Connect with us

Business

TotalEnergies: Driving Economic Development Beyond Oil & Gas

Published

on

TotalEnergies

The French multinational is advancing economic development across Africa through its tax contributions, strategic infrastructure investments, energy access initiatives and focus on local empowerment

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, July 5, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Multinational energy company TotalEnergies acts as a key contributor to economic growth and tax revenues in the markets in which it operates, extending beyond its core oil and gas exploration and production activities. In 2023 alone, the company’s production taxes and current income taxes across all activities amounted to just over $24.7 billion, with an average tax rate of 38.2%. Additionally, its extractive entities paid $28.3 billion in taxes and production fees to the governments of the states and territories where it operates.

In Africa, TotalEnergies has activities in over 40 countries, where it contributes to both economic and social development across its portfolio. In Uganda, TotalEnergies is spearheading the Tilenga and Kingfisher oil field development in the Lake Albert Basin – developed in partnership with China National Offshore Oil Corporation and the state-owned Uganda National Oil Company – which involves substantial investments in local infrastructure and community development.

Last year, TotalEnergies EP Uganda selected 200 Ugandan youths for the Tilenga Massive Open Online Course and Tilenga Academy training program. The objective was to equip local youth with the knowledge and skills needed to work on the TotalEnergies-operated Tilenga project during its production phase, aiming to develop local capacity and encourage youth participation in the sector. Training was conducted at the Uganda Petroleum Institute in Kigumba and other international oil and gas training centers, providing hands-on experience during the installation and completion of the Tilenga project, which comprises nine oil fields, a processing facility, underground pipelines and infrastructure. Moreover, TotalEnergies is leading rural electrification efforts in the East African country, having built the 10 MW Soroti solar power plant that was one of the largest grid-connected, privately-funded solar plants in Africa at its commissioning.

TotalEnergies serves as the largest operator in Angola, with interests in Blocks 17, 32, 0, 14 and 14K. Last May, the company announced FID for the Cameia-Golfinho field development, and anticipates the Quiluma and Maboqueiro gas fields to come online in 2026, which will feed into the country’s Angola LNG plant. The company holds a 41% market share and accounts for just short of 45% of Angola’s production, as well as holds key stakes in Angola LNG and the New Gas Consortium. Its substantial investments in Angola reflect the company’s historic contributions to the national economy through associated infrastructure development and export revenues, in addition to taxes, royalties and other levies.

They are not only investing in the continent’s future but also ensuring that African communities reap the benefits of their natural resources

In neighboring Namibia, TotalEnergies’ light oil discoveries with the Mangetti-1X and Venus-1X wells in the Orange Basin present a major economic boost for the country. Once fully appraised, these discoveries hold the potential to stimulate creation, local procurement and an influx of foreign investments from other international players, thereby enhancing Namibia’s economic growth and development.

In Nigeria, the company’s activities extend beyond oil and gas exploration and production to renewable energy, electricity, green gas and retail activities. The company has over 1,800 employees in the country and 530 service stations. TotalEnergies also carries an interest in the Nigeria LNG plant and is pursuing several carbon-neutral initiatives, including the Zero Routine Flaring by 2030 program. It also operates two lubricant blending plants and several petroleum product depots. Moreover, the company markets its products and services through its service stations and sells decentralized solar solutions to low-income populations. These activities have generated substantial income that flows through the country’s economy, as well as targets underserved communities.

Across the continent, TotalEnergies conducts its operations under various contractual frameworks, typically either concession contracts or production sharing contracts (PSCs). Under concession contracts, the company owns the assets and facilities, receives all production, bears all risks and costs and pays royalties and taxes to the state. Under PSCs, the company finances and executes exploration and production at its own risk, receiving a share of the production to cover costs and profits, with the remainder shared with the state or national company. These agreements demonstrate TotalEnergies’ commitment to long-term business partnerships that profit the company and the host countries equally by sharing revenues and managing resources responsibly.

Beyond its operational footprint, TotalEnergies has made clear its plans to enhance energy accessibility and sustainability. By 2030, the company aims to provide clean cooking access to up to 100 million people in Africa and India. This initiative includes a $400-million investment in the development of LPG and the production of pay-as-you-cook digital technologies to make clean cooking affordable. Access to cleaner energy like LPG can improve health, reduce gender inequalities and decrease CO2 emissions and deforestation. Already a major player in the distribution of LPG in bottles, TotalEnergies stands to benefit over 50 million people in Africa and Asia through this initiative.

Moreover, TotalEnergies actively contributes to socioeconomic development through its wide range of citizenship initiatives. Focused mainly on youth, these programs are funded by the TotalEnergies Foundation and support the company’s broader community engagement efforts. Employees are encouraged to dedicate up to three days of work time annually to community engagement projects, promoting these values globally through the TotalEnergies Foundation program. These initiatives not only uplift and empower local communities, but also position them as vital components of TotalEnergies’ operations.

“TotalEnergies’ contributions beyond oil and gas are transformative for Africa. By driving local capacity building, economic diversification and sustainable development, they are not only investing in the continent’s future but also ensuring that African communities reap the benefits of their natural resources. This strategic approach is essential for fostering long-term growth and prosperity across the region,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Business

OPPO Launches Find X8 Series Globally, Marking Steady Progress in Globalization

Published

on

OPPO
  • OPPO Find X8 and Find X8 Pro launched in global markets
  • Overseas markets have become the growth engine for OPPO, contributing approximately 60% of its total shipments
  • OPPO’s globalization is rooted in localization and driven by its focus on premiumization

JAKARTA, INDONESIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 November 2024 -OPPO, the world’s leading smart device brand, today announced the global availability of its Find X8 and Find X8 Pro flagship smartphones. Each delivers ultra-grade experiences across camera, performance, and battery life and debuts ColorOS 15 with its suite of advanced OPPO AI solutions.
The global release of the OPPO Find X8 series underscores OPPO’s commitment to globalization and its dedication to delivering top-quality products and services to users worldwide.
 
“Our progress in globalization stems from OPPO’s commitment to understanding local communities and delivering exceptional products and services.” said Billy Zhang, President of Overseas Marketing, Sales and Services at OPPO. “As we expand in overseas market, we remain committed to creating diverse and innovative solutions that enhance the users experience.”

Overseas markets as OPPO’s growth engine

Overseas markets have become the growth engine for OPPO. Currently, the company operates in over 70 countries and regions, with more than 300,000 retail spaces worldwide. OPPO now ranks No. 4 globally in smartphone shipments, and overseas shipments account for approximately 60% of its total volume.

Southeast Asia remains a core market for OPPO, where the brand holds the top position. Newly established markets in 2024, such as Brazil and Argentina, underscore OPPO’s commitment to expanding in Latin America. Now OPPO ranks NO.5 with a 62% year-on-year growth in Latin America.[1]

OPPO’s ambitions of globalization extend beyond smartphones as it evolves into a comprehensive global technology company. With a diverse product portfolio that includes internet services—engaging 700 million ColorOS users worldwide[2]—and a growing lineup of IoT products, OPPO is dedicated to expanding its presence in global markets.

Strengthening local connections through retail, manufacturing, and cultural engagement

A significant part of OPPO’s globalization success comes from its commitment to connect with local communities.

With the goal of resonating with people and understanding their unique cultures, OPPO partners with Discovery Channel this year to launch the “Culture in a Shot” initiatives, celebrating cultural diversity through OPPO imaging technology. To date, over 330 million people worldwide have been inspired by these cultural images and stories.

OPPO’s understanding of local culture is also evident in its retail strategy. As part of its retail 3.0 Pro upgrading plan with a $60 million investment, OPPO integrates the local culture into its retail space to create a welcoming and familiar environment for customers. In Indonesia, for example, OPPO stores feature coffee corners with locally sourced coffee.

To ensure reliable quality for local consumers, OPPO is not just sold globally but also made globally. With manufacturing centers in 8 countries, OPPO’s local production capabilities enable it to efficiently meet regional market demands while strengthening connections with local communities and economies.

Driving premiumization through joint innovation with global tech giants

As OPPO expands globally, it is also focusing on premiumization. By collaborating with leading tech companies such as Google, MediaTek, Ericsson, and Hasselblad, OPPO continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in AI, imaging, and connectivity. For example, featuring AI Telescope Zoom and Lightning Snap, OPPO Find X8 Series is the perfect Matchday Phone for fans, under the collaboration between UEFA and OPPO.

These partnerships empower OPPO to deliver exceptional, premium experiences that cater to discerning consumers worldwide, and strengthening its influence in premium markets.

With a focus on global expansion, local engagement, and premium experiences, OPPO is committed to bringing innovative, high-quality solutions to users worldwide. The OPPO Find X8 series global launch exemplifies this commitment, and it is backed by OPPO’s dedicated global service network in over 62 countries and regions. As it moves towards globalization and localization, OPPO remains dedicated to delivering technology that empowers and connects communities around the world.
 



 

Continue Reading

Business

OPPO Elevates ColorOS 15 with Microsoft’s Advanced AI Productivity Features

Published

on

OPPO

SHENZHEN, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 November 2024 -OPPO has strengthened its cooperation with Microsoft to deliver advanced AI productivity features to ColorOS 15, OPPO’s next-generation smart device experience.a

“To deliver advanced AI experiences, we are incredibly proud to partner with Microsoft, a pioneer in the field. At the cutting edge of global AI development, Microsoft lays a strong foundation for ColorOS 15’s language features. These save OPPO users time and headspace, ensuring meaningful, advanced AI productivity tools are always just a tap away”.—Nicole Zhang, General Manager of AI Product at OPPO
 
ColorOS 15’s AI Speak uses Microsoft’s advanced AI productivity features, reading web pages aloud so users can consume content hands-free while reducing their screen time. These ultra-intelligent models also power OPPO Documents’ translation features and the Voice Translate application, breaking down language barriers in seconds.

Microsoft’s AI capabilities enhance ColorOS 15 with practical, time-saving features, including accurate audio transcription within the new Recorder and Notes apps, boosting organisation and delivering time-saving benefits.

ColorOS 15, featuring Microsoft’s advanced AI capabilities, will debut at the global launch of OPPO’s upcoming Find X8 Series.
 



 

Continue Reading

Business

Yellow Card Secures Crypto Asset Service Provider Licence in South Africa

Published

on

Yellow Card

Stablecoin adoption is surging throughout Africa, with sub-Saharan Africa having the highest adoption rate in the world at 9.2%

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, November 20, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Yellow Card (www.YellowCard.io), Africa’s leading stablecoin-based infrastructure provider, has been issued a Crypto Asset Service Provider (CASP) licence by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) in South Africa.  

Commenting on the FSCA’s decision to issue the licence to Yellow Card Financial South Africa, Chris Maurice, Yellow Card’s co-founder and CEO, said, “The CASP licence underscores Yellow Card’s commitment to its customers in South Africa and regulatory compliance across the continent.This achievement reflects our dedication to providing secure, compliant and transformative solutions for our customers both in South Africa and across Africa.  

The CASP licence underscores Yellow Card’s commitment to its customers in South Africa and regulatory compliance across the continent

Stablecoin adoption is surging throughout Africa, with sub-Saharan Africa having the highest adoption rate in the world at 9.2%. In South Africa alone, where the number of total users of crypto assets is estimated to amount to 5.8 million people, stablecoins have experienced growth of 50% month over month since October 2023, displacing bitcoin as the country’s most popular cryptocurrency.  Yellow Card is excited to play a pivotal role in this financial revolution in South Africa. 

Yellow Card, which launched in South Africa in 2020, has facilitated over US$3 billion in transactions in the last several years and now operates in 20 countries across the continent. The company recently completed a US$33 million Series C financing, led by Blockchain Capital and existing investors, including Polychain Capital, Valar Ventures, Third Prime Ventures, Coinbase Ventures, and Block, Inc. (Square/Cash App), reflecting strong investor confidence in its mission.   

As the stablecoin landscape continues to evolve, Yellow Card is committed to leading the charge in making digital assets accessible and secure for businesses across Africa. With the recent licensing and funding, the company plans to expand its B2B offerings by enhancing its stablecoin rails, upgrading infrastructure, and advancing its B2B API and Widget. These efforts will empower businesses with seamless solutions for liquidity management and their general operations. 

To learn more about Yellow Card, visit: https://YellowCard.io/

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Yellow Card Financial.

Continue Reading

Trending