Category: Africa

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Century Group participe à l’African Energy Week 2026 en tant que partenaire FPSO et présente son expansion offshore régionale

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Century Group a été confirmé comme partenaire en infrastructures énergétiques et FPSO lors de l’African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 au Cap, reflétant ainsi son empreinte croissante en tant que l’un des principaux opérateurs offshore locaux du Nigeria. La participation de l’entreprise souligne l’expansion de sa capacité opérationnelle, la solidité de sa flotte et son rôle dans la promotion du potentiel local et des solutions d’infrastructure à travers l’Afrique.

La stratégie opérationnelle de Century Group évolue au-delà de la simple prestation de services traditionnels vers la détention d’actifs, la gestion d’infrastructures et l’expansion régionale. En octobre 2025, la société a confirmé qu’elle était en pourparlers avec des partenaires sud-africains au sujet de projets potentiels d’infrastructures pétrolières et gazières, soulignant son intérêt pour le déploiement de solutions FPSO et midstream sur de nouveaux marchés régionaux.

Lors de l’AEW 2026, Century Group montrera comment les opérateurs locaux peuvent contribuer à la stabilité de la production offshore, renforcer les capacités locales et forger des partenariats d’investissement stratégiques. Son portefeuille d’actifs et ses collaborations régionales reflètent l’évolution du paysage offshore nigérian, où les opérateurs locaux assurent de plus en plus la continuité de la production, réduisent les goulots d’étranglement et relient la production nationale aux marchés d’exportation – des capacités au cœur des discussions lors des sessions de l’AEW consacrées à l’amont et aux infrastructures.

« Lors de l’AEW 2026, Century Group présentera non seulement les capacités de sa flotte, mais aussi sa vision stratégique pour le développement des infrastructures offshore », a déclaré NJ Ayuk, président exécutif de la Chambre africaine de l’énergie. « Ce partenariat met en évidence la manière dont les solutions menées par l’Afrique façonnent de plus en plus le paysage énergétique du continent et comment les opérateurs locaux peuvent faire le lien entre l’exécution technique et les opportunités de croissance régionales. »

L’engagement plus large de l’entreprise dans les dialogues énergétiques continentaux souligne encore davantage sa vision stratégique. Les dirigeants de Century Group ont plaidé en faveur de partenariats plus étroits entre l’Afrique et le Golfe, identifiant la démographie jeune de l’Afrique et la demande énergétique croissante comme des opportunités d’investissement conjoint et de développement des capacités sur les marchés énergétiques mondiaux.

Ces développements s’inscrivent dans une évolution plus large de l’écosystème énergétique nigérian, où les capacités locales et les réformes politiques stimulent la participation locale, renforcent la compétitivité et libèrent les capitaux privés. La trajectoire de Century Group – de la gestion d’infrastructures FPSO/FSO à l’expansion transfrontalière et aux partenariats stratégiques – renforce sa valeur en tant que partenaire FPSO pour AEW et en tant que leader du secteur énergétique offshore africain.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Energy Chamber.

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O Century Group junta-se à African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 como parceiro de FPSO, apresentando a sua expansão offshore regional

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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O Century Group foi confirmado como Parceiro de Infraestruturas Energéticas e FPSO na African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, na Cidade do Cabo, refletindo a sua crescente presença como uma das principais operadoras offshore nacionais da Nigéria. A participação da empresa sublinha a sua capacidade operacional em expansão, a solidez da frota e o seu papel na promoção de conteúdo local e soluções de infraestruturas em toda a África.

A estratégia operacional do Century Group está a evoluir para além da prestação tradicional de serviços, rumo à propriedade de ativos, gestão de infraestruturas e expansão regional. Em outubro de 2025, a empresa confirmou que está em discussões em curso com parceiros sul-africanos sobre potenciais projetos de infraestruturas de petróleo e gás, destacando o seu interesse em implementar soluções FPSO e midstream em novos mercados regionais.

Na AEW 2026, o Century Group irá demonstrar como as operadoras locais podem apoiar a estabilidade da produção offshore, desenvolver a capacidade local e estabelecer parcerias de investimento estratégicas. O seu portfólio de ativos e colaborações regionais refletem o panorama offshore em evolução da Nigéria, onde os operadores locais estão cada vez mais a garantir a continuidade da produção, a reduzir estrangulamentos e a ligar a produção interna aos mercados de exportação – capacidades centrais nas discussões nas sessões de upstream e infraestruturas da AEW.

«Na AEW 2026, o Century Group irá apresentar não só as capacidades da sua frota, mas também a sua visão estratégica para o desenvolvimento de infraestruturas offshore», afirmou NJ Ayuk, Presidente Executivo da Câmara Africana de Energia. «Esta parceria destaca como as soluções lideradas por africanos estão cada vez mais a moldar o panorama energético do continente e como os operadores locais podem conciliar a execução técnica com oportunidades de crescimento regional.»

O envolvimento mais alargado da empresa nos diá.s continentais sobre energia sublinha ainda mais a sua perspetiva estratégica. Os executivos do Century Group têm defendido parcerias mais profundas entre África e o Golfo, identificando a demografia jovem de África e a crescente procura de energia como oportunidades para investimento conjunto e desenvolvimento de capacidades nos mercados energéticos globais.

Estes desenvolvimentos estão em sintonia com uma mudança mais ampla no ecossistema energético da Nigéria, onde a capacidade local e as reformas políticas estão a impulsionar a participação local, a reforçar a competitividade e a desbloquear capital privado. A trajetória do Century Group – desde a gestão de infraestruturas FPSO/FSO até à expansão transfronteiriça e às parcerias estratégicas – reforça o seu valor como parceiro FPSO da AEW e como líder no setor energético offshore africano.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Energy Chamber.

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Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa during a visit to Kusile Power Station, Emalahleni, Mpumalanga

Source: President of South Africa –

Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientso Ramokgopa;
Premier of Mpumalanga, Mr Mandla Ndlovu;
Chairperson of the Eskom Board, Mr Mteto Nyati;
Group CEO of Eskom, Mr Dan Marokane;
Executive Mayor of Nkangala District Municipality, Cllr Thomas Ngwenya;
Executive Mayor of the Emalahleni Local Municipality, Cllr Vusi Nhlapo;
Leaders of organised labour;
Representatives of business and industry;
Traditional leaders and Amakhosi present;
The staff and leadership of Kusile power station and all Eskom employees;
Distinguished guests;
Ladies and gentlemen; 

It is a pleasure to be here to bear witness to the great strides Eskom has made towards restoring our country’s energy security. 

In September last year, the final unit at Kusile was brought online. 

This is now a fully operational station contributes a total of 4,800 megawatts to the national grid. 

Kusile means “the dawn has come”, which speaks directly to this moment in our national journey.

Kusile’s performance benchmarks are impressive. 

It is now one of the most reliable stations in the Eskom fleet, achieving an average Energy Availability Factor of 74 percent, increasing to 90 percent on occasion.

With the final unit coming online last year, Eskom’s build programme is now complete. 

The build programme created nearly 40,000 jobs, with more than half of these directly linked to Kusile, and Eskom has invested heavily in surrounding communities. 

Eskom now operates and manages Kusile with a permanent workforce of over 600 full‑time employees, supported by approximately 1,000 contractors during major plant maintenance periods.

These are valuable jobs, skills and opportunities, supporting families, strengthening communities and building local economies.

This station, together with Medupi in Limpopo, is the backbone of South Africa’s electricity supply. 

When operating at full capacity, these two stations are capable of delivering 9,600 megawatts. 

Both of these stations are designed for an operational lifespan of 50 years and will remain key to South Africa’s electricity supply for many years to come. 

What has been achieved here at Kusile – and indeed across all Eskom’s power stations – is a testament to discipline, consistency and resilience. 

These achievements justify our decision to prioritise Eskom’s recovery in the National Energy Action Plan that we announced in 2022. 

At the time the plan was announced, our country was experiencing severe load shedding, which disrupted peoples’ lives, constrained economic growth and eroded business and investor confidence. 

Today, we are approaching 365 consecutive days without load shedding.

In the last financial year, Eskom’s Energy Availability Factor increased to 65 percent. 

South Africa’s improved energy supply is a welcome relief for millions of households and businesses across the country.

It is also part of a wider economic recovery that is bringing renewed confidence to investors, and part of our broader goal of achieving higher, inclusive growth that creates jobs. 

This restored capacity is now being put to productive use, supporting industry and safeguarding jobs. 

This power station is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to reduce harmful emissions, and will play a key role as part of a diverse and low-carbon energy mix alongside renewable energy technologies. 

All of this progress is the result of tough choices, rigorous maintenance and operational discipline across the generation fleet. 

It is thanks to the visionary leadership at Eskom and to the hard work of Eskom’s 40,000 employees, engineers, technicians, artisans, operators and support staff.

For this our nation thanks each and every one of you. 

We must also thank our social partners, who, among other things, have provided resources and expertise to support Eskom’s recovery efforts.

We must acknowledge that Kusile has had a difficult journey. 

Kusile has been plagued by challenges nearly throughout the project lifespan, including overruns, massive cost escalations, technical problems and issues with contractor performance. 

The State Capture Commission uncovered widescale corruption and looting at Kusile that nearly brought Eskom to financial ruin. 

I wish to acknowledge Eskom’s leadership for supporting the efforts of our law enforcement authorities to recover stolen money and hold those found guilty accountable. 

This experience has sharpened our resolve to ensure that projects of this scale adhere to the highest standards of governance, due diligence, proper financial controls and accountability. 

This is all the more critical at a time when we have embarked on the most ambitious infrastructure build in South Africa’s history. 

Over the next three years the state will be investing R1 trillion to build and maintain public infrastructure across the country. 

We are determined that all infrastructure projects deliver value for South Africans and are planned, financed, constructed and maintained in the strictest compliance with the law. 

Let us ensure that this power station and all our strategic assets are managed with integrity and foresight, so that they may serve the country into the future. 

Energy security is vital to the security and well-being of our nation. 

It underpins economic growth, job creation and social stability. It shapes the prospects of families and communities across our country.

That is why we are in the process of the most fundamental reform of our electricity sector in more than a century, which will modernise our energy system, enable significant new investment and lower the cost of electricity for all South Africans.

Eskom is at the heart of this transformation, providing reliable power to millions of homes and businesses while positioning itself for the energy system of the future.

As we undertake this reform process and as we introduce competition, we will ensure Eskom’s sustainability and the security of our electricity supply for future generations.

The completion of Kusile marks a new beginning. 

Exactly 120 years ago this week, Pixley ka Isaka Seme delivered his seminal speech on the ‘Regeneration of Africa’ at Columbia University in New York.

He said: “The brighter day is rising upon Africa.”

As we stand at Kusile, as we stand at this dawn, we are reminded of our shared responsibility to ensure that these first rays of light prove to be the beginning of a brighter day for all our people, for our country and for our continent.

I thank you.

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La multiplication des litiges climatiques redéfinit la politique énergétique alors que l’Afrique cherche à renforcer son poids juridique

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


La montée en puissance des litiges climatiques redéfinit la manière dont la politique énergétique est définie et appliquée à l’échelle mondiale, les tribunaux fixant de plus en plus les paramètres de l’action climatique. Les procédures consultatives devant la Cour internationale de justice (CIJ) et le Tribunal international du droit de la mer (TIDM) établissent des interprétations juridiques qui s’étendent bien au-delà des frontières nationales, influençant la manière dont les gouvernements réglementent les émissions, approuvent les projets et gèrent les ressources naturelles.

Pour l’Afrique, les implications sont considérables. Alors que le continent contribue à moins de 4 % des émissions mondiales, il fait face à une pression croissante pour s’aligner sur des normes juridiques largement façonnées en dehors de la région. Sans une participation plus forte à ces procédures, les États africains risquent de voir leurs obligations climatiques définies de l’extérieur – avec des conséquences directes sur l’industrialisation, l’accès à l’énergie et les flux d’investissement.

Dans ce contexte, la Chambre africaine de l’énergie (AEC) a décidé d’intervenir dans une procédure consultative historique devant la Cour africaine des droits de l’homme et des peuples. La requête vise à obtenir le statut d’amicus curiae dans une affaire engagée par l’Union panafricaine des avocats, qui vise à définir les obligations climatiques des États au titre de la Charte africaine.

Cette affaire reflète un changement jurisprudentiel plus large. Les procédures récentes et en cours s’appuient sur des arrêts antérieurs tels que Social and Economic Rights Action Center c. Nigeria et Ivorian League of Human Rights c. Côte d’Ivoire, qui ont établi la protection de l’environnement comme une obligation juridique exécutoire tout en affirmant la nécessité de préserver des droits socio-économiques plus larges. Ensemble, ces décisions élargissent la portée des obligations liées au climat dans toutes les juridictions.

Au niveau mondial, les avis consultatifs de la CIJ et du TIDM soulignent que les États doivent faire preuve de diligence raisonnable pour prévenir des dommages environnementaux et climatiques importants – définissant ainsi des attentes plus claires quant à l’interprétation des obligations climatiques en droit international. Si ces interprétations ne vont pas jusqu’à interdire l’exploitation des combustibles fossiles, elles introduisent des exigences plus strictes en matière de surveillance environnementale, d’application de la réglementation et de gestion des risques climatiques à long terme.

Cette tendance affecte déjà le financement des projets pétroliers et gaziers à travers l’Afrique. Les banques et les assureurs se montrent de plus en plus prudents quant au soutien d’infrastructures à fortes émissions, invoquant des risques de réputation et juridiques. Par exemple, Standard Chartered a refusé de financer l’oléoduc d’Afrique de l’Est, d’un montant de 5 milliards de dollars, en raison de la pression de la société civile et des préoccupations climatiques. Ces positions prudentes rendent plus difficile l’obtention de prêts pour les grands projets en amont, empêchant ainsi certaines découvertes d’atteindre la décision finale d’investissement (FID). Au Nigeria, le développement de gisements marginaux est au point mort malgré des réserves prouvées, et les extensions de raffineries susceptibles d’améliorer la sécurité énergétique locale peinent à attirer des financements. Pour combler ces lacunes, des initiatives africaines telles que la Banque africaine de l’énergie voient le jour, reflétant une réorientation des flux financiers en réponse aux risques climatiques et réglementaires.

En conséquence, la capacité du continent à accroître sa production et à répondre à la demande énergétique est limitée. Des projets aux fondamentaux solides peuvent être confrontés à des retards, au risque d’actifs échoués ou à l’incertitude concernant les autorisations. Les projets en aval et de conversion du gaz en électricité – essentiels pour la consommation locale – peinent également à trouver des financements, alors même que les cadres climatiques et juridiques évoluent. Alors que des institutions telles qu’Afreximbank ont garanti 2,5 milliards de dollars pour la raffinerie de pétrole Dangote au Nigeria, le financement de l’amont pétrolier et gazier reste fragmenté face aux obligations climatiques mondiales et au risque de litiges.

En Afrique du Sud, la loi sur le changement climatique (2024) aligne la législation nationale sur les engagements internationaux en matière de climat, et des litiges récents – notamment une décision de la Cour suprême d’appel invalidant l’autorisation d’une centrale à gaz en raison d’une évaluation environnementale insuffisante – montrent à quel point les tribunaux examinent de plus en plus minutieusement les projets énergétiques.

Cette évolution redéfinit les risques pour les investisseurs. L’élargissement des interprétations juridiques – y compris la qualification potentielle de l’inaction climatique en tant qu’acte internationalement illicite – accroît l’exposition des États et des opérateurs privés. Les projets qui ne répondent pas aux normes en constante évolution peuvent se heurter à des obstacles de financement, à des retards ou au risque d’actifs échoués, tandis que les gouvernements peuvent être confrontés à des différends entre investisseurs et États si les changements réglementaires affectent la viabilité des projets.

Dans le même temps, ces évolutions juridiques redessinent la géopolitique. Les États africains s’appuient sur des conclusions juridiques liées au climat pour renforcer leurs revendications en matière de financement climatique, d’allègement de la dette et de transfert de technologies. En présentant les dommages climatiques comme une responsabilité juridique plutôt que comme une simple question politique, le continent gagne en pouvoir de négociation – mais soumet également ses stratégies énergétiques nationales à un examen plus minutieux.

Dans ce contexte, l’intervention de l’AEC garantit que les priorités africaines soient représentées dans les normes juridiques émergentes. La Chambre plaide en faveur d’une interprétation équilibrée qui reconnaisse à la fois les obligations environnementales et le droit au développement, en particulier dans une région où plus de 600 millions de personnes n’ont pas accès à l’électricité. Les points de vue divergents restent très marqués, les groupes environnementaux réclamant des limites plus strictes à l’expansion des énergies fossiles au titre des cadres relatifs aux droits de l’homme.

« Si l’Afrique laisse son avenir énergétique entre les mains de tribunaux étrangers, nous risquons de voir des politiques conçues pour d’autres continents appliquées ici », déclare NJ Ayuk, président exécutif de l’AEC. « Les litiges climatiques ne constituent pas seulement un défi réglementaire : ils affectent le financement de notre secteur pétrolier et gazier. Les banques se retirent, les découvertes ne parviennent pas au stade de la décision finale d’investissement et les projets qui pourraient alimenter nos ambitions énergétiques restent au point mort. L’Afrique doit transformer ce défi en une opportunité pour définir des normes qui protègent la planète tout en veillant à ce que nos populations, nos ressources et notre croissance ne soient pas laissées pour compte. »

La montée en puissance des litiges climatiques marque un tournant décisif, passant de la négociation politique à l’application juridique. Pour l’Afrique, les enjeux sont clairs : s’engager activement dans l’élaboration de ces cadres ou risquer de devoir s’adapter à des normes fixées ailleurs. Il est désormais essentiel de garantir la représentation africaine dans ces processus, non seulement pour aligner les ambitions climatiques sur la croissance économique et la sécurité énergétique, mais aussi pour obtenir le financement nécessaire afin que le secteur pétrolier et gazier du continent puisse atteindre son plein potentiel.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Energy Chamber.

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O aumento dos litígios climáticos redefine a política energética, à medida que África procura reforçar a sua voz jurídica

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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O rápido aumento dos litígios climáticos está a remodelar a forma como a política energética é definida e aplicada em todo o mundo, com os tribunais a estabelecerem cada vez mais os parâmetros da ação climática. Os processos consultivos no Tribunal Internacional de Justiça (TIJ) e no Tribunal Internacional do Direito do Mar (TIDM) estão a estabelecer interpretações jurídicas que se estendem muito além das fronteiras nacionais, influenciando a forma como os governos regulam as emissões, aprovam projetos e gerem os recursos naturais.

Para África, as implicações são significativas. Embora o continente contribua com menos de 4% das emissões globais, enfrenta uma pressão crescente para se alinhar com normas jurídicas em grande parte definidas fora da região. Sem uma participação mais forte nestes processos, os Estados africanos correm o risco de ver as suas obrigações climáticas definidas externamente – com consequências diretas para a industrialização, o acesso à energia e os fluxos de investimento.

Neste contexto, a Câmara Africana de Energia (AEC) decidiu intervir num processo consultivo histórico perante o Tribunal Africano dos Direitos Humanos e dos Povos. O pedido visa obter o estatuto de amicus curiae num processo iniciado pela União Pan-Africana de Advogados, que tem como objetivo definir as obrigações climáticas dos Estados ao abrigo da Carta Africana.

O caso reflete uma mudança jurisprudencial mais ampla. Processos recentes e em curso baseiam-se em decisões anteriores, tais como Social and Economic Rights Action Center v. Nigéria e Liga da Costa do Marfim dos Direitos Humanos v. Costa do Marfim, que estabeleceram a proteção ambiental como um dever legal exigível, ao mesmo tempo que afirmaram a necessidade de salvaguardar direitos socioeconómicos mais amplos. Em conjunto, estas decisões estão a alargar o âmbito das obrigações relacionadas com o clima em todas as jurisdições.

A nível global, os pareceres consultivos do TIJ e do ITLOS enfatizam que os Estados devem exercer a devida diligência para prevenir danos ambientais e climáticos significativos – estabelecendo expectativas mais claras sobre como as obrigações climáticas são interpretadas ao abrigo do direito internacional. Embora estas interpretações não cheguem a proibir o desenvolvimento de combustíveis fósseis, introduzem expectativas mais rigorosas em torno da supervisão ambiental, da aplicação regulatória e da gestão de riscos climáticos a longo prazo.

Esta tendência já está a afetar o financiamento de projetos de petróleo e gás em toda a África. Bancos e seguradoras estão cada vez mais cautelosos em apoiar infraestruturas de elevadas emissões, invocando riscos de reputação e legais. Por exemplo, o Standard Chartered recusou-se a financiar o Oleoduto de Petróleo Bruto da África Oriental, no valor de 5 mil milhões de dólares, devido à pressão da sociedade civil e a preocupações climáticas. Estas posições avessas ao risco tornam mais difícil garantir empréstimos para grandes projetos a montante, deixando algumas descobertas incapazes de chegar à Decisão de Investimento Final (FID). Na Nigéria, o desenvolvimento de campos marginais estagnou apesar das reservas comprovadas, e as expansões de refinarias que poderiam melhorar a segurança energética local têm dificuldade em atrair financiamento. Para colmatar estas lacunas, estão a surgir iniciativas lideradas por africanos, como o Banco Africano de Energia, refletindo uma mudança nos fluxos de financiamento em resposta ao risco climático e regulatório.

Como resultado, a capacidade do continente para expandir a produção e satisfazer a procura de energia está limitada. Projetos com fundamentos sólidos podem enfrentar atrasos, risco de ativos irrecuperáveis ou incerteza quanto às licenças. Os projetos a jusante e de conversão de gás em energia — críticos para o consumo local — também enfrentam dificuldades de financiamento, mesmo com a evolução dos quadros climáticos e legais. Embora instituições como o Afreximbank tenham garantido 2,5 mil milhões de dólares para a Refinaria de Petróleo Dangote, na Nigéria, o financiamento do setor a montante de petróleo e gás permanece fragmentado em meio a mandatos climáticos globais e riscos de litígio.

Na África do Sul, a Lei das Alterações Climáticas (2024) alinha a legislação nacional com os compromissos climáticos internacionais, e litígios recentes – incluindo uma decisão do Supremo Tribunal de Recurso que invalidou a autorização de uma central de gás devido a uma avaliação ambiental inadequada – demonstram como os tribunais estão a examinar cada vez mais os projetos energéticos.

Esta mudança está a redefinir o risco para os investidores. Interpretações jurídicas cada vez mais abrangentes — incluindo a potencial caracterização da inação climática como um ato internacionalmente ilícito — aumentam a exposição dos Estados e dos operadores privados. Os projetos que não cumpram as normas em evolução podem enfrentar obstáculos de financiamento, atrasos ou o risco de ativos irrecuperáveis, enquanto os governos podem enfrentar disputas entre investidores e Estados se as alterações regulamentares afetarem a viabilidade dos projetos.

Ao mesmo tempo, estes desenvolvimentos jurídicos estão a remodelar a geopolítica. Os Estados africanos estão a utilizar conclusões jurídicas relacionadas com o clima para reforçar as suas reivindicações de financiamento climático, alívio da dívida e transferência de tecnologia. Ao enquadrar os danos climáticos como uma responsabilidade jurídica, em vez de apenas uma questão política, o continente ganha poder de negociação – mas também sujeita as estratégias energéticas nacionais a um maior escrutínio.

Neste contexto, a intervenção da AEC garante que as prioridades africanas sejam representadas nos padrões jurídicos emergentes. A Câmara defende uma interpretação equilibrada que reconheça tanto as obrigações ambientais como o direito ao desenvolvimento, particularmente numa região onde mais de 600 milhões de pessoas não têm acesso à eletricidade. As perspetivas concorrentes continuam fortes, com grupos ambientais a apelarem a limites mais rigorosos à expansão dos combustíveis fósseis no âmbito dos quadros de direitos humanos.

«Se África deixar o seu futuro energético nas mãos de tribunais externos, corremos o risco de ver políticas concebidas para outros continentes aplicadas aqui», afirma NJ Ayuk, Presidente Executivo da AEC. «O contencioso climático não é apenas um desafio regulatório – afeta o financiamento do nosso setor de petróleo e gás. Os bancos estão a recuar, as descobertas não conseguem chegar à decisão de investimento final (FID) e os projetos que poderiam alimentar as nossas ambições energéticas permanecem paralisados. África deve transformar este desafio numa oportunidade para definir normas que protejam o planeta, garantindo ao mesmo tempo que o nosso povo, os nossos recursos e o nosso crescimento não fiquem para trás.»

O aumento dos litígios climáticos marca uma mudança decisiva da negociação política para a aplicação da lei. Para África, o que está em jogo é claro: participar ativamente na definição destes quadros ou arriscar-se a ter de se adaptar a normas estabelecidas noutro local. Garantir a representação africana nestes processos é agora fundamental, não só para alinhar a ambição climática com o crescimento económico e a segurança energética, mas também para assegurar o financiamento necessário para que o setor do petróleo e do gás do continente alcance o seu potencial.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Energy Chamber.

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ES-KO Garante Renovação por Cinco Anos do Contrato de Catering e Gestão de Facilidades com a TotalEnergies EP Congo

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

Em meados de março, a ES-KO (www.ES-KO.com) alcançou um marco importante na República do Congo com a renovação do seu contrato de prestação de serviços integrados de alimentação e gestão de limpeza com a TotalEnergies EP Congo por mais cinco anos. Esta conquista, é atribuída na sequência de um processo completo de concurso público, que confirma a competitividade, fiabilidade e excelência operacional da ES-KO.

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Durante a visita técnica, Beatrice Falsetti, Directora de Operações  da ES-KO, e Olivier Guigon, Director Geral da ES-KO em Congo, reuniram-se com representantes da TotalEnergies EP Congo para marcar oficialmente o início desta nova fase de colaboração. As discussões centraram-se nas prioridades futuras, incluindo a melhoria contínua das operações, a qualidade dos serviços e iniciativas destinadas a reforçar ainda mais a coordenação entre os diferentes sites.

A visita incluiu também uma deslocação offshore à unidade de Likouf, um dos principais sites de produção da TotalEnergies EP Congo. Situada a cerca de 75 km da costa da República do Congo, Likouf é uma imponente unidade flutuante de produção (FPU), com dimensões equivalentes a dois campos de futebol e um peso aproximado de 80.000 toneladas. Operando 24 horas por dia, trata-se de um ambiente industrial e habitacional totalmente autónomo.

Likouf destaca-se ainda por ser a primeira FPU totalmente elétrica, concebida para reduzir significativamente a sua pegada ambiental. O seu sistema “all-electric” assegura a energia necessária às operações, minimizando a combustão de gás e contribuindo para uma produção offshore mais sustentável.

Operar num ambiente tão remoto e tecnologicamente avançado apresenta desafios logísticos e operacionais específicos, desde a coordenação complexa da cadeia de abastecimento até à manutenção de padrões de serviço consistentes em alto-mar.

Os colaboradores permanecem normalmente na plataforma por rotações de até um mês, o que torna o quotidiano altamente estruturado e repetitivo. Neste contexto, os serviços integrados de aimentação e gestão de limpeza da ES-KO desempenham um papel essencial no bem-estar e na motivação das equipas, proporcionando conforto, variedade e momentos de descontração que ajudam a quebrar a rotina.

De regresso a terra, a equipa de gestão da ES-KO reuniu-se no escritório para partilhar a notícia com as equipas internas e felicitá-las pessoalmente pelo seu empenho e contribuição para este sucesso. A renovação do contrato gerou uma dinâmica muito positiva, reforçando o alinhamento, a confiança e uma energia renovada à medida que a ES-KO avança para esta nova fase em parceria com a TotalEnergies EP Congo.

Importa ressaltar que em Fevereiro de 2026, a ES-KO foi distinguida com o HSSE Trophy pela TotalEnergies EP Congo, em reconhecimento do seu forte desempenho em 2025 nas áreas de saúde, segurança, proteção e ambiente.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para ES-KO.

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Climate Litigation Surge Reshapes Energy Policy as Africa Seeks Stronger Legal Voice

Source: APO


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The rapid rise of climate litigation is reshaping how energy policy is defined and enforced worldwide, with courts increasingly setting the parameters of climate action. Advisory proceedings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) are establishing legal interpretations that extend far beyond national borders, influencing how governments regulate emissions, approve projects, and manage natural resources.

For Africa, the implications are significant. While the continent contributes less than 4% of global emissions, it faces mounting pressure to align with legal standards largely shaped outside the region. Without stronger participation in these proceedings, African states risk having climate obligations defined externally – with direct consequences for industrialization, energy access, and investment flows.

Against this backdrop, the African Energy Chamber (AEC) has moved to intervene in a landmark advisory proceeding before the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights. The application seeks amicus curiae status in a case initiated by the Pan African Lawyers Union, which aims to define state climate obligations under the African Charter.

The case reflects a broader jurisprudential shift. Recent and ongoing proceedings build on earlier rulings such as Social and Economic Rights Action Center v. Nigeria and Ivorian League of Human Rights v. Côte d’Ivoire, which established environmental protection as an enforceable legal duty while affirming the need to safeguard broader socioeconomic rights. Together, these decisions are expanding the scope of climate-related obligations across jurisdictions.

At the global level, advisory opinions from the ICJ and ITLOS emphasize that states must exercise due diligence to prevent significant environmental and climate-related harm – setting clearer expectations for how climate obligations are interpreted under international law. While these interpretations stop short of prohibiting fossil fuel development, they introduce more stringent expectations around environmental oversight, regulatory enforcement, and long-term climate risk management.

This trend is already affecting the financing of oil and gas projects across Africa. Banks and insurers are increasingly cautious about backing high-emission infrastructure, citing reputational and legal risks. For example, Standard Chartered declined to finance the $5 billion East African Crude Oil Pipeline due to civil society pressure and climate concerns. These risk-averse stances make loans for large upstream projects harder to secure, leaving some discoveries unable to reach FID. In Nigeria, marginal field developments have stalled despite proven reserves, and refinery expansions that could improve local energy security struggle to attract funding. To fill these gaps, African-led initiatives like the Africa Energy Bank are emerging, reflecting a shift in financing flows in response to climate and regulatory risk.

As a result, the continent’s ability to expand production and meet energy demand is constrained. Projects with strong fundamentals may face delays, stranded asset risk or permit uncertainty. Downstream and gas-to-power projects – critical for local consumption – also struggle for financing, even as climate and legal frameworks evolve. While institutions like Afreximbank have underwritten $2.5 billion toward Nigeria’s Dangote Petroleum Refinery, upstream oil and gas finance remains fragmented amid global climate mandates and litigation risk.

In South Africa, the Climate Change Act (2024) aligns domestic law with international climate commitments, and recent litigation – including a Supreme Court of Appeal decision invalidating a gas power plant authorization for inadequate environmental assessment – demonstrates how courts are increasingly scrutinizing energy projects.

This shift is redefining risk for investors. Expanding legal interpretations – including the potential characterization of climate inaction as an internationally wrongful act – increase exposure for states and private operators. Projects that fail to meet evolving standards may face financing hurdles, delays or stranded asset risk, while governments may confront investor-state disputes if regulatory changes affect project viability.

At the same time, these legal developments are reshaping geopolitics. African states are leveraging climate-related legal findings to strengthen claims for climate finance, debt relief and technology transfer. By framing climate harm as a legal liability rather than solely a political issue, the continent gains negotiating leverage – but also subjects domestic energy strategies to greater scrutiny.

Within this landscape, the AEC’s intervention ensures African priorities are represented in emerging legal standards. The Chamber advocates for a balanced interpretation that recognizes both environmental obligations and the right to development, particularly in a region where more than 600 million people lack access to electricity. Competing perspectives remain strong, with environmental groups calling for stricter limits on fossil fuel expansion under human rights frameworks.

“If Africa leaves its energy future to outside courts, we risk seeing policies designed for other continents applied here,” says NJ Ayuk, AEC Executive Chairman. “Climate litigation is not just a regulatory challenge – it affects financing for our oil and gas sector. Banks are retreating, discoveries can’t reach FID and projects that could fuel our energy ambitions remain stalled. Africa must turn this challenge into an opportunity to define standards that protect the planet while ensuring our people, our resources, and our growth are not left behind.”

The rise of climate litigation marks a decisive shift from political negotiation to legal enforcement. For Africa, the stakes are clear: engage actively in shaping these frameworks or risk adapting to standards set elsewhere. Ensuring African representation in these processes is now critical not only to align climate ambition with economic growth and energy security but also to secure the financing necessary for the continent’s oil and gas sector to reach its potential.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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ES-KO Secures Five-Year Catering & Facilities Management Contract Renewal with TotalEnergies EP Congo

Source: APO

In mid-March, ES-KO (www.ES-KO.com) marked an important milestone in Congo with the renewal of its catering and housekeeping contract with TotalEnergies EP Congo for an additional five years. Awarded following a full tendering process, the renewal affirms ES-KO’s competitiveness, reliability, and operational excellence.

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During the on-site visit, Beatrice Falsetti, ES-KO Operations Manager, and Olivier Guigon, ES-KO Congo General Manager, met with TotalEnergies EP Congo representatives to officially launch this new phase of collaboration. Discussions focused on future priorities, including continuous operational improvement, service quality, and initiatives to further strengthen coordination across sites.

The visit also included a trip offshore to Likouf, one of TotalEnergies EP Congo’s key production sites. Located 75 km off the coast of the Republic of Congo, Likouf is a massive floating production unit (FPU), roughly the size of two football fields and weighing around 80,000 tonnes. Operating 24/7, it is a fully self-contained industrial and living environment.

Likouf is also notable for being the first fully electric FPU, designed to significantly reduce its environmental footprint. Its “all-electric” system provides the power required for operations while minimizing gas combustion, supporting more sustainable offshore production.

Operating in such a remote and high-tech environment presents unique logistical and operational challenges—from complex supply chain coordination to maintaining consistent service standards at sea. Personnel typically live on the platform for rotations of up to one month, making daily life onboard highly structured and repetitive. In this context, ES-KO’s catering and facilities management services play a key role in supporting well-being and morale, bringing comfort, variety, and moments of relief that help break the routine.

Back onshore, ES-KO management gathered at the office to share the news with in-house teams and personally congratulate them on their efforts and contribution to this achievement. The contract renewal has generated strong momentum, reinforcing alignment, confidence, and renewed energy as ES-KO moves forward into this next chapter alongside TotalEnergies EP Congo.

Earlier in February, ES-KO was awarded an HSSE Trophy by TotalEnergies EP Congo in recognition of its strong 2025 performance in health, safety, security, and environmental practices.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of ES-KO.

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How reforms under Patrice Talon have reshaped the electoral competition in Benin

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Narcisse Martial Yèdji, Sociologue politiste et enseignant-chercheur, University d’Abomey-Calavi de Bénin

Benin voters will head to the polls on April 12, 2026 to elect their next president. This election comes at a time when Benin’s political landscape has been profoundly transformed by reforms to the party system and the electoral code. They have created new power balances and deliberately tightened the eligibility requirements for the presidency. Political sociologist Narcisse M. Yèdji spoke with The Conversation Africa on the issue. He explains how these changes have narrowed the range of choices, reshaped power dynamics, and made voter turnout a key factor for the election’s legitimisation.

How have party system reforms in recent years reshaped power dynamics for this presidential election?

Upon taking office, Patrice Talon launched a series of reforms, overhauling the country’s economic, administrative, and political structures.

Reforming the party system and the electoral code became a central priority. Presented as a way to streamline and professionalise politics, these reforms, in fact, redefined the rules of electoral competition.

Two key mechanisms stand out ahead of he April 12 presidential election – the overhaul of the political landscape and introduction of the endorsement system (parrainage).

The law on political parties revised in 2018 just before the 2019 legislative elections made it much harder for parties to gain legal recognition.

A new requirement demanded wider territorial presence. Previously a party needed 120 founding members spread across municipalities. It jumped to 1,155 covering 77 municipalities in 2018. This led to a sharp drop in the number of legally recognized parties.

On the eve of the 2021 presidential elections, the country had only 14 officially recognized political parties, compared to more than 200 before the reform.

This cleanup largely benefited the two major pro government parties: the Union progressiste (Progressive Union) and the Bloc républicain (Republican Bloc). They absorbed smaller parties through mergers and defections. The opposition was left weakened with only a few remaining parties, including the The Democrats, the main opposition party, lingering on the margins of the two major political blocs.

This reshaping of the party system has created a real power imbalance. It benefits the two-headed bloc supporting the president. Their members have privileged access to the state’s political, administrative, and institutional resources.

Presented as an modernisation of the party system, this reform has nevertheless led to the exclusion of major historic parties and groups— particularly those in the opposition — from political competition.

The 2019 constitutional amendment and the subsequent changes to the electoral code introduced a second structuring mechanism: the endorsement system for presidential candidates.

Today, to run for president (now as a president and vice-president ticket) candidates must secure a minimum number of endorsements from local elected officials and/or MPs. The threshold, initially, set at 10% (16 endorsements) was raised to 15% in 2024, (28 endorsements), making it harder to enter the race.

Since the parties close to the president dominate Parliament and local governments, they control these endorsements and hold the keys to entry. Officially justified as a way to filter out less credible candidates, this mechanism has been criticized for limiting political inclusiveness. The opposition struggles to secure the required endorsements.

Overall these reforms have significantly changed the competition for the presidency. The lopsided two-party system combined with pre-filtering via endorsements has tilted the playing field in favour of the presidential bloc. This has been further strengthened by the defections from influential opposition figures.

As a result of these massive defections, the election on April 12 comes down to just two presidential tickets: the majority’s ticket and the one put forward by the president of Force Cauris pour un Bénin émergent (Cowry forces for an Emerging Benin ), a moderate opposition party with limited resources.

To what extent could voter turnout influence the legitimacy and outcome of the election?

The upcoming presidential election comes at a unique socio-political moment given the dynamics observed in Benin since 1990. Traditionally, the end of a term brings redistribution of political power, without necessarily predicting the final outcome.

But today, the electoral game appears more tightly controlled and less open, making the outcome more predictable. With the political field narrowed to two pairs of candidates, and without the participation of the main opposition party, Les Démocrates, the presidential race seems to be perceived by a big chunk of voters as flawed. This perception is likely to influence voters’ attitudes.

Benin’s incumbent president, Patrice Talon, casts his ballot during the presidential election in Cotonou on April 11, 2021. – PIUS UTOMI EKPEI/AFP via Getty Images

Voter turnout becomes a key issue. Turnout dropped to 26.47% for the presdiential election in 2021 and 27.12% for the legislative elections in 2019 compared to 65.92% for the 2015 legislative elections.

A further drop in voter turnout could erode the elected president’s legitimacy, regardless of legal validation. It may spark symbolic forms of protest (expressed through discourse and position, but not collective action like marches or riots).

With such limited real competition, the election’s results are quite predictable. Turnout will serve as an indicator of how much trust citizens still place in their electoral process. This situation could strengthen the incumbent government institutionally. But it may also deepen civic disengagement.

Is voter choice primarily driven by the goverment’s track record?

Talon’s term of office has had mixed reviews. The regime has both critics and supporters. Some observers believe that a large portion of the population views its actions favourably, particularly in economic terms. This suggests that its track record will objectively play a role in the 12 April elections. In this context, it could help to consolidate a loyal electorate, particularly among social groups that have benefited from the reforms or view them favourably.

Those who see Talon’s term as a failure face a harder choice due to lack of real alternatives. Talon’s record exists. It influences some voters. But it does not define the election. The limited political offer, controlled by the outgoing government restricts voter options way before the election.

At the same time, civic disengagement is growing. [Recent data] show declining citizen’s participation. Low turnout becomes a form of political act. It reduces the weight of the government’s track record in the voting decision. This reflects competing logics: institutional constraints that limit choices, plus low turnout driven by distrust.

Ultimately, the outgoing administration’s track appears to be a secondary factor in this election. Interesting, Patrice Talon hinted at this in 2016 during the presidential runoff debate:

What ensures a president’s effective reelection — what guarantees re-election — is not their performance, nor their results. It’s how he controls the key players. How he keeps everyone in line. How he ensures no one is capable of standing up to him, of being a real competitor. When you have no competitor, however bad you may be, you will be re-elected.

What indicators should be watched on election night?

Despite its unique characteristics, turnout will be a key indicator. Turnout in the regional strongholds of candidates and key opposition figures, as well as in strategic urban centers (Cotonou, Porto-Novo, Parakou, Abomey-Calavi) will provide early signs of how the vote is going.

But beyond than the election’s outcome, turnout will mainly reflect the legitimacy of Patrice Talon’s power, his electoral reforms, the current election and the result that will follow.

This may be one of the key factors in understanding how citizens and the political class relate to the next president, and broadly, how they relate to politics itself in the years ahead.

– How reforms under Patrice Talon have reshaped the electoral competition in Benin
– https://theconversation.com/how-reforms-under-patrice-talon-have-reshaped-the-electoral-competition-in-benin-280333

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ES-KO renouvelle pour cinq ans son contrat de restauration et de facility management avec TotalEnergies EP Congo

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

À la mi-mars, ES-KO (www.ES-KO.com) a franchi une étape importante en République du Congo avec le renouvellement, pour une durée de cinq ans, de son contrat de restauration et de gestion de base-vie avec TotalEnergies EP Congo. Attribué à l’issue d’un appel d’offres complet, ce renouvellement confirme la compétitivité d’ES-KO, la fiabilité de ses opérations et la solidité de son expertise sur le terrain.

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À l’occasion d’une visite sur site, Beatrice Falsetti, Directrice des opérations d’ES-KO, et Olivier Guigon, Directeur général d’ES-KO Congo, ont rencontré les représentants de TotalEnergies EP Congo afin de lancer officiellement cette nouvelle phase de collaboration. Les échanges ont porté sur les priorités à venir, notamment l’amélioration continue des opérations, la qualité de service et le renforcement de la coordination entre les différents sites.

La visite comprenait également un déplacement offshore sur la plateforme Likouf, l’un des principaux sites de production de TotalEnergies EP Congo. Située à 75 km des côtes, cette unité flottante de production (FPU), de la taille de deux terrains de football et pesant environ 80 000 tonnes, fonctionne en continu, 24 heures sur 24. Véritable environnement industriel et de vie autonome, elle illustre la complexité des opérations en mer.

Likouf se distingue également comme la première FPU entièrement électrique, conçue pour réduire significativement son impact environnemental. Son système « tout électrique » permet d’alimenter les opérations tout en limitant la combustion de gaz, contribuant ainsi à une production offshore plus durable.

Évoluer dans un tel environnement, à la fois isolé et hautement technologique, implique des défis logistiques et opérationnels majeurs : coordination complexe des approvisionnements, maintien de standards de service constants en mer, et gestion du quotidien des équipes. Le personnel vit généralement sur la plateforme par rotations pouvant aller jusqu’à un mois, rendant la vie à bord particulièrement structurée et répétitive. Dans ce contexte, les services de restauration et de facility management d’ES-KO jouent un rôle essentiel dans le bien-être et le moral des équipes, en apportant confort, diversité et des instants de détente pour rompre la routine.

De retour à terre, les équipes de direction d’ES-KO se sont réunies au bureau afin de partager cette réussite avec les équipes internes et de les féliciter personnellement pour leur engagement et leur contribution. Ce renouvellement de contrat crée une dynamique positive, renforçant l’alignement, la confiance et l’énergie des équipes, alors qu’ES-KO entame ce nouveau chapitre aux côtés de TotalEnergies EP Congo.

En février dernier, ES-KO s’était déjà vu décerner un trophée HSSE par TotalEnergies EP Congo, en reconnaissance de ses performances 2025 en matière de santé, sécurité, sûreté et environnement.

Distribué par APO Group pour ES-KO.

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