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United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) partners with Carbon Markets Africa Summit: “Preparing governments to become carbon market ready”

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Carbon markets can unlock billions in finance for the continent

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, September 30, 2025/APO Group/ –“How is it possible that in 2025, when we are able to send people to the moon, when we are able to create driverless vehicles, we’ve not been able to solve the problem of cooking energy in Africa’s rural areas?” asks Maxwell Gomera, Resident Representative of UNDP South Africa and Director of the Africa Sustainable Finance Hub.

He continues: “This is something that is within our means. And as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Africa Sustainable Finance Hub, we are now working with governments across Africa on how to solve such problems. High-integrity carbon markets can offer Africa a powerful tool to mobilise finance required to advance climate action and ensure fair benefits while driving sustainable and inclusive development.”

Carbon markets unlocking billions

“Africa no longer waits for promises to be kept—we act,” Mr Gomera adds. “Carbon markets can unlock billions in finance, strengthen our institutions, and accelerate both Agenda 2063 and the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C goal. At UNDP’s Africa Sustainable Finance Hub, we believe in a unified continent ready to harness this opportunity, own its solutions, and lead the global transformation towards resilience and prosperity.”

The UNDP is the official host partner of the upcoming Carbon Markets Africa Summit CMAS), taking place in Johannesburg from 22 to 23 October, gathering the continent’s entire carbon markets value chain, from successful early carbon market movers, climate-finance-ready projects and regulatory bodies to global institutional development organisations and investors.

“We cannot continue talking about Africa’s potential. We must make that potential a reality,” says UNDP’s Maxwell Gomera. “The Carbon Markets Africa Summit matters, because we bring together like-minded people to strengthen the ecosystem around a problem that we all share and provide solutions. Our message is: Tomorrow is worth fighting for.”

The UNDP is making important contributions to the Carbon Markets Africa Summit programme:

CARBON 101

As part of the CARBON 101 pre-summit masterclass on 21 October, UNDP Carbon Market Programme Specialist Bernardin Uzayisaba will facilitate a session on “Why carbon markets matter – and why Africa’s timing is critical.” There is already a lot of interest in this masterclass by delegates who will gain a foundational understanding of global carbon markets—both voluntary and compliance—and their evolving mechanisms: what they are and how they work. In addition, he will explore the global architecture shaped by Article 6 of the Paris Agreement and Africa’s emerging role in a system that’s rapidly evolving.

Day 1: Keynote session

Carbon markets can unlock billions in finance, strengthen our institutions, and accelerate both Agenda 2063 and the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C goal

– Maxwell Gomera, Resident Representative of UNDP South Africa and Director of the Africa Sustainable Finance Hub will deliver a keynote address in the CMAS opening session on 22 October.

– Sandra Lindström, Head of International Climate Cooperation, Swedish Energy Agency, a UNDP partner, is another keynote speaker in this session, as she explains: “Sweden has been active in carbon markets for over two decades and we believe that Article 6 of the Paris Agreement has an important role to play in enabling increased global climate ambition. Our long-standing partnerships in Africa are being ramped up to include cooperation on emissions trading with strong sustainable development contributions”.

Turning policy into action

As African countries transition from climate ambition to implementation, regulatory clarity is emerging as the cornerstone of carbon market development. UNDP Carbon Market Programme Specialist Bernardin will moderate the discussion on “Africa’s carbon market frameworks: Turning policy into action” in this session, which will explore how national frameworks are evolving post-COP29, what integration of Article 6 looks like on the ground, and how public-private collaboration can drive effective execution.

NBS & AFOLU discussion

In the sector-focused dialogue on nature-based solutions and AFOLU, Mr Uzayisaba will also join the expert panel discussion to explore carbon methodologies, investment models, policy frameworks, and the role of communities in delivering high-integrity, land-based carbon outcomes.

African companies entering carbon markets

On Day 2, Tomas Sales, Special Advisor for UNDP Africa Sustainable Finance Hub, will co-lead the workshop on “How African companies can enter the carbon market.”

This workshop is designed for African corporates and SMEs looking to understand the business case for engaging in carbon markets.

[Read the full interview with UNDP’s Maxwell Gomera here (https://apo-opa.co/4nWxPQL).]

Link to the CMAS 2025 Programme Brochure: https://apo-opa.co/4nPlvBO

Event dates and location:
Dates:
21 October: Pre-summit day
22–23 October: Summit
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Event website: About — Carbon Markets Africa (http://apo-opa.co/48DqHEz)

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

Energy

International Energy Forum (IEF) Chief to Bring Global Energy Perspective to Libya Energy & Economic Summit (LEES) 2027

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Secretary General of the International Energy Forum (IEF) Jassim Alshirawi is set to bring international energy policy expertise to discussions on Libya’s multi-billion-dollar investment pipeline and production expansion strategy

TRIPOLI, Libya, November 5, 2026/APO Group/ –International Energy Forum (IEF) Secretary General Jassim Alshirawi will participate as a speaker at the Libya Energy & Economic Summit (LEES) 2027, taking place in Tripoli on January 23–25. His participation will bring international energy policy expertise to discussions on Libya’s production ambitions, infrastructure development and integration into global energy markets.

 




  

Libya is pursuing a $36 billion energy investment program to expand production, develop infrastructure and attract international capital. The country aims to increase oil output to two million barrels per day by 2030–31, creating investment opportunities across upstream operations, gas development and downstream infrastructure. Delivering these ambitions will require financing, technical expertise and sustained cooperation between domestic institutions and international energy companies.

Alshirawi’s experience in international energy cooperation offers relevant perspectives as Libya works to strengthen its position in global markets. The IEF brings together energy-producing and consuming countries to facilitate dialogue on market stability, security of supply and investment. These priorities intersect with Libya’s efforts to mobilize capital, develop its hydrocarbon resources and establish the infrastructure required to support long-term production growth.

Appointed the IEF’s sixth Secretary General, Alshirawi assumed office on January 1, 2025, following his election on June 25, 2024. He brings more than 40 years of experience across the public and private energy sectors, including senior executive positions at Bahrain Petroleum Company and Bahrain’s Ministry of Oil, alongside advisory responsibilities to Bahrain’s oil and gas minister.

His professional background also includes contributions to Bahrain’s renewable energy and energy efficiency planning. Before becoming Secretary General, Alshirawi served seven years on the IEF Executive Board and nine years in its International Support Group, building extensive experience in institutional cooperation and international energy policy.

Libya became the IEF’s 72nd member country in January 2023, strengthening its participation in international energy dialogue and the Joint Organisations Data Initiative. Membership provides a platform for engagement on energy data transparency and market developments, supporting Libya’s efforts to deepen international cooperation as it pursues investment and production targets.

LEES 2027 will bring government representatives, national oil companies, international operators, investors and financial institutions to Tripoli to examine commercial opportunities across Libya’s energy sector. Alshirawi’s participation will contribute an international policy perspective to discussions on financing, infrastructure integration and the partnerships required to advance the country’s energy development objectives.

For more information about LEES 2027, visit www.LibyaSummit.com. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

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

 

 




 

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South Sudan Seeks Technical Partnerships to Accelerate Oil & Gas Development

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South Sudan’s energy renaissance is creating strategic entry points for local service companies as operators pursue production growth, brownfield expansion and new exploration frontiers

JUBA, South Sudan, November 5, 2026/APO Group/ –South Sudan’s plans to increase crude production from approximately 174,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 230,000 bpd in the near term are creating opportunities for both local and international service companies across exploration, engineering, logistics, infrastructure development and technical support. With 14 exploration blocks available and a longer-term production target of 450,000 bpd, expanding domestic supplier capacity and strengthening partnerships with international operators will be critical to supporting the country’s petroleum development ambitions.

 




  

The upcoming South Sudan Oil & Power (SSOP) conference – scheduled for November 24–25, 2026, in Juba – will connect service providers, engineering contractors, technology leaders, legal advisors and training institutions with project developers. Returning for its seventh edition, SSOP 2026 will feature technical workshops, high-level panel discussions and project showcases designed to translate market opportunities into tangible projects across the upstream, midstream and downstream sectors.

Strategic Frameworks Drive Exploration and Downstream Infrastructure

Recent bilateral and corporate milestones demonstrate South Sudan’s commitment to combining international expertise with physical infrastructure development. In July 2026, the Ministry of Petroleum signed a memorandum of understanding with UAE-based Bianchi Gold Trading Investment Company, establishing a strategic framework for cooperation across exploration, midstream storage, refining, technical studies and workforce capacity building. As these initiatives progress, they could generate demand for engineering contractors, technical consultants, construction firms and equipment suppliers.

https://apo-opa.co/481LnEQ

Meanwhile, the South African National Petroleum Company (SANPC), through its subsidiary Strategic Fuel Fund, is advancing exploration preparations at Block B2 in Greater Jonglei State. Following an aerial geophysical survey covering approximately 47,000 km² in 2024, the company has pursued terrain reconnaissance services to support a planned 2D seismic campaign. These activities illustrate opportunities for geophysical specialists, surveying companies, logistics providers and other technical contractors. SANPC CEO Godfrey Moagi is speaking at SSOP 2026.

https://apo-opa.co/4jSHs4p

Beyond exploration, South Sudan’s proposed petroleum infrastructure developments offer further potential for service companies. National oil company Nile Petroleum Corporation is pursuing a proposed 350-kilometre crude pipeline connecting the Tharjiath oilfields in Block 5A with the Paloch oilfields in Blocks 3 and 7, alongside refinery development and downstream expansion plans. If advanced, these projects would require engineering, construction, equipment supply and operational support.

Local Content Framework Supports Domestic Participation

South Sudan’s Petroleum Act provides a framework for increasing domestic participation in the oil and gas industry. The Act is designed to ensure that oil and gas activities benefit local communities, while supporting domestic enterprises through employment, procurement and equity partnerships. Local Content Regulations put into effect in 2019 further strengthen these obligations, positioning local companies at the forefront of the country’s oil and gas expansion.

https://apo-opa.co/4jUct89

The government has also sought to improve oversight, while strengthening its own technical capacity. In May 2026, the Ministry of Petroleum partnered with the African Legal Support Facility and international law firm Pinsent Masons to deliver specialized technical workshops for government officials. The training enhances local expertise in petroleum contract negotiations, fiscal framework design and regulatory compliance, ensuring that incoming investments align with national value retention goals.

https://apo-opa.co/4jZgV5A

SSOP 2026 Connects Service Companies with Project Opportunities

As South Sudan seeks to expand production and develop petroleum infrastructure, service companies will play an important part in delivering the technical capabilities required to move projects forward. SSOP 2026 provides a bridge between the country’s leading operators and service companies seeking to expand their footprint across the market.

Through dedicated technical sessions and executive networking opportunities, the conference will provide opportunities for companies to identify potential contracts, establish local and international partnerships and position themselves for future work across exploration, production optimization, refining and petroleum transportation.

For more information, visit https://SouthSudanOilPower.com.

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

 

 




 

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Standard Bank, Mozambique Oil and Gas Chamber Position Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs) at the Center of Major Energy Projects

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As multi-billion-dollar LNG projects advance toward FID and commissioning, Standard Bank and the Mozambique Oil and Gas Chamber are positioning local SMEs at the forefront of project development

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, November 5, 2026/APO Group/ –Standard Bank and the Mozambique Oil and Gas Chamber have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to support the development and integration of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSME) across the country’s energy value chain. Combining business capacity building, access to finance and connections with major operators, the partnership aims to help Mozambican companies compete for contracts as multi-billion-dollar projects advance toward commissioning.

 




  

Representing the voice of the African energy sector, the African Energy Chamber (AEC) recognizes the partnership as a vital step toward strengthening local participation across the energy sector. Signed in Maputo this week, the MoU addresses one of the biggest challenges faced by the industry: ensuring that domestic companies have the financial resources, technical capabilities and commercial connections needed to benefit from large-scale investments. By bringing financial institutions and leading operators together, the initiative offers a practical model for translating Mozambique’s growing energy investment pipeline into sustainable opportunities for local businesses.

“Mozambique is attracting billions of dollars into LNG development, but the true measure of success will be how much of that investment reaches local companies, creates jobs and builds lasting industrial capacity. Standard Bank and the Mozambique Oil and Gas Chamber are demonstrating exactly the kind of partnership Africa needs to turn major energy investments into opportunities for African businesses,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.

A Mozambican entrepreneur should not lose a contract simply because they cannot access working capital or meet procurement requirements without support

The partnership comes as Mozambique advances a series of major LNG projects toward commissioning. TotalEnergies’ Mozambique LNG project, designed to produce 13.1 million tons per annum (mtpa), is targeting first production by 2029. Development is progressing, with more than 4,000 workers currently mobilized at the Afungi site. ExxonMobil is also advancing the Rovuma LNG project toward a 2028-start. The company recently selected an engineering and procurement contractor for the planned 18.6-mtpa project.

Meanwhile, at African Energy Week 2026, Eni announced that it would begin drilling at the $7.2 billion Coral Norte FLNG project in early November. With a planned capacity of 3.6 mtpa, the project will double Mozambique’s LNG output to approximately 7 mtpa. Eni currently produces from the Coral Sul project, which came online in 2022. These projects are not only cementing the country’s position as a global LNG exporter, but are creating a substantial pipeline of opportunities for local MSMEs.

Stepping into this picture, the recent partnership between Standard Bank and the Mozambique Oil and Gas Chamber positions local companies at the forefront of these projects. According to Florival Mucave, President of the Mozambique Oil and Gas Chamber, the partners “aim to ensure that, as business opportunities emerge in connection with the supply chains of LNG projects, Mozambican companies not only know about these opportunities but are also increasingly prepared.”

Financing is at the core of the MoU. Mucave cited a MozUp 2024 study which showed that out of 104 suppliers surveyed, only 27% had bank loans, while 84% relied on informal financing avenues that covered about half of their business needs. The partnership addresses this challenge by connecting companies directly to financiers, while providing broader support across training and business preparation.

“A Mozambican entrepreneur should not lose a contract simply because they cannot access working capital or meet procurement requirements without support. We commend Standard Bank and the Mozambique Oil and Gas Chamber for moving beyond commitments to local content and putting practical solutions in place to help domestic businesses compete and grow,” Ayuk added.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

 




 

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