Category: Africa

Source: APO

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OCHA reports that the UN and its humanitarian partners continue to support Government-led efforts to strengthen Ebola preparedness in Burundi.

While Burundi has not reported any confirmed Ebola cases, the country remains at higher risk due to its proximity to affected areas in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and continued cross-border population movements.

Preparedness efforts include strengthened surveillance at points of entry through temperature screening, the deployment of thermal scanners, and plans to install thermo-scan devices at the international airport in Bujumbura.

Risk communication and community engagement activities have also expanded, including training for 60 community health workers and media professionals, as well as the distribution of nearly 30,000 Ebola prevention posters in Kirundi, Swahili and French.

In addition, 32 healthcare providers have received training on Ebola case management and patient care, while eight public health nurses from priority districts were trained in infection prevention and control.

With support from WHO and partners, national authorities are updating guidelines for the management of Ebola and other viral haemorrhagic fevers, and laboratories are adopting new procedures for the safe collection and transport of Ebola samples.

At the end of June, Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher allocated $2 million from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund to bolster Ebola readiness in Burundi.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA).

Source: APO

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Africa’s energy sector is transforming as countries diversify their energy mixes and prioritize regional integration for energy security, increasing demand for digital technologies, infrastructure expansion and skilled local workforces capable of managing increasingly complex energy assets.

African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, taking place in Cape Town from October 12-16, will convene technology and energy service providers and utilities to examine how infrastructure-led and technology-driven solutions can improve the reliability of energy assets for socioeconomic development.

Technology is redefining Africa’s power sector. As real-time management and digital energy networks become the norm, Google is accelerating this transformation by building out the continent’s digital infrastructure, AI tools, and tech ecosystem. Having already exceeded its $1 billion investment goal in Africa, Google’s cloud and connectivity solutions are actively tackling core grid challenges – from balancing demand against generation to minimizing transmission losses and optimizing renewable assets. During AEW, Alex Okosi, Managing Director for Sub-Saharan Africa, will outline how Google plans to continue driving infrastructure growth and supporting the future of Africa’s energy assets.

Meanwhile, KAESO is demonstrating how African service companies can build the local infrastructure, technical capacity, and supply chains needed for increasingly complex oil and gas projects. At AEW 2026, Jorge de Morais, General Manager of KAESO Services, is expected to detail how the company is driving project development, supporting exploration, and boosting local workforce capacity as Angola and Namibia enter a new offshore investment cycle. The company is exploring a fully operational base in Lüderitz to support growing regional demand across Namibia and Mozambique.

To strengthen grid security and expand capacity, National Transmission Company of South Africa (NTCSA) is executing a R440-billion initiative to build 14,500 km of new transmission lines. At AEW, Chief Engineer Popi Mfapa is expected to outline global investor opportunities tied to this massive rollout. Rapidly scaling transmission infrastructure is essential as South Africa works toward a 40% renewable energy mix by 2030 and strengthens its position in regional power trading.

“Africa’s next generation of energy infrastructure will require more than investment in physical assets. It will require digital intelligence, operational expertise, resilient transmission networks and a skilled African workforce capable of managing these systems,” stated NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber. “The participation of Google, KAESO and NTCSA at AEW 2026 reflects the convergence of these capabilities and the opportunities emerging as African markets modernize their energy systems.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Source: APO

The Organizing Committee of the International African Energy, Oil and Gas Summit (IAEOGS 2026), in collaboration with strategic partners and co-host Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), has officially issued a global call for delegates, sponsors, and exhibitors to converge in Windhoek.

Africa currently stands at a historic energy crossroads. While the continent holds massive oil, gas, solar, hydro, and wind reserves, it faces a deepening infrastructure and access crisis. According to data from the International Energy Agency (IEA), more than 600 million Africans lack access to electricity, and over 900 million people rely on biomass fuels like charcoal and wood for cooking.

Compounding this crisis, Africa loses an estimated $130 billion in GDP annually due to unreliable power grids and fragmented logistics. Despite representing the world’s most lucrative frontier for emerging energy fields, less than 3% of global energy investments are directed toward Africa.

IAEOGS 2026 serves as the definitive roadmap to bridge this gap. By aligning multi-billion dollar capital investments with regulatory certainty, the summit provides direct access to decision-makers driving the continent’s next ten years of growth.

Why Namibia? The Center of Africa’s Energy Frontier

Originally slated for Doha, Qatar, the decision to host the summit in Windhoek underlines Namibia’s breakout status as a global resource superpower. With offshore reserves in the Orange Basin estimated at an 11-billion-barrel oil revolution, Namibia represents a stable, business-friendly, and highly secure environment for cross-border dealmaking.

Summit Highlights & Pillars

• De-Risking Capital: Sessions dedicated to navigating the regulatory calculus and strengthening land governance to protect foreign and local infrastructure investments.
• Financing the Future: High-level policy roundtables on mobilizing cross-border capital, utilizing carbon markets, and tapping into the newly formed $5 billion African Energy Bank.
• Regional Free Trade: Leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to enhance energy, oil, gas, and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) supply stability between heavyweights like Nigeria and emerging frontiers like Namibia.
• Elite Networking: B2B and B2G matchmaking platforms connecting government ministers, independent refineries, technology operators, and institutional financiers.
• African Energy World, African Energy Vault Ltd, African Peace Magazine UK, Transcontinental University USA and African Energy Academy ltd.
• This edition is convened in partnership, the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST; ILLH), as Co-host, the Network of Excellence on Land Governance in Africa (NELGA), and CRG Research & Consulting Ltd (CRG).

Core Event Details

• Dates: October 20 – 24, 2026
• Venue: Hilton Hotel, Windhoek, Namibia
• Theme: Igniting Africa’s Energy and Land Governance Future
• Co-Hosts & Strategic Partners: Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), Network of Excellence on Land Governance in Africa (NELGA), the Crude Oil Refinery-Owners Association of Nigeria (CORAN), African Energy World, African Energy Vault Limited, Transcontinental University USA and African Energy Academy limited.

With Africa’s population projected to double to 2.5 billion by 2050, the time for bold, decisive infrastructure action is now. Secure your organization’s competitive edge in the African market. Registrations, exhibition booths, and premium sponsorship slots are available on the official IAEOGS Event Portal.

Let’s drive Africa’s energy transformation—together.

#enegrysecurity #endenergypoverty #unity #summit #iaeogs2026 #africanow #getinvolved #endafricandebts #techsolution #intraafricatrade #afcfta  #IAEOGS2026 #InvestinAfricanEnergies

For inquiries regarding sponsorship, speaking engagements, media partnerships, or participation, kindly contact:

Issued by:

The IAEGOS 2026 Organizing Committee

26th, August, 2026

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Peace Magazine.

For inquiries regarding sponsorship, speaking engagements, media partnerships, or participation, kindly contact:
Prudence Ramotso
Group Head Events & International Affairs
+2348033975746
+447407399766
+27651766722
+2648123522

info@iaegos.com
prudence@iaegos.com
registration@iaegos.com

Website:
https:/AfricanPeace.org/
https://AfricanOilAndGasSummit.com/
https://www.IAEOGS.com/

Source: APO

The 2nd EAC Regional Conference on Education opened today at Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi, convened by the East African Community Secretariat and hosted by the Government of Kenya through the Ministry of Education. The Conference runs from 25th to 28th August 2026 under the theme “Transforming Education in East Africa,” with the sub-theme “From Commitments to Impact: Fostering Resilience and Future-Ready Systems for Sustainable Development.”

Day one was devoted to pre-conference workshops, bringing together education stakeholders from across the region. Discussions focused on strengthening foundational learning, harnessing AI and digital technologies, enhancing teacher professional development, and designing TVET systems that respond to Africa’s changing economies and youth aspirations.

The sessions offered an important platform for EAC Partner States to share evidence, experiences and practical solutions to advance quality, inclusive and equitable education across the region. The Conference will close on Friday with a Ministerial High-Level Session reviewing progress since the 2024 Conference.

Full conference programme https://reliafrica.org/2nd-EAC-Education-Conference/

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Education, Kenya.

Source: APO

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Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas and its strategic partner Navitas Petroleum are highlighting the scale of South Africa’s offshore oil and gas potential following an updated assessment of resources at Block 1 CBK, with the African Energy Chamber (AEC) (https://EnergyChamber.org) supporting continued international investment in the country while calling for a regulatory environment that enables exploration and development to advance.

Navitas and Eco estimate that Block 1 CBK, located offshore South Africa in the Orange Basin, contains more than 3.6 billion barrels of unrisked prospective oil resources alongside approximately 4.5 trillion cubic feet of prospective gas resources. The estimates are based on existing seismic data, with additional interpretation expected as the partners continue assessing the acreage and its potential development options. The updated resource assessment follows Navitas’ decision to farm into Block 1 CBK in May 2026.

The Chamber welcomes the growing international interest in South Africa’s offshore resources, viewing projects such as Block 1 CBK as evidence of the investment potential emerging across the country’s frontier basins.

“South Africa has an opportunity to turn its offshore resource potential into investment, energy security, jobs and economic growth, and we support companies that are prepared to commit capital and technical expertise to that opportunity,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC. “At the same time, investors need confidence that the regulatory environment will be clear, predictable and efficient. South Africa can attract significantly more exploration capital if it provides the certainty required to move projects forward while maintaining strong environmental standards.”

The latest Block 1 CBK update is part of a broader strategic relationship between Eco and Navitas spanning several Atlantic Margin opportunities. In the Falkland Islands, Navitas has identified a 2U prospective resource of approximately 640 million barrels of oil at its first selected drilling target on PL001 in the North Falkland Basin. Subject to completion of Eco’s acquisition of JHI Associates, Eco’s share of that resource would be approximately 225 million barrels in a drilling-success case.

Eco CEO Gil Holzman said Navitas’ updated assessment demonstrates the quality of Block 1 CBK and its potential to contribute to South Africa’s energy security, attract international capital and support economic growth. He also pointed to Eco’s experience in South Africa and neighboring Namibia, where the company has pursued offshore exploration opportunities.

Navitas intends to drill a multi-target exploration well on PL001 as part of its North Falkland Basin development drilling campaign, with drilling associated with the Sea Lion project expected to commence in early 2027.

For South Africa, the updated Block 1 CBK resource estimates reinforce the potential of the country’s offshore sector at a time when international investors are increasingly assessing opportunities across the Orange Basin and wider Atlantic Margin.

The AEC believes this momentum should be supported by an investment environment that provides the clarity and certainty needed to attract long-term capital. Unlocking South Africa’s offshore potential will require continued exploration, international investment and technical partnerships, alongside a stable and efficient regulatory framework that enables responsible projects to advance and deliver lasting economic value.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Source: APO

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The recent acquisition of Woodside Energy’s 70% interest in the Calypso gas project by bp marks the latest major move by an IOC to strengthen its position in the Caribbean’s expanding gas market. Subject to government approval, the transaction will give bp 100% ownership of Block TTDAA 14 by the end of 2026, reinforcing its long-term commitment to Trinidad and Tobago’s upstream sector.

The deal comes as Trinidad and Tobago advances a wider pipeline of offshore gas developments. bp is progressing the Ginger gas project, comprising four subsea wells tied back to the existing Mahogany B platform, with start-up expected in 2027. The company is also developing Coconut, a gas field offshore southeast Trinidad that will be tied back to the Cassia hub. Together with Calypso, the projects highlight continued investment in Trinidad and Tobago’s offshore gas resources and the use of existing infrastructure to bring new fields into production.

Shell is pursuing a similar strategy. The company has increased the planned capacity of the Manatee gas pipeline from 700 million cubic feet per day to 1 billion cubic feet per day, with the project targeting first production in 2027. Shell is also progressing the Aphrodite gas development, which will connect to existing infrastructure in the East Coast Marine Area.

The concentration of new projects around established infrastructure is significant. Rather than relying solely on frontier exploration, operators are increasingly looking at how new offshore resources can be developed and connected to existing pipelines, processing facilities, LNG infrastructure and domestic markets. This is creating opportunities across the wider value chain, from subsea and engineering services to gas processing, logistics and power generation.

The trend extends across the Caribbean’s emerging offshore markets. In Suriname, Petronas announced another gas discovery at Block 52 in June, bringing the number of successful wells in the block to eight. TotalEnergies is also preparing a four-well exploration campaign in Block 58 for 2027 alongside the $10.5 billion GranMorgu development, creating a pipeline of both near-term production and further exploration.

Downstream investment is also gathering pace. In The Bahamas, Shell reached a final investment decision in July on an LNG regasification terminal at Clifton Pier, designed to supply natural gas for power generation on New Providence. The project adds another dimension to the regional gas story, as Caribbean countries look to LNG and gas infrastructure to support more reliable and diversified energy systems.

These developments point to an increasingly connected Caribbean energy market. Trinidad and Tobago is leveraging its established gas and LNG infrastructure; Guyana and Suriname are bringing new offshore resources into development; and markets such as The Bahamas are building infrastructure to support greater gas utilization.

The resulting opportunity extends beyond upstream investment. As new resources come online, the region will require capital and expertise across pipelines, LNG, power generation, ports, marine services, engineering, technology and local supply chains.

These trends will be central to Caribbean Energy Week (CEW), taking place in July 2027, where governments, IOCs, NOCs, investors and service providers will examine the projects, infrastructure and partnerships shaping the region’s emerging energy corridor.

The lead-up begins on September 1, when CEW 2027 hosts its official in-country launch in Georgetown. The event will bring together Guyana’s government, energy industry and investment community to examine the country’s expanding project pipeline and its role in a more integrated Caribbean energy market.

With major gas developments advancing in Trinidad and Tobago, new offshore discoveries emerging in Suriname, and Guyana’s production and infrastructure build-out continuing at scale, the Caribbean is increasingly attracting investment not only for its resources, but for the infrastructure and partnerships needed to connect them to regional and global markets.

To register for the Caribbean Energy Week 2027 In-Country Launch in Georgetown on September 1, 2026, visit: https://apo-opa.co/4ivk1NK

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

Source: APO

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The Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation is of the view that the Department of Water and Sanitation’s (DWS) intervention in terms of Section 63 of the Water Services Act will not yield sustainable results if the underlying challenges within municipalities persist.

The Committee received an update on the progress of DWS interventions. While notable progress has been made, the committee expressed concern that interventions must ultimately reach their natural conclusion, after which municipalities will be required to operate and maintain the completed projects without the necessary skills and capacity.

“The objective reality is that although these interventions are necessary to ensure completion of projects and the resumption of quality water and sanitation services, municipalities continue to struggle with capacity constraints that will impact the running of the infrastructure in the long term. Without such capacity, the interventions will not yield positive and sustainable long-term solutions,” said Mr Leon Basson, Chairperson of the committee.

The committee reiterated its view that the water value chain can only function effectively if all its components are effective. Currently, municipalities represent a weakness in the value chain, which unfortunately exposes the entire system to significant and potentially unmitigable risks.

The committee has emphasised the need to strengthen municipal systems and human resource capacity to ensure that the people of South Africa benefit fully from the socio-economic impact of reliable water and sanitation services.

Meanwhile, the committee was informed that, through the Section 63 intervention, the DWS was able to complete, amongst other things, the refurbishment and/or upgrading of four major sewage pump stations that were in critical condition. Collapsed sewer pipelines were also replaced, resulting in a reduction in sewer spillages and flooding affecting households in Emfuleni Local Municipality.

Similarly, in Hammanskraal, the department implemented and constructed a 50 ML clean-water package plant to augment water provision. The project has been completed and was officially handed over by the President on 18 July 2026.

While welcoming the progress made in implementing these projects, the committee highlighted that, without a long-term and sustainable programme to ensure functional local government, the infrastructure could eventually be mismanaged due to a lack of skills and governance challenges.

The committee has called on government to develop a detailed plan to ensure that these projects are not eventually mismanaged by an incapable local sphere of government, and that communities continue to receive quality water and sanitation services over the long term.

In line with this, the committee highlighted that the current legislative process aimed at strengthening water services legislation may assist. However, without the required capacity, legislation alone not will resolve the persistent lack of skills and capacity at local government level.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.