Category: Africa

Source: APO

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Guyana and Jamaica’s decision to establish a joint energy working group marks the latest step toward a more integrated Caribbean energy market, as the region’s fastest-growing oil producer expands cooperation beyond upstream investment to include infrastructure, finance and energy security. Signed in June 2026, the four bilateral agreements commit both governments to deeper collaboration across key sectors while establishing a dedicated platform to advance energy cooperation through knowledge exchange, infrastructure development and initiatives that strengthen regional energy security. The agreements come as Guyana prepares to increase crude oil production to 1.3 million barrels per day by 2027 and 1.7 million bpd by 2030, positioning regional partnerships alongside upstream investment as a key driver of its next phase of growth.

The Jamaica agreements build on a broader strategy of regional integration already taking shape across the Caribbean. In May 2026, Guyana and the Dominican Republic signed a contract for the exploration, development and eventual production of oil and gas in the Berbice Block, formalizing a strategic energy partnership first outlined in a 2023 Memorandum of Understanding. As part of the agreement, Dominican state-owned refinery Refinería Dominicana de Petróleo secured a 10% participating interest in the block, while both governments committed to expanding cooperation in refining, petrochemicals and regional energy security. The deal marks one of the Caribbean’s most significant cross-border upstream partnerships to date, extending collaboration beyond crude production into downstream industrial development.

The push for greater regional integration is also gaining traction among the Caribbean’s leading hydrocarbon producers. In February 2026, Trinidad and Tobago Energy Minister Roodal Moonilal called for deeper collaboration with Guyana and Suriname, proposing greater coordination among the region’s energy ministers to advance shared priorities across upstream development, natural gas commercialization and energy infrastructure. Discussions highlighted opportunities to leverage Guyana’s rapidly expanding production alongside Trinidad and Tobago’s established LNG, refining and petrochemical capabilities, reinforcing the case for a more connected regional energy market.

Beyond the Caribbean, Guyana is reinforcing the international partnerships underpinning its energy expansion. In March 2025, Guyana and the United States signed a Memorandum of Understanding on security cooperation during U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit, strengthening collaboration to safeguard critical infrastructure and reinforce investor confidence in the country’s rapidly expanding offshore sector. Canada has also expanded its engagement through the extension of the Caribbean-Canada Trade Agreement through 2033 and the renewal of a Memorandum of Understanding between Guyana’s Ministry of Finance and the Canadian Commercial Corporation, creating additional pathways for Canadian participation in infrastructure, industrial and energy development.

These agreements signal a strategic evolution in Guyana’s energy ambitions. While international oil companies continue to unlock world-class offshore resources, government-to-government partnerships are creating the policy alignment, commercial relationships and infrastructure needed to support long-term regional growth. Rather than viewing oil and gas development through a national lens, Caribbean governments are increasingly positioning the region as a connected investment destination capable of competing for global capital across the full hydrocarbon value chain.

The role of regional partnerships in shaping the Caribbean’s next phase of energy growth will be a central focus at Caribbean Energy Week 2027, held under the theme “Unlocking the Caribbean Energy Corridor: Oil, Gas, LNG & Investment for a New Global Hub.” Bringing together governments, national oil companies, international operators, financiers and investors, the conference will examine how regional partnerships are accelerating cross-border investment, strengthening energy security and creating new commercial opportunities across the Caribbean’s upstream, midstream and downstream sectors.

Ahead of the conference, an in-country launch in Guyana in September 2026 will convene regional governments, investors and industry leaders to explore the policies, partnerships and investment strategies driving the Caribbean’s emergence as one of the world’s fastest-growing energy markets.

Caribbean Energy Week 2027 will host its in-country launch at the Guyana Marriott Hotel in Georgetown on September 1, 2026, bringing together government officials, investors, operators and industry stakeholders for an early look at the opportunities, priorities and partnerships that will shape the region’s energy future. To register, please visit https://apo-opa.co/4buJqmw

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

Source: APO

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“Before FAO came, we thought this was simply how bushmeat should be sold because it was how our mothers did it. Today we know that protecting our customers also protects our families,” says Comfort Baidoo, a bushmeat trader at Kumasi’s Atwemonom Market and a participant in FAO’s training on food safety. 

Before dawn each day, the women of Atwemonom Market begin preparing for another busy trading day. Their stalls soon fill with smoked and fresh bushmeat, attracting customers from across the city. For these women, bushmeat is much more than food. It is the source of household income, school fees, healthcare, and financial security for their families.

In Ghana, bushmeat commonly includes species such as grasscutters (greater cane rats), duikers, bushbuck, porcupines, monkeys, and other small mammals. Bushmeat is generally defined as the meat of wild animals harvested from forests and other natural habitats.

Behind the vibrant marketplace in Kumasi was a challenge that many consumers never saw. Bushmeat is a valuable source of animal protein, but if it is not handled safely, it can expose both traders and consumers to foodborne illnesses and diseases that can pass between animals and people. Poor hygiene practices, limited access to clean storage facilities, and inadequate protective equipment made it difficult for traders to consistently provide safe food while protecting their own health.

Recognizing these challenges, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations partnered with local authorities and the Bushmeat Traders Association through its Better Nutrition programme to strengthen food safety practices among women traders at Atwemonom Market.

The intervention began with listening. Rather than introducing solutions from the outside, FAO spent time with the traders to understand their daily routines, the challenges they faced, and the practical realities of working in one of Ghana’s busiest bushmeat markets. The women spoke openly about transporting products over long distances, preserving meat without adequate cooling facilities, and working in demanding conditions while trying to maintain the quality of their products. These conversations shaped an intervention that responded directly to their needs.

More than fifty women participated in practical training on Good Hygiene Practices, Good Manufacturing Practices, safe meat handling, personal hygiene, environmental sanitation, and the prevention of foodborne diseases. The training combined technical knowledge with practical demonstrations that traders could immediately apply in their daily work.

Training alone, however, was not enough.  To support the adoption of safer practices, FAO provided insulated ice chests, protective aprons, gloves, and other essential equipment that allowed traders to improve the hygienic handling and storage of bushmeat throughout the trading day. The changes soon became visible across the market.

Protective clothing became more common. Traders paid greater attention to hand hygiene and the cleanliness of their working areas. Meat was handled more carefully and stored under improved conditions. Customers began noticing these improvements and expressed greater confidence in purchasing products from traders who visibly demonstrated better hygiene practices.

The women became ambassadors for food safety within their own community. They shared what they had learned with fellow traders, encouraged better hygiene practices, and recognized that food safety was not simply about complying with standards. It was about protecting their customers, strengthening their businesses, and safeguarding their own livelihoods.

The initiative also demonstrated the critical role that women play in Ghana’s food systems. Although many operate within the informal economy, they are central to supplying nutritious food to thousands of households every day. Investing in their knowledge, skills, and working conditions strengthens food security, improves public health, and creates more resilient local food systems.

The experience at Atwemonom Market shows that improving food safety does not always require expensive infrastructure or complex technologies. Sustainable change often begins with practical knowledge, appropriate equipment, and genuine partnerships with the people who are at the heart of local food systems.

One of the most memorable moments came at the end of the training. Proud of what they had learned and determined to uphold higher standards, the women spontaneously created their own slogan in Twi. With smiles and applause, they chanted, “FAO, Yɛ Yɛ Neat!” literally meaning “FAO, We Are Neat!” The chant quickly became a shared commitment to cleanliness, safe food handling, and professional pride.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Regional Office for Africa.

Source: APO

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As global demand for minerals grows, African governments and industry are accelerating efforts to formalize artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) through new regulations, digital platforms, financing mechanisms and cooperative models. These initiatives aim to increase government revenues, strengthen mineral traceability, curb illicit mining and attract responsible investment.

These reforms will take center stage at African Mining Week (AMW) 2026, taking place in Cape Town from October 14–16, through a dedicated Accelerating the Formalization of ASM panel, where policymakers, mining companies and industry leaders will examine the policies, partnerships and technologies driving ASM formalization across the continent.

The discussion comes as artisanal mining assumes an increasingly strategic role in the global minerals industry. ASM accounts for more than 20% of global gold and critical minerals production. The sector supports the livelihoods of more than 40 million people and indirectly benefits an estimated 150 million people across sub-Saharan Africa, yet between 70% and 80% of operations remain informal, highlighting a significant opportunity to drive economic growth through formalization.

Ghana is demonstrating how formalization can strengthen both production and investment. The country now sources more than 52% of its gold output from ASM operators and continues to formalize the sector through the Ghana Gold Board and expanded community mining programs. Typhoon Greenfield Development is supporting these efforts through an in-house initiative that provides technical assistance to neighboring artisanal miners. At AMW 2026, Kwaku Nsiah-Asare, CEO of Typhoon Greenfield Development, is expected to share insights into the company’s ASM integration model and how partnerships between industrial and artisanal miners can strengthen production while promoting sustainable sector development.

Meanwhile, Rand Refinery is supporting Ghana’s ASM formalization through a partnership with Gold Coast Refinery to strengthen local gold purchasing and beneficiation. By providing technical, operational and commercial oversight, the company is helping the refinery achieve internationally recognized assaying and refining standards for ASM gold. As African producers accelerate downstream mineral processing and value addition, Jason McPherson, Head of Sourcing and Business Development at Rand Refinery, will discuss the refinery’s regional expansion strategy and role in advancing Africa’s gold beneficiation industry.

Zambia is similarly expanding formalization initiatives as part of its strategy to diversify beyond copper and build a stronger domestic gold industry. Government-led programs such as the planetGOLD Zambia initiative and Community Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining Committees are improving access to training, finance, cooperative structures and responsible mining practices for artisanal producers.

Complementing these efforts, Makor Resources has developed MineHive, a digital platform that provides artisanal miners with technical knowledge, community engagement tools and access to responsible mining practices. Makor Resources CEO Brooke Bibeault is expected to discuss how digital innovation can accelerate ASM formalization while improving productivity, environmental performance and investor confidence across the sector.

Uganda is also advancing reforms to unlock greater value from its artisanal mining industry. Approximately 500,000 artisanal miners operate across the country, including around 90,000 gold miners, with much of the sector still operating informally. To improve mineral traceability and strengthen domestic value capture, the Bank of Uganda has launched a national gold purchasing program designed to support artisanal miners while expanding the country’s official gold reserves.

The Uganda Chamber of Energy and Minerals, working alongside GIZ Uganda and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, is also implementing the TENT Grant Initiative, a UGX 800 million program running through October 2026 that aims to formalize at least 20 artisanal mining cooperatives through improved market access. At AMW 2026, Chamber CEO Humphrey Asiimwe is expected to provide an update on Uganda’s formalization agenda and how the country is positioning its gold, graphite and rare earth sectors to meet rising global demand.

As governments and industry work to unlock greater value from artisanal mining, AMW 2026 will spotlight the partnerships, technologies and policy reforms shaping the sector’s transition into the formal economy.

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

Source: APO

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Oando PLC (https://OandoPLC.com/), Africa’s leading indigenous energy solutions provider listed on both the Nigerian Exchange Ltd. and Johannesburg Stock Exchange, has published its unaudited results for the six months ended 30 June 2026. The Group posted a 20% revenue increase to ₦2.1 trillion, reflecting the results of the Company’s cost-optimisation initiatives, principally lower transport, logistics, service and ICT costs, alongside the benefit of higher production across a largely fixed field cost base. This stronger earnings performance is also reflected in the Company’s profit after tax, which rose 8% to ₦68.6 billion and gross profit, which rose 331% to ₦101 billion.

Oando’s upstream subsidiary reported a 92% facility uptime compared to 85% in 2025, resulting in a 16% increase in average production to 42,789 boepd from 36,836 boepd in H1 2025. This production number comprises crude oil production up by 19% to 12,358 bopd, gas volumes up 14% to 28,497 boepd, and NGL production up 16% to 1,935 boepd. The Company states these results were underpinned by a combination of factors: the successful drilling of new wells, the restoration of 12 previously shut-in wells, and sustained improvements in facility uptime across OMLs 60-63.

In its trading arm, the Group saw a 2.1% increase in trading volumes to 13.15 MMbbl. The Company attributed this increase to its crude oil marketing and offtake programmes and increased sourcing from marginal field producers and remains focused on expanding its broader crude oil marketing and trading portfolio in the other half of the year.

Group Chief Executive, Wale Tinubu CON, speaking on the half-year 2026 results, commented “The first half of 2026 marks an important inflection point in Oando’s journey. Over the past two years, our priority has been to successfully integrate one of the most significant upstream acquisitions in Africa and unlock the full value of our expanded portfolio. The progress achieved during the period demonstrates that we are now delivering the operational and financial outcomes expected from that transformation.

Operational efficiency underpinned our performance during the period as we strengthened asset integrity, improved facility reliability and reinforced security across our operating areas, resulting in average facility uptime of 92% while reducing production operating costs by 18% to US$16.83 per boe.”

“Our development programme also gathered significant momentum during the period as we successfully drilled and completed two land development wells, with an additional land well currently being drilled, while mobilising a second drilling rig to accelerate activity across our operated portfolio. In parallel, we continued an extensive programme of rig-less well interventions designed to restore production, sustain plateau output and mitigate natural field decline. Together, these activities increased average production to 42,789 boepd, representing 16% year-on-year growth.

This translated into a stronger financial performance, with revenue increasing by 20% to ₦2.1 trillion, while the business generated ₦179.5 billion in operating cash, improving liquidity. Profit after tax also increased by 8% to ₦68.6 billion, reflecting the overall improvement in operating performance during the period.” He added.

Similarly, another independent, Seplat Energy Plc, also reported a 4% increase in average production in H1 2026 to 139,509 boepd, while Aradel Holdings Plc reported a 523% increase to 139.5 kboepd.

In 2026, Oando embarked on an extensive drilling programme across both the operated and non-operated portfolio. With this already yielding results in H1 within OMLs 60–63, the Company hopes to complete its seven-well programme with planned drilling across its assets in Idu T, Samabri A and Ogbanbiri. This is to be complemented by a rig-less programme of approximately 100 well intervention activities planned across the portfolio for the full year. Together, these activities are expected to add production, sustain plateau and offset natural field decline across the portfolio.

Addressing the Company’s outlook, Mr Tinubu stated, “Looking ahead in 2026, our priorities remain firmly centred on completing our seven-well drilling programme and portfolio-wide well intervention campaign while delivering production of circa 50,000 boepd. Beyond 2026, our identified inventory of 62 development wells, supported by 55 planned well interventions, provides a clear pathway towards our medium-term production ambition of approximately 100,000 boepd.

Furthermore, we shall execute an intensive fundraising and balance sheet restructuring programme to optimise our capital structure, strengthen our financial position, improve working capital, enhance financial flexibility and ensure the business is appropriately funded to accelerate growth and maximise long-term shareholder value

We have built a resilient operating platform and established a clear roadmap for growth. Our focus is now on translating our significant opportunities into higher production, a stronger balance sheet and superior long-term returns for our shareholders.”

The Company reaffirms full-year production guidance of 40,000–50,000 boepd, supported by a seven-well drilling programme across OMLs 60–63, of which two wells have been completed, with two more in progress. The trading arm has revised its guidance to 22–26 MMbbls following adjustments to a crude oil marketing programme. The Company also continues to advance the Rights Issue and its US$1.5 billion multi-instrument issuance programme and the expansion of its clean energy initiatives.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Oando PLC.

Source: APO

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Official photographs and video footage documenting Seychelles’ Golden Jubilee commemorative artefacts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) were today received by State House from the Embassy of the Russian Federation.

The material was presented to President Dr Patrick Herminie by the newly accredited Ambassador Designate of the Russian Federation, Mr Kirill Gennadievich Sokolov Shcherbachev, during this morning’s ceremony of presentation of credentials. The commemorative video captures a striking image of the Seychelles flag in outer space, marking a unique chapter in the nation’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations.

Among the items sent into orbit were Seychelles’ National Flag, the Coat of Arms, and President Herminie’s Independence Day commemorative message. While aboard the ISS, the President’s message was formally read aboard the International Space Station by members of the mission, who also delivered their own congratulatory message conveying the Russian Federation’s warm wishes to the people of Seychelles on the occasion of the nation’s Golden Jubilee.

The commemorative documents and national artefacts were officially authenticated by Russian cosmonauts using the station’s official postal and mission seals, certifying that they had genuinely travelled in space.

Upon their return to Earth, the space-flown artefacts, bearing official International Space Station markings, will be formally presented to Seychelles and preserved by the National History Museum for future generations as part of the nation’s heritage collection.

The initiative forms part of the celebrations marking both the 50th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Seychelles and 50 years of diplomatic relations between Seychelles and the Russian Federation, further commemorating a partnership that spans five decades.

President Herminie welcomed the gesture as a meaningful tribute to Seychelles’ Golden Jubilee and to the enduring friendship between Seychelles and the Russian Federation. The returning artefacts will become part of the National History Museum’s collection, preserving this unique chapter of the nation’s history for future generations.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

Source: APO

Government plans to erect electric fences around residential communities in districts hosting or surrounding national parks, in a bid to address challenges of human-wildlife conflict.

The State Minister for Tourism, Hon. Susan Nakawuki, told MPs during a plenary sitting on Tuesday, 04 August 2026, that fencing works have commenced around Queen Elizabeth National Park, in the districts of Rukungiri and Mitooma.

She gave the update following concerns raised by Hon. Wilson Kajwengye (NRM, Nyabushozi County), who said wild animals from Lake Mburo National Park have continuously destroyed crops and water centres, and caused the death of locals.

He noted that five sub-counties in his constituency located in Kiruhura District have been incessantly attacked by wild animals, which has affected the livelihoods of the residents.

“These are people who have been food-secure for some time. But because of this, they have now been rendered food-insecure and are now destitute, hence the outrage. I pray that government supports my people with relief in form of food and planting materials,” Kajwengye said.

He also urged the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities to expedite the process to close off Lake Mburo National Park with an electric fence, as well compensate affected communities.

“If the fencing cannot be done now, then trenching can be done as an immediate measure to stop wild animals from destroying crops,” Kajwengye added.

He noted that much as the Uganda Wildlife Act Cap.15 provides for compensation, it has often been meager upon payment.

“The guidelines leading to these payments are grossly unfavourable to the communities surrounding the parks. Some animals were ridiculously excluded as if they do not destroy crops. All wild animals compete for grass and forage with domestic animals,” said Kajwengye.

Among his prayers, was also a call for an increase in revenue sharing from 20 per cent to 40 per cent, as well as digging and reconstruction of communal water centers.

Nakawuki reiterated that plans are in place to construct electric fences around national parks across the country.

“But this is a very expensive venture and we are doing it step by step. Material is available and work on the fence from Rukungiri to Mitoma started last week. For Lake Mburo National Park, the Uganda Wildlife Authority already requested government for funds to do the fencing but we have not yet received that money,” she said.

She told the House that compensation of persons affected by human-wildlife conflict is determined by the Uganda Wildlife Compensation Regulations of 2022, which she said are undergoing amendment.

The Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa, tasked the Committee on Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities to probe the concerns raised, in coordination with the Minister, and present a detailed report to the House on the matter within 45 days.

“This is an issue that touches very many colleagues here. The committee on Tourism will interact with Ministry on the regulations to do with compensation and increasing the percentage for compensation. These are things we need to look into,” Tayebwa said.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.

Source: APO

The World Health Organization (WHO) has supported Ghana’s efforts to strengthen its capacity for disease surveillance and emergency response through the provision of 205 laptop computers valued at over GHS 3 million to the Ghana Health Service (GHS) under the Pandemic Fund Project.

The equipment, procured by WHO as an Implementing Entity for the Pandemic Fund Project in Ghana, will enhance electronic surveillance and reporting systems across the country, enabling health workers to collect, analyse and share critical health information more efficiently for timely public health action.

The package includes 200 standard-specification laptops to support surveillance activities at the subnational level and five high-performance laptops to strengthen the coordination and management of surveillance operations.

The investment is expected to improve access to digital tools for surveillance officers, strengthen data-driven decision-making and contribute to Ghana’s ability to rapidly detect, assess and respond to emerging public health threats.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, WHO Ghana Country Representative, Dr Fiona Braka, emphasized the importance of resilient surveillance systems in protecting communities from health emergencies.

“Strong surveillance systems are the foundation of effective outbreak prevention and response. By equipping health workers with the necessary digital tools, we are supporting Ghana to generate timely, reliable data that informs decisions and enables faster action”, she said.

The Deputy Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr Caroline Reindorf Amissah, acknowledged WHO’s continued partnership in supporting Ghana’s health priorities.

“WHO has continued to be a valuable partner in advancing Ghana’s health agenda. This support will strengthen our surveillance systems and improve the use of data for timely public health action”, she said.

The support forms part of WHO’s broader contribution to Ghana’s pandemic prevention, preparedness and response efforts under the Pandemic Fund Project, which focuses on strengthening key capacities including surveillance, laboratory systems, workforce readiness and coordination mechanisms.

Through continued collaboration with the Government of Ghana and national partners, WHO remains committed to supporting the country to build a stronger, more resilient health security system capable of preventing, detecting and responding to future health threats.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of WHO Regional Office for Africa.