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Zambia’s Finance Minister Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2024 Amid Calls for Foreign Investment in Untapped Energy Opportunities

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African Energy Week

During the upcoming African Energy Week: Invest in African Energy, Situmbeko Musokotwane will engage with a suite of global investors as the country moves to unlock the full potential of its energy industry

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, June 19, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Zambia’s Minister of Finance and National Planning Situmbeko Musokotwane will speak at the upcoming African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energy conference – Africa’s premier energy event, scheduled for November 4-8 in Cape Town. Through his participation, Minister Musokotwane will provide strategic insights into investment opportunities across Zambia’s energy sector – a market ripe with opportunity.

Zambia is exploring various financing mechanisms to enhance investment flows within the energy sector for improved energy security. In April 2024, the Zambian government introduced the Demand Stimulation Incentive, a financial mechanism aimed at attracting investments in mini-grids. The incentive will support Zambia’s 1,000 Mini-Grid Initiative, designed to accelerate energy access through mini-grid deployment. Innovative finance mechanisms designed to boost energy investments in Zambia will be unpacked during AEW: Invest in African Energy.

AEW: Invest in African Energy is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

Zambia is strengthening its cooperation with global financial institutions to accelerate energy mix diversification, address an 810 MW energy demand-supply gap, and achieve its goal of universal energy access by 2030. Currently, 31% of the population is connected to the grid. In April 2024, Zambia secured funding from the World Bank to implement the National Energy Advancement and Transformation Program. The $700 million project aims to attract private sector investment to improve electricity infrastructure and enhance the financial sustainability of state utility Zesco.

Additionally, Zambia is collaborating with the African Development Bank to raise funds for multiple power projects, including the Itezhi-Tezhi (ITT) Transmission Line project and the Wind Energy Promotion Project. During the event, Minister Musokotwane will discuss the role of public-private partnerships in advancing Zambia’s energy sector growth, unpacking how the country is working with private players to advance power projects.

In the oil and gas industry, Zambia is prioritizing cooperation with regional counterparts – including Angola, Namibia and Tanzania – to fund infrastructure projects and secure petroleum supplies. The country’s total petroleum requirements are met through imports due to the lack of commercial oil and gas discoveries. As such, cross-border projects have been given priority status as the government aims to secure trade partnerships.

Zambian company Tazama Pipelines plans to invest $2.5 billion towards the expansion of the existing Tanzania-Zambia Crude Oil Pipeline. The pipeline will enable Zambia to capitalize on oil and gas from upcoming projects across the East African region, including the Kingfisher and Tilenga developments in Uganda and the Tanzania LNG project. In 2023, Zambia and Tanzania agreed to enhance financial and security contributions to protect and maintain the pipeline.

Additionally, in January 2023, Zambia signed an agreement with Angola to increase oil and gas imports, following a 2022 deal where Zambia acquired a stake in Angola’s planned 200,000 barrels per day Lobito Refinery project. Zambia and Angola are also working on a $5 billion pipeline project to transport petroleum products from Angola to Zambia. Furthermore, in 2022, Zambia signed a deal with Namibia to develop an oil pipeline from the Namibian port of Walvis Bay. The pipeline will enable Zambia to tap into Namibia’s growing oil and gas potential from the country’s recent discoveries.

In-country, private and public entities are adopting new financing mechanisms to support infrastructure growth. Swiss petroleum business company Puma Energy partnered with Zambian bank Zanaco to launch the Micro-Financing LPG project in 2023. The project will provide funding to consumers and LPG businesses to accelerate the adoption of LPG for clean cooking in Zambia. AEW: Invest in African Energy represents the best platform for Minister Musokotwane to discuss incentives and policies aimed at attracting investment across Zambia’s oil and gas value chain.

“Zambia has made notable progress in integrating its energy sector with regional counterparts to strengthen its grid and energy supply. Zambia’s investment climate is positive, presenting an opportunity for the country to secure new partners for energy sector growth,” stated NJ Ayuk, the Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.

During AEW: Invest in African Energy, Minister Musokotwane will engage in high-level panel discussions and exclusive networking sessions, highlighting lucrative investment prospects in Zambia’s energy industry.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) Leads up to €2 Billion Syndicated Facility in Largest-Ever Global Loan Syndication for Bank of Industry

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Africa Finance Corporation

The transaction is a record global loan syndication for BOI, and marks the largest capital raise in its history, setting a new standard for developmental finance across Africa

LAGOS, Nigeria, December 3, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) (www.AfricaFC.org), the continent’s leading infrastructure solutions provider, today announced its role as Global Coordinator, Lead Co-Arranger, Underwriter, Bookrunner, and Guarantor in the successful syndication of an up to €2 billion facility for Bank of Industry (BOI), Nigeria’s largest and most impactful development finance institution. The transaction is a record global loan syndication for BOI, and marks the largest capital raise in its history, setting a new standard for developmental finance across Africa.

Proceeds of the facility will be used for general corporate purposes including to finance trade and trade related projects of eligible corporates in Nigeria. The facility was syndicated at two levels with AFC, Standard Chartered Bank, African Export-Import Bank, First Abu Dhabi Bank PJSC, FirstRand Bank Limited, acting through its Rand Merchant Bank division (London Branch), Mashreqbank PSC, SMBC Bank International PLC, Absa Bank (Mauritius) Limited, Absa Bank Limited (acting through its Corporate and Investment Banking division) and Export-Import Bank of India London Branch acting as part of a senior syndicate, together raising an initial €1.43 billion. Following this, AFC led a general syndication, through which an additional €447 million was raised, bringing the total transaction to €1.9 billion, representing an oversubscription of 87%. The facility is expected to further grow to €2 billion.

This landmark global loan syndication is significant for Nigeria and BOI, as the institution was able to successfully tap the international capital market at a time when credit is scarce and prohibitively expensive. It also highlights market confidence in BOI and AFC as leading financial institutions, demonstrating the power of collaboration and innovation between African financial institutions. 

This successful syndication is a significant milestone achievement, not only for BOI but for Africa’s financial landscape as a whole

“This successful syndication is a significant milestone achievement, not only for BOI but for Africa’s financial landscape as a whole. We are proud to have played a central role in this historic global loan syndication, solidifying AFC’s position as a trusted bridge between global investors and infrastructure projects in Africa,” said Banji Fehintola, Executive Board member & Head of Financial Services at AFC. “Our sincere appreciation also goes to our Joint Coordinator and partner Standard Chartered Bank and all other banks that participated in making this transaction a huge success,” he added.

“This financing, the sixth international capital raising for BOI, is the largest fundraising in our history and the largest syndication in the history of African development finance institutions. A key constant in achieving this success is the continued support of our international funding partners, including AFC. We are grateful for the unique role that AFC played to make this transaction a success,“ said Dr. Olasupo Olusi, the Managing Director of BOI.

As part of the syndication, AFC leveraged its A3 (stable outlook) investment-grade rating, recently affirmed by Moody’s, to bring together an international consortium of financial institutions. The transaction aligns with the Corporation’s mission to provide pragmatic solutions that close the continent’s infrastructure gap, accelerate industrialisation, and enhance Africa’s economic resilience against global economic challenges.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Finance Corporation (AFC).

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Board Accepts Carlos Tavares’ Resignation as Chief Executive Officer

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Stellantis

The process to appoint the new permanent Chief Executive Officer is well under way, managed by a Special Committee of the Board, and will be concluded within the first half of 2025

AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands, December 3, 2024/APO Group/ —

  • Creation of Interim Executive Committee to be chaired by John Elkann
  • New CEO will be appointed in the first half of 2025
  • Full year 2024 financial guidance confirmed

Stellantis’ success since its creation has been rooted in a perfect alignment between the reference shareholders, the Board and the CEO

Stellantis N.V. (“Stellantis” or “the Company”) (www.Stellantis.com) announces that the Company’s Board of Directors, under the Chairmanship of John Elkann, accepted Carlos Tavares’ resignation from his role as Chief Executive Officer with immediate effect.

The process to appoint the new permanent Chief Executive Officer is well under way, managed by a Special Committee of the Board, and will be concluded within the first half of 2025. Until then, a new Interim Executive Committee, chaired by John Elkann, will be established.

Stellantis confirms the guidance it presented to the financial community on October 31, 2024, in respect of its full year 2024 results.

Stellantis’ Senior Independent Director, Henri de Castries, commented: “Stellantis’ success since its creation has been rooted in a perfect alignment between the reference shareholders, the Board and the CEO. However, in recent weeks different views have emerged which have resulted in the Board and the CEO coming to today’s decision.”

Chairman John Elkann said: “Our thanks go to Carlos for his years of dedicated service and the role he has played in the creation of Stellantis, in addition to the previous turnarounds of PSA and Opel, setting us on the path to becoming a global leader in our industry. I look forward to working with our new Interim Executive Committee, supported by all our Stellantis colleagues, as we complete the process of appointing our new CEO. Together we will ensure the continued deployment of the Company’s strategy in the long-term interests of Stellantis and all of its stakeholders.” 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Stellantis.

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Shakwa Nyambe Ranked as a Highly Regarded Lawyer for Oil and Gas in Namibia by IFLR1000 2024 Rankings

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Shakwa Nyambe

IFLR1000 is an internationally esteemed guide that ranks leading lawyers and firms based on their expertise and impact across practice areas

WINDHOEK, Namibia, December 3, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Shakwa Nyambe, the Managing Partner of SNC Incorporated (www.SNCLawGroup.com), has been recognised as a Highly Regarded Lawyer for Oil and Gas in Namibia by the IFRL1000 rankings of 2024. He is specifically recognised for his exceptional work in the practice area of Projects: Energy, with a focus on the Oil and Gas industry, further cementing his reputation as a world-renowned Energy, Oil and Gas, Natural Resource and Commercial Lawyer.

IFLR1000 is an internationally esteemed guide that ranks leading lawyers and firms based on their expertise and impact across practice areas. Being ranked as a Leading Lawyer for Oil and Gas by this global institution places Shakwa among the most influential individuals in Namibia’s Oil and Gas sector and highlights his invaluable contributions to the field.

Shakwa Nyambe’s recognition is a reflection of his understanding of the complexities of the Oil and Gas industry and his ability to provide innovative solutions to clients navigating the challenges of this sector. As the Managing Partner of SNC Incorporated, a full-service energy, natural resources, corporate & commercial law and dispute resolution law firm, Shakwa has built a legacy of excellence in the legal and commercial sectors. His experience encompasses, advising international corporations, state-owned enterprises, governments, and individuals in oil & gas, renewable energy, and mining projects, and provision of legal services in matters ranging from mergers and acquisitions, commercial transactions, and corporate governance to project financing as well as rendering advisory services on general commercial matters.

To be acknowledged as a Highly Regarded Lawyer by IFLR1000 in Namibia for my work in Energy and Oil & Gas is a profound honour

Shakwa is the President-Elect of the Association of International Energy Negotiators (AIEN) for the period 2024 – 2025 and will take over the Presidency for the period 2025 – 2026. His qualifications include, amongst others, a Master of Laws (LLM) in Oil and Gas Law with Professional Skills from the University of Aberdeen in the United Kingdom, a Postgraduate Diploma in Drafting and Interpretation of Contracts from the University of Johannesburg and an Executive Diploma in Global Business (Master’s Level) from the Saïd Business School, University of Oxford.

His expertise and strategic guidance have made him the go-to advisor for international oil companies, energy companies, mining companies. multinational corporations and local entities engaged in Namibia’s energy development.

This acknowledgment comes at a critical moment for Namibia, as the country is emerging as a significant player in the global energy market, driven by transformative discoveries in the Orange Basin by major international companies. Shakwa’s legal and strategic leadership has been instrumental in helping stakeholders capitalize on these opportunities while ensuring compliance with Namibia’s regulatory landscape.

Commenting on the rankings, Shakwa Nyambe stated, “To be acknowledged as a Highly Regarded Lawyer by IFLR1000 in Namibia for my work in Energy and Oil & Gas is a profound honour. It reflects not just my efforts but the dedication of the team at SNC Incorporated and the trust of our clients. This motivates me to continue raising the bar for legal and business excellence in Namibia’s oil and gas sector.”

As a globally recognized thought leader, he frequently engages in high-level dialogues on energy, corporate and resource law, sharing insights that shape policy and practice in Namibia and internationally.

As Namibia continues its rise as a frontier oil and gas producer, Shakwa Nyambe exemplifies excellence, driving the sector forward with vision, expertise and an unwavering commitment to his clients.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of SNC Incorporated.

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