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The United States (US) Senator Ted Cruz to Discuss Strategic U.S.-Africa Energy Engagement at African Energy Week

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African Energy Week

The Texas Senator’s participation at African Energy Week 2025: Invest in African Energies signals U.S. focus on energy diplomacy and investment across Africa’s oil and gas frontiers

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, August 7, 2025/APO Group/ –African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies, the continent’s premier energy event, is set to welcome U.S. Senator Ted Cruz as a featured speaker at its 2025 edition. Senator Cruz, a senior member of the U.S. Senate Commerce and Foreign Relations Committees and one of Washington’s most prominent energy voices, will address delegates in Cape Town, highlighting the strategic value of deeper U.S. commercial and diplomatic engagement in African energy markets.

At a time when global powers are racing to secure energy and critical mineral supply chains, Senator Cruz’s participation underscores a broader push by the U.S. to reinforce ties with African energy producers, particularly as the continent emerges as a pivotal source of hydrocarbons, LNG and transition minerals. From Nigeria to Namibia, American companies are ramping up activity, yet competition from China, Russia and others has intensified, prompting renewed attention from U.S. lawmakers and policy leaders.

On the exploration and production front, U.S.-based companies to the likes of ExxonMobil, Chevron, ConocoPhillips and Vaalco Energy are driving transformational projects in Africa. ExxonMobil is maximizing output at producing fields across the continent, through projects such as the Erha and Owowo fields in Nigeria and the Kizomba deepwater development in Angola’s Block 15. On the gas front, ExxonMobil is leading projects such as the Rovuma LNG development in Mozambique, targeting 18 million tons per annum. The company plans to reach a final investment decision in 2026. Meanwhile Chevron is driving exploration in West and Southern Africa through projects in Nigeria’s Niger Delta, Equatorial Guinea’s offshore Blocks EG-06 and EG-11 and Namibia’s Walvis Basin. The company has also expanded gas production capacity in Angola through the Sanha Lean Gas Connection Project and the upcoming New Gas Consortium project.

Houston-based ConocoPhillips strives to reach between 600,000 barrels per day (bpd) and 700,000 bpd at the Waha concession in the Sirte Basin. The company is prioritizing collaborations, work-over programs and pipeline integrity at the concession, which currently produces 375,000 bpd. Another Houston-based player, Vaalco Energy, is modernizing FPSO infrastructure in Africa to support production growth. The company is active in Ivory Coast and Gabon, where it plans a drilling campaign in 2026 and 2025 respectively. In Egypt, Vaalco Energy brought five wells online in 2025, while in Equatorial Guinea, is targeting first oil at Block P in 2026.

We at the AEC strongly believe that markets – rather than pseudo-intellectuals – should drive the future and foster innovative growth and development

U.S.-based service providers are also strengthening their presence across the African market. Baker Hughes’s African footprint includes markets such as Nigeria and Namibia, where it offers world-class oilfield services and skills development programs. NOV is involved in strategic initiatives across the African energy value chain, from offshore exploration and production to processing and logistics. Focusing on digitalization and efficiency, Halliburton supports a variety of African energy projects. The company brings advanced technology solutions to enhance production efficiency and optimize resource extraction.

Stepping into this picture, Senator Cruz’s participation at AEW: Invest in African Energies is expected to further strengthened U.S.-Africa energy ties. Known for his strong advocacy of energy independence and market-driven growth, Senator Cruz’s message at the event is expected to center on expanding private-sector investment, supporting American energy companies operating in Africa, and bolstering energy infrastructure that aligns with both African development goals and U.S. strategic interests. His appearance follows recent signals from Washington – including a bipartisan call for deeper energy cooperation with Africa – as the U.S. seeks to reclaim ground in a region critical to global energy security.

“Being a Senator from Texas, Senator Cruz not only understands what oil and gas means to the economy of Texas but also for the transformation of Africa. Senator Cruz speaking to energy industry and African leaders sends a loud message: the U.S. is not sitting out the future of African energy. He understands the stakes – from gas deals in to infrastructure buildouts– and his presence proves America is serious about competing, investing and showing up where it matters,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber, adding that Senator Cruz recognizes that the key to African countries’ economic prosperity lies in embracing free markets, minimizing government intervention, promoting individual responsibility and upholding the rule of law.

“We at the AEC strongly believe that markets – rather than pseudo-intellectuals – should drive the future and foster innovative growth and development,” he notes.

His participation comes as African nations are seeking to scale production, expand infrastructure and attract capital to meet growing domestic and global energy demands. The U.S., with its technological expertise and investment capital, is poised to play a pivotal role in supporting Africa’s ambitions, from deepwater exploration to gas-to-power projects and beyond. With major discoveries across oil, gas and hydrogen, and a wave of African governments prioritizing energy security and local beneficiation, the continent is ripe for strategic partnerships built on mutual interest and long-term impact.

As AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 approaches, Senator Cruz’s participation is expected to galvanize support for deeper U.S. involvement in African energy markets and sends a clear signal to American companies: Africa is open for business, and the U.S. intends to compete. His presence is also likely to draw increased attention from private investors, service providers and project developers seeking access to emerging upstream and infrastructure opportunities across the continent.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Energy

High-Level Minister Roundup to Headline African Energy Week 2026

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African Energy Chamber

African Energy Week 2026 will convene ministers from Algeria, Ghana, Senegal, Zambia and Niger to spotlight oil, gas expansion, reforms and investment opportunities continentwide

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, March 13, 2026/APO Group/ –A high-level ministerial roundup will take center stage at this year’s African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 – taking place in Cape Town from 12–16 October –, convening some of the continent’s most influential energy leaders at a defining moment for Africa’s oil, gas and power sectors. As hydrocarbon expansion converges with accelerating energy transition strategies, the gathering is set to spotlight real-time project execution, regulatory reform and cross-border infrastructure that are actively reshaping Africa’s energy future.

 

Confirmed ministers to date include Algeria’s Minister of Energy and Renewable Energies Mourad Adjal, Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, Senegal’s Minister of Energy, Petroleum and Mines Birame Soulèye Diop, Zambia’s Minister of Energy Makozo Chikote and Niger’s Minster of Petroleum Hamadou Tinni.

 

Fresh from a March OPEC+ decision to lift output to 977,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd), Algeria enters AEW 2026 amid a $60 billion sector transformation. The country is also advancing a 500-well exploration drive and accelerating its 1.48 GW “Project of the Century” solar rollout. Gas exports to Europe remains central to the country, supported by hydrogen corridor planning and refinery expansion aimed at boosting capacity to 50 million tons by 2029.

 

Following license extension for Jubilee and TEN to 2040 and the late-2025 restart of the Tema Oil Refinery, Ghana is pushing a $3.5 billion upstream reinvestment plan while settling $500 million in gas arrears. A 1,200 MW state thermal plant and expanded gas processing at Atuabo anchor its gas-to-power shift, alongside a renewed upstream push in the Voltaian Basin.

The participation of these distinguished ministers underscores the scale of opportunity unfolding across Africa’s energy landscape and the urgency of aligning policy with capital

 

Senegal’s delegation comes on the back of strong production momentum, with the Sangomar oil field delivering 36.1 million barrels in 2025, outperforming forecasts, while the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG development ramped up to 2.9 million tons per annum following first gas. Dakar is now prioritizing domestic gas through refinery upgrades at the SAR refinery and preparations for Sangomar Phase 2 to push output beyond 100,000 bpd.

 

Zambia is redefining its power mix after drought-induced hydro shortfalls. New solar capacity – including the 200 MW Chisamba expansion and 136 MW Itimpi Phase 2 – is part of a broader 2,500 MW diversification drive. Cabinet has approved major regional fuel pipelines, while the Energy Single Licensing System fast-tracks approvals. Lusaka targets 10 GW generation by 2030, with solar and wind rising to one-third of supply.

Niger’s presence reflects its emergence as a serious oil exporter, with the fully operational 1,950-km Niger-Benin pipeline now moving up to 90,000 bpd to international markets. Alongside uranium expansion and renewed cooperation with Algeria on upstream assets, Niamey is advancing digital oversight reforms and reinforcing energy sovereignty amid evolving geopolitical dynamics.

 

“The participation of these distinguished ministers underscores the scale of opportunity unfolding across Africa’s energy landscape and the urgency of aligning policy with capital,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber. “Their leadership reflects a continent moving decisively from strategy to execution, creating a platform where investors can engage directly with the policymakers shaping Africa’s next wave of oil, gas and energy growth.”

 

At AEW 2026, this ministerial cohort will be well-positioned to offer investors direct insight into Africa’s most dynamic energy markets – where new barrels, new pipelines and new megawatts are reshaping regional growth trajectories in real time.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Enlit Africa 2026 Programme: 280+ speakers, African nuclear 2.0, Bruce Whitfield Business Breakfast

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Enlit Africa

The event, taking place 19-21 May 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, expects 7,200+ attendees and 250+ exhibitors, making it Africa’s largest gathering of energy and water professionals

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, March 12, 2026/APO Group/ –Enlit Africa (https://apo-opa.co/4cEX08g) has released its full 2026 conference programme, featuring 280+ speakers across 8 specialised tracks including a new African Nuclear 2.0 session covering Koeberg’s 20-year life extension and Ghana’s nuclear vendor selection process.

 

The event, taking place 19-21 May 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, expects 7,200+ attendees and 250+ exhibitors, making it Africa’s largest gathering of energy and water professionals.

Award-winning business journalist and best-selling author Bruce Whitfield will deliver the opening address at the Project & Investment Network Business Breakfast on 19 May, kicking off three days of strategic sessions, deal-making platforms, and technical masterclasses.

New programme content includes:

African Nuclear 2.0 – A dedicated session examining the transition from planning to execution, featuring:

Koeberg Nuclear Power Station’s successful 20-year life extension (Units 1 and 2 now licensed until 2044/2045)

Ghana’s progression to Phase 3 of its nuclear programme, evaluating US, Chinese, and Russian technology bids

West African Power Pool‘s 10 GW regional nuclear capacity target

Small Modular Reactor (SMR) deployment readiness across African grids

Independent Transmission Projects (ITP) – A new session exploring how private investment is unlocking Africa’s transmission bottleneck, featuring global case studies from India’s PowerGrid and lessons for scaling grid capacity across the continent.

Generation Masterclasses – Five interactive roundtables on gas-to-power, nuclear, hydro power, clean coal, and hydrogen.

AI in Africa’s Power Grid – Examining practical deployment realities, real-time analytics, and predictive maintenance applications already in operation across African utilities.

Conference sessions and technical hub sessions on the expo floor are CPD-accredited by the South African Institute of Electrical Engineers (SAIEE) and the South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE).

Co-located platforms:

Water Security Africa features country playbooks from Namibia (55-year potable reuse programme), Uganda (NRW reduction from 42% to 32%), Cape Town (Day Zero recovery strategies), and sector-specific stewardship sessions with Harmony Gold, Heineken, Mediclinic, and Growthpoint Properties.

Project & Investment Network (P&IN), part of the new Level 2 Executive Experience, connects project developers, investors, African utility CEOs, and DFIs through structured matchmaking, ministerial dialogues, and project briefings. Over the past two years, P&IN has facilitated $3 billion in project pitches.

Utility CEO Forum brings together 35+ confirmed utility CEOs under Chatham House Rule for candid, off-the-record strategic discussions on unbundling, prosumer management, and financial sustainability.

Municipal Forum addresses South African municipalities’ distribution, metering, and revenue challenges, including sessions on NRW management, tariff reform, Cost of Supply studies, and electrifying informal settlements.

Technical Hub sessions on the exhibition floor offer free, CPD-accredited training across Power, Renewable Energy & Storage, and Water tracks, with confirmed speakers from Eskom, ENGIE SA, ACTOM, National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA), RenEnergy, and Matla Energy.

Site visits on 22 May include Koeberg Nuclear Power Station and the V&A Waterfront desalination plant.

Pass options:
Free expo pass registration: https://apo-opa.co/4bl2bYu

Free expo passes provide access to 250+ exhibitors and CPD-accredited Technical Hub sessions.

Delegate Pass:
Early bird registration closes 3 April 2026. Delegate passes start at R15,100 (Silver), with P&IN Executive passes at R32,000 including access to the Bruce Whitfield breakfast, Level 2 executive lounge, and investor matchmaking.

Download the full programme: https://apo-opa.co/3NwCble

Register: https://apo-opa.co/4cEX08g

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

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Binance Secures Second Major Legal Victory in U.S. Court Under Anti-Terrorism Act in Two Weeks

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Binance

US Federal Court in Alabama Dismisses All Claims Against Binance in Latest Lawsuit Victory

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, March 12, 2026/APO Group/ –Binance (www.Binance.com), the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, announced today that a U.S. federal court in Alabama has dismissed all claims against the company in a lawsuit alleging violations of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA). This marks Binance’s second major legal victory in an  ATA matter within one week, following their victory in the Southern District of New York.

A Full and Complete Legal Victory

In a detailed 19-page ruling, the Court found the plaintiffs’ complaint to be legally and factually deficient. The court’s decision to dismiss every claim across the board represents a decisive legal victory for Binance.

Sanctions compliance and terrorism financing are serious matters of law – they require evidence, legal rigour, and due process

The judge described the filing as a “shotgun pleading.” The complaint failed to clearly specify the claims and improperly grouped all defendants together without distinguishing individual conduct or liability. The ruling also emphasized that the plaintiffs did not meet the basic pleading standard to provide a “short and plain statement” of their claims.

Following the ruling, the court granted the plaintiffs until April 10, 2026, to file an amended complaint addressing the deficiencies identified. However, the judge warned that failure to adequately address these issues would result in dismissal of the entire case.

Building on Momentum and Upholding Legal Integrity

“This decision reinforces our unwavering commitment to protecting Binance and our community from unsubstantiated and bad-faith lawsuits,” shared Eleanor Hughes, General Counsel at Binance. “Sanctions compliance and terrorism financing are serious matters of law – they require evidence, legal rigour, and due process. Courts have now examined these claims on two separate occasions and found them to be without merit. These outcomes speak for themselves. We will not tolerate attempts to misuse the legal system to target our industry, and we remain as committed as ever to transparency, security, and lawful conduct in everything we do”.

This latest decision follows closely on the heels of Binance’s comprehensive victory in New York (https://apo-opa.co/46Xg0ev), where the Court similarly rejected allegations that the company assisted, participated in, or conspired with terrorists. Together, these rulings reflect Binance’s strong resolve to protect its platform and community.

Binance has consistently invested in industry-leading compliance infrastructure, regulatory engagement, and legal governance. The company will continue to vigorously defend itself against any attempts to bring unfounded claims or misrepresent its operations.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Binance.

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