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United States (U.S.) Department of Energy Delegation Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2023

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Department of Energy

The delegation will be led by Josh Volz, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Africa, Middle East, Europe and Eurasia alongside Julie Middleton and Sarah Dhere

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, September 25, 2023/APO Group/ — 

The United States (U.S.) has long-played an instrumental role in developing and monetizing Africa’s energy resources, with a strong slate of American energy companies and technology providers driving impactful projects across the entire energy value chain. As the continent pursues a just and inclusive energy transition on the back of low-carbon oil and gas, U.S. partners will be critical as the demand for innovative approaches to decarbonizing the industry grows.

During the 2023 edition of the African Energy Week (AEW) conference and exhibition – the largest energy event on the continent – the African Energy Chamber (AEC) is proud to announce that a keynote address will be delivered by Josh Volz, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Africa, Middle East, Europe and Eurasia at the U.S. Department of Energy. Volz leads a delegation from the Department comprising Julie Middleton, Director of the Office of African and Middle Eastern Affairs in the Office of International Affairs, and Sarah Dhere, International Relations Specialist.

The U.S. has represented an important partner for Africa since initial discoveries of oil and gas were made on the continent. For decades and across almost every energy market in Africa, American companies have been at the forefront of development, investing in the expansion and resilience of the continent’s oil and gas industry.

International energy companies such as ExxonMobil and Chevron, for example, have played an instrumental role in developing projects and monetizing resources. ExxonMobil has operated in Africa for more than 100 years and since 2006, has committed more than $46 billion across the continent. The company spearheads some of the continent’s biggest hydrocarbon projects such as the Area 4 Coral South Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) development in Mozambique; several deepwater assets in Angola – a country where it is investing more than $15 billion -; the Tanzania LNG project and more. Recently, the country expressed plans to invest in Algerian shale gas while applying for acreage offshore Liberia, a testament to its commitment to Africa’s oil and gas future.

The U.S. has represented an important partner for Africa since initial discoveries of oil and gas were made on the continent

Similarly, Chevron boasts substantial investments across the entire value chain in Africa. For over a century, the company has driven a strong pipeline of projects, with interests in Nigeria, Angola, Benin, Cameroon, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, the Republic of Congo and Togo. Africa is a priority for the company and Chevron plans to continue investing for many years to come. Apache Corporation is also committed to Africa’s energy future and represents one of the largest American investors and oil producers in Egypt. The company is planning a $1.4 billion investment in the country in 2024 and has ambitions of scaling-up hydrocarbon E&P activities even further.  

On the oil services side, companies to the likes of Halliburton and Baker Hughes have been operating in Africa for decades and continue to provide the technology and tools needed to enhance sustainability and competitiveness. Baker Hughes has recently been awarded several competitive contracts for projects such as the Eni-led Belaine Phase 2 development offshore Ivory Coast; the bp-Kosmos Energy-led Greater Tortue Ahmeyim development in Senegal/Mauritania; and the $7.8 billion Agogo Integrated West Hub Development in Angola. Halliburton is also driving several projects, having recently opened an operations’ base in Senegal and re-entered the Libyan market.

American companies’ participation transcends oil and gas activities. U.S.-based energy firms have shown a commitment to capacity building, knowledge sharing and technology transfer, working closely with regional governments to scale-up local content. Through the training of the local workforce, a commitment to inclusivity and partnerships with local players, American companies have advanced the role they play in Africa’s energy sector.

U.S. involvement in Africa extends into the green energy sector, with the Government and energy companies supporting the continent’s efforts to drive a just and inclusive energy transition. Just this month, Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry engaged with African leaders, inking several agreements to fast-track green energy investment. These included mobilizing capital for Africa’s climate solutions; $200 million in funding to expand access to renewable energy in Africa; $1.4 million in support for Kenya’s carbon market activation plan, and many more. American capital and technology will help advance Africa’s energy transition ambitions, the U.S. Department of Energy facilitates engagement between U.S. companies and African opportunities.

Specifically, the Department works to strengthen bilateral and multilateral relationships with key international partners. Under efforts to advance U.S. climate goals, support investment and collaborative partnerships in clean energy and technology deployment while leveraging expertise to identify opportunities to scale-up energy access, security and resilience, the Department is committed to a sustainable and secure energy future for all.

“At a time when Africa needs substantial investment and technology to advance its energy agenda and make energy poverty history, partnership with global counterparts have emerged as more critical than ever. The US Department of Energy has long-been an important facilitator of capital, technology and expertise by US firms in Africa and will continue to play a fundamental role in unlocking new energy opportunities across the continent,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.

During the AEW 2023 conference, taking place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, the U.S. Department of Energy delegation will participate in several panel discussions, investor forums and networking functions centered on advancing global partnerships under a common goal of alleviating energy poverty. Closed-room discussions will take place between the Department and various African leaders including South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Senegalese President Macky Sall, Namibian President Hage Geingob, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and many more. With the US Department of Energy’s participation, the event will see new deals, discussions and ideas emerge.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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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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