Connect with us
Anglostratits

Business

We Want to Remain Open for Investment, Says Namibia’s Petroleum Commissioner

Published

on

Petroleum

Speaking during a webinar on Guyana-Namibia upstream trends, Namibia’s Petroleum Commissioner at the Ministry of Mines and Energy Maggy Shino provided an update on the country’s exploration activities, stating that the country is open for investment as new exploration campaigns kick off

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, June 28, 2023/APO Group/ — 

The African Energy Chamber (AEC) (www.EnergyChamber.org) partnered with global energy and commodities information provider S&P Global Commodity Insights for a webinar on June 27. Exploring the respective upstream markets of Guyana and Namibia, the webinar – moderated by Verner Ayukegba, Senior-Vice President at the AEC and Justin Cochrane, African Upstream Regional Research Director, S&P Global Commodity Insights – provided insight into ongoing exploration efforts across both countries, with presentations investigating how Namibia – as a relatively new upstream play – can learn from Guyana’s experiences.

Namibia has quickly risen to become a highly attractive E&P market, with three major discoveries made in 2022 and 2023 incentivizing a strong slate of regional and global players to the country’s offshore basins. Eager to maintain this exploratory momentum, Maggy Shino, Petroleum Commissioner at Namibia’s Ministry of Mines and Energy, stated that for now, the government has no plans in place to change the current licensing structure in the country, but rather, it is committed to ensuring that the upstream market is “open for investment. We don’t want to force companies to make a decision in a licensing round but want to remain open for investment so that companies come when they are ready.”

According to Shino, “We have an ongoing drilling campaign with three rigs currently busy drilling appraisal and exploration wells. We are expecting two more wells to be drilled before the end of 2023 in the deep waters.” She added that the southern African country is seeing a rise in seismic surveys, and by the end of the year, the government is planning to announcement a series of drilling projects that will take place during 2024. 

To date, the Orange Basin represents the only de-risked acreage in Namibia, however, ongoing seismic campaigns in the Namibe and Walvis Basins are likely to reveal sizeable finds, particularly following successful exploration campaigns in the Angolan side of the offshore acreage.

Notwithstanding E&P incentives, Shino explained that the country is seeing heightened interest by global players, owing largely to Namibia’s attractive fiscal and regulatory environment. She stated that, “as a country, there is a benefit of being a late comer because we have gained insights from other countries on how to maximize our [legislation].”

We have an ongoing drilling campaign with three rigs currently busy drilling appraisal and exploration wells

While other countries continue to face challenges associated with environmental concerns, Namibia’s position as a new market has enabled the country to include environmental provisions in the drafting of its legislation. This has not only enhanced its attractiveness as an investment destination but ensures the protection of the environment – a top priority for the southern African country. According to Shino, “the Environmental Management Act has taken into consideration many scenarios to ensure industry growth as well as environmental sustainability. We continue working with civil society to ensure that our laws improve and will continue to provide the much-needed protection of the environment.”

Meanwhile, as a nascent energy market, Namibia has the opportunity to learn from those that went before it. Historically, resource-rich countries have all witnessed an ‘oil boom,’ a trend in which only the communities directly connected to energy developments reap the rewards. However, Namibia is committed to turning this trend around, implementing a number of local content mechanisms to enhance value addition and economic prosperity. According to Shino, the country is turning to its neighbors including Angola, Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea and others to strengthen local content ahead of first oil and gas. The government is also prioritizing economic diversification to ensure the development of various segments of the economy, with tourism having been identified as a top industry.

Shino also provided insight into the country’s potential Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) membership, stating that “we see great value that an organization like OPEC has in managing the dynamics of the market to ensure that the industry strives. We would like to join at the right time.”

While the offshore basins of Guyana and Namibia show few geological similarities, the timelines by which exploration efforts were undertaken and major discoveries were made are remarkably similar. Both countries witnessed over 50 years of exploratory efforts which yielded few results. However, following initial major discoveries, the pace at which developments, as well as associated E&P campaigns, kicked off rapidly accelerated.  

According to Joaquim de Azevedo, Principal Petroleum Economist for Upstream Solutions at S&P Global, the contribution towards GDP growth by the oil and gas sector will trigger an increase in wealth and improvement regarding the well-being of the population of both countries. He said both countries have fiscal terms which are attractive to global investors and are both prioritizing the rollout of gas-to-shore facilities to meet local demand using domestic resources.

Erik Meyer, Senior Technical Research Analyst at S&P Global, added that Guyana and Namibia both rank among the world’s top 25 basins by identified reserves, with Guyana leading at 18 billion barrels of discovered hydrocarbons while Namibia ranks high with its Venus and Graff-1 discoveries. Meyer emphasized that the discoveries made in the southern African country has “unlocked Namibia’s deepwater potential, with a number of prospects not yet explored in the Orange Basin. There is a lot of potential in the basin and we could see future large-scale discoveries.”

For Guyana, the country made 30 discoveries offshore, finds which have enabled further exploration as revenue increases. Similarly, with its three discoveries made to date, Namibia, according to Cody Schulte, Senior Technical Research Analyst, Upstream at S&P Global, is well positioned to attract a new wave of funding. He said that both countries are similar in the fact that testing and drilling across ultra-deep waters have been key for players present in Namibia and Guyana.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Business

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

Published

on

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.

 

Continue Reading

Business

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

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Energy

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

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Trending