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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.

Business

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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