African Energy Week (AEW) 2025: Invest in African Energies is proud to announce that Seyi Oladapo, Group CFO of Pan Ocean and the Newcross Companies, will be joining the continent’s premier energy event in Cape Town. His participation brings one of Nigeria’s most strategically positioned private energy players to the forefront of conversations on upstream growth, local capacity building and unlocking new investment across Africa’s hydrocarbon value chain.

As one of Nigeria’s most established oil companies, Pan Ocean is accelerating its growth – deploying advanced technologies such as aerial drones and ultrasonic meters to enhance asset security – pursuing an ambitious well-drilling campaign, and supporting Nigeria’s goal to reach 2 million barrels per day by 2025, while working to eliminate gas flaring by 2030. Pan Ocean and NewCross recently held a high-level meeting with NNPC leadership, underscoring their commitment to aligning with national strategic priorities and strengthening partnerships across the oil and gas exploration and production sectors.

Together with its sister company NewCross, Pan Ocean is carrying out drilling on OML 24, which is expected to add approximately 1,500 barrels per day of oil and around 4 million standard cubic feet of gas per day. The company also recently commissioned a vapor recovery unit compressor that channels gas to a processing plant, reducing flaring and improving efficiency. At AEW 2025, Oladapo’s participation will provide valuable insights into how Pan Ocean is using financial strategy to scale operations, manage risk and build strategic partnerships amid a rapidly evolving regional energy landscape.

“Pan Ocean and Newcross exemplify how indigenous private leadership can deliver meaningful growth and infrastructure value in Nigeria’s energy sector. Their participation at AEW 2025 reflects Africa’s shift toward home-grown, investment-ready energy operators that can partner globally and deliver local impact,” says Oré  Onagbesan (http://apo-opa.co/4m5UV7g), Program Director (http://apo-opa.co/4m5UV7g), AEW: Invest in African Energies (http://apo-opa.co/4m5UV7g).

Oladapo’s engagement at AEW 2025 underscores the importance of Nigeria’s private sector in driving upstream capacity, aligning with broader continental goals of self-reliance, energy infrastructure development and investment draw. His participation also highlights how innovative financing and strategic partnerships are essential to unlocking Nigeria – and Africa’s – vast energy potential and securing sustainable growth.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

About AEW: Invest in African Energies:
AEW: Invest in African Energies 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.

As global demand for minerals grows, Africa – boasting 30% of the world’s critical minerals – has become a key market for mining investors and project developers. A new report released by global consultancy dss+ identifies six global trends reshaping Africa’s mining sector. The report comes ahead of the upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) conference – scheduled for October 1–3, 2025 in Cape Town. The event will unpack recent macro-trends, with a view to connecting foreign capital to African mining projects.

Geopolitical Realignment

Geopolitical shifts are intensifying competition among the U.S., China, Europe and the Middle East for African minerals. China continues to deepen its footprint in Africa through its $21.7 billion Belt and Road Initiative, while the U.S. is investing in strategic mining and infrastructure projects through the Export–Import Bank of the United States and the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation. UAE-based companies such as International Holdings Resources, Ambrosia and NG9 holdings are enhancing investments in African mining through projects in Zambia, the DRC, Ethiopia and Mali. AMW 2025’s dedicated US-Africa, EU-Africa, Middle East-Africa and China-Africa roundtables will fostering strategic dialogue, linking global investors with high-value opportunities across Africa.

Strategic Supply Chains

Supply chain volatility – from Red Sea disruptions to U.S. tariffs and climate-related impacts – has led to the creation of regional value chains, economic zones and direct export routes via infrastructure like Tanzania–Zambia Railway and Lobito Corridors. At AMW, a panel titled From Mines to Markets: Strengthening Trade and Connectivity for Africa’s Mineral Future will unpack how trade agreements and enhanced infrastructure networks are impacting mineral exports and supply chains.

Reinvigorating Safety

Reinvigorating safety has become a top priority for many African governments, owing to the new era of complexity given the rise of digitalization. Across the continent, countries are implementing reforms to enhance safety procedures. For example, South Africa amended its 1996 law with the Mine Health and Safety Amendment Bill of 2024 to strengthen managerial responsibility and accountability while enhancing mine safety.

Local Content Development

African countries are advancing sustainable mining growth through culture, leadership and inclusion. Ghana, for instance, introduced its Gold Board in 2025, an agency which will buy gold from the local miners in an effort to formalize the sector. Zambia is set to finalize its draft Local Content Regulations for the mining sector in 2025. An AMW panel titled The Skills Dividend: Investing in Local Talent to Power Africa’s Mining Future, will highlight various local content strategies across Africa and how they are driving local beneficiation and skills development.

Technology Transformation

Digitalization is rising in African mining, with AI, automation and remote tools being used to enhance exploration and operational efficiency. Notably, startups in Zambia and the DRC have made new discoveries using digital twins and sensors, while Botswana Diamonds is using AI to target new critical mineral discoveries. US startup KoBold Metals is leveraging digital tools to enhance copper exploration in Zambia and lithium operations in the DRC. The Technology Forum at AMW 2025 will showcase how Africa is harnessing the power of data analytics to predict failures, enhance safety and drive sustainable resource management.

Operationalizing ESG

ESG performance has become a critical requirement for mining projects to attract investment. Today, more than 80% of institutional investors channel capital based on ESG criteria. Canadian firm Giyani Metals is capitalizing on this shift, securing a $26 million ESG-linked funding package to advance a battery-grade manganese project in Botswana to the financing phase. Similarly, Mkango Resources has attracted support from the European Union for its Songwe Rare Earths project in Malawi, after aligning its development strategy with the International Finance Corporation’s ESG standards. At AMW, a panel titled Harmonizing ESG Standards and Driving Industry-Wide Adoption will explore the impact ESG plays in African mining.

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

About African Mining Week:
African Mining Week serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.

VUKA Group (www.WeAreVUKA.com), a leading organizer of transformative industry events across Africa, is excited to announce the C&I Energy + Storage Summit Zambia 2025 (http://apo-opa.co/45yB1vI), taking place on 27-28 August 2025 at The Pamodzi Hotel in Lusaka.

Delivered in partnership with the Ministry of Energy of Zambia, this landmark event is tailored specifically for Zambia’s commercial, industrial and large power user sectors. As part of VUKA Group’s Power and Energy Portfolio, the summit marks the start of a multi-year strategy to empower Zambia’s C&I sectors with sustainable, reliable and innovative energy solutions.

The C&I Energy + Storage Summit Zambia is a premier platform designed to address the unique energy challenges faced by Zambia’s commercial, industrial and agricultural large energy users, including sectors such as retail, manufacturing, agriculture, property development and energy-intensive industries like mining. With grid power increasingly impacted by changing rainfall patterns and rising energy costs impacting business operations, this summit brings together industry leaders, project owners, innovators and financiers to foster energy independence, security and sustainability across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.

“The focus of the C&I Energy + Storage Summit aligns very closely with the focus areas of the National Energy Compact for Zambia” says the Honourable Minister of Energy, Minister Makozo Chikote. “To support our ambition of becoming a middle-income nation by 2030, the Government has set out an aggressive economic diversification and industrialisation agenda driven by the agriculture, mining, manufacturing and tourism sectors. This event supports these objectives. Energy is a key enabler for the planned economic and industrial transformation and it should be led by the private sector with the Government ensuring an enabling and supportive environment through the delivery of appropriate policy and regulatory frameworks.”

“We are honoured to be working with the Minister of Energy of Zambia, to drive impactful discussions and collaborations and support the vision set forth in the National Energy Compact,” shared Chanelle Hingston, Portfolio Director of VUKA Group’s Power and Energy Portfolio.

A multi-year commitment to Zambia’s C&I sector

VUKA Group is committed to delivering the C&I Energy + Storage Summit to Zambia as part of a long-term strategy to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy and storage solutions for the C&I sector. By fostering collaboration between businesses, government and solution providers, the C&I Energy + Storage Summit aims to create a sustainable energy ecosystem that supports Zambia’s economic growth and industrial resilience. “Zambia’s C&I sector is critical to the nation’s economic development, and our multi-year commitment ensures that this summit will deliver actionable insights, strategic partnerships, and cutting-edge technologies to transform the energy landscape,” Hingston continued.

Event Highlights

The two-day summit will feature a robust programme of keynotes, masterclasses, case studies and networking opportunities tailored to the needs of Zambia’s C&I energy users:

• Day 1 (27 August 2025): The summit opens with a keynote moderated by Dr. Johnstone Chikwanda, Global Ambassador of Energy and Climate Change, Forum of African Traditional Authorities (FATA), followed by case studies from early adopters, showcasing success stories from embedded generation projects. A panel discussion on derisking business continuity will feature Helen Zulu, Zambia Country Director, ENGIE Energy Access, and Chabuka Kawesha, Vice President, Pan African Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
• Day 2 (28 August 2025): The day begins with a plenary and keynote with a strong focus on the Open Access regulation, released by the Ministry and ERB in February 2025. Masterclasses will cover grid capacity and clean energy technologies, while solar PV and storage implementation and safety and sustainable asset management, make up other topics of interest. Closing remarks will explore the future of storage for hydro-dependent nations, addressing battery storage, climate impacts and supporting investment frameworks.

Industry Support and Partnerships

The summit is proudly delivered in partnership with the Ministry of Energy of Zambia and endorsed by key industry associations, including the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA), Zambian Association of Manufacturers (ZAM), Energy Regulatory Board, Zesco, and the Pan African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PACCI). Industry partners such as EnerJ (Gold Sponsor), WEG, and Vertiv (Bronze Sponsors) join media partners like ESI Africa, Engineering News, and the Green Economy Journal to amplify the event’s impact.

Exclusive Hosted Buyer Programme for C&I Energy Users

The Hosted Buyer Programme offers pre-qualified C&I organizations in Zambia a premium, no-cost opportunity to connect with technology providers, financiers and partners. Specifically designed for large energy users in manufacturing, mining, agriculture, retail and logistics, this initiative provides direct access to practical guidance and strategic connections to advance energy projects, from embedded generation to power purchase agreements (PPAs) and storage solutions. Commercial, industrial and agricultural businesses are invited to explore the programme and apply at: https://apo-opa.co/4o2P6Zr. *Application to the hosted buyer programme does not automatically imply acceptance.

Why Attend?

The C&I Energy + Storage Summit Zambia is a must-attend event for commercial, industrial, and agricultural large energy users seeking to:

• Explore scalable solutions: Dive into power generation options, credible technologies and financial models for independent generation and storage.
• Navigate regulatory changes: Gain insights into Zambia’s open-access electricity framework and resulting opportunities for the C&I market.
• Build strategic partnerships: Network with solution providers, investors and peers to drive energy projects forward.
• Mitigate risks: Learn from experts and case studies to derisk financial and technical challenges in energy project implementation.

Join us

Commercial, industrial and agricultural large energy users are invited to visit https://apo-opa.co/4lZw5pr for more information, and to review the full summit agenda. Seize this opportunity to elevate your energy strategy and shape the future of Zambia’s C&I sectors.

Register now: https://apo-opa.co/4lxHyMH
For sponsorship or hosted buyer inquiries, contact Marcel du Toit: marcel.dutoit@wearevka.com
For speaking opportunities, contact Babalwa Bungane: babalwa.bungane@wearevka.com

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

Media Contact:
Natalie Simms
natalie.simms@wearevka.com

About VUKA Group:
As part of the Power and Energy Portfolio, VUKA Group is a premier organizer of conferences, exhibitions, and events across Africa, delivering tailored platforms for networking, knowledge sharing, and business development in energy and related sectors. With over 25 years of experience, VUKA Group connects industries, sparks innovation, and fuels economic growth across the continent. Learn more at https://WeAreVUKA.com.

As the global energy landscape shifts toward cleaner fuel sources, natural gas is taking center stage in Africa’s energy transition, with international collaboration playing a key role in unlocking the continent’s vast gas potential. Africa holds approximately 6% of the world’s natural gas reserves and is expected to contribute significantly to the global LNG supply by 2030, particularly through projects in Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal and Mauritania. With global LNG demand forecast to rise at a CAGR of 1.5% through 2030, Africa is strategically positioned to meet this demand – especially from markets in Europe and Asia.

Signaling renewed investor confidence in the continent’s upstream natural gas potential, Austrian energy company OMV recently resumed exploration activities in Libya’s Sirte Basin. In partnership with Libya’s National Oil Corporation, OMV recently spudded the ESSAR well in Block C103 and is advancing an infrastructure-led campaign focused on unlocking reserves near existing production facilities. OMV will participate in this year’s African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025 conference – taking place from September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town –, where the company’s Executive Vice President Berislav Gašo will join NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber, in a fireside chat to explore partnership models, cross-border collaboration and strategies for enhancing investment and technical capacity across Africa.

AEW: Invest in African Energies 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.

With major developments underway across Libya, Algeria, Egypt and Morocco, North Africa is rapidly advancing as a natural gas powerhouse in the continent. Libya is ramping up gas production through projects like Structures A&E and Bouri Gas Utilization while Algeria targets a production rate of 200 billion cubic meters annually by 2027. Egypt is boosting output with a new licensing round and continued development of the Zohr field, while Morocco progresses with the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline to enhance regional supply.

Meanwhile, in the international space, Saudi Arabia’s growing engagement with Africa’s gas sector is emerging as a central pillar of its broader energy diplomacy strategy, with the country strengthening bilateral and multilateral partnerships to unlock gas potential across the continent. As part of this push, Saudi Arabia has prioritized infrastructure development, upstream participation and downstream collaboration, positioning itself as a long-term partner in Africa’s energy future. Saudi Arabia’s state-owned Saudi Aramco is playing a key role in advancing Saudi-Africa gas cooperation, expanding its technical collaboration with African national oil companies to support gas monetization, exploration and production. The country has also integrated natural gas into its broader financial and development strategy for Africa, with a $41 billion funding package for sub-Saharan Africa set to promote gas-related projects as part of a wider drive to expand energy access and industrial capacity.

“International engagement in Africa’s natural gas sector is fast-becoming a game-changer for the continent. By investing in infrastructure, exploration and production, regional and international players are strengthening Africa’s position in the global energy market. This kind of strategic partnership is exactly what the continent needs to full monetize its natural gas potential,” states Ayuk.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Francesco La Camera, Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), has confirmed his participation at the upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) conference – Africa’s premier gathering for mining stakeholders.

La Camera will deliver a keynote address titled Critical Minerals: Driving Renewable Development in Africa. His address is expected to spotlight Africa’s pivotal role in the global clean energy revolution, underpinned by the continent’s 30% share of global critical and energy transition minerals such as copper, cobalt, rare earths and lithium.

African Mining Week serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.

As the head of the global intergovernmental body advancing knowledge and the adoption of renewable energy, La Camera’s participation underscores Africa’s growing influence as a key enabler of the global energy transition. African countries rich in energy transition minerals are already ramping up production to meet surging global demand. The Democratic Republic of Congo, which holds the world’s largest cobalt reserves essential for the development of battery storage, is pursuing reforms to unlock its estimated $24 trillion worth of mineral resources. Zambia, a key copper supplier, aims to boost copper output to three million tons per year by 2031, while Zimbabwe – Africa’s top lithium producer – is implementing measures to scale production and promote local manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries. La Camera’s keynote is expected to highlight efforts by African markets as well as a broader roadmap for the continent to harness its mineral wealth for sustainable energy growth.

Amid the global push to accelerate renewables adoption for environmental sustainability, improved energy access and industrial growth – particularly in mining – AMW offers a strategic platform for IRENA to share insights on Africa’s progress and highlight best practices to fast-track renewable energy penetration across the continent. According to IRENA’s latest report Renewable Energy Statistics 2025, global renewable energy capacity grew by 15% in 2024, with Africa recording a 7.2% increase. Mining companies are increasingly turning to renewables to power operations with firms such as Northam, Richards Bay Minerals, Ivanhoe Mines, First Quantum Minerals and Trafigura integrating renewables to ensure reliable and cost-effective power supply for their operations. Against this backdrop, La Camera is poised to spotlight the vast opportunities emerging at the intersection of Africa’s mining and renewable energy sectors.

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

The African Energy Commission (AFREC) has concluded a three-day technical training workshop in South Africa aimed at enhancing the country’s capacity to compile and manage comprehensive national energy statistics, a significant step toward strengthening energy data management in Southern Africa.

Held from 30 July to 1 August 2025, the training targeted national focal points and key stakeholders in South Africa’s energy and environmental sectors, including representatives from the Department of Electricity and Energy (DEE), the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI), and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE). Of the 20 participants, 12 were women, underlining a gender-inclusive approach to capacity building.

The workshop focused on the Energy Balance Questionnaire—one of AFREC’s four core data collection tools, along with others on energy efficiency, prices and taxes, and power plant capacity—critical for developing accurate national energy balances and feeding into the continental Africa Energy Information System (AEIS). The initiative is part of AFREC’s broader strategy to support African Union member states in building and maintaining National Energy Information Systems (NEIS) that inform policy and planning at both national and continental levels.

“Reliable energy data is essential for informed decision-making and effective policy implementation across Africa,” said Ms. Salome Maheya, Senior Policy Officer for Energy Statistics at AFREC, speaking on behalf of the Executive Director Rashid Ali Abdallah. “South Africa, as one of Africa’s leading economies, plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the continent’s energy data landscape reflects the reality on the ground.”

AFREC developed specialised training modules in 2023, validated by technical experts and regional coordinators, which formed the basis for the hands-on sessions. These included practical exercises and case studies designed to enhance technical understanding of energy data inputs and compilation processes.

South Africa has previously faced challenges in completing the Energy Balance Questionnaire. This workshop, according to Mr. Robert Kwinda from the Department of Electricity and Energy, represents a turning point. “This training is not just about improving reporting—it’s about strengthening South Africa’s ability to contribute to a reliable continental energy database. It also enables us to align with international standards and better inform our domestic energy policies, emissions tracking, and forecasting.”

The workshop highlights growing regional cooperation around energy statistics, in support of Africa’s broader goals for sustainable development, carbon emissions tracking, and energy security.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).

As African countries scale up collaboration with international mining companies to meet surging demand for minerals, African Mining Week (AMW) 2025 will provide a strategic platform to highlight the role of global players in advancing the continent’s mineral production goals. 

Craig Miller, CEO of Valterra Platinum, and Vinay Somera, CEO of Isondo Precious Metals, will join discussions on South Africa’s Strategic Influence in the Global Platinum Group Metals (PGMs) Market, where the country maintains a dominant position, producing over 75% global platinum supplies. Valterra is expanding its operations to meet a refined output target of 3.4 million ounces in 2025, while Isondo is advancing efforts to use locally sourced PGMs in hydrogen fuel cell manufacturing. 

Marna Cloete, President and CEO of Ivanhoe Mines, and Godwin Beene, Country Manager of First Quantum Minerals, are also confirmed to participate on the Mergers, Acquisitions, and Partnerships: Building Resilience in a Consolidating Industry panel discussion. Both companies are pursuing large-scale investments to increase copper production in Zambia, supporting the country’s ambition to produce 3 million tons annually by 2031. First Quantum is expanding its Kansanshi and Sentinel operations, and Ivanhoe continues development of its Kamoa-Kakula complex, considered one of the world’s most significant copper assets. 

The panel, The Future of Gold: Predicting Prices and Managing Market Volatility, will feature B2Gold Namibia’s Country Manager John Ross and Pensana CEO Tim George. B2Gold is currently expanding Namibia’s largest gold mine, the Otjikoto Mine, while Pensana is progressing Angola’s flagship Longonjo rare earths project, which is expected to supply 5% of the global demand for magnet metals used in electric vehicles and wind turbines. 

Darryll Castle, Director of Operations at TechMet Limited, will be present for discussions around the integration of digital technologies in mining operations. Meanwhile, Emma Townshend, Executive of Corporate Affairs at Implats and Board Member of Women in PGMs, will participate in a session focused on Women Pioneering Leadership in Africa’s Mining Industry, with emphasis on promoting sustainability and inclusivity. 

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

About African Mining Week:
African Mining Week serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.

Angola has become the official Lead Sponsor of the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference – Africa’s largest energy event scheduled for September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town. Powered by the country’s upstream regulator the National Oil, Gas&Biofuels Agency (ANPG) and national oil company (NOC) Sonangol, the sponsorship comes as Angola celebrates 50 years of independence in 2025 and reflects a broader commitment to advancing African energy production.  

With goals to enhance crude production while fast-tracking non-associated gas development, Angola is leveraging flexible investment structures and forward-looking policy to increase capital expenditure across the oil and gas value chain. Building on decades of success as one of the continent’s leading oil and gas producers, the country is laying a strong foundation for future growth by engaging global investors, introducing new block opportunities and gearing up for regional trade and integration. As the AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 Lead Sponsor, Angola has committed to working with regional partners to advance Africa’s energy goals.  

AEW: Invest in African Energies 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. 

Over the past five decades, Angola has positioned itself as sub-Saharan Africa’s second biggest oil producer, with output measuring above one million barrels per day (bpd) in recent years. While the country has faced production decline since peaking in 2008, aggressive reforms by the government have already begun to turn this trend around. Reforms came with the establishment of the ANPG in 2019 and divestment of Sonangol – enabling the NOC to focus its activities as an operator. Since this restructuring, Angola has enacted a series of bold measures to attract fresh investment in exploration blocks, introducing a multi-year licensing strategy that seeks to award 50 concessions by 2025. To date, up to 40 concessions have been awarded, with a 2025 licensing round offering a further ten blocks in the offshore Kwanza and Benguela basins. The country also introduced a permanent offer scheme, enabling companies to invest through direct negotiation, as well as five marginal field opportunities. These investment avenues grant companies the flexibility they need to invest, laying the foundation for significant spending across the market.  

Looking ahead, Angola has secured $60 billion in upstream investment over the next five years, reflecting a strong drive by international operators to maximize the potential of Angola’s hydrocarbon resources. A series of large-scale projects are on track to bolster crude production while forays into non-associated gas development will enhance LNG exports and domestic gas utilization. These include the Azule Energy-led Agogo Integrated West Hub Development in Block 15/06, which achieved first oil from the Agogo FPSO in July 2025. The vessel joins the operational Ngoma FPSO at the site, increasing production capacity to 175,000 bpd. TotalEnergies also brought two oil projects online in July 2025: the 30,000 bpd Begonia project and the 30,000 bpd CLOV Phase 3 Development. Situated in Block 17/06 and Block 17 respectively, the projects offer a boost to the country’s production portfolio. Meanwhile, Angola’s first non-associated gas project – led by the New Gas Consortium – is advancing to first production in early-2026. Featuring the Quiluma and Maboqueiro fields, the project will provide feedstock for the Angola LNG facility, enhancing exports and revenue generated from gas. In July 2025, Angola also made a gas discovery at Block 1/14 in the Lower Congo basin, with initial estimated showing reserves of one trillion cubic feet.  

These developments will not only consolidate Angola as a major oil and gas supplier but bring significant economic benefits for the population. The country’s AEW: Invest in African Energies sponsorship is poised to support its industry goals, while creating new pathways for investment and deals.  

“Angola is on the precipice of unlocking significant production growth, with recent projects pointing to greater economic opportunities for the country. Angola’s last 50 years have shown a country that is resilient, focused on growth and committed to laying strong foundations for the economy. But it is the country’s next 50 years that will truly define it as a global oil and gas hub,” stated Verner Ayukegba, Senior Vice President, African Energy Chamber.  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Claudio Descalzi, CEO of global technology-driven energy company Eni, has joined the Angola Oil&Gas (AOG) conference as a keynote speaker. Taking place September 3-4 in Luanda, AOG is the largest event of its kind in the country, returning for its next edition as Angola celebrates 50 years of independence in 2025. Descalzi’s participation comes as the Eni-bp joint venture Azule Energy advances major oil and gas projects in Angola and is poised to create new avenues for collaboration across the sector.

Following the merger of Eni and bp’s Angolan operations in 2022, the companies created Angola’s largest independent equity producer of oil and gas: Azule Energy. With 18 licenses – 11 of which are operated – and a combined portfolio of 210,000 barrels per day (bpd), Azule Energy plays an instrumental role in monetizing the country’s hydrocarbon resources. Descalzi joins bp CEO Murray Auchincloss and Azule Energy CEO Adriano Mongini at the event, and will deliver a keynote speech during the main conference agenda. The participation of three executives signals a strong commitment to Angola’s oil and gas future, reaffirming AOG as the premier meeting place for Angola’s upstream operators.

AOG is the largest oil and gas event in Angola. Taking place with the full support of the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas; the National Oil, Gas and Biofuels Agency; the Petroleum Derivatives Regulatory Institute; national oil company Sonangol; and the African Energy Chamber; the event is a platform to sign deals and advance Angola’s oil and gas industry. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

Leveraging the experience of Eni – one of the world’s energy majors – Azule Energy has accelerated the development of offshore oil and gas resources, with a view to increasing its Angolan oil production to 250,000 bpd. In July 2025, the company reached a milestone with the start of operations at the Agogo FPSO. The vessel – forming part of the broader Agogo Integrated West Hub Development in Block 15/06 – joins the operational Ngoma FPSO to harness resources from the Agogo and Ndungu fields and will see combined reserves of 450 million barrels and peak production projected at 175,000 bpd. The Agogo FPSO – completed in just 29 months – is the country’s first offshore facility with fully offset operational emissions. Beyond Agogo, Azule Energy has been working with partners such as TotalEnergies to bring other strategic offshore projects online. These include the CLOV Phase 3 Development – of which Azule Energy has a 11.84% stake – which is situated in Block 17, 140km offshore. The project has a capacity of 30,000 bpd and comprises four wells tied back to the CLOV FPSO.

In the natural sector, Azule Energy – as operator of the New Gas Consortium (NGC) – is advancing the development of Angola’s first non-associated gas project. The project will harness resources from the Quiluma&Maboqueiro (Q&M) shallow water fields and features the construction of an onshore facility and a connection to the Angola LNG plant in Soyo. As of February 2025, the offshore platforms for the Q&M fields were complete, with the NGC partners targeting an early-2026 project start. Azule Energy also made a new gas discovery at the Gajajeira-01 exploration well in Block 1/14 in July 2025. Situated in the Lower Congo basin, the discovery showed estimated reserves of upwards of one trillion cubic feet of gas and 100 million barrels of associated condensate. As the first dedicated gas exploration well in the country, Gajajeira-01 is expected to trigger a new era of gas-led exploration and development in Angola.

Stepping into this picture, Descalzi’s participation at AOG 2025 reflects a broader commitment by Eni to drive Angola’s oil and gas goals. As sub-Saharan Africa’s second largest oil producer, the country has the potential to play an even greater role in global supply chains. Eni’s involvement at the conference is expected to unlock new opportunities for collaboration as the country seeks to boost production and accelerate economic growth.  

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

NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber (https://EnergyChamber.org)

In an emissions-focused world, do oil and gas revenues have a role to play in ending energy poverty in Africa? It may sound counterintuitive, but many would argue that they do, albeit as enablers of a future powered by alternative energy sources.

The key lies in recognizing that Africa’s situation is unique, and solutions take time, building on what we have and what we can do with it. This means that, in working towards a just energy transition, the continent’s oil and gas resources shouldn’t be viewed as obstacles that need to be immediately replaced by renewable energy sources. Instead, rather than prematurely phasing out fossil fuels in response to global pressure, Africa should harness these revenues responsibly to finance its energy transition and ultimately eradicate energy poverty.

Prioritizing Development Alongside Sustainability

Nearly 600 million Africans still live without access to electricity (https://apo-opa.co/3U6V4uH). This access is a fundamental human right, yet energy poverty remains one of the continent’s most significant barriers to development. This undermines health systems, education, industrialization, and dignity. As the world debates how to rapidly achieve net-zero, Africa’s priority is different: how to power its people now, while building a sustainable future.

Measuring Africa’s energy transition progress against external calls for an abrupt end to fossil fuels risks leaving millions behind. Our continent contributes less than 4% (https://apo-opa.co/4odEQxF) to global emissions, yet we are expected to decarbonize at the same pace as industrialized nations that built their wealth on hydrocarbons.

Instead, the continent’s abundance of fossil fuels should be viewed as a bridge, not a barrier. The African Energy Chamber (AEC) Africa-Paris Declaration (https://apo-opa.co/3GO1ImM) underscores this principle – Africa’s oil and gas revenues can and must be used as a financial lever to invest in electrification, clean energy, and infrastructure projects. This pragmatic and just approach prioritizes development alongside sustainability, not instead of.

There are several ways to achieve this. First, reinvesting oil and gas revenues into rural electrification can transform communities. Decentralized solutions like off-grid solar and mini-grids offer practical ways to reach remote areas. Although urban dwellers do experience power outages, for many rural populations, it’s a way of life. For the mother cooking with firewood or the student studying by candlelight, a small solar grid is life-changing. Fossil fuel revenues can finance these systems at scale, bridging the immediate access gap while longer-term grid expansions are in progress.

Second, establishing innovative financing mechanisms is essential. For instance, the fledgling Africa Energy Bank (https://apo-opa.co/4l5R2Of) aims to bridge the continent’s estimated $31 billion to $50 billion annual energy funding gap by focusing predominantly on financing energy projects. Launched in 2025, the bank is poised to play a transformative role in mobilizing capital for African energy projects. Additionally, global investors are increasingly exploring energy investment opportunities in Africa. In support of this, development finance institutions, such as the African Development Bank, the World Bank, and the International Finance Corporation, are de-risking investments by offering concessional loans, guarantees, and technical assistance, making investment in African energy projects more attractive. 

Third, policy reforms that create enabling environments are critical. Here, governments have a role to play in prioritizing revenue-generating projects, creating stable regulatory frameworks, and offering incentives for public-private partnerships. This will support investment, reduce risks, and unlock the transformative power of energy access.

These solutions demonstrate the importance of a fair and equitable transition and the vital role that fossil fuels will continue to play in achieving this goal. They also prove that this goal is achievable, even if it is on the continent’s own terms.

Unique Solutions to Africa’s Energy Challenges

Africa’s path to net-zero has the same end goal as the rest of the world, but it can’t mirror their journey. Our starting points are different, and our development needs are urgent. We understand that climate action can’t be delayed. But it can be just, inclusive, and rooted in African realities. And it can also be supported by revenues from our abundant natural resources.  

The Africa-Paris Declaration notes that ‘a fair transition recognizes that fossil fuels remain valuable for Africa’s development, prosperity, and energy access goals. Africa doesn’t need to choose between oil and gas or renewables. Given our current position, all are important and require both strategic and sensible deployment. Fossil fuels generate the revenues to invest in solar, wind, hydropower, and grid infrastructure. They fuel industries that create jobs. They support healthcare, education, and innovation.

When managed responsibly, Africa’s fossil fuel revenue can serve as a bridge to a brighter, greener, and more prosperous continent. Will it be quick and easy? No. Will some question the approach? Most certainly. But the alternative is leaving hundreds of millions of people in the dark.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.