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The Invest in African Energy (IAE) Forum to Connect African Energy Projects with Saudi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) Buyers

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Invest in African Energy

Gulf countries have shown rising interest in helping Africa to develop its oil and gas resources and build much-needed infrastructure

PARIS, France, February 22, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Over the past twelve months, the Middle East’s oil and gas heavyweights – Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar – have accelerated their involvement across Africa’s energy value chain. Beginning with diplomatic visits turning into tangible cooperation agreements and planned investment campaigns, Gulf countries have cemented their interest in competing for Africa’s untapped hydrocarbon resources, which make up around 13% of natural gas reserves and 7% of oil reserves globally.

The Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2024 forum – taking place in Paris on May 14-15 – will bring together Africa’s top energy projects to pitch to global buyers for partnership and investment. The forum serves as a pivotal platform for Gulf energy companies and developers to access the latest data and project specifications directly from African energy ministers and authorities, with a view to unlocking mutually beneficial partnerships and new energy finance.    

Saudi Arabia

With plans to invest up to $25 billion in Africa by 2030 through its Public Investment Fund, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a long-term partner to the continent and leading integrated developments across Africa’s oil and gas value chain. Over 50 projects worth more than $500 million were signed between Saudi Arabia and African nations in November 2023, with investments directed primarily to energy, mining and infrastructure sectors. Deals included energy cooperation agreements with Senegal, Chad, Rwanda and Ethiopia, as well as a financing agreement with Mozambique for the construction of public infrastructure.

In Nigeria, Saudi Arabia has pledged to invest in the revitalization of Nigeria’s oil refineries and provide financial support to strengthen downstream capacity. In January, the two countries launched the National Human Capacity Training Program for the Adoption of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), which is set to lead to the joint-development of micro-distribution points for LPG through Nigeria’s Edo State. Meanwhile, the Kingdom is engaging in talks with South Africa to construct a refinery and alleviate domestic fuel shortages.

UAE

While Saudi Arabia may be leading diversified investment across Africa, the UAE is not far behind. Last December, the UAE signed an agreement with Morocco for the development of the Africa-Atlantic gas pipeline, transporting Nigerian gas to North Africa, then on to Europe. Through its Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund, the country will help mobilize financing for the pipeline, which could also connect emerging gas players like Senegal and Mauritania to new markets. Seeking expansion into Africa’s gas industry, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company is said to be in discussions to acquire Galp’s 10% interest in Mozambique’s Rovuma LNG project, set to monetize three gas reservoirs in the Area 4 block of the Rovuma Basin to produce 18 million tons of LNG per year.

The UAE’s growing role on the continent also transcends direct investments, enabling African countries to tap into international financial markets. Positioned as a strategic trade center within easy reach of the Middle East, Asia, Europe and Africa, Dubai is well-connected to both global sources of capital and emerging markets that are seeking investment.

Qatar

Qatar is also ramping up its activities on the continent through upstream exploration. In April 2023, state-owned QatarEnergy acquired a 40% interest in the offshore Block C-10 in Mauritania – home to the Walata, Banda and Tevet oil discoveries – in partnership with Shell and Mauritania’s national oil company SMH. With over 28.3 billion cubic meters of proven gas reserves, Mauritania could become the third-largest gas exporter in Africa, following Nigeria and Algeria. The acquisition not only affirms the prospectivity of Mauritania’s offshore oil and gas acreage, but also Qatar’s interest in expanding its exploration footprint on the continent.

QatarEnergy has been playing an active role in the continent’s latest hydrocarbon discoveries – notably, offshore Namibia, where the company holds stakes in three exploration licenses. Its PEL 39 – in which it carries a 45% interest, in partnership with Shell (45%) and the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (10%) – has yielded four consecutive discoveries between February 2022 and July 2023. These discoveries – Graff-1, La Rona-1, Jonker-1X and Lesedi-1X – are now transforming Namibia into one of the foremost hydrocarbon markets on the continent, with further testing and appraisal work currently underway.

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

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Genesis Energy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to Discuss Energy Expansion at Congo Energy & Investment Forum

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Genesis Energy

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.

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Eni, TotalEnergies Announce New Exploration Projects in Libya

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National Oil Corporation

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.

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Libya’s Oil Minister: Brownfields, Local Investment Key to 2M Barrels Per Day (BPD) Production

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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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