Strategic Discussions to Enhance Trade and Economic Cooperation Between Arab and African Nations
TUNIS, Tunisia, June 21, 2024/APO Group/ —
The 4th Meeting of the Arab-Africa Trade Bridges (AATB) Board of Governors (BoG) alongside the 11th Meeting of the AATB Executive Committee (EC) will take place on July 1-2, 2024, in Tunis, Republic of Tunisia. In addition, AATB will be a strategic partner and sponsor the Tunisia Africa Business Meetings (TABM) 2024. This significant event, held in collaboration with the Government of Tunisia, aims to strengthen economic cooperation and enhance trade relationships between Arab and African nations.
The AATB Program, launched in February 2017, has successfully organized three Board of Governors meetings, and this fourth assembly marks a pivotal step in advancing its mission. The meetings will focus on several key objectives, including raising awareness about the AATB Program among participating delegations, providing strategic guidance for the institutionalization of the program, and fostering stronger relationships among member countries.
The events will feature the participation of over 400 attendees in the plenary session, with more than 20 delegations expected at the 4th BoG meeting and 6 delegations at the 11th EC meeting. Key outcomes anticipated the achievements of the AATB Program and the implementation of the Operational Plan, the enhanced coordination of AATB activities with partner objectives, and increased engagement and commitment from member countries and organizations.
A main highlight of the event will be a roundtable discussion on “Bridging the gap on Food Security”. In 2023, AATB launched an initiative designed to address the pressing challenges of food security in the region. This program aims to enhance agricultural productivity, ensure sustainable food systems, and improve the livelihoods of communities across Arab and African countries.
The upcoming meeting will witness the participation of key AATB partners, including the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC), the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC), and the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD).
These organizations have been instrumental in advancing the AATB’s objectives through strategic initiatives and financing programs.
This 4th AATB Board of Governors meeting is an important step for AATB, as it comes at a critical juncture in our efforts to institutionalize the program and deepen our impact
Agenda Highlights:
Review of the AATB Program’s Progress: An assessment of the initiatives launched under the program, including Food Security program, Institutionalization project and Arab Africa Guarantee Fund.
Focus on Strategic Partnerships: Discussions on enhancing existing collaborations to facilitate cross-border trade and investment.
The AATB Operational Plan: Partnerships with member countries and organizations: Country programs, Regional projects, Capacity-building initiatives, and AATB events.
Eng. Hani Salem Sonbol, Secretary General of AATB, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating, “This 4th AATB Board of Governors meeting is an important step for AATB, as it comes at a critical juncture in our efforts to institutionalize the program and deepen our impact. Our partnership with the Tunisia Africa Business Meeting underscores our commitment to driving sustainable economic growth and addressing key challenges like food security. We are excited about the opportunities this event presents for deepening our cooperation and creating lasting impact.”. “
The Tunisia Africa Business Meeting organized by CEPEX, the Tunisia Export Agency, in which AATB is the premium partner will convene a diverse group of participants, including private Sector Companies in Tunisia and Africa, ministers, CEOs, and high-ranking officials from Arab and African countries. Attendees will engage in meaningful discussions, sign agreements and memoranda of understanding, and explore innovative solutions to enhance the trade relations between the two regions.
In addition to the formal sessions, the event will facilitate B2B professional meetings, offering a dynamic platform for businesses to network, forge partnerships, and explore new trade and investment opportunities.
The Government of Tunisia’s support and the strategic location of Tunis enhance the significance of this gathering, highlighting Tunisia’s pivotal role in fostering trade and economic cooperation within the region.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Arab Africa Trade Bridges Program (AATB).
Akinwole Omoboriowo II will discuss Genesis Energy’s plan to deliver 10.5 GW of power across Africa, highlighting how Nigeria’s power sector experience can inform the development of the Republic of Congo’s domestic energy grid and gas export potential
BRAZZAVILLE, Republic of the Congo, January 20, 2025/APO Group/ —
Akinwole Omoboriowo II, CEO of Genesis Energy, will speak at the Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) in Brazzaville this March, where he will discuss the company’s plans to deliver 10.5 GW of power across Africa, with a focus on energy initiatives that align with the Republic of Congo’s energy development goals.
Genesis Energy is driving transformational power projects, including providing 334MW to the Port Harcourt Refinery in Nigeria and plans to produce 1 GW within the WAEMU region. In October 2024, Genesis and BPA Komani announced their strategic partnership to mobilize capital and facilitate critical infrastructure projects focused on renewable energy, particularly Battery Energy Storage Systems across Africa. Additionally, Genesis’ recent MOU with the U.S. Agency for International Development will mobilize $10 billion for green energy and renewable projects, supporting Africa’s transition to a sustainable energy future.
The inaugural Congo Economic and Investment Forum, set for March 25-26, 2025 in Brazzaville, 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.
During CEIF 2025, Omoboriowo will explore how Genesis’ successful energy infrastructure development projects in Africa, combined with private sector innovation, can guide the Republic of Congo in strengthening its energy security and achieving its decarbonization goals. By leveraging its expertise in clean energy and strategic partnerships, Genesis Energy is poised to play a key role in helping the Republic of Congo harness its energy potential and expand its regional energy influence.
The Republic of Congo’s renewable energy sector is in a phase of growth, with increasing interest in solar, hydro and wind energy projects. Battery energy storage capacities are also gaining traction as a vital component of the country’s energy infrastructure, helping to balance supply and demand. The government is focusing on diversifying its energy mix to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and enhance grid reliability. Looking ahead, the Congo aims to expand its renewable energy capacity and integrate storage solutions to meet growing domestic and regional energy needs while supporting environmental sustainability.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.
Eni is launching three exploration plays, TotalEnergies is expecting promising results from its recent onshore exploration project, and other developments were shared during an upstream IOC-led panel at the Libya Energy & Economic Summit
TRIPOLI, Libya, January 19, 2025/APO Group/ —
Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) and international energy companies TotalEnergies, Eni, OMV, Repsol and Nabors outlined key exploration milestones and strategies to advance oil and gas production in Libya at the Libya Energy & Economic Summit 2025 on January 18.
Among the key developments highlighted were TotalEnergies’ recent onshore exploration project and promising exploration opportunities in the Sirte and Murzuq basins.
“With 40% of Africa’s reserves, Libya remains largely untapped,” said Julien Pouget, Senior Vice President for the Middle East and North Africa at TotalEnergies. Pouget shared TotalEnergies’ plans for 2025, including the completion of an onshore exploration project and new exploration in the Waha and Sharara fields. “We expect results next week,” he added.
Luca Vignati, Upstream Director at Eni, echoed optimism for Libya’s potential and outlined the company’s ongoing investment initiatives in the country. “We are launching three exploration plays – shallow, deepwater and ultra-deep offshore. No other country offers such opportunities,” Vignati stated. He also highlighted the company’s investments in gas projects, including over $10 billion for the Greenstream gas pipeline and a CO2 capture and storage plant in Mellitah.
Repsol affirmed its commitment to advancing exploration in Libya, focusing on overcoming industry challenges and achieving significant production milestones.
We have 48 billion barrels of discovered but unexploited oil, with total potential estimated at 90 billion barrels, especially offshore
“Over the past decade, Libya has made remarkable efforts to fight natural field decline and encourage exploration,” said Francisco Gea, Executive Managing Director, Exploration & Production at Repsol. “We have reached 340,000 barrels per day. The two million target is within reach, and as international companies, we have the responsibility to bring capacity and technology.”
“Innovation is key to maximizing production and accelerating exploration. By deploying cutting-edge solutions, Nabors can enhance efficiency, reduce costs and ensure safer operations,” added Travis Purvis, Senior Vice President of Global Drilling Operations at Nabors.
Bashir Garea, Technical Advisor to the Chairman of the NOC, highlighted the country’s immense oil and gas potential. “We have 48 billion barrels of discovered but unexploited oil, with total potential estimated at 90 billion barrels, especially offshore,” he said. He also pointed to Libya’s sizable gas reserves, noting, “Libya has 122 trillion cubic feet of gas yet to be developed. To unlock this potential, we need more investors and new technology, particularly for brownfield revitalization.”
“Our strategy spans the entire value chain. Strengthening infrastructure is essential to maximizing production and efficiency,” said Hisham Najah, General Manager of the NOC’s Investment & Owners Committees Department.
NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber and session moderator, underlined Libya as a prime destination for foreign investment: “Libya is at the cusp of a new energy era. The time for bold investments and strategic partnerships is now.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.
Libya’s Oil & Gas Minister outlined plans to boost production to 1.6 million bpd in 2025 and 2 million bpd long-term, with brownfield development and local investment at the core, during the Libya Energy & Economic Summit
TRIPOLI, Libya, January 19, 2025/APO Group/ —
Libya is setting its sights on boosting oil production to 2 million barrels per day (bpd) within the next two to three years, with brownfield development and local investment identified as critical drivers of this growth. Speaking at the Libya Energy & Economic Summit (LEES) in Tripoli on Saturday, Minister of Oil and Gas Dr. Khalifa Abdulsadek outlined the country’s strategy to reach 1.6 million bpd by year-end and laid the groundwork for longer-term growth.
“There are massive opportunities here, massive fields that have been discovered, but a lot of fields have fallen between the cracks,” stated Minister Abdulsadek during the Ministerial Panel, Global Energy Alliance – Uniting for a Secure and Sustainable Energy Future. “We want to make sure local oil companies take part. We also want to leverage the upcoming licensing round to support our planned growth in the oil sector.”
The minister’s remarks were complemented by a strong call for international participation in Libya’s upcoming licensing round, signaling the government’s commitment to fostering collaboration and maximizing the potential of its energy sector.
Highlighting Libya’s vast natural gas potential – with reserves of 1.5 trillion cubic meters – Mohamed Hamel, Secretary General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum, stressed the need for enhanced investment in gas projects. He pointed to ongoing initiatives like the $600 million El Sharara refinery as opportunities to stimulate economic diversification.
There are massive opportunities here, massive fields that have been discovered, but a lot of fields have fallen between the cracks
“Natural gas is available,” Hamel stated, adding, “It is the greenest of hydrocarbons and we see natural gas continuing to grow until 2050.”
The panel also tackled the global energy transition, emphasizing Africa’s unique challenges and the need for the continent to harness its resources to achieve energy security. Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim, Secretary General of the African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO), underscored the critical need for finance, technology and reliable markets to drive progress.
“At APPO, we have noted three specific challenges for the African continent. Finance, technology and reliable markets,” he stated, questioning whether Africa can continue to depend on external forces to develop its resources.
As one of Africa’s top oil producers, Libya holds an estimated 48 billion barrels of proven oil reserves. The country’s efforts to expand production, attract investment and drive innovation are central to the discussions at LEES 2025. Endorsed by the Ministry of Oil and Gas and National Oil Corporation, the summit has established itself as the leading platform for driving Libya’s energy transformation and exploring its impact on global markets.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.
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