Minister of Economy and Trade Mohamed Al-Hwej outlined Libya’s strategy for energy expansion and economic diversification at the Libya Energy & Economic Summit

TRIPOLI, Libya, January 20, 2025/APO Group/ — 

Libya’s economic growth and energy potential took center stage at the Libya Energy & Economic Summit (LEES) in Tripoli on January 19, as Libya’s Minister of Economy and Trade Mohamed Al-Hwej outlined the country’s goals for energy expansion and economic diversification. 

“There is no economy without energy, and this platform represents a strategy for growth,” said Minister Al-Hwej. He outlined Libya’s untapped hydrocarbon reserves and solar energy potential, reaffirming the country’s commitment to increasing crude oil production to two million barrels per day, while also focusing on downstream development and diversification. “Libya is ready not only to produce crude oil, but also to develop chemical and petroleum products. We aim to be a strategic hub, connecting Europe and Africa,” he added. 

Libya is ready not only to produce crude oil, but also to develop chemical and petroleum products

Following the keynote, a panel discussion on investment strategies, sponsored by Zahaf & Partners Law Firm, explored political stability, regulatory frameworks and incentives to attract investment to Libya’s energy sector. Moderated by Michel Cousins, Editor-in-Chief of Libya Energy, the session underscored Libya’s competitive advantages. 

Echoing the Minister’s remarks, Nicolas Pringault, Vice President and Country Manager for Libya and Algeria at Harbour Energy, emphasized Libya’s robust reserves. “Libya has the highest reserves in Africa, with 48 billion barrels of oil and 1.3 trillion cubic feet of gas. This is very encouraging for IOCs looking to explore,” Pringault noted. 

Despite its abundant natural resources, Dr. Ahmed Ali Attiga, Banker and Senior Advisor – Private Equity, and former CEO of the Arab Petroleum Investments Corporation, identified political division as a persistent barrier to investment. “Stability is essential, but it does not align with a divided country. This is the challenge Libya faces. Investors will come, and money will flow, but first, Libya must put its house in order,” Attiga remarked. 

Azza Maghur, Senior Strategy Advisor at Murzuq Oil Services, cautioned against changes to Libya’s existing legal framework, which she believes is critical to maintaining investor confidence. “Given the situation today, we should stick to the laws we have to maintain stability. The protection we have through arbitration is crucial – I strongly recommend we do not change the legal framework for now, as it ensures investor confidence.” 

Closing the discussion, Mohamed Dikna, Senior Consultant at Zahaf & Partners Law Firm, underscored that Libya (https://apo-opa.co/4g317ZL) already offers strong legal protections to investors. “If you have incentives and invest significant capital, but political unrest occurs, your investment becomes meaningless. However, Libya’s investment laws, including the Value-Added Incentive Tax at 26%, provide strong protection,” said Dikna. 

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

The return of President Trump to the White House has been subject to much speculation, with market participants questioning how the incoming Republican administration will approach critical minerals projects in Africa

LONDON, United Kingdom, January 20, 2025/APO Group/ — 

The Critical Minerals Africa Group (CMAG) (www.CMAGAfrica.com), the advocacy group seeking to foster deeper relations between Africa and global markets and put Africa at the heart of international discussions surrounding critical minerals policy, is working closely with its members and partners to help navigate a potential shift in US policy as President Trump takes office today.

The return of President Trump to the White House has been subject to much speculation, with market participants questioning how the incoming Republican administration will approach critical minerals projects in Africa, as well as other crucial areas including aid budgets and the Lobito Corridor.

Olimpia Pilch, Chief Strategy Officer at CMAG, says that “we can potentially expect an increase in critical mineral project funding from the US, but this will depend on several factors, including the rate at which US domestic sources can be unlocked, trends in real-time demand, GDP growth in the US, and the availability of cheap ore from other jurisdictions.”

A greater security focus will throw a spanner in the ambitions of many African nations looking to process and refine more critical minerals on the continent

“The key guiding principle for the incoming Trump administration will be security. Critical minerals projects that feed into US defence supply chains, speciality alloys, and other sectors deemed of national importance will stand a far better chance of accessing US government funding that those falling under a “green” or “energy transition” banner, which were prioritised by the Biden administration,” Pilch says.

“A greater security focus will throw a spanner in the ambitions of many African nations looking to process and refine more critical minerals on the continent. US entities are unlikely to accept the high risk of multi-billion refinery investments in volatile regions that often lack key ingredients for commercial success – cheap and reliable energy, well-maintained infrastructure, skills and expertise, favourable taxation, and stable governments,” she adds. “Given the intensification of US-China competition, regions with overt Chinese influence are also less likely to attract US private sector investment.”

“However, ample opportunities to move further down the value chain will remain, especially when it comes to producing critical mineral concentrates. Relatively more stable nations such as Botswana, Rwanda, Namibia, and Ghana stand to benefit provided their governments are willing to play by the Western rules of deal-making.”

Veronica Bolton Smith, CMAG’s CEO, says “CMAG is working closely with its members to ensure a smooth transition as companies exposed to African critical mineral supply chains seek to determine if and how the new administration will change the picture for the industry.”

“One of CMAG’s key priorities is to bridge the gap between Africa and Western markets with the aim of catalysing value for both sides. We will be working closely with our partners in the US and on the continent to bring about mutually beneficial outcomes under this new administration and beyond.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Critical Minerals Africa Group (CMAG).

Akinwole Omoboriowo II will discuss Genesis Energy’s plan to deliver 10.5 GW of power across Africa, highlighting how Nigeria’s power sector experience can inform the development of the Republic of Congo’s domestic energy grid and gas export potential

BRAZZAVILLE, Republic of the Congo, January 20, 2025/APO Group/ — 

Akinwole Omoboriowo II, CEO of Genesis Energy, will speak at the Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) in Brazzaville this March, where he will discuss the company’s plans to deliver 10.5 GW of power across Africa, with a focus on energy initiatives that align with the Republic of Congo’s energy development goals.

Genesis Energy is driving transformational power projects, including providing 334MW to the Port Harcourt Refinery in Nigeria and plans to produce 1 GW within the WAEMU region. In October 2024, Genesis and BPA Komani announced their strategic partnership to mobilize capital and facilitate critical infrastructure projects focused on renewable energy, particularly Battery Energy Storage Systems across Africa. Additionally, Genesis’ recent MOU with the U.S. Agency for International Development will mobilize $10 billion for green energy and renewable projects, supporting Africa’s transition to a sustainable energy future.

The inaugural Congo Economic and Investment Forum, set for March 25-26, 2025 in Brazzaville, will bring together international investors and local stakeholders to explore national and regional energy and infrastructure opportunities. The event will explore the latest gas-to-power projects and provide updates on ongoing expansions across the country.

During CEIF 2025, Omoboriowo will explore how Genesis’ successful energy infrastructure development projects in Africa, combined with private sector innovation, can guide the Republic of Congo in strengthening its energy security and achieving its decarbonization goals. By leveraging its expertise in clean energy and strategic partnerships, Genesis Energy is poised to play a key role in helping the Republic of Congo harness its energy potential and expand its regional energy influence.

The Republic of Congo’s renewable energy sector is in a phase of growth, with increasing interest in solar, hydro and wind energy projects. Battery energy storage capacities are also gaining traction as a vital component of the country’s energy infrastructure, helping to balance supply and demand. The government is focusing on diversifying its energy mix to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and enhance grid reliability. Looking ahead, the Congo aims to expand its renewable energy capacity and integrate storage solutions to meet growing domestic and regional energy needs while supporting environmental sustainability.

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