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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.

Business

Aurionpro expands its multi-country transaction banking engagement with Diamond Trust Bank (DTB)

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Aurionpro

Aurionpro’s upgraded iCashpro platform for DTB delivers a unified digital experience across payments, trade, virtual accounts, and real-time reporting, enhancing straight-through processing, visibility, and control for both the bank and its corporate customers

MUMBAI, India, April 30, 2026/APO Group/ –Aurionpro Solutions Limited (www.AurionPro.com) (BSE: 532668 | NSE: AURIONPRO)a global leader in banking technology, announced the expansion and upgrade of its transaction banking engagement with Diamond Trust Bank (DTB), to modernize and enhance the bank’s corporate transaction banking capabilities across multiple countries.

Download Document: https://apo-opa.co/4edHUaC

This multi-country transaction banking upgrade covering Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania aligns with DTB’s intent to enhance customer experience, streamline operations, and support growing transaction volumes as it expands its regional corporate banking footprint. DTB continues to focus on building a more agile, ‘digital-first’ banking experience, particularly around payments for its corporate customers across Africa, and is now well positioned to scale these capabilities. As part of its broader transformation agenda, the bank has been steadily investing in platforms that enhance scale, reliability, and service consistency across markets.

Through this partnership, we are proud to lead the next era of transformation in transaction banking, helping DTB enhance operational agility

Aurionpro’s upgraded iCashpro platform for DTB delivers a unified digital experience across payments, trade, virtual accounts, and real-time reporting, enhancing straight-through processing, visibility, and control for both the bank and its corporate customers. By enabling DTB to standardize and scale its transaction banking operations across countries, the platform ensures consistent service levels, stronger control, and improved efficiency. It also supports enhanced user experience, advanced security, and the flexibility to introduce new features as DTB expands its regional transaction banking footprint.

Murali Natarajan (https://apo-opa.co/48trPdk), Managing Director & CEO, DTB Kenya   commented: “We are delighted to strengthen and broaden our partnership with Aurionpro Solutions as part of DTB’s ongoing digital transformation journey across multiple markets. Our focus on innovation, operational excellence, and customer-centricity continues to guide our technology investments. This upgrade strengthens our transaction banking capabilities, enabling us to deliver greater value to our customers through robust digital channels and seamlessly integrated experiences.”

Ashish Rai, Group CEO, Aurionpro Solutions, commented: “We are pleased to deepen our multi-country engagement with Diamond Trust Bank and support the next phase of its transaction banking modernization. As DTB continues to scale across markets, platform resilience and consistency become paramount. Through this partnership, we are proud to lead the next era of transformation in transaction banking, helping DTB enhance operational agility, deliver superior experiences to corporate customers, and create long-term value across geographies.”

He added, “Aurionpro’s iCashpro lays a strong digital foundation for transaction & wholesale banks across the globe to grow their corporate and SME client portfolio today, while creating a clear roadmap for next- generation capabilities in AI-driven insights, advanced automation and API-led connectivity for businesses in Kenya and across Africa.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Aurionpro Solutions Ltd.

 

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Minerals Council Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Joins African Mining Week (AMW) as South Africa Improves Sectorial Investment Climate

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Energy Capital

Minerals Council CEO to share insights on policy, infrastructure and investment trends shaping South Africa’s mining industry

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 30, 2026/APO Group/ –The upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) conference will feature Mzila Mthenjane, CEO of the Minerals Council of South Africa, as a speaker. Scheduled for October 14 – 16, 2026 in Cape Town, the event will bring together global investors, policymakers and industry leaders, with Mthenjane’s participation highlighting the council’s commitment to engaging international stakeholders and promoting investment across South Africa’s mining sector.

His participation comes at a critical moment as the Minerals Council works closely with government on finalizing the Mineral Resources Development Bill 2025, a policy framework aimed at strengthening the country’s mining investment climate and the sector’s contribution to GDP. According to the council, the revised legislation will support new investment across the value chain as South Africa seeks to mobilize R2 trillion over the next five years to unlock its critical minerals potential.

The policy reforms come amid shifting production trends in the sector. In 2025, South Africa recorded declines in gold and platinum group metals output of 1.9% and 4.1%, respectively. The new regulatory framework is expected to strengthen public-private partnerships and stimulate investment, enabling South Africa to increase production and capitalize on strong global commodity prices. Increased private sector investments is crucial with South Africa seeking targeting to unlock an estimated R40 trillion in untapped iron ore potential as well as maintain its position as the world’s leading producer of chrome and manganese.

At AMW 2026, Mthenjane is expected to outline these trends, providing insights into how the council is contributing to addressing challenges disrupting the sector. Infrastructure and energy costs remain key concerns for industry players. To support the energy-intensive sector, South Africa approved a 35% reduction in electricity tariffs for major ferrochrome producers, helping stabilize an industry that has faced significant cost pressures after electricity prices surged by roughly 900% since 2008.

Logistics constraints are also a priority area for reform. South Africa’s economy is losing an estimated R1 billion per day due to inefficiencies across rail and port infrastructure. As a result, the government is considering measures supported by the Minerals Council to increase private sector participation in logistics. Planned reforms include rail modernization initiatives targeting 250 million tons of freight capacity by 2029, alongside port upgrades and private operator participation aimed at strengthening mineral exports and improving supply chain efficiency.

Beyond infrastructure and policy reforms, the Minerals Council is advocating for stronger exploration investment to support long-term industry growth.

At AMW, Mthenjane is expected to highlight these developments and outline the steps required to reinforce South Africa’s position in the global minerals supply chain. His insights will offer investors and stakeholders a timely perspective on opportunities within the country’s mining sector.

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

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Seychelles Targets Energy Investment Push as Minister Jérémie Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 as a Speaker

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African Energy Chamber

Seychelles energy minister will speak at AEW 2026, positioning her to highlight reforms, renewable projects and investment opportunities as the island nation advances its transition toward a diversified energy system

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 29, 2026/APO Group/ –Marie-May Jérémie, Minister of Environment, Climate, Energy and Natural Resources for Seychelles will participate as a speaker at this year’s African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, taking place from October 12–16 in Cape Town. Her participation underscores the country’s growing role in shaping Africa’s small-island energy transition agenda.

Minister Jérémie’s presence at AEW 2026 comes at a critical time as Seychelles accelerates efforts to reduce its heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels. The event provides a platform to attract investment, strengthen policy alignment and showcase bankable projects, positioning the country as a viable destination for private-sector participation in island energy systems.

Seychelles is demonstrating how policy reform and innovation can unlock investment in constrained environments

In May last year, international finance institution the World Bank approved the Renewable Energy Acceleration Program, a seven-year initiative aimed at modernizing the grid and increasing renewable energy penetration to 15% by 2030. The program focuses on unlocking private capital while strengthening transmission infrastructure to accommodate variable renewable energy sources.

Project development is gaining traction in the country, particularly in innovative technologies suited to Seychelles’ land constraints. The 5.8 MW Seysun Lagoon floating solar PV project, developed by independent renewable power producer Qair, is under construction and expected online in 2026.

Alongside renewables, Seychelles continues to pursue upstream opportunities to diversify its economy. The government approved new exploration entrants in 2025 and extended exiting petroleum agreements, while securing an infrastructure partnership with China. Multilateral estimates suggest over $800 million in investment will be required over the next 25 years.

Regulatory reform is central to this transition, with Seychelles introducing an independent power producer framework to open the market to private developers. Standardized power purchase agreements, grid access reforms and strengthened public-private partnership structures are being implemented to improve transparency, reduce risk and accelerate project bankability across solar, storage and emerging wind opportunities.

“Minister Jérémie’s participation highlights the strategic importance of island nations in Africa’s broader energy transition,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber. “Seychelles is demonstrating how policy reform and innovation can unlock investment in constrained environments. Her insights will be critical to advancing dialogue on resilient, low-carbon energy systems across the continent.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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