Category: Africa

Source: APO – Report:

Cabinet this week approved two major sets of measures to strengthen the protection, promotion and advancement of employment rights for persons with disabilities in Seychelles, marking a significant step towards a more equitable labour market.

The measures include the integration of disability-inclusive provisions into the ongoing review of the Employment Act, and the development of a comprehensive policy framework to expand inclusive employment opportunities across the public and private sectors.

Under the Employment Act review, approved measures include enhanced anti-discrimination protections, the introduction of a definition of disability, provisions for reasonable accommodation, improved workplace accessibility, stronger monitoring and enforcement mechanisms, and better collection of disability-disaggregated employment data.

The accompanying policy framework will explore public sector employment targets, incentives for private sector employers, supported employment programmes, enhanced vocational training and skills development opportunities, workplace accessibility and accommodation support, and a review of disability benefit arrangements to remove disincentives to employment.

Speaking to the press on the reforms, yesterday, the Vice-President described the measures as a firm commitment of the current Government, noting that while steps have already been taken, more remains to be done to ensure equal access to employment for all.

He said Cabinet’s decision to establish a clearer structure relating to persons with disabilities, once integrated into the Employment Act, would result in legislation that is genuinely more inclusive.

A considerable review of relevant provisions within the Act is already under way, he said.

On the policy framework, the Vice-President said the goal is to make all jobs, not only certain jobs, accessible to persons with disabilities, describing it as a matter of equal opportunity and social sensitivity.

“As a society, we are judged by how we treat all our citizens,” he said, noting the principle is also enshrined in the Constitution.

He added that Government would engage the private sector as new policies are introduced, with incentives varying across different domains depending on the framework developed, describing the approach as a proactive one.

The Vice-President also acknowledged initiatives already undertaken by the Office of the First Lady in providing structural support for persons with disabilities. One of these initiatives is the Build Your Dream programme, under which the Office of the First Lady employs two young people with special needs at its reception. These are examples of the kind of practical support Government now aims to strengthen through legislation. He said it is now Government’s responsibility to put in place the corresponding legal structure.

The reforms reflect Seychelles’ commitment to its obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and form part of the Government’s broader vision of an inclusive society. Further consultations with stakeholders, disability rights organisations and employers will follow as the Employment Act review and policy framework progress.

– on behalf of State House Seychelles.

Source: APO – Report:

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Gas monetization will be a defining theme at this year’s African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 Conference and Exhibition as the continent works to convert reserves into exports, power and industrial feedstock. Executives from the companies building that infrastructure – spanning floating production and LNG as well as midstream gas-to-industry development – are confirmed to speak, reflecting a sector shifting its focus from discovery to delivery.

Floating infrastructure has become the fastest route to market for African offshore resources. Yinson Production, which operates a fleet of 10 floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessels backed by a $22 billion orderbook through 2048, brought the Agogo FPSO onstream offshore Angola in July 2025, four months ahead of schedule. In March 2026 it became the world’s first offshore facility to operate a post-combustion carbon capture system.

The company also opened a Windhoek office in January 2026 as it prepares for Namibia’s emerging deepwater market. Paal Gunnar Heistad, SVP, Business Development, and Francesco Leuzzi, Country Manager for Namibia and Africa Business Development, will speak at AEW 2026.

Floating LNG (FLNG) has delivered similar results on the export side. Golar LNG’s Gimi vessel reached commercial operations in June 2025 at the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) project offshore Mauritania and Senegal, establishing both countries as LNG exporters, while the company’s FLNG Hilli has operated offshore Cameroon since 2018. CEO Karl Fredrik Staubo joins AEW 2026 as the company advances plans to order a fourth FLNG unit in 2026.

“FLNG has shortened the path from discovery to cargo, and projects like GTA prove African gas can compete in global markets. The next step is matching our export success with domestic success. I would like to see gas-to-industry investment that turns molecules into manufacturing jobs,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.

That domestic agenda is building in Nigeria, where independent producers are turning associated gas into a viable product. Green Energy International (GEIL), operator of the Otakikpo field in Rivers State, runs 20 million standard cubic feet per day of gas handling capacity alongside a modular liquefied petroleum gas extraction plant designed to eliminate flaring.

The company’s ambition is to build localized domestic gas markets from small-scale opportunities. Anthony O. Adegbulugbe, Chairman, joins AEW 2026 following GEIL’s completion of the $400 million Otakikpo onshore export terminal in 2025.

Taking place October 12-16 in Cape Town, AEW 2026 will connect these gas solutions providers with the investors, operators and policymakers shaping the next wave of projects, from frontier deepwater developments in Namibia to industrial gas hubs in the Niger Delta.

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Source: APO – Report:

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Angola’s national oil company (NOC) Sonangol will return to the Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) Conference and Exhibition as a Diamond Sponsor, reinforcing its commitment to the country’s next exploration and production cycle. Taking place September 9-10, with a pre-conference scheduled for September 8, AOG 2026 serves as Angola’s premier platform for investment, dealmaking and strategic dialogue. Sonangol’s participation reflects both the company’s growing operational momentum and its central role in supporting Angola’s long-term oil, gas and industrial development.

With ambitions to sustain oil production above one million barrels per day (bpd) while advancing developments in non-associated gas and refining, Angola’s hydrocarbons sector continues to gain momentum. Sonangol is at the forefront of this strategy, with activities spanning the full hydrocarbon value chain. The company recently secured a $2.65 billion financing package from a syndicate of international lenders, alongside a $1.75 billion Afreximbank facility to strengthen its balance sheet and support ongoing operations.

Upstream, Sonangol has set a target to account for at least 10% of Angola’s oil and gas production by 2027. To achieve this, it is advancing developments across onshore and offshore assets while deepening partnerships with international operators. Recent milestones reflect this strategy. Onshore, Sonangol signed a Risk Service Contract for Block KON 4 alongside Afentra (operator), Grupo Simples Oil, Brite’s Oil and Gas and Sodedurs – Prestação de Serviços, paving the way for the exploration and redevelopment phase. The company is also progressing exploration across operated Blocks KON 11, 12 and 15.

Offshore, the NOC continues to expand collaboration with international operators to maximize output from both mature and frontier assets. It recently signed Joint Operating Agreements and financing contracts for Blocks 49 and 50 with Chevron, and is advancing drilling and enhanced recovery programs at Blocks 3/05 and 3/05A.

On the project front, financing and execution milestones continue to support Angola’s production outlook. Just this month, the Greater PAJ Project reached $5.1 billion FID. Developed by Azule Energy, Equinor, Sonangol and SSI Thirty-One, the integrated cross-block development combines resources from Blocks 31 and 31/21, with first oil expected in 2029.

This follows the start-up of the Agogo FPSO  – part of the broader Agogo Integrated West Hub Development at Block 15/06 – in August 2025, as well as the commissioning of Angola’s first non-associated gas project by the New Gas Consortium. Progress is also also being made at the Kaminho project, with first oil projected for 2028.

In the downstream segment, Sonangol is driving efforts to expand refining capacity through new infrastructure development. Following the commissioning of the 30,000 bpd Cabinda Refinery in 2025, the company is seeking partners to close a $4.8 billion financing gap for the 200,000 bpd Lobito Refinery. The first phase is expected online in 2027, with funding discussions ongoing with Chinese lenders and regional partners.

Beyond core operations, Sonangol is strengthening local content development to support workforce capacity and broader economic participation. Its SonaJovem 5.0 initiative continues to promote entrepreneurship, training and market access for Angolan businesses across the oil and gas industry.

As Sonangol advances these initiatives, AOG 2026 will provide a key platform for engagement with investors, strategic partners and service providers critical to project delivery. The company’s Diamond Sponsorship underscores its commitment to industry collaboration as a driver of production growth, refining expansion and long-term value creation across Angola’s energy sector.

– on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Source: APO

• Radisson Hotel Group continued to accelerate its growth strategy in the first half of 2026, signing and opening 160 hotels, representing more than 22,000 keys.
• This sustained momentum reflects continued owner confidence in the Group’s brands and ability to generate compelling results, alongside continued demand for high-quality branded hospitality across global markets.

During the first half of the year, the Group strengthened its presence across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific through a combination of signings, openings, market entries, and brand extensions. Activity continues to be driven by a diversified portfolio spanning luxury, lifestyle, upscale, resort, conversion, and mixed-use opportunities.

Diversified Growth Across EMEA

Across Europe, Radisson Hotel Group recorded several notable milestones, including the signing of Radisson Collection Hotel, Frankfurt and Radisson RED Vienna Danube Riverside, alongside new openings across Austria, Germany, and Poland. The Group broadened its resort footprint with new openings in Tenerife and Phuket, while Radisson Individuals expanded in Greece and Spain. Lifestyle and luxury brands also extended their reach, with Radisson RED debuting in New Zealand, the Philippines, and Türkiye, while Radisson Collection strengthened its presence in key gateway destinations, such as Lake Como. The Group is expanding its Verified Net Zero program, with the coming months seeing an additional 10 hotels joining the initiative across Norway, Denmark, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the first VNZ hotel in South Africa, while Les Loges, the gastronomic restaurant at Cour des Loges Lyon, A Radisson Collection Hotel, was awarded its first Michelin star just 10 months after reopening.

Across the Middle East and Africa, notable openings, including Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Barsha Heights, Radisson Collection Residences, Riyadh, and Radisson Blu Hotel, Almaty Airport, reinforced the Group’s presence in strategic markets. Africa surpassed a significant milestone during the period, with more than 100 hotels now in operation and under development across the continent.

In EMEA and SEAP, Radisson has been the most-signed hotel brand within its segment since 2019, demonstrating the continued relevance of the brand, and the group, to owners and guests.

“We create value for our guests and owners through our brands and people. We believe in the long-term nature of our business and are committed to deliver above market returns to all our stakeholders,” says Elie Younes, Executive Vice President and Global Chief Development Officer at Radisson Hotel Group.

New Market Entries and Brand Expansion Strengthen Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific remains one of Radisson Hotel Group’s most important regions, supported by favourable demographics, increasing travel demand, and rising investor confidence in branded hospitality.

China continues to play an important role in the Group’s long-term development strategy, with more than 260 hotels in operation across Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Park Inn by Radisson, and Radisson RED, and a substantial development pipeline across its midscale and lifestyle portfolio. Activity remains robust across major urban centers, including Wuhan, Beijing, and Chongqing, as well as emerging Tier 2, Tier 3, and Tier 4 cities, supported by the world’s largest domestic travel market and continued demand for branded hospitality.

Across Southeast Asia Pacific, LIME Resort Bohol, a member of Radisson Individuals Premier, marked the debut of the brand in in the region, In Australasia, Radisson RED Auckland became both the Group’s first hotel in New Zealand and the first Radisson RED in the region.

India Remains a Growth Market

“India is one of the most promising hotel development markets in the world today,” says Younes. “Demand continues to outpace supply, infrastructure is improving rapidly, and owner confidence remains high. Combined with our legacy in the country, the awareness of our brands and our exceptional colleagues on the ground, these fundamentals create significant opportunities for long-term, meaningful growth.”

During the first half of 2026, the Group signed and opened 22 hotels in India, bringing its development pipeline in the country to nearly 100 hotels. Radisson Hotel Group currently operates 142 hotels with more than 15,500 keys across 86 cities in India, reinforcing its position as one of the country’s leading international hotel operators. The Group recently unveiled its India Vision 2030 plan, which aims to grow its portfolio to 500 hotels over the next five years.

Watch the full Radisson Hotel Group Half-Year 2026 Development Update video here (https://apo-opa.co/4wBUAOs) and download the accompanying fact sheet with key development statistics here (https://apo-opa.co/4h3PKVw).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Radisson Hotel Group.

Media Contact:   
Saadiyah Hendricks,
Director Global Corporate & Area PR and Social Media (MEA, MED, SEAP) 
Saadiyah.hendricks@radissonhotels.com  

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About Radisson Hotel Group: 
Radisson Hotel Group is a rapidly expanding international hotel group, operating in EMEA and APAC with more than 1,620 hotels in operation and under development in +100 countries. The Group’s overarching brand promise is Every Moment Matters with a signature Yes I Can! service ethos.

The Radisson brand portfolio includes Radisson Collection, art’otel, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson RED, Radisson Individuals, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, and Prize by Radisson — brought together under one commercial umbrella brand, Radisson Hotels.

Radisson Rewards (https://apo-opa.co/4pdtAlG) is Radisson Hotel Group’s loyalty program, which delivers an elevated experience that makes Every Moment Matter, counting more than 29 million members. As the most streamlined program in the sector, members enjoy exceptional advantages and can access their benefits from day one across a wide range of hotels in Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific.

Radisson Meetings (https://apo-opa.co/4yeMw7O) provides tailored solutions for any event or meeting, including hybrid solutions, placing guests and their needs at the heart of its offer. Radisson Meetings is built around three strong service commitments: Personal, Professional, and Memorable, while delivering on the brilliant basics and being uniquely Carbon Compensated.

At Radisson Hotel Group, we care for people, communities, and planet (https://apo-opa.co/4aNpUkV)and aim to be Net Zero by 2050 based on the approved Science Based Targets. With unique solutions such as carbon-compensated Radisson Meetings, we make sustainable hotel stays easy. To facilitate sustainable travel choices, all our hotels are becoming verified on Hotel Sustainability Basics.

The health and safety of guests and team members remain a top priority for Radisson Hotel Group. All properties across the Group’s portfolio are subject to health and safety requirements, ensuring we always care for our guests and team members.

For more information, visit our corporate website: www.RadissonHotels.com

Source: APO – Report:

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Oando PLC (www.OandoPLC.com), Africa’s leading indigenous energy solutions provider, listed on the Nigerian Exchange Ltd. (NGX) and Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), announced its audited results for the financial year ended 31 December 2025, delivering a 32% increase in average daily production to 32,482 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd) and Profit After Tax of ₦204.8 billion. FY2025 marked a transition year for the Group, with the first full-year contribution from the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) Joint Venture assets and a shift from acquisition-led growth to operational execution and balance sheet optimisation.

Supporting this performance, the Group generated ₦258.3 billion in cash from operations and closed the year with ₦422.9 billion in cash and cash equivalents, up 172% from 2024, while strengthening financial flexibility through the upsizing of its US$375 million Reserve-Based Lending (RBL2) facility.

Operationally, crude trading volumes increased by 24% to 25.7 million barrels, crude oil production rose by 36%, gas production increased by 24%, and Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) production surged by 715% following upgrades to gas processing infrastructure. The Company also successfully completed and brought onstream the Obiafu-44 gas-condensate well, its first operated development well following the assumption of operatorship, while maintaining zero fatalities, zero Lost-Time Injuries (LTIs) and a Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR) of 0.05.

Commenting on the results, Group Chief Executive, Oando PLC, Wale Tinubu CON, said: “FY 2025 marked our first full year of operational execution following the acquisition of the NAOC Joint Venture assets and represents an important milestone in Oando’s evolution. Having successfully completed the integration phase, our focus shifted to operatorship, operational excellence, and value realisation across the enlarged portfolio.

During the year, we strengthened asset integrity, enhanced security across our operating areas, and improved uptime, resulting in a 32% year-on-year increase in production to 32,482 boepd net to Oando. This performance was driven by stronger output across crude oil, gas, and NGLs, improved operational reliability, and the successful stabilisation of our expanded asset base.”

The Group’s upstream performance was driven by improved facility uptime, enhanced flow assurance, the restoration of previously shut-in wells and targeted infrastructure upgrades across its operated assets. In addition to higher crude oil and gas production, the successful revamp of the NGL processing plant increased recovery efficiency and drove a 715% increase in NGL production. The completion and start-up of the Obiafu-44 gas-condensate well further demonstrated Oando’s ability to safely execute complex development programmes following the assumption of operatorship.

The Trading Division increased crude trading volumes by 24% to 25.7 million barrels despite changing domestic market dynamics. The business continued to optimise its portfolio by reducing exposure to premium motor spirit (PMS) imports and increasing participation in higher-margin crude and gas trading opportunities, strengthening commercial resilience while enhancing integration with the Group’s upstream operations.

Oando’s FY2025 performance comes at a defining moment for Nigeria’s indigenous upstream sector, as local energy companies continue to demonstrate their ability to successfully acquire, integrate and optimise assets divested by international oil companies. In FY2025, Seplat Energy reported revenue of US$2.726 billion (₦4.135 trillion) and average production of 131,506 boepd, reflecting the first full-year contribution from its Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (MPNU) acquisition, while Aradel Holdings grew revenue by 20% to ₦699.4 billion, supported by its increased interest in ND Western and Renaissance Africa Energy Company. Together with Oando’s strong FY2025 performance following the first full-year contribution from the NAOC JV assets, these results underscore a new era for Nigeria’s energy industry, one in which indigenous operators are not only acquiring world-class assets but successfully creating long-term value from them.

Speaking on the Company’s outlook, Tinubu added, “With operational control firmly embedded, a strong reserves base, and improving financial flexibility, we are well-positioned to build on the momentum achieved in 2025 and enter 2026 from a position of strength. Our focus remains on executing our development programme, growing production, strengthening cash generation, prudent capital allocation, and delivering sustainable long-term value for our shareholders.”

Oando expects production to increase to between 40,000 and 50,000 boepd in 2026, supported by a focused development programme across OMLs 60–63, continued production optimisation and planned capital expenditure of US$90–100 million. The Trading Division is expected to increase crude trading volumes to between 30 and 35 million barrels while the Company advances its clean energy initiatives, including the deployment of additional electric buses and the expansion of its recycling and gas-to-power projects.

This outlook aligns with broader industry trends. The International Energy Agency projects continued resilience in global investment across natural gas and upstream energy infrastructure as countries prioritise energy security and diversify supply. Backed by an expanded upstream portfolio, strengthened financial flexibility and a disciplined execution strategy, Oando remains well positioned to accelerate growth, unlock greater value across its integrated energy business and advance its ambition of building Africa’s leading integrated energy company.

– on behalf of Oando PLC.