber.org) has long-been a fierce advocate for the role oil and gas plays in Africa. While climate activists have dubbed these resources as ‘dirty’, oil and gas stand to significantly advance energy security across the continent, increasing access to electricity, fueling industrialization and opening up economic opportunities for millions continent-wide. The AEC calls on the African Union (AU) to align policies with demand, embracing gas and nuclear energy as green solutions, as the European Union (EU) has for its own continent.

Last year, the EU made a decision, supported by the European parliament in July 2022, to label natural gas and nuclear energy as ‘green.’ The move essentially gave foreign investors and project developers the greenlight – excuse the pun – to fund and develop such projects. However, following the advent of the policy, it was clear that the EU’s recognition of gas as green was only directed at Europe, and that African gas resources were to remain ‘dirty.’ At a time when the international community continues to villainize African gas, the AEC calls on the AU to implement its own gas and nuclear-friendly policies.

Investing in gas and nuclear has become one of the only ways Africa will industrialize and make energy poverty history

Currently, over 600 million people are without access to electricity in Africa while 900 million are without access to clean cooking solutions. At the same time, the continent has one of the youngest and fastest-growing populations. As demand for energy grows, Africa’s gas resources stand to fuel the economy. The continent’s proven gas resources are measured at 620 trillion cubic feet, most of which remain undeveloped. Lack of investment in the gas industry has largely restricted monetization, despite the potential of the resource to alleviate energy poverty. Domestic gas utilization is also still in its infancy stage, with the majority of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) exported to European markets. While the AU has put in place policies such as the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), intra-African trade cannot be fully implemented if gas is not identified as a green energy source.

To alleviate energy poverty and bolster industrialization, Africa requires substantial investments to be made in pipeline, power infrastructure, LNG terminals and applications. An AU-led ‘gas is green’ policy will galvanize financing for the continent’s gas projects while kickstarting the development of small- and large-scale LNG and power generation facilities. And the timing could not be more important. Sizeable oil and gas discoveries continue to be made across the continent. Namibia, for example, made five hydrocarbon finds in 2022 and 2023 while major projects have or are poised to come online in Senegal and Mauritania (Greater Tortue Ahmeyim); Mozambique (Coral Sul); Nigeria (Nigeria LNG); and many more countries. While the AfCFTA has essentially removed barriers to trade and market entry, unless supported by an AU-led ‘gas is green’ policy for Africa, the benefits of the continent’s resources as well as its trade structures will not be realized.

This week, the AU’s Inter-Institutional Coordination Meeting for the Implementation and Domestication of the African Commodity Strategy will take place in Addis Ababa. The meeting, held under the theme, ‘Commodity-led Industrialization for One African Market,’ falls under the flagship project of the AU’s Agenda 2063, ‘The African Commodity Strategy,’ which aims to develop Africa’s commodities as a driver of structural, social and economic transformation. Central to these commodities should be gas, the products of which have the potential to drastically change the socioeconomic landscape in Africa. For a continent that produces less than 2% of global greenhouse gas emissions, it is unjust for the AU to sit by and allow this product to not be used while the same resource continues to drive development and improve the standard of living in Europe.

“The AU should not villainize the very resources that offer the continent the chance to industrialize, electrify and grow, but rather, should provide the regulatory tools that enable the trade of gas-based products on a continental basis. Africa has abundant natural gas resources: a sustainable energy solution lying in arms reach of many countries continent-wide. Developing these resources is no longer simply an exciting or challenging investment opportunity, but rather, investing in gas and nuclear has become one of the only ways Africa will industrialize and make energy poverty history,” states Ayuk.

Gas and nuclear energy can undeniably act as a pivotal lifeline for numerous African nations. By mirroring the policies of the EU, the AU could set the stage for a substantial influx of foreign investment, which, in turn, could serve as a catalyst for propelling commodity-driven and gas-centric industrialization efforts across the African continent. Africans deserve to have the same advantage as European have. By implementing a ‘gas is green’ policy for Africa, the AU stands to usher in a new era of investment and development in Africa, while spearheading a just and inclusive energy transition.

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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February 6, 2026

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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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February 6, 2026

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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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February 6, 2026

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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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