Category: Africa

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Private sector to help scale up ARC FMD vaccine

Source: Government of South Africa

Private sector to help scale up ARC FMD vaccine

The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) and its Board have unanimously approved a proposal by Agriculture Minister Willie Aucamp to allow qualifying private companies to use the ARC’s intellectual property (IP) to manufacture its Foot-and -Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccine at a large scale.

The decision, taken on Monday, is aimed at addressing current manufacturing constraints and increasing the availability of the ARC vaccine as South Africa continues to respond to the FMD outbreak.

The ARC is an entity of the Department of Agriculture.

The ARC vaccine is an effective defence against the domestic FMD strains and requires a single annual administration. However, due to manufacturing constraints, the ARC is currently not able to manufacture their FMD vaccine at scale.

Under conditional IP licensing agreements with the ARC, local and international companies will be allowed to manufacture the vaccine, helping to expand production while the ARC continues to strengthen its own manufacturing capacity.

Aucamp said the decision marks a decisive breakthrough in safeguarding South Africa’s livestock sector, strengthening national biosecurity, and securing food supply chains.

“I have listened to the concerns of farmers and other stakeholders in the sector, and I appreciate that they want swift action to deal with this Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreak.

“It is against this background that we are now, for the first time, going to allow the private sector to make use of the IP of the ARC to enhance the availability of the ARC vaccine,” the Minister said following a meeting.

He said the ARC will continue working to rebuild and expand its own internal FMD vaccine manufacturing capacity, while third-party manufacturers assist with large-scale production.

Any income that the ARC will derive from these licencing agreements will be ringfenced by the ARC and will only be used by the ARC to increase its own FMD vaccine manufacturing capacity.

While the implementation of the decision will not happen overnight, Aucamp said the agreement is a huge step forward in combating the FMD outbreak.

“I am proud to confirm that all parties involved have committed to do whatever they can to ensure that this decision is implemented without delay,” Aucamp said.

As part of efforts to strengthen the scientific assessment of vaccines, the ARC will also, at Aucamp’s request, submit representative FMD field-circulating virus isolates from South Africa to the Pirbright Institute in the United Kingdom in October, for a second round of vaccine-matching assessments.

The purpose of this exercise is to provide an additional scientific assessment of the suitability of available local and imported vaccines against FMD viruses currently circulating in South Africa.

The Department of Agriculture said it will continue to work with commodity organisations, provincial veterinary services, the ARC, organised agriculture, and other stakeholders to strengthen the country’s FMD control programme. – SAnews.gov.za

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Uganda: Tayebwa asks European Union (EU) to help close Uganda’s refugee funding gap

Source: APO


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The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, has called on the European Union to increase funding for Uganda’s refugee response, warning that declining humanitarian support is placing growing pressure on public services and communities hosting more than two million refugees and asylum-seekers.

Tayebwa made the appeal while meeting Members of the European Parliament, Hon. Tineke Strik and Hon. Anna Strolenberg, visiting the country to understand the country’s refugee policies and explore ways of strengthening cooperation between Uganda and the EU on refugee management.

The meeting was held at Parliament Building on Monday, 21 September 2026.

Uganda’s 2026 refugee response plan requires about $850 million, but only 12 per cent of the required funding has so far been provided by international partners, according to figures cited by Tayebwa.

He said the funding shortfall is increasingly affecting the government’s ability to provide services to refugees and the Ugandan communities that host them.

“All this is happening at a time when there is a decline in funding,” Tayebwa said.

He said the pressure is being felt within government institutions responsible for refugee management, particularly the Office of the Prime Minister, as well as in health and education services in refugee-hosting communities.

Tayebwa said there has been a reduction in the number of teachers and health workers previously supported through funding from international partners, while staffing levels in the Department of Refugees under the Office of the Prime Minister have also come under pressure.

“From our assessment, the current humanitarian funding model is no longer sufficient. Without alternative financing, pressure will overwhelm the government and host communities,” he said.

Despite the financial constraints, Tayebwa said Uganda would continue to receive people fleeing conflict, describing the country’s refugee policy as rooted in its humanitarian values.

“These people are helpless; they are vulnerable,” he said. “We struggle to provide for these refugees, but we are not struggling with the spirit of humanity to welcome them,” he said.

Most of the two million refugees and asylum-seekers in Uganda are women and children, with the largest numbers originating from South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Tayebwa also urged the EU to address the conflicts driving displacement rather than focusing only on humanitarian assistance after people have crossed into Uganda.

He warned that failure to provide refugees with adequate support and opportunities to rebuild their lives could expose some to exploitation, trafficking and recruitment by armed groups.

“If Uganda cannot help these people settle, they are the people who will join Al-Shabaab, these are the people who will be trafficked to Europe,” he said.

Tayebwa said the refugee crisis also presented an opportunity for Africa and Europe to strengthen their partnership at a time when multilateral cooperation is facing challenges.

“At the time when multilateralism is dying and the global political arena is unpredictable, this is the time for Africa and Europe to strengthen their relationship,” he said, adding that “The relationship between the EU and Africa is dependable. This is the right time for the EU to strengthen and cement its relationship with Africa.”

He thanked the EU for its contribution to Uganda’s refugee response, describing the bloc as a dependable partner.

The EU has allocated €20.7 million in humanitarian assistance to Uganda in 2026, following €23.9 million in 2025. It says it has provided more than €194 million in humanitarian funding to Uganda since 2021.

Speaking during the meeting, Strik acknowledged Uganda’s role in hosting refugees and said European countries could learn from Uganda’s approach to receiving people fleeing conflict.

“The EU and also the Netherlands can take Uganda as an example of hospitality,” Strik said.

She also acknowledged the funding challenge facing refugee-hosting countries and called for continued international support.

“I think we also need to address the issue of funding,” she said adding that, “International partners should not leave Uganda alone.” 

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

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Uganda: Parliament Demands Details on New Kitgum Refugee Settlement

Source: APO


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The Presidential Affairs Committee has demanded detailed plans, funding information and timelines from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) before Government proceeds with the establishment of a new refugee settlement in Kitgum District.

The committee, chaired by Hon. Martin Ojara Mapenduzi, on Tuesday, 22 September 2026, questioned OPM officials led by Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees Sam Engola over preparations for the settlement, including water, sanitation and health services.

Mapenduzi said the committee had received documents showing that the community had voluntarily offered 490 acres for the settlement, alongside a Kitgum District Council resolution and an approved physical planning report. The committee was still studying the documents, including evidence of environmental, social and climate impact assessments.

The land that will host the refugees is located at Amida west subcounty in Kitgum district.

He said the committee was concerned that OPM’s own assessment had identified gaps in basic services at the proposed settlement.

“Lat¬rines are supposed to be there. You need water sources. You need to have a medical facility, health facility,” Mapenduzi said.

He said OPM needed to explain who would provide the missing services, how much they would cost and when they would be delivered.

Mapenduzi said the plans should be time-bound to enable Parliament to track implementation.

Minister Engola told the committee that preparations were already under way, with development partners supporting key services.

“I told you last time that UNHCR has been on the ground. That map was done by them. The demarcation has been done,” Engola said.

He said a partner was providing boreholes because government would not move refugees to the site without water.

“I told you that we had a partner for water. He’s giving us five boreholes because we said we cannot move until water is there. The demarcation for the toilets is already there,” he said.

Engola said health centres were already available and OPM was engaging donors to provide additional support.

“Health centres are already there. We are really busy asking our donors to help us immediately. And UNHCR has agreed,” he said.

He said refugees would not be moved until basic facilities were in place.

“So we are not moving the refugees until the toilet system is there, the water drilling is there,” Engola said.

He said that the new camp was ready to open, adding that UNHCR was prepared to provide funding, while UNICEF was drilling water at the site, and several other partners had committed to supporting the project.

Engola said the approaching rainy season had increased the urgency.

“So that is why now we have been cleared. I am going to the district with my team and we are going to start the work immediately,” Engola said.

He added that the project had funding, with refugees also supported by international partners.

Meanwhile, the committee also questioned OPM over incomplete projects under the Development Response to Displacement Impacts Project (DRDIP 1), a World Bank-funded programme supporting refugee-hosting districts.

Mapenduzi said some responses provided by OPM remained inadequate and lacked supporting documents.

He said the committee had summoned contractors who failed to complete DRDIP I projects to appear before it next Wednesday.

The OPM progress documents show several stalled projects, including bridges and roads in Yumbe and Lamwo, a council hall and health centre in Yumbe, and an administration block in Terego, with some delays attributed to changes in scope.

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

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Des patrouilles quotidiennes et des sensibilisations pour protéger les communautés de la préfecture de la Mambere-Kadeï

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Dans la préfecture de la Mambere-Kadeï, à l’ouest de la République centrafricaine, l’Unité sénégalaise de police constituée de la MINUSCA mène quotidiennement des patrouilles motorisées et pédestres, des missions de sécurisation ainsi que des activités de sensibilisation auprès des communautés. Ces actions visent à protéger les civils, prévenir les conflits et renforcer la cohésion sociale dans une région où des défis sécuritaires persistent sur certains axes. À travers cette présence de proximité, les Casques bleus sénégalais contribuent au maintien d’un climat relativement apaisé et au renforcement du vivre-ensemble.​

Bien que la situation sécuritaire demeure globalement calme dans la localité, une insécurité persistante est signalée sur l’axe Berbérati-Sosso-Nakombo, particulièrement dans la zone de Benewayo, où des incidents ciblant des éleveurs et des commerçants continuent d’être rapportés.Face à cette situation, les Casques bleus maintiennent une présence renforcée à travers des patrouilles quotidiennes sur les principaux axes routiers reliant Berbérati à Carnot, Sosso-Nakombo, Nola et Gamboula. Ces opérations visent à rassurer les populations, sécuriser les déplacements et entretenir un contact permanent avec les communautés.​

Des patrouilles au service de la pai

Pour le commandant de cette Unité de police, le lieutenant-colonel Dieye Ndongo, ces patrouilles constituent un outil essentiel dans les efforts de consolidation de la paix. « La paix se construit au contact des populations. Nos patrouilles quotidiennes nous permettent d’être à l’écoute des préoccupations des communautés, de prévenir les tensions avant qu’elles ne dégénèrent et de rassurer les populations sur la présence constante de la MINUSCA à leurs côtés. En cette Journée internationale de la paix, nous réaffirmons notre engagement à œuvrer pour la sécurité, le dialogue et le vivre-ensemble dans toutes les localités sous notre responsabilité », affirme-t-il.​

Les habitants de la région témoignent également de l’impact positif de ces interventions.À Benewayo, Jean-Marie Mbassa, commerçant, souligne l’amélioration du climat sécuritaire : « Avant, nous hésitions souvent à nous rendre au marché à cause des rumeurs d’insécurité sur la route. Depuis le passage régulier des patrouilles et les séances de sensibilisation, nous nous sentons davantage rassurés. Les échanges avec les forces de sécurité nous permettent aussi de signaler rapidement les incidents ».​

À Dabéré, sur l’axe Berbérati-Carnot, François Ngbalé, transporteur, met en avant les retombées positives de cette présence. « La présence régulière des patrouilles est très appréciée par les commerçants et les transporteurs. Elle favorise les déplacements et renforce le sentiment de sécurité pour les activités économiques le long de l’axe », explique-t-il.​

Même constat pour Moussa, commerçant sur l’axe Berbérati-Sosso-Nakombo. « Avant, nous avions peur de nous déplacer sur certains tronçons. Aujourd’hui, grâce aux patrouilles régulières de la MINUSCA, nous nous sentons davantage en sécurité pour exercer nos activités commerciales et nous rendre dans les villages voisins », témoigne-t-il.​

Sensibiliser pour prévenir les conflits​

Au-delà des missions de sécurisation, les policiers de la MINUSCA profitent de leurs patrouilles motorisées et pédestres pour mener des séances de sensibilisation sur plusieurs thématiques, notamment les violences basées sur le genre, la paix et le vivre-ensemble ainsi que le règlement pacifique des crises liées à la transhumance.​

Dans la zone de Gamboula et sur l’axe Berbérati-Nola, ces initiatives favorisent la cohésion sociale et contribuent à l’atténuation des tensions communautaires.

Marie-Thérèse Dongo, présidente d’une association féminine à Batouri-Danzé, salue les résultats obtenus. « Les activités de sensibilisation sur les violences basées sur le genre ont permis aux habitants de mieux connaître leurs droits et les mécanismes de protection disponibles. Cela contribue à instaurer un climat de confiance au sein de la communauté », estime-t-elle.​

À Gbagonbo, Marie met en avant les efforts de prévention des conflits entre agriculteurs et éleveurs. « Les policiers de la MINUSCA viennent souvent échanger avec nous. Ils nous encouragent à dialoguer et à respecter les couloirs de passage du bétail. Cela aide à éviter les conflits entre agriculteurs et éleveurs », a-t-elle dit.​

Un avis partagé par Pauline Yambéré, agricultrice à Barka Basso, sur l’axe Berbérati-Nola. « Les conflits entre agriculteurs et éleveurs ont longtemps affecté la cohésion de nos communautés. Les sensibilisations menées par la MINUSCA nous aident à mieux comprendre l’importance du dialogue et du respect des couloirs de transhumance », a-t-elle confié.​

Cet engagement quotidien contribue à renforcer la protection des civils, à prévenir les conflits et à promouvoir une paix durable dans l’ouest de la République centrafricaine, conformément au mandat de la MINUSCA et aux aspirations des communautés locales à vivre dans un environnement sûr et stable.​

Distribué par APO Group pour United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).

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Remise d’ouvrages a la bibliotheque pluridisciplinaire de la mosquee salam du plateau: la ministre françoise remarck reaffirme son engagement pour la promotion de la lecture

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Lors de la cérémonie de remise de 632 ouvrages à la bibliothèque pluridisciplinaire de la Mosquée Salam d’Abidjan-Plateau, le jeudi 17 septembre 2026, la ministre de la Culture et de la Francophonie, Françoise Remarck, a réaffirmé l’engagement de son département ministériel en faveur de la promotion du livre et de la lecture,

« Une bibliothèque n’est jamais simplement un lieu où l’on range des livres. C’est un lieu où l’on ouvre des portes : vers la connaissance, vers l’autre, vers le monde et, parfois, vers soi-même. Cette conviction est partagée par le ministère de la Culture  », a indiqué la ministre.

Selon Françoise Remarck, à travers ce geste, le ministère entend contribuer au renforcement de l’accès au savoir et à la connaissance, tout en encourageant le développement de la lecture comme outil d’éducation, d’épanouissement individuel et de cohésion sociale.

Accompagnée du directeur général de la Librairie de France, René Yédiéti, la ministre a souhaité une collaboration entre son équipe et les responsables de la bibliothèque Salam, pour développer davantage les activités autour du livre, de la lecture et de la formation.

Non sans assurer que plusieurs actions seront menées autour de l’industrie du livre à l’endroit d’autres bibliothèques. 

De son côté, le recteur de la mosquée bénéficiaire, l’imam Cissé Djiguiba, a dit sa gratitude à la ministre, ainsi qu’à l’ensemble des directions et structures du ministère qui œuvrent à faire du livre et de la lecture des leviers essentiels de la construction du savoir et du développement durable.

Pour lui, la bibliothèque constitue un centre de rayonnement de la culture, de la foi et de la connaissance, ouvert à toutes les consciences et à toutes les religions.

Ces ouvrages, destinés à enrichir le fonds documentaire de la bibliothèque Salam et à offrir aux usagers un accès élargi à des ressources littéraires, éducatives et culturelles, portent, entre autres, sur la communication, l’histoire, la géographie, les sciences, la religion, l’informatique, etc.

Distribué par APO Group pour Portail Officiel du Gouvernement de Côte d’Ivoire.

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United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) strengthens child protection and calls for inclusive dialogue in Budi County

Source: APO


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Community leaders, government officials, women, youth and security actors in Budi County have reaffirmed their commitment to protecting children from violence while calling for dialogue with neighboring communities to address cattle raiding and road ambushes.

The commitment came during UNMISS engagements in Chukudum, Eastern Equatoria, focused on grave violations against children and supporting locally led conflict prevention efforts.

While authorities reported no grave violations against children by organized forces or armed groups in Budi County, community leaders identified the recruitment of children during communal conflicts as a continuing concern.

“What we have is the recruitment of children during communal conflicts for cattle raids, which needs addressing,” explained Amin Julius Ben, Budi County Commissioner.

Lucretia Pascari-Tomoianu, UNMISS Child Protection Officer, reinforced the importance of continued efforts to safeguard children.

“The information reported by the authorities demonstrates their commitment to children’s rights, which are foundational to the growth and well-being of both children and communities.”

The awareness sessions strengthened participants’ understanding of children’s rights, reporting mechanisms, and their role in preventing and responding to protection concerns.

Beyond child protection, community members raised concerns about food insecurity, poor infrastructure, cattle raiding and road ambushes.

“Our community is disconnected as the shortest road is hardly accessible because the bridge is broken, and we cannot get information easily – only through the internet, which very few people can access,” said youth leader Benedict Lokoro.

The growing threat posed by food insecurity is also having a significant impact on local communities.

“We need peace with our neighbors because women and children are leaving the county for mining areas and neighboring Uganda and Kenya due to hunger and communal conflicts,” asserted women’s representative, Mary Lobder.

Security officials acknowledged the challenges posed by communal violence and linked it to limited resources and logistics that constrain their response.

Inspector of Police, Brigadier General Mark Onek, emphasized the importance of dialogue and community-based violence prevention initiatives.

“I believe the communities of Ikwotos and Budi can communicate effectively to halt cattle raids and road attacks. Incidents involving armed deserters and children require stronger dialogue and community-based prevention and security.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

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Egypt: President El-Sisi Meets the Minister of National Defence of the Hellenic Republic

Source: APO


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Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received Minister of National Defence of the Hellenic Republic, Mr. Nikolaos Dendias. The meeting was also attended by Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and Minister of Defence and Military Production, Lieutenant General  Ashraf Salem Zaher, and Chief of the Armed Forces Armament Authority, Major General Mohamed Adly Abdel Wahid Soliman. From the Greek side, Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic to Cairo, Ambassador Νikolaos Papageorgiou, attended the meeting along with Director of the Foreign Relations and Military Strategy Directorate at the Hellenic National Defence General Staff, Major General Ioannis Kouris.

Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, stated that President El-Sisi welcomed the visit of the Greek Minister of National Defence to Egypt, noting the pivotal importance of the existing strategic partnership between Egypt and Hellenic Republic. The President stressed the necessity of strengthening efforts to further advance this partnership across various fields, particularly in the military and defence domains, in a manner that serves the interests of the two friendly peoples. President El-Sisi also asked that his greetings be conveyed to Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

During the meeting, President El-Sisi underscored the significance of the trilateral cooperation among Egypt, Greece and Cyprus, pointing out that this mechanism has become a successful model of regional cooperation aimed at achieving peace, stability, and shared prosperity in the Eastern Mediterranean. In this regard, President El-Sisi stressed the crucial need to further advance cooperation among the three countries to confront common challenges and achieve development in the three countries.

The Greek Minister of National Defence expressed his appreciation for visiting Egypt and conveyed to President El-Sisi the greetings of Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis. Minister Dendias affirmed Greece’s appreciation of the depth and longstanding nature of its historical relations with Egypt, confirming his country’s keenness on bolstering coordination with Egypt to address common challenges. The Greek Minister emphasized the importance of advancing cooperation and coordination between the two countries in combating terrorism and addressing irregular migration, noting, in this regard, his country’s appreciation for Egypt’s pivotal role in curbing irregular migration.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

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Egypt: President El-Sisi Meets the Minister of Defence of Cyprus

Source: APO


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Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with Minister of Defence of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Vasilis Palmas. The meeting was attended by Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Minister of Defence and Military Production, Lieutenant General Ashraf Salem Zaher; Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus in Cairo, Mrs. Elena Rafti; and Director of the Military Staff of the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Cyprus, Brigadier General Charis Georgiou.

Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said President El-Sisi welcomed the visit of the Cypriot Minister of Defence, stressing the importance of the two countries’ bilateral relations. The President emphasized the vital need to strengthen the existing strategic partnership and elevating it to broader prospects across various areas, notably in the security and military domains, so as to fulfill the shared aspirations of the two friendly peoples. The President requested that his greetings be conveyed to Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides.

During the meeting, President El-Sisi underscored the significance of the trilateral cooperation between Egypt, Cyprus, and Greece. The President confirmed that this mechanism is a pivotal framework for consolidating security, stability, and prosperity in the Eastern Mediterranean region, thereby advancing the shared interests of the three countries and addressing common challenges.

The Cypriot Minister of Defence conveyed the greetings of Cypriot President Christodoulides to President El-Sisi, underscoring the vital importance Cyprus attaches to its close cooperation with Egypt. Minister Palmas lauded the ongoing progress in bilateral coordination across political, economic, and military spheres. Cyprus Minister of Defence expressed appreciation for Egypt’s crucial role in de-escalating tensions and establishing peace and stability in the region. He reaffirmed Cyprus’ commitment to fostering the ongoing coordination between the two countries to confront common challenges, particularly in the Mediterranean region. In this context, he commended Egypt’s central role in countering illegal migration.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

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Seychelles: President Herminie Meets African Union Commission Deputy Chairperson

Source: APO

President Patrick Herminie met with H.E. Ambassador Selma Malika Haddadi, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, earlier this evening on the margins of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The meeting provided an opportunity for Ambassador Haddadi to express her appreciation to Seychelles for the support extended to her during the African Union Commission elections held in February 2025. Ambassador Haddadi, of Algeria, was elected Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission for a four-year term, succeeding Dr. Monique Nsanzabaganwa of Rwanda.

The discussions also reflected the importance of continued cooperation between Seychelles, the African Union and its institutions, particularly in advancing shared priorities and strengthening Africa’s development agenda.

Also present at the meeting were the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Mr Barry Faure; Minister for Finance, Economic Planning, Trade and Investment, Mr. Pierre Laporte; Chief of Staff Ms Jennifer Vel; H.E. Ambassador Marie-Antoinette Rose-Quatre, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the APRM Continental Secretariat; and Mr Jean Paul Adam, Director for Technology, Climate Change and Natural Resources Management at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

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African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 Technical Sessions Put Technology Behind Africa’s Next Energy Projects in Focus

Source: APO


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African Energy Week (AEW) 2026’s Day 2 Technical Stages will put the technology and technical expertise behind Africa’s next wave of energy projects in focus, with sessions covering subsurface interpretation, deepwater exploration, gas development, project economics, digitalization, offshore operations and infrastructure.

The program will unfold across two exhibition-hall stages, with the Drill Room focusing on practical applications across exploration, gas development, offshore operations and LNG, while the Innovation Hub will examine frontier exploration, energy markets, digital technologies and infrastructure. Together, the sessions connect project-level technologies with the wider investment and development challenges facing Africa’s energy industry.

The day opens with GeoEnergy Petroleum Director Maged Fahim, who will examine how legacy and newly acquired subsurface datasets can be integrated with modern technologies to identify additional upstream opportunities. TGS Principal Exploration Advisor Felicia Winter will then focus on Angola’s deepwater basins, examining how modern seismic acquisition and imaging can be used to reinterpret existing data and evaluate frontier plays.

The discussions come as Angola seeks to build on renewed offshore activity. TotalEnergies announced in September that it plans to invest $10 billion in Angola over the next five years, including in exploration, while advancing its $6 billion Kaminho deepwater development.

Gas development will take center stage through two presentations by TotalEnergies. Alexandre Depiesse, GPI Venus, will address appraisal strategies and commercial viability for Orange Basin discoveries, while Mozambique LNG Operations and Project Director Nicolas Cambefort will examine development and optimisation of the Rovuma Basin gas resources. Mozambique LNG, a 13.1-million-ton-per-year project in Area 1 led by TotalEnergies, resumed activities in January 2026 following the lifting of force majeure, putting development of Mozambique’s major offshore gas resources back into focus.

The Republic of Congo National Showcase will provide another perspective on Africa’s expanding LNG industry. The country’s Congo LNG project reached a new stage in February 2026 with the start of commercial production from its second phase. The addition of the Nguya FLNG unit brought total liquefaction capacity to 3 million tons per year, expanding Congo’s ability to monetize its offshore gas resources.

The program will then broaden from individual projects to the continent-wide investment outlook with the launch of The State of African Energy 2027. AEC Senior Vice President Verner Ayukegba and S&P Global Energy Executive Director Max Pietzsch will present the outlook, covering upstream oil and gas, LNG, downstream markets, power, renewables and critical minerals against changing demand, trade flows and energy security requirements.

Project decision-making will remain under examination as S&P Global Energy Technical Research Analyst Tasnika Goorhoo presents “From Limited Data to Better Decisions: How Benchmarking Strengthens Upstream Project Outcomes.” The session will examine how comparative project data can help operators assess performance, costs and development outcomes.

NOV Vice President Mats Anderson will address offshore optimization through high-speed downhole connectivity and real-time distributed measurements, examining how faster access to downhole information can improve operational visibility and decision-making.

Infrastructure will also feature prominently, with Kenyon International West Africa CEO Victor Ekpenyong examining asset integrity and pipeline infrastructure through the company’s CACTUS and FlexSteel technologies. Honeywell Technologies Africa will close the technology-focused sessions with its end-to-end LNG offering, while SLB, InSwitch, the Petroleum Directorate of Sierra Leone and PETROSEN will bring additional perspectives on technology, digitalization and energy services.

“AEW 2026 reflects the practical challenges facing Africa’s energy industry as projects move from resource potential toward development and production,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC. “From subsurface interpretation and deepwater exploration to LNG development, project benchmarking, digitalization and infrastructure, these technical sessions highlight the expertise and technologies needed to develop Africa’s resources efficiently and create lasting value across the energy value chain.”

AEW 2026 takes place from October 12–16 in Cape Town, bringing together governments, investors, operators and technology providers to discuss investment, project development and the future of Africa’s energy sector.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.