Category: Africa

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Basketball Africa League Names PUMA as League’s Official Outfitter Ahead of 2026 Season

Source: APO

  • ​PUMA to Supply Official BAL Team, Fan and Referee Apparel
  • Sixth BAL Season Tips Off on March 27 in South Africa; Tickets on Sale Now

The Basketball Africa League (BAL) (https://BAL.NBA.com) and PUMA, one of the world’s leading sports brands, today announced a multiyear collaboration that makes PUMA the Official Outfitter of the BAL. 

The collaboration, which will begin with the 2026 BAL season that tips off on Friday, March 27 at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria, South Africa, will see PUMA supply all official BAL team, fan and referee apparel, including game uniforms, warm-up gear, practice wear, accessories, and branded tops for participants in the league’s social impact and player programming. 

The fanwear, which reflects the energy, diversity and creativity of African basketball culture, will be available this season at BAL arenas, the BAL’s e-commerce store at https://BALStore.NBA.com, PUMA’s e-commerce store at https://za.PUMA.com, and at the three NBA Stores and two PUMA stores in South Africa.

“Our collaboration with PUMA reflects our shared commitment to elevating the African sports industry and basketball in particular,” said BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall.  “PUMA’s innovation, creativity and deep connection to the continent’s sports ecosystem and our game make them an ideal partner to help us continue to raise the standard of African basketball, enhance the experience for teams, players and fans, and drive the BAL’s continued growth.”

“The collaboration with the BAL is an important step in PUMA’s brand commitment to growing the game worldwide,” said PUMA Vice President Sports Marketing & Sport Licensing, Johan Adamsson. “We look forward to bringing our performance technology to the forefront of the game and connecting with the many BAL fans globally.”

PUMA joins the BAL’s roster of partners that also includes Foundational Partner Rwanda Development Board and Official Partners Afreximbank, Air Senegal, Amazon Web Services, Castle Lite and RwandAir.

Tickets for the Kalahari Conference group phase are on sale now at Ticketmaster.za (https://apo-opa.co/4db9e95). Tickets for Playoffs and Finals are on sale at BAL.NBA.com/Ticket (https://apo-opa.co/4uxRMBF). Fans who purchase tickets will also have free access to the BAL Fan Zone at each arena.

Additional information about the 2026 BAL season will be announced in the coming days.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Basketball Africa League (BAL).

Contact:
Marie-Pierre Anamba Onana
Basketball Africa League 
+221 78 637 70 62 
Manamba@theBAL.com

Denise Thrasher 
PUMA Hoops 
denise.thrasher@puma.com

About the BAL:
The Basketball Africa League (BAL), a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and NBA Africa, is a professional league featuring 12 club teams from across Africa that will tip off its sixth season in March 2026.  Headquartered in Dakar, Senegal, the BAL builds on the foundation of club competitions FIBA Africa has organized across the continent and marks the NBA’s first collaboration to operate a league outside North America.  Fans can follow the BAL (@theBAL) on Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/418VuUR), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/40AD4wc), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4rCk5fB), X (https://apo-opa.co/3Nm9Az4), and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4bfyUzP) and register their interest in receiving more information at https://BAL.NBA.com.

About PUMA:
PUMA is one of the world’s leading sports brands, designing, developing, and selling footwear, apparel and accessories.  Founded in 1948, PUMA helps the world’s best athletes and teams perform at their best with its innovative products.  Known for its iconic cat logo and the Formstrip, the company offers performance products in categories such as Football, Running and Training.  Its Sportstyle collections are rooted in sports and inspire consumers by celebrating sports culture.  With its long history and strong heritage, PUMA is proud of having one of the strongest archives in the industry, with many iconic products such as the Suede and the Speedcat.  The company distributes its products in over 120 countries, employs more than 20,000 people and is headquartered in Herzogenaurach/Germany.  For more information, please visit https://About.PUMA.com.

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The CHANGAN DEEPAL S05 Arrives in the United Kingdom—Engineered Globally, Tuned Locally

Source: APO

  • Long range, premium comfort, and five-star safety—the CHANGAN DEEPAL S05 delivers a high-tech electric driving experience.
  • Cutting-edge EV technology that brings together global design, engineering, and manufacturing.

Changan UK (www.GlobalChangan.com) has launched the all-electric CHANGAN DEEPAL S05, a compact C-SUV blending premium design, intelligent technology, and everyday practicality.

“The CHANGAN DEEPAL S05 is designed for people who want an electric SUV that fits effortlessly into everyday life,” Nic Thomas, Managing Director of Changan UK, said, “It delivers reassuring performance, thoughtful comfort, and technology that simply works—all without the premium price tag. “

The CHANGAN DEEPAL S05: Range, Comfort, Safety

Powered by a 68.8kWh LFP battery, the CHANGAN DEEPAL S05 delivers WLTP ranges of up to 303 miles (RWD) and 278 miles (AWD). Inside, the aircraft-inspired cockpit features vegan leather heated and ventilated front seats, including a full-recline zero gravity passenger seat. A 15.4-inch rotating touchscreen, AR-HUD, 14-speaker audio system, and wireless smartphone connectivity complete the high-tech cabin.

Safety is central to the CHANGAN DEEPAL S05, earning it a five-star Euro NCAP rating. It comes standard with 17 intelligent driver assistance systems, enabling L2 autonomous driving through a network of cameras, radars, and ultrasonic sensors—including a 540-degree surround-view camera system.

More Than a Model: How the CHANGAN DEEPAL S05 Embodies a Global Vision

Changan is now present in 16 European markets, with launches in Italy, Spain, and Poland coming soon. The UK anchors this footprint as a strategic hub for local development. Leading this momentum is the CHANGAN DEEPAL S05, a model built on a truly global foundation. Designed at Changan Design Center Europe in Turin and calibrated at the Changan UK R&D Centre in Birmingham, it has been meticulously tuned for local roads.

For the UK market, the CHANGAN DEEPAL S05 is produced at Changan Rayong Factory in Thailand—established in 2023 as a dedicated hub for global right-hand drive markets. With approximately 60% local sourcing, the facility ensures consistent quality, testing, and supply, while its strategic location enables worldwide logistics. More than a new model, the S05 stands as a testament to Changan’s global ambitions—integrating design, engineering, and production across continents to deliver a truly international electric vehicle.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Changan.

Contact:
global@changan.com.cn

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Government targets over 200 stalled housing projects for completion

Source: Government of South Africa

Government targets over 200 stalled housing projects for completion

Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane has outlined an ambitious plan to unblock and complete more than 200 stalled housing projects across South Africa as government moves to address long-standing delays affecting thousands of households.

Responding to questions for oral reply in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on Tuesday, Simelane said the Department of Human Settlements has, as of the 2025/2026 financial year, targeted to unblock about 212 projects classified as blocked, abandoned or stalled.

“These projects are collectively valued at approximately R37 billion,” she said.

She said the intervention is informed by provincial business plans aimed at accelerating delivery and restoring affected developments.

The Free State has been identified as the hardest-hit province with 154 unblocked projects requiring urgent intervention. She said many of these developments were left incomplete due to contractor abandonment and poor workmanship.

“In some instances, only foundations or slabs were laid, while in others, the materials were not of good quality, resulting in the product that is not satisfactory.”

The Minister noted that while Gauteng has 12 blocked projects, these often involve mega projects, usually hostels and their upgrades affecting a significant number of households, rather than a small number of housing units.

Across other provinces, the department has identified nine stalled projects in KwaZulu-Natal, four in Limpopo, two in Mpumalanga, and three in the Northern Cape.

While the Eastern Cape has no officially stalled projects, Simelane highlighted ongoing challenges related to mud housing, which she said require targeted intervention due to delays in previous programmes.

In the North West, 21 large-scale or “mega” projects have been identified, many of which serve between 500 and 800 households per development. Administrative delays were cited as a key factor affecting progress in the province.

The Western Cape has seven blocked projects, with delays largely attributed to infrastructure constraints, land availability challenges, and legal disputes that have stalled implementation.

“Most of the projects will emanate even from a court outcome or a court finding, or in the middle, they will take one another to court, and that stalls projects. We have taken steps to make sure that there’s multiple interventions and ratifications.

“We …have a team in terms of suspension of payments where the quality and work has not been done, and submission to [the Department of] Public Works in relation to contractors who don’t comply,” the Minister said.

She said the department is prioritising projects that have been delayed for more than 10 years or more, particularly in the North West and the Free State.

“We are focusing particularly on projects dating back to between 2006 and 2014 to ensure their reactivation and completion,” she said.

Government is also working to unlock the Community Residential Units (CRU) programme and improve bulk infrastructure provision through targeted allocations within housing grants.

Simelane revealed that during the 2024/2025 financial year, more than 200 projects were identified for unblocking, resulting in the delivery of at least 815 housing units nationwide.

She added that the department is strengthening support to provinces through conditional grants to ensure that stalled projects are prioritised and completed. This includes interventions in emergency housing and disaster-affected areas, particularly in rural provinces.

“In provinces like KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, some projects were delayed due to disasters and slow responses, leaving beneficiaries without homes for extended periods.”

Simelane noted that progress has been made in relocating some communities affected by previous disasters, including flood victims in parts of KwaZulu-Natal, although several projects remain ongoing.

The Minister reaffirmed government’s commitment to ensuring that incomplete housing projects are finalised and that affected communities are not left behind. – SAnews.gov.za
 

GabiK

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Alfort Petroleum Confirms Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) 2026 Gold Sponsorship as KON 8 Drilling Plans Advance

Source: APO


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Independent oil and gas company Alfort Petroleum has joined the upcoming Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) Conference and Exhibition as a Gold Sponsor. Taking place September 9-10 with a pre-conference day on September 8, the event is positioned as the country’s premier oil and gas forum, connecting policymakers, operators and service providers. Alfort Petroleum’s participation comes as the company prepares for a planned drilling campaign on Block KON 8 in Q2, 2026, reflecting a broader commitment to accelerating Angola’s onshore oil and gas resurgence.  

Striving to sustain production above one million barrels per day, Angola has been promoting investment across its onshore portfolio. Alfort Petroleum is at the helm of onshore blocks KON 5 and KON 8 – situated in the Kwanza Basin -, having secured operatorship following the country’s 2015 licensing round. In 2022, the company secured a production sharing contract for Block KON 8, laying the groundwork for exploration activities that are now progressing toward the drilling stage.

The operator is preparing a detailed well proposal for Block KON 8 targeted for submission in Q2, 2026. Once finalized, the proposal will be presented to Angola’s national concessionaire the National Oil, Gas & Biofuels Agency (ANPG), as well as joint venture partners for approval. The planned well represents a key milestone in the company’s efforts to unlock the hydrocarbon potential of Angola’s onshore basins.

The upcoming drilling campaigns builds on a series of milestones achieved at the blocks in 2025. These include the completion of a seismic data acquisition campaign across KON 8. The company is using the results to refine its exploration strategy. Geological and geophysical insights derived from the seismic studies are supporting the development of the well proposal, which will define the drilling location, technical design and execution schedule.

The planned well marks a significant step in Alfort Petroleum’s development roadmap and aligns with Angola’s broader strategy to diversify exploration activity beyond offshore deepwater assets. While offshore developments continue to drive production growth, onshore basins such as the Kwanza are increasingly attracting attention from independent operators seeking to unlock underexplored resources through modern seismic imaging and targeted drilling campaigns.

Against this backdrop, Alfort Petroleum’s participation at AOG 2026 underscores the company’s growing role in Angola’s upstream landscape. As preparations advance for the KON 8 drilling proposal and potential well campaign, AOG 2026 will provide an important venue for the company to engage partners and stakeholders while showcasing the progress being made to unlock Angola’s onshore resource potential.

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

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New deeds office in sight for Joburg

Source: Government of South Africa

New deeds office in sight for Joburg

Public Works & Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson this morning conducted an oversight visit to the construction of the new Johannesburg Deeds Office at 85 Anderson Street in Marshalltown.

Macpherson said the new office will play a key role in driving the renewal of the Johannesburg Central Business District. The building is the first new high rise in the Johannesburg City Centre in more than 20 years.

The new Deeds Office, which is being constructed at a cost of approximately R769 million, will provide modern facilities for property registration services while contributing to broader efforts to restore economic activity and investment in the inner city. 

The project is currently 78% complete, with significant progress already made on the main tower block and façade installations underway on several floors.

Macpherson said the project stands as a testament to the capability and expertise within the Department of Public Works & Infrastructure and demonstrates how well-managed infrastructure projects can play a key role in restoring confidence in South Africa’s urban centres. 

In this way, the Minister said catalytic construction projects of this nature can help drive economic growth, which will in turn support further job creation.

“As we work to turn South Africa into a construction site, the Johannesburg Deeds Office project shows how infrastructure investment can help breathe new life into our urban centres while ensuring that government facilities are modern, efficient and capable of serving the public. 

“As the country’s economic centre, Johannesburg’s inner city has enormous potential, but for too many years it has suffered from neglect, declining infrastructure and a loss of investment – something this project will help to reverse,” Macpherson said.

“When I entered office, my aim has always been to turn the Department into the economic delivery unit of South Africa, and projects such as this one help us achieve that goal through investment that generates economic activity in the inner city and contributes to job growth

“This is exactly the kind of project the department should be known for, and we look forward to replicating the work done here in communities across the country,” he said.

The Minister said the project also demonstrates the role that infrastructure investment can play in supporting economic participation and job creation for neglected communities. 

During construction, the project created employment opportunities for local workers while also supporting the participation of small businesses through subcontracting opportunities.

The development has furthermore incorporated skills development and training opportunities for young people, including apprenticeships and technical training linked to the construction sector, helping to prepare the next generation of artisans and built environment professionals.

“Public infrastructure must do more than simply provide buildings for government departments. It must help unlock economic activity, support jobs and contribute to the renewal of our cities. 

“These kinds of catalytic projects will be essential in the months ahead as we continue working to demonstrate the progress being made while contributing to building a better South Africa,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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Government pledges to create favourable environment for small businesses

Source: Government of South Africa

Government pledges to create favourable environment for small businesses

Small Business Development Minister Stella Ndabeni says government is committed to creating an environment that enables small businesses to thrive.

“Over the course of this seventh administration, we will, as the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) and the Small Enterprise Development Finance Agency (SEDFA), provide financial and non-financial support to one million Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs),” Ndabeni said on Tuesday.

Speaking at the 14th Annual Proudly SA Buy Local Summit and Expo held at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, Ndabeni said the government will implement the Red Tape Reduction Framework and continue to support municipalities in adopting the E-Registration System.

The Red Tape Reduction Framework provides municipalities and businesses with practical tools and resources to address municipal red tape issues to improve the business environment for small businesses. 

The E-Registration System Program intends to reduce significant red tape and to create a more straightforward, efficient, and easily accessible business registration system across districts and local governments. 

“We will improve access to enabling business infrastructure and equipment and will scale-up access to finance for MSMEs across all segments, working closely with other Development finance institutions (DFIs), banks and non-bank financial institutions,” Ndabeni said. 

Ndabeni said government will be looking to better integrate financial offerings with improved market and investment readiness support, as well as with post-investment support for business sustainability.

“MSMEs play a crucial role in addressing some of our country’s biggest challenges, including unemployment and inequality. Every rand spent at a local business helps circulate money within our economy, enabling businesses to grow, employ more people, and build communities. 

“MSMEs employ millions of people, with most reports suggesting this could be as high as 60% of employed persons in the country. They create pathways for young people entering the workforce, they empower women entrepreneurs, and they prop up local economies across the length and breadth of South Africa.

“They give innovative ideas the chance to grow into commercially thriving enterprises. But these MSMEs can only succeed when communities support them,” she said.

The Minister emphasised that when locally produced products are purchased, it helps a small business owner to pay wages, expand their operations and reinvest in the community. 

“That purchase might help someone hire a new employee, train an apprentice or open another store. We will ensure that the new Business Licensing Bill makes it easier, not more difficult, to start and operate a small business in South Africa. 

“We have the talent and the quality but still seem enamoured with global brands. This is where Proudly SA plays such an important role, and I encourage you to pick up your promotional and advocacy work to profile our local brands,” the Minister said.

Ndabeni urged the government to support e-commerce platforms that promote locally produced goods.

“The global online platforms that offer our consumers cheap mass- produced goods at a fraction of our production costs are a real threat, and we have engaged with relevant countries through our bilateral trade negotiations. 

“We have also intensified our war on the illicit goods which leak through our ports of entry and are produced in backyard factories here at home,” the minister said. –SAnews.gov.za

 

 

 

Edwin

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L’industrie pétrolière du Mozambique se retire du Sommet Africa Energies en raison de préoccupations liées au potentiel local

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


L’industrie pétrolière et gazière du Mozambique a annoncé qu’elle se retirerait du Sommet Africa Energies – organisé par Frontier Energy Network à Londres en mai prochain – invoquant des préoccupations concernant le traitement réservé aux professionnels noirs et des questions plus générales concernant le potentiel local lié aux organisateurs de l’événement. Cette décision reflète la frustration croissante des acteurs du secteur mozambicains et africains, qui estiment que les plateformes prétendant représenter le secteur énergétique africain doivent refléter les valeurs d’inclusion, d’équité et de participation locale qui façonnent de plus en plus l’agenda énergétique du continent.

La décision de se retirer a été motivée par la crainte que les dirigeants du Sommet n’aient pas donné suite aux appels répétés en faveur d’une amélioration de la diversité et de la transparence des pratiques de recrutement. L’Africa Energies Summit tire l’essentiel de ses revenus de l’Afrique, mais ses pratiques discriminatoires reviennent à exclure délibérément les professionnels noirs. Gayle Meikle, d’Irlande, et Daniel Davidson, d’Écosse, ont résisté aux appels demandant la divulgation de données sur la diversité de leur personnel et ont également refusé de mettre fin à la politique de non-recrutement des professionnels noirs et d’élaborer un plan en faveur de la diversité.

« En 2026, ce n’est pas le comportement que nous attendons de quiconque utilise le nom de l’Afrique et de notre secteur pétrolier et gazier. L’attitude de Gayle Meikle et Daniel Davidson envers le recrutement de professionnels noirs est perçue comme offensante par de nombreux Mozambicains et Africains. Nos membres ne se rendront pas à Londres », a déclaré Florival Mucave, président de la Chambre africaine de l’énergie du Mozambique.

Ce retrait revêt une importance particulière compte tenu de l’influence croissante du Mozambique sur le marché mondial du gaz. Le pays abrite certaines des plus importantes découvertes de gaz naturel de ces dernières décennies et s’impose rapidement comme l’un des acteurs africains les plus influents dans le secteur du GNL. Malgré des retards, les plus grands projets du Mozambique reprennent désormais leur cours.

Le projet Mozambique LNG, mené par TotalEnergies, a connu une reprise complète de ses activités terrestres et offshore en janvier 2026, après la levée de la clause de force majeure en 2025. Les travaux de construction ont désormais repris, avec plus de 4 000 travailleurs mobilisés, dont 3 000 sont mozambicains. La première production de GNL est prévue pour 2029, avec des contrats d’une valeur de 4 milliards de dollars attribués à des entreprises mozambicaines. La clause de force majeure pour le projet Rovuma LNG, mené par ExxonMobil, a également été levée en 2025. Ce projet d’une capacité de 18 millions de tonnes par an (mtpa) se dirige désormais vers une décision finale d’investissement (FID) en 2026.

« Le Mozambique ne sait que trop bien ce que cela signifie lorsque les citoyens ne sont pas satisfaits du secteur pétrolier et gazier. Nous en avons vu la conséquence avec le soulèvement dans le nord qui a bloqué d’importants projets gaziers. Notre pays est le théâtre de grands débats autour du potentiel local et de l’implication des communautés », a déclaré M. Mucave.

Ces étapes importantes interviennent alors que de grands projets offshore progressent. Après le démarrage des opérations de l’installation FLNG Coral Sul, dirigée par Eni, en 2022, la société poursuit désormais le projet FLNG Coral Norte. En 2025, Coral Norte a atteint la décision finale d’investissement (FID), et l’installation de 3,4 mtpa est en bonne voie pour entrer en service en 2028. Les avancées du projet reflètent l’engagement du pays à relever les défis qui ont retardé les projets.

« À l’heure où nous relançons des mégaprojets gaziers et où nous poussons nos responsables politiques à forer et à agir, le message concernant l’industrie pétrolière ne doit pas porter sur un recul en matière de potentiel local – il doit porter sur la lutte contre l’idéologie malheureuse selon laquelle les professionnels noirs ne seraient pas à la hauteur des enjeux énergétiques africains. Nous avons collaboré avec l’industrie pétrolière et gazière pour promouvoir l’enseignement des STEM, et cela porte ses fruits. Nous ne voulons pas d’environnements où les jeunes Mozambicains seraient victimes de discrimination uniquement en raison de la couleur de leur peau, et non de leurs qualifications ou de leurs mérites issus de l’expérience », a ajouté M. Mucave.

Le secteur gazier du Mozambique entre dans une période décisive alors que les projets de GNL reviennent dans le pipeline de développement et que l’activité d’exploration s’accélère dans le bassin de Rovuma. Pour les dirigeants du secteur, veiller à ce que celui-ci reste inclusif et favorable aux professionnels africains sera essentiel non seulement pour le succès du Mozambique, mais aussi pour la crédibilité du discours énergétique africain au sens large.

« Ne pas parvenir à maintenir une culture de l’industrie pétrolière et gazière qui favorise l’innovation, la collaboration et l’inclusion en Afrique ne fera que perturber les opérations gazières, semer le doute sur le secteur et nuire à notre industrie ainsi qu’à notre réussite future, tant pour les Mozambicains que pour les Africains. L’industrie pétrolière ne devrait pas détruire la bonne volonté dont les Africains ont fait preuve à son égard ces dernières années en soutenant des plateformes que les Africains considèrent comme insultantes pour leurs enfants », a conclu M. Mucave.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Energy Chamber.

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Correctional Services confirms rearrest of murderer, rapist 

Source: Government of South Africa

Correctional Services confirms rearrest of murderer, rapist 

Convicted murderer and rapist Thulani Gcaleka has been rearrested following his escape from custody just over a month ago.

According to the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), Gcaleka was rearrested in Gauteng during the early hours of Tuesday after escaping from the Sevontein Correctional Centre, under the Pietermaritzburg Management Area in KwaZulu-Natal.

“The National Commissioner, Makgothi Samuel Thobakgale, established a dedicated Track and Tracing Team within his office to focus on high-profile and high-risk escapees.

“This specialised team works to augment and support existing regional capabilities, ensuring a coordinated and intensified response to such incidents. The rearrest of offender Gcaleka is a direct result of these strengthened efforts,” the department said.

The offender escaped while he was part of a cleaning work team assigned to duties at the prison farm.

He is serving a life sentence for attempted murder, attempted rape, rape, common robbery and housebreaking with the intent to commit an offence.

“The department reiterates that escaping from lawful custody is a serious offence and will not be tolerated. Escapees pose a significant risk to public safety, and the department remains resolute in ensuring that all those who evade custody are swiftly traced and returned.

“Offender Gcaleka will face additional criminal charges arising from his escape from lawful custody. Internally, he will be reclassified to a higher security category and transferred to a maximum-security correctional facility,” the DCS added.

Following the escape, DCS announced that an internal investigation was underway to determine the circumstances leading to the incident.

“[Now], the Department confirms that disciplinary processes related to the circumstances surrounding the escape are ongoing, to ensure that appropriate action is taken against those found to have been negligent or complicit,” the DCS stated. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB

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President to address News24 On the Record Summit

Source: Government of South Africa

President to address News24 On the Record Summit

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to deliver the keynote address at the News24 On the Record Summit kicking off on Thursday.

The summit will be held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) under the theme: “5 million jobs in 10 years”.

“The aim of the summit is to find practical solutions that will reach this employment target in 10 years.

“In support of the National Dialogue announced by President Ramaphosa, this News24 gathering involves small groups of expert practitioners in areas that have an impact on growth and jobs,” a Presidency statement on Tuesday said.

A wide range of participants including South African businesspeople, civil society representatives, civil servants, trade union leaders, key international stakeholders and political leaders are expected to attend.

“The On the Record summit follows a nine-month research project undertaken by News24 and the Africa Centre to consult around 60 influential South Africans across academia, business and civil society on tangible solutions that could be implemented to create five million jobs in the next decade,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB

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Mozambique Oil Industry Withdraws from London Africa Energies Summit Over Local Content Concerns

Source: APO


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Mozambique’s oil and gas industry has announced that it will withdraw from participating at the Africa Energies Summit – hosted by Frontier Energy Network in London this May – citing concerns over the treatment of Black professionals and broader local content issues linked to the event’s organizers. The decision reflects mounting frustration among Mozambican and African industry stakeholders who argue that platforms claiming to represent Africa’s energy sector must reflect the values of inclusion, fairness and local participation that increasingly shape the continent’s energy agenda.

The decision to withdraw was driven by concerns that the Summit’s leadership has failed to address repeated calls to improve diversity and transparency around hiring practices. African Energies Summit earns most of its revenues from Africa, yet its pattern of discrimination amounts to an intentional lock-out of Black professionals. Gayle Meikle from Ireland and Daniel Davidson from Scotland have resisted calls to disclose workforce diversity data and have also refused to end the policy of not hiring Black professionals and set out a plan for diversity.

“In 2026, this is not the behavior that we expect from anyone who uses the name Africa and our oil and gas sector. The behavior of Gayle Meikle and Daniel Davidson towards the hiring of Black professionals is something that many Mozambicans and Africans find offensive. Our members will not be going to London,” stated Florival Mucave, President of the Mozambique Energy Chamber.

The withdrawal carries particular weight given Mozambique’s rising influence in the global gas market. The country is home to some of the largest natural gas discoveries in recent decades and is rapidly emerging as one of Africa’s most prominent voices in the LNG industry. Despite delays, Mozambique’s biggest projects are now returning to the development pipeline.

The TotalEnergies-led Mozambique LNG project achieved a full restart across its onshore and offshore activities in January 2026, following the lifting of force majeure in 2025. Construction activities has now resumed, with over 4,000 workers – 3,000 of which are Mozambican – mobilized. First LNG production is on track for 2029, with $4 billion contracts awarded to Mozambican companies. Force majeure for the ExxonMobil-led Rovuma LNG project was also lifted in 2025. The 18-million-ton-per-annum (mtpa) project is now advancing toward FID in 2026.

“Mozambique understands all too well what it means when citizens are not happy with the oil and gas sector. We saw a response with the uprising in the north that stalled major gas projects. Our country is experiencing big debates around local content and community involvement,” stated Mucave.

These milestones come as major offshore projects make headway. Following the start of operations at the Eni-led Coral Sul FLNG facility in 2022, the company is now advancing the Coral Norte FLNG project. In 2025, Coral Norte reached FID, with the 3.4 mtpa facility on track to begin operations in 2028. Project advancements reflect the country’s commitment to addressing the challenges that delayed projects.

“At a time when we are restarting mega gas projects and pushing for drilling and action from our politicians, the message about the oil industry should not be about regression on local content – it should be about addressing the unfortunate ideology of African energy events that Black professionals are seemingly not good enough for. We have worked with the oil and gas industry to promote STEM education and it is working. We don’t want environments where young Mozambicans will be discriminated upon solely based on their skin color and not on their qualifications or merits from experience,” Mucave added.

Mozambique’s gas sector is entering a decisive period as LNG projects return to the development pipeline and exploration activity gains momentum across the Rovuma Basin. For industry leaders, ensuring that the sector remains inclusive and supportive of African professionals will be critical not only for Mozambique’s success but also for the credibility of Africa’s broader energy narrative.

“Failure to maintain an oil and gas industry culture that fosters innovation, collaboration and inclusion in Africa will only disrupt gas operations, create doubts about the industry and adversely affect our industry as well as our future success both for Mozambicans and Africans. The oil industry should not destroy the goodwill Africans have shown to them over the last few years by supporting platforms that Africans see as insulting to their children,” concluded Mucave

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.