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Zephyr Marine Services Signals New Era for Namibian Oil Services as Taimi Nangula Itembu Steps into Leadership

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6 months ago

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African Energy Chamber

The African Energy Chamber – as the voice of the African energy sector – celebrates and commends the launch of Zephyr Marine Services. The milestone represents a huge step in the growth of Namibia’s energy sector and the strengthening of the country’s local content development

WINDHOEK, Namibia, March 23, 2026/APO Group/ –Namibia’s rapidly expanding offshore energy sector has gained a critical new enabler with the launch of Zephyr Marine Services Pty Ltd – a locally owned company dedicated to marine asset logistics and operational solutions. At the helm is co-Founder and Executive Director Taimi Nangula Itembu, a respected Namibian professional now stepping into a leadership role focused on building domestic capacity to support the country’s maritime and offshore industries.

 

Itembu brings a strong track record of public sector, policy and international engagement to her new role. Her career spans key institutions including the Judiciary of Namibia and the Parliament of Namibia, where she contributed to legislative processes, governance oversight and institutional reform. She later built extensive experience in public and government affairs within the energy sector, gaining insight into stakeholder engagement, regulatory frameworks and the strategic priorities shaping Namibia’s oil and gas landscape.

She has held various positions at ExxonMobil, including Deputy Country Manager for Namibia, before moving on to a global role in Europe in Public and Government Affair. Her early career also includes work with the U.S. Department of State, strengthening U.S.-Namibian relations. Academically, Itembu holds a Master of Public Administration from Harvard University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Psychology from St. Francis Xavier University. Her transition into Zephyr Marine Services reflects a deliberate move toward building Namibian-led solutions.

We are creating solutions that understand local realities, respond to local challenges and contribute to long-term national growth

“I am deeply grateful for my time at ExxonMobil, which provided an exceptional platform for growth, learning and professional development. The experience, mentorship and exposure I gained have been instrumental in shaping my understanding of Namibia’s energy landscape and the broader global industry. I leave with immense appreciation for the opportunities I was given and carry those lessons forward as I take on this next chapter,” Itembu said.

The launch of Zephyr Marine Services comes at a critical time for the Namibian oil and gas industry. With first oil on the cards for 2029 – led by the TotalEnergies-operated Venus and Mopane fields -, the demand for robust, locally-driven logistics, marine coordination and operational support continues to rise. TotalEnergies aims to reach FID for the Venus project in 2026 and recently signed an agreement with Galp Energia – former operator of the Mopane field – granting it operatorship of PEL 83. Under the terms of the deal, Galp will retain a stake in PEL 83 while assuming a 10% stake in the Venus project.

Other players are driving exploration activities in Namibia’s off- and onshore basins. In 2025, several milestones were achieved, including Rhino Resources’ light oil discovery at the Capricornus 1-X well in April. Chevron announced plans to embark on a 2026/2027 drilling campaign while ReconAfrica completed drilling at the Kavango West 1X well (onshore). Looking ahead, ReconAfrica plans to return to Kavango West 1X in 2026 to conduct a production test. Offshore, Shell could likely drill an exploration well at PEL 39, Chevron at PEL 82 and Rhino Resources is targeting 2 appraisal wells at Capricornus and Volans. Continued exploration across the Orange and Walvis Basins are expected through 2028, strengthening Namibia’s position as a future production hub.

Stepping into this picture, the launch of Zephyr Marine Services is expected to not only support upcoming drilling campaigns but position Namibian expertise at the heart of the country’s next development phase. Offering tailored, efficient and reliable solutions designed specifically for Namibia’s evolving offshore ecosystem, the company represents more than a service provider, but a broader shift toward local participation, innovation and ownership in the country’s energy value chain. Zephyr Marine Services is looking at building real industrial capability in Namibia, taking on high-barrier entry services and supporting the country’s move toward first oil production.

“This is about building something meaningful for Namibia. Zephyr Marine Services is rooted in the belief that Namibians should not only participate in our country’s energy future but actively shape it. We are creating solutions that understand local realities, respond to local challenges and contribute to long-term national growth,” said Itembu.

The company’s mission is clear: to support Namibia’s growing maritime and offshore industries with efficient, reliable and locally driven marine logistics solutions. From vessel coordination and asset management to operational planning, Zephyr Marine Services is positioning itself as a critical link between upstream operators and on-the-ground execution.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Events

Dongfeng Motor’s 10th Science and Technology Innovation Week and 1st User Lifestyle Festival Kick Off in Wuhan

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27 minutes ago

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September 24, 2026

By

Dongfeng

Over the course of ten editions spanning a decade, Dongfeng Motor’s Science and Technology Innovation Week has further strengthened the connection between technology and users

WUHAN, China, September 24, 2026/APO Group/ –On September 14, Dongfeng Motor’s (​http://www.Dongfeng-Global.com/) 10th Science and Technology Innovation Week and 1st User Lifestyle Festival kicked off in Wuhan. With the theme “ Wind from the East, Creating a Smart Life,” the event showcased the innovative achievements of a Chinese automaker in intelligent and green mobility, as well as its global expansion.

 




 
 

At the opening ceremony, Dongfeng Motor unveiled the “Sky-Clean Zero-Carbon” Plan, the Embodied Intelligent Vehicle All-Domain Protection Plan, and the “Sky Horizon Voyage” Plan. Among them, the “Sky-Clean Zero-Carbon” Plan leverages the “1331” framework to build an integrated vehicle-energy ecosystem, aiming to achieve more than 1 million tonnes of coordinated carbon reduction annually and promote the transformation of automobiles into mobile energy assets; the Embodied Intelligent Vehicle All-Domain Protection Plan adopts a “1+6+4” technology system to establish a new paradigm for all-domain vehicle safety in the era of embodied intelligence; the “Sky Horizon Voyage” Plan establishes a “125” global business strategy, with plans to invest RMB 50 billion and launch more than 50 vehicle models, while striving to achieve overseas sales of 1.5 million vehicles by 2030.

 

Over the course of ten editions spanning a decade, Dongfeng Motor’s Science and Technology Innovation Week has further strengthened the connection between technology and users. At Dongfeng Motor’s 1st User Lifestyle Festival, more than 240 owner representatives from its various brands gathered in Wuhan. Dongfeng also launched the “Dongfeng Youxin” service brand for its broad user base, establishing a full-lifecycle user service system.

On the same day, the 72nd International Commercial Vehicle and Parts Exhibition opened in Hannover, Germany. Three Dongfeng hydrogen-powered vehicles and a 400-kilowatt fuel cell making its global debut are on display at Booth C20 in Hall H12.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Dongfeng Motor Corporation.

 

 




 

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Events

Global Mayors Dialogue in Wuhan focuses on urban innovation and cooperation

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7 hours ago

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September 24, 2026

By

The Global Mayors Dialogue

WUHAN, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 September 2026 – The Global Mayors Dialogue · Wuhan and the 2026 Wuhan International Friendship Cities Cooperation Conference, held from Sept. 18 to 21, brought together 80 international guests from 24 cities across 22 countries, according to organizers.

At the event, mayors and city representatives from six international sister cities of Wuhan called for closer cooperation in technology, industry, education and culture.

Representatives from Manchester in Britain, Kemi in Finland, Cape Town in South Africa, Yangon in Myanmar, Rzeszów in Poland and Turkistan in Kazakhstan took part in discussions on urban innovation, industrial cooperation and cultural exchange.
 




 
Manchester: a new start after 40 years of friendship

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the sister-city relationship between Wuhan and Manchester.

Shaukat Ali, lord mayor of Manchester, said the city was ready to deepen cooperation with Wuhan in education, culture, youth affairs, innovation and industry.

“Manchester is committed to promoting urban transformation through open cooperation, sharing opportunities, and fostering common development with international sister cities like Wuhan,” he said.

Ali said Manchester had developed from a post-industrial city into an innovation-oriented economy, with a focus on advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, life sciences and green technologies.

He said the two cities could share experience in urban transformation, innovation districts, university-industry cooperation and low-carbon development, while encouraging links among universities, businesses and research institutions.

He also highlighted existing educational and cultural links, including cooperation between Hubei University and Manchester Metropolitan University and exchanges between the Royal Northern College of Music and Wuhan Conservatory of Music.

Kemi: balancing growth with environmental protection

Mikko Koivulehto, chairman of the City Council of Kemi, said the Finnish city sought to balance economic growth with environmental protection.

“We believe that protecting nature and building a prosperous city can go hand in hand,” he said.

Kemi, a port city in Finnish Lapland, has developed industries based on renewable raw materials, clean energy and the bioeconomy. The city is also seeking to expand tourism and improve livability.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the friendly exchange relationship between Wuhan and Kemi. The two cities have cooperated in areas including trade, the circular economy, tourism and youth exchanges.

Cape Town: technology and jobs key to urban transformation

Lungelo Mbandazayo, city manager of Cape Town, said technological innovation, talent development, infrastructure and green renewal were key to Wuhan’s transformation.

Cape Town, a UNESCO City of Design, is seeking to expand its technology and digital sectors while promoting green technology and an inclusive economy.

Mbandazayo said youth unemployment remained a major challenge for Cape Town and that technological development needed to create jobs.

After visiting Wuhan companies and technology facilities, he said Cape Town hoped to deepen exchanges with Wuhan in technology and talent.

Yangon: seeking practical cooperation with Wuhan

Yangon Mayor Myo Myint Aung said the city was looking to Wuhan for experience in smart-city development, digital governance, intelligent transport and urban resilience.

Wuhan and Yangon signed a letter of intent on friendly exchanges and cooperation during the event.

Yangon is developing a long-term plan to accommodate population growth and expand its urban, industrial and transport infrastructure.

During a visit to Wuhan on Sept. 19, Myo toured the Optics Valley “Photon” suspended monorail, HGTECH and a Xiaomi smart home appliance factory.

“We came to Wuhan not just to observe, but to learn and cooperate,” he said, adding that Yangon hoped to develop smart manufacturing and strengthen cooperation in information technology.

Rzeszów: opportunities in aerospace and technology

Rzeszów Mayor Konrad Fijołek said the Polish city hoped to cooperate with Wuhan in aerospace, sensor technology, biodiversity and climate action.

Rzeszów is home to the “Aviation Valley,” a major aerospace cluster in Central Europe.

“Exploring cooperation with Wuhan is the reason I came here,” Fijołek said.

After visiting HGTECH and a Xiaomi smart home appliance factory, he said Wuhan’s automated manufacturing and technologies in sensors and satellite systems had impressed him.

He said cities could help connect universities, businesses and research institutions and promote international cooperation.

Turkistan: five areas for cooperation

Turkestan Mayor Azimbek Pazylbekuly said his city hoped to expand cooperation with Wuhan in tourism and culture, education and science, investment and entrepreneurship, digitalization and innovation, and transport and logistics.

Wuhan and Turkistan signed a memorandum of intent on friendly exchanges and cooperation during the event.

Turkistan, an ancient Silk Road city and a UNESCO World Heritage site, has been developing industries including food processing, textiles, furniture and construction materials.

Pazylbekuly said cooperation between governments, businesses, universities and research institutions could help turn the two cities’ exchanges into concrete projects.

The conference also included friendship-city anniversary celebrations and a signing ceremony for 10 cooperation projects. A digital list of cooperation opportunities and an initiative on international friendship-city cooperation were released.

During their stay, the visiting mayors toured Wuhan’s technology, manufacturing and ecological facilities, including the Optics Valley suspended monorail, a Yangtze finless porpoise conservation center, Xiaomi, HGTECH and Dongfeng Motor facilities.
  




 

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Business

Binance Invests $100 Million in Circle, Expands Strategic Partnership and Renews for Five Years

Published

7 hours ago

on

September 24, 2026

By

Binance

New five-year agreement focuses on promotion of USDC globally

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, September 23, 2026/APO Group/ –Binance (www.Binance.com) today announced a $100 million equity investment in Circle Internet Group, Inc. (NYSE: CRCL) and the expansion and renewal of its strategic partnership to promote USDC across Binance’s global platform. The new arrangement has a term of five years.

Together, we see incredible opportunities to leverage USDC to expand dollar access, support savings and investment with innovative digital asset products

Under the expanded partnership, Binance will promote USDC across its global platform, especially in emerging markets. Circle will provide the infrastructure services that support holding and using USDC.

 




  

In connection with the partnership, Binance purchased $100 million worth of shares of Circle Class A common stock, through a private placement at a purchase price reflecting a five percent discount to the market price of CRCL prior to closing.

“Circle has earned its place as one of the most credible issuers in the world spanning USDC, Arc and the infrastructure reshaping how value moves across borders. Our $100 million investment and five-year commitment represent long-duration conviction,” said Richard Teng, co-CEO of Binance. “We are helping to build a more inclusive, transparent, and compliant digital economy. A stable, trusted digital dollar should not be a privilege–it should be available to anyone with a phone. That’s the future this partnership is designed to deliver.”

“Binance has built one of the largest and most dynamic platforms in the world for using digital currency, creating the internet’s largest financial super app, and becoming the most widely used wallets in the world for dollar stablecoins,” said Jeremy Allaire, Co-founder, Chairman and CEO of Circle. “Together, we see incredible opportunities to leverage USDC to expand dollar access, support savings and investment with innovative digital asset products, and reach people and businesses throughout global emerging markets.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Binance.

 

 




 

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