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World-leading Economists and Thought Leaders Converge at Hong Kong’s Landmark Forum to Decode China’s Economic Future in a Multipolar World

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Economists

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 December 2025 – The highly anticipated International Forum on China’s Economy and Policy 2025, held by the Chief Executive’s Policy Unit (CEPU) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, successfully concluded in mid-November. Themed “Economic Transformations in a Multipolar World”, the Forum delivered a full day of profound insights and high-level dialogue on the shifting dynamics of the global economy. The event, held at the Central Government Offices in Hong Kong, attracted around 600 distinguished guests, including leading economists, policymakers, academics, business and think tank leaders from overseas, the Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong.

This landmark event, organised by the CEPU in collaboration with think tanks affiliated with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and world-leading university think tanks in Hong Kong, was designed to serve as a critical platform to discuss and shape impactful policy initiatives for the economic development of China and beyond. The Forum examined and discussed the ongoing transition of the global economy under a multipolar system, with a focus on how geopolitics, regional trade blocs, technological innovation, and shifting supply chains are reshaping global trade, governance and financial systems. In particular, the Forum also highlighted Hong Kong’s new role in navigating these changes, fostering innovation, and contributing to the future of the national and global economy.

The Forum is the second of the CEPU’s flagship series “International Forum on China’s Economy and Policy”. As the “think tank among think tanks” working directly under the Chief Executive of the HKSAR, the CEPU has championed the creation of this high-level platform to encourage cross‑sector dialogue on this crucial matter. The inaugural Forum took place in 2023 under the theme “China’s Stride towards High-quality Development – The Opportunities and Roles of Hong Kong” that examined and discussed China’s economic situation and future trends, the global economic landscape and Hong Kong’s role in national economic development under China’s strides towards high-quality development.

This year, against the backdrop of today’s increasingly complex global economic landscape, the Forum featured Hong Kong’s unique role in actively pioneering new development paradigms and creating stronger impetus. This includes leveraging its distinctive strengths in deepening international exchanges and co-operation, while proactively integrating into national development.

In his welcoming remarks at the Forum, the Chief Executive of the HKSAR, Mr John Lee said, “Our country is solidly on a path of high-quality development, creating a stable platform for global growth. As part of this national endeavour, the HKSAR is proud to contribute its unique advantages, which also enable us to play a critical role in global economic transformations. Under the ‘one country, two systems’ principle, Hong Kong enjoys the dual advantage of having both national and global opportunities. In these times of economic uncertainty, Hong Kong, as a ‘super connector’ and ‘super value-adder’, builds bridges for a world of mutual opportunity, offering a market-friendly business environment. We are working now, proactively, to align ourselves with the 15th Five-Year Plan, fulfil Hong Kong’s responsibilities and seize the plentiful opportunities there for us.”

To discuss economic transformations around the world, this year’s Forum brought together leaders from all sectors to explore pathways for collaborative development. Special addresses were delivered by the esteemed Columbia University Professor and Nobel Memorial Prize laureate in Economic Sciences Professor Joseph E. Stiglitz, and Stanford University Philip H. Knight Professor Emeritus of Management, Graduate School of Business, Senior Fellow, Hoover Institution, and Nobel Memorial Prize laureate in Economic Sciences Professor Michael Spence. The Chief Executive also had a meeting with Professor Stiglitz and Professor Spence, both unanimously agreed that China’s economy has greater room for development, while Hong Kong is poised to play a more significant role in forming a new development model.

The Forum also brought together more than 20 experts, academics, business leaders and government officials from overseas, the Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong who participated in three high-level panel discussion sessions that tackled pressing issues surrounding the themes “Global Significance of China’s New Development Plan”, “The New Development Landscape of Hong Kong”, and “The Integrated Symbiosis of Regional Economies in the World”. In-depth discussions focused on the latest dynamics and trends of global transformations, impacts and challenges faced by the global economy, and on key topics such as the nation’s economic development strategy during the 15th Five-Year Plan period, sustainable development models for regional economic co-operation in the world, and how Hong Kong can enhance its international competitiveness and contribute to future global economic development in the evolving landscape.

Among the esteemed speakers were Member of the Leading Party Members’ Group, and Secretary-General, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Dr Zhao Zhimin; Academician, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Dr Cai Fang; Vice Director, Economic Committee of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and former Vice Minister, Development Research Center of the State Council, Dr Liu Shijin; Director, the Institute for European Policymaking, Bocconi University, Professor Daniel Gros; and the Chairman, Europe-Asia Center, former Under-Secretary-General, United Nations, and former Executive Director, United Nations Environment Programme, Mr Erik Solheim.

“The Forum establishes a platform with international influence for high-level dialogue and exchange among the academic community, business leaders and think tanks. Renowned speakers from the United States, Europe, ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong and across the globe have been invited,” commented Dr Stephen Wong, Head of the CEPU. “This initiative serves a dual purpose: to deepen international exchanges and co-operation for local think tanks, thereby enhancing their global influence; and to explore international and national economic development trends, uncovering Hong Kong’s unique advantage as a bridge connecting the Chinese Mainland and the world. This will accelerate Hong Kong’s integration into and contribution to the broader National Development landscape.”

Beyond the formal sessions, the Forum provided an invaluable venue for economists, policymakers, academics, think tank experts, business and thought leaders from overseas, the Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong to network and forge partnerships, once again showcasing Hong Kong’s unique role as a ‘super connector’ and ‘super value-adder’. The International Forum on China’s Economy and Policy has firmly established itself as a premier event for understanding the forces shaping China’s economic trajectory and its profound impact on the world, with many attendees already looking forward to future opportunities to reconvene and continue this critical dialogue.

 

Energy

Africa’s Leading Energy Companies and Projects Shortlisted for African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 Awards

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AEW has unveiled this year’s award nominees, recognizing the companies, projects and individuals driving investment, innovation and development across Africa’s energy sector

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, August 4, 2026/APO Group/ –The nominees for the African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 recognize the companies, projects and individuals driving innovation, investment and growth across Africa’s energy sector. Featuring 12 categories spanning the full energy value chain, the awards celebrate the achievements shaping the continent’s energy future.

 

Winners will be announced during the AEW 2026 Gala Dinner & Awards Ceremony, taking place on Tuesday, October 13, in Cape Town. The ceremony will bring together ministers, industry leaders, investors and technology providers to recognize excellence in upstream, downstream, gas, power, local content, technology and corporate leadership.

African Service Provider of the Year

  • GeoEnergy Group – for advancing digital transformation through the Egypt Upstream Gateway while strengthening local technical expertise across Africa.
  • One Titanium – for delivering specialized services supporting Africa’s energy industry.
  • KAESO – for expanding indigenous engineering and technical services across African markets.
  • SONILS – for strengthening logistics and supply chain services for integrated energy projects.
  • NIPEX – for enhancing procurement and local supplier participation in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

International Service Provider of the Year

  • NOV – for supporting major energy developments with advanced engineering and equipment solutions.
  • Geoex MCG – for nearly two decades of supporting Equatorial Guinea’s offshore exploration through seismic data acquisition and licensing support.
  • Africa Global Logistics – for expanding integrated logistics solutions supporting energy projects across Africa.
  • Technip Energies – for delivering engineering expertise across major African energy developments.
  • SBM Offshore – for advancing offshore production through industry-leading FPSO solutions.
  • SLB – for deploying advanced technologies and technical services across Africa’s upstream sector.

Local Content Champion (African Companies)

  • Seplat Energy – for maintaining a 98% Nigerian workforce while investing in local talent development and procurement.
  • Copia Group of Companies – for strengthening indigenous participation across Angola’s energy value chain.
  • Renaissance Africa Energy – for expanding Nigerian ownership and local participation in upstream operations.
  • Cabship – for growing Angolan maritime and offshore services through locally driven operations.

Local Content Champion (International Companies)

  • TotalEnergies Uganda – for developing the Tilenga Academy to train Uganda’s future oil and gas workforce.
  • NOV – for supporting local skills development and supplier participation across African markets.
  • Woodside Energy – for advancing local workforce development through its African operations.
  • Africa Global Logistics – for building African logistics capacity through local employment, training and supplier development.

E&P Leader of the Year

  • Shell – for the Merlin-1X discovery in Namibia and the Velox-1X discovery offshore Egypt, reinforcing its exploration leadership.
  • Renaissance Africa Energy & NNPCL – for the JK-004 discovery in Nigeria’s OML 74, confirming multiple hydrocarbon-bearing reservoirs.
  • Murphy Oil – for the Bubale-1X light oil discovery offshore Côte d’Ivoire in Block CI-709.
  • Eni – for major discoveries in Côte d’Ivoire and Angola that expanded Africa’s offshore resource base.
  • OMV & Libya’s National Oil Corporation – for the Eassar commercial oil discovery in Libya’s Sirte Basin.

Downstream & Infrastructure Leader of the Year

  • Dangote Refinery – for transforming Nigeria’s refining capacity and reducing dependence on imported fuels.
  • Cabinda Oil Refinery – for expanding Angola’s domestic refining capacity as part of its downstream growth strategy.
  • East African Crude Oil Pipeline – for advancing one of Africa’s largest cross-border energy infrastructure projects.
  • African Atlantic Gas Pipeline – for progressing a strategic regional gas corridor linking West Africa with Morocco and Europe.

Deal of the Year

  • Trafigura – for its $1 billion oil prepayment agreement with the Republic of Gabon.
  • Levene Energies – for acquiring a 30% stake in Axxela through the Bluecore consortium, strengthening indigenous ownership.
  • Heirs Energies – for acquiring a 20.07% stake in Seplat Energy in a landmark African-led transaction.
  • UTM FLNG – for advancing Nigeria’s first floating LNG project through a major multi-party development agreement.

CSR Project of the Year

  • Mozambique LNG – for supporting flood recovery efforts benefiting approximately 190,000 people in southern Mozambique.
  • South African National Petroleum Company – for expanding STEM education through its Axium STEMI initiative in the Eastern Cape.
  • Kosmos Energy Ghana – for empowering entrepreneurs through the Kosmos Innovation Center.
  • Sonangol – for supporting youth entrepreneurship through its SonaJovem program.
  • Eni – for expanding clean cooking initiatives across Africa.
  • Oando Foundation – for improving education through its Adopt-A-School Initiative in Nigeria.

Gas Monetization Award

  • Levene Energies – for advancing gas commercialization and infrastructure-led industrial development.
  • NOV APL Norway – for supporting the Nguya FLNG project and expanding offshore LNG production in Congo.
  • Congo LNG – for advancing the Tango and Nguya FLNG projects to strengthen the Republic of Congo’s LNG industry.
  • Amufert – for developing Angola’s flagship ammonia and urea project utilizing domestic natural gas.

Technology Innovator

  • TotalEnergies – for developing the SUBLIIM digital platform to optimize subsea field layouts.
  • SOLA Group – for reaching financial close on South Africa’s largest private hybrid solar and battery storage project.
  • Shearwater – for deploying its Pearl ocean-bottom node technology during its first commercial survey in Angola.
  • TGS & Starlink – for redefining seismic data transfer through satellite-enabled connectivity.

Power Africa Developer

  • TotalEnergies – for inaugurating Africa’s largest hybrid renewable energy project.
  • Siemens Energy – for expanding gas turbine and grid infrastructure supporting Africa’s growing power demand.
  • Globeleq – for growing its renewable energy portfolio across wind, solar, geothermal and battery storage.
  • Infinity Power – for expanding one of Africa’s largest renewable energy development portfolios.E

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Energy

Mining Investment Leaders from Guinea, Egypt and Nigeria to Headline African Mining Week (AMW) 2026

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Senior government officials will highlight the strategies driving exploration, mineral beneficiation and investment across three of Africa’s most dynamic mining jurisdictions

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, August 4, 2026/APO Group/ –Senior government officials leading mining reform and investment initiatives in Guinea, Egypt and Nigeria have been confirmed as keynote speakers at African Mining Week (AMW) 2026, where they will outline the policies, projects and opportunities reshaping Africa’s mineral sector.

Taking place October 14-16 in Cape Town, AMW 2026 – The Most Influential Mining Conference in Africa – will convene government leaders, mining executives and investors to examine the strategies driving the continent’s next phase of resource development.

Confirmed keynote speakers include Daouda Diakite, Senior Advisor to the Minister, Ministry of Mines and Geology, Republic of Guinea; Yasser Ramadan, Chairman of the Egyptian Mineral Resources and Mining Industries Authority (MRMIA); and Martins Imonitie, Managing Director and CEO of the Nigerian Mining Corporation. Their keynote presentations will highlight national strategies to expand exploration, strengthen mineral beneficiation and attract investment across three of Africa’s most dynamic mining jurisdictions.

AMW 2026 comes as African governments accelerate reforms, expand exploration and prioritize value addition to unlock greater economic returns from the continent’s vast mineral resources. The conference will provide a platform for policymakers and industry leaders to discuss how these strategies are creating new opportunities across the mining value chain.

Guinea represents one of Africa’s most ambitious mining growth stories. Through its Simandou 2040 strategy, the government is leveraging its world-class iron ore and bauxite resources to drive industrialization, infrastructure development and economic diversification. Earlier this year, Guinea introduced its Planning Law and Program Law, reforms designed to strengthen long-term economic planning and improve the investment climate across the mining sector and wider economy. With more than 122 strategic projects seeking investment and an estimated $200 billion required to deliver its national development agenda, Guinea is positioning mining as a catalyst for broader economic transformation.

Egypt is also accelerating efforts to position mining as a key pillar of economic growth through expanded exploration and mineral beneficiation. In March 2026, the MRMIA launched the country’s first nationwide airborne geophysical survey in more than four decades through a partnership with Xcalibur Smart Mapping, supporting a new phase of mineral exploration and resource development. Egypt is also expanding downstream processing capacity through initiatives such as a proposed gold refinery with Afreximbank and new investments targeting value addition across gold, iron ore, phosphate and other strategic minerals.

Nigeria, meanwhile, is strengthening its mining industry as part of a broader strategy to diversify its economy beyond oil and gas. The country has attracted more than $2.6 billion in mining investment over the past two years, supported by major mineral discoveries including a world-class polymetallic province in Kaduna State containing platinum, gold, nickel, copper and rare earth elements, as well as an estimated 3.3 million metric tons of lithium resources near Abuja. With 44 identified mineral commodities and a renewed focus on attracting private capital, Nigeria is positioning mining as a major engine of long-term economic growth.

By bringing together senior policymakers from three of Africa’s fastest-evolving mining markets, AMW 2026 will offer delegates first-hand insight into the reforms, investment priorities and development strategies shaping the future of the continent’s mining industry.

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

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Welligence Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 as Associate Partner as Data-Driven Exploration Advances

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As exploration accelerates across Africa, Welligence will bring data-driven insights on licensing, investment and basin competitiveness to AEW 2026

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, August 4, 2026/APO Group/ –Market intelligence company Welligence Energy Analytics has been confirmed as an Associate Partner of the African Energy Week (AEW) Conference and Exhibition, taking place on October 12–16, 2026 in Cape Town. The company’s partnership reflects the growing importance of data, analytics and market intelligence in guiding investment decisions across Africa’s evolving oil and gas sector.

 

Africa’s upstream sector is entering a new phase of growth, with frontier exploration, offshore discoveries and LNG developments expanding investment opportunities across the continent. As governments compete for exploration capital, demand is growing for high-quality commercial intelligence, basin analysis and licensing data to support investment decisions. AEW 2026 provides Welligence with a platform to engage directly with policymakers, operators, financiers and project developers driving Africa’s next wave of energy investment.

Welligence is helping governments and investors better understand Africa’s resource potential, evaluate opportunities and deploy capital more effectively

Welligence has established itself as a leading provider of upstream data, commercial analysis and market intelligence, supporting governments, operators and investors with asset valuations, basin intelligence, licensing analysis, emissions analytics and commercial benchmarking across global energy markets. Its research and advisory services are increasingly helping stakeholders identify high-potential investment opportunities while improving the competitiveness of African upstream markets.

This expertise is reflected in the company’s January 2026 report, Sub-Saharan Africa: What to Look for in 2026, which identifies Uganda, Kenya, Namibia and Zimbabwe among Africa’s highest-potential frontier markets, while highlighting continued investment opportunities in deepwater and LNG developments across Nigeria, Angola, Mozambique, Namibia and Tanzania.

Beyond market analysis, Welligence has expanded its advisory work across West Africa, supporting governments on licensing rounds, mergers and acquisitions, exploration campaigns and fiscal competitiveness. These services are helping countries strengthen acreage marketing strategies, improve bid-round participation and position their hydrocarbon resources more effectively to international investors. As producers including Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast and Angola pursue ambitious exploration and production targets, data-driven investment promotion is becoming an increasingly important component of attracting upstream capital.

“In today’s upstream market, access to reliable data is a competitive advantage. Welligence is helping governments and investors better understand Africa’s resource potential, evaluate opportunities and deploy capital more effectively. Their participation at AEW 2026 reflects the growing role that market intelligence plays in driving investment across the continent,” stated NJ Ayuk, the Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.

As Africa’s premier energy event, AEW brings together the policymakers, operators, financiers and service providers shaping Africa’s next generation of oil and gas projects. The participation of companies such as Welligence reflects the growing importance of market intelligence in supporting informed investment and commercial decision-making across the sector.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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