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April 16, 2026

Sintana Listing Signals New Era for Local Ownership in Namibia’s Oil and Gas Sector

Source: APO

Canadian-based oil and gas company Sintana Energy has announced its intention to list the company’s shares on the Namibian Securities Exchange, signaling a shift toward inclusive growth and early-stage local participation in one of Africa’s most promising frontier oil and gas markets. The move reflects the company’s overall strategy to explore options to provide and develop liquidity for local investors, ensuring Namibians are not merely spectators to the country’s hydrocarbon boom, but active participants in the value chain from the outset.

The African Energy Chamber (AEC) welcomes the listing as a strategic and forward-looking move that reflects the type of market-driven solutions needed to advance energy development across the continent. As Namibia moves toward first oil production by 2030, Sintana’s listing reinforces the importance of structuring the industry to deliver tangible benefits to citizens today. By enabling local ownership through public market access, Sintana is aligning national economic interests with upstream growth.

Sintana Energy has already started discussions with the Namibia Securities Exchange and has engaged IJG Securities Ltd. as its sponsor and corporate advisor. Spearheaded in part by Knowledge Katti, Director of Sintana and Chairman of Custos Energy, the move reflects a growing recognition that ownership and access must be broadened if the full economic potential of hydrocarbons is to be realized. Katti highlighted that Sintana’s listing is a reflection of a vision to see Namibians – particularly youth – become true participants in the emerging oil and gas sector. He described the listing as more than a financial opportunity; but as a chance for Namibians to diversify their futures, build generational wealth and hold a direct stake in the energy sector.

“Sintana’s listing is a powerful example of how Africa’s energy sector can be structured to deliver real, immediate benefits to its people. Namibia is showing that local ownership does not have to wait until production – it can and should begin at the exploration stage. This is the kind of leadership and innovation we need to see across the continent,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, AEC.

The listing comes as a pivotal time for both Sintana Energy and Namibia. With exposure to blocks in the Orange Basin, Sintana Energy is advancing several ambitious exploration initiatives alongside local and international partners. At PEL 83, the project partners – including TotalEnergies (operator), Galp Energia and Sintana – recently revised the 3C contingent resources upwards to 1.38 billion barrels of oil equivalent from 875 million barrels, marking a 57% increase and highlighting the potential of the Mopane complex. The partners are planning a three-well drilling program starting in H2, 2026, following TotalEnergies’ farm-in earlier this year. FID is planned for 2028, with first oil set for 2032.

Sintana Energy also holds a 7.4% indirect carried interest in PEL 87 – home to Blocks 2713A and 2713B, operated by Pancontinental Energy. In March 2026, the partners received government approval to extend the First Renewal Exploration Period by 12 months to January 22, 2027. During this period, the partners will undertake an Environmental Impact Assessment, reprocess 3D seismic data and interpretation and drill an exploration well. In the Walvis Basin, Sintana Energy signed a Letter of Intent for a period of exclusivity for an indirect interest in PEL 37 – currently owned and operated by Paragon Oil and Gas. Under the agreement, Sintana has until April 30, 2026 to undertake technical, commercial and legal due diligence on Paragon and PEL 37, with a view to potentially farm-into the asset.

Stepping into this picture, Sintana’s upcoming listing demonstrates a commitment to aligning its investment strategy with Namibia’s long-term economic ambitions. By prioritizing inclusion, transparency and early participation, the company is not only advancing its upstream strategy, but setting a new standard for how companies engage local communities.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

April 16, 2026

The crisis in the Middle East could cost Africa 0.2 percent in economic growth in 2026

Source: APO

The crisis in the Middle East is impacting global economies, with growth in African countries forecast to decline by up to 0.2 percent.

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Download document 2: https://apo-opa.co/484mxEK

This is according to a joint policy document presented on Tuesday, 15 April 2026, in Washington, D.C., by the African Union Commission, the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The report, entitled “Impacts of the Conflict in the Middle East on African Economies,” warns that African economies, which were slowly recovering from the severe consequences of COVID-19, the Russia–Ukraine war, and rising trade tariffs, could be among the most affected by the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.

Kevin Urama, Chief Economist and Vice President for Economic Governance and Knowledge Management at AfDB, presented the report on the sidelines of the Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. He emphasized that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz had significant consequences for transport and trade.

“The report reminds us that the continent demonstrates remarkable resilience,” said Francisca Tatchouop Belobe, African Union Commissioner for Economic Affairs, Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry, and Mining.

The report says the main effects of Middle Eastern conflicts on African economies include surging prices of hydrocarbons, food products, and fertilizers. They also cause disruptions to global trade, logistics, and supply chains, and made capital and foreign exchange markets volatile.

“Eighty percent of the oil imported into Africa comes from this region, as well as 50% of refined petroleum,” said Claver Gatete, Executive Secretary of the ECA. As a result of these conflicts, 31 African countries were already experiencing currency depreciation, Gatete said.

To address the crisis, AfDB Chief Economist Urama urged African governments not to panic or take hasty decisions that could harm their fiscal balances.

The report recommends, in particular, strategic inflation management to ensure short-term price stability expectations. It cautions oil-exporting countries to adopt strict fiscal discipline by managing windfall revenues prudently, while strengthening debt-monitoring, and using energy reserves strategically. Where fiscal space allows, it advises that temporary and targeted social protection measures be deployed to shield the most vulnerable populations from the crisis.

However, the report urges governments to avoid broad-based subsidies that could worsen long-term fiscal deficits, and to diversify sources of energy, inputs, and food supplies.

It also recommends that African governments strengthen regional and intra-African trade in oil and fertilizer markets to enhance resilience; and ensure smooth inter-institutional coordination to harmonize strategic monetary and fiscal policies.

At the same time, the report calls upon development partners, multilateral banks, and development finance institutions to provide emergency support to African countries through crisis response measures and technical assistance.

It also recommends that the operationalization of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is operalionalised speedily, while strengthening large-scale domestic capital mobilisation. The report also encourages Africa to diversify its energy mix by accelerating investments in renewable energy and the gas sector.

It urges stakeholders in Africa’s financial ecosystem to speed up the implementation of the New African Financial Architecture for Development (NAFAD), for which AfDB has recently concluded continent-wide consultations. Those consultations led to the “Abidjan Consensus” on 9 April, 2026, in the Ivorian commercial capital. They are aimed at speeding up reforms towards mobilising African financial resources at scale to boost development financing across the continent.

United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed called for measures “to safeguard the gains already achieved at continental level. “We must work to ensure that the Sustainable Development Goals under the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063 are achieved,” she stated.

For the Senior Vice President of AfDB, Marie-Laure Akin-Olugbagde, “there is a need for global coordination, as no country or institution can face these shocks alone. In addition, a rapid response is essential, as was the case during the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, and people must be placed at the center of interventions.”

“The shocks affect us deeply, and we have no choice but to be resilient—and African countries have the means to respond,” emphasized Ahunna Ezioknwa, Director of the UNDP Regional Bureau for Africa. “In Africa, we need to win the fight for energy independence… We must invest in domestic solutions and encourage young people to engage in innovation, digital technology, and artificial intelligence,” she added.

After the presentation of the report, a panel discussed its content and proposed further solutions.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

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April 16, 2026

L’introduction en bourse de Sintana marque le début d’une nouvelle ère pour la participation locale dans le secteur pétrolier et gazier namibien

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

La société pétrolière et gazière canadienne Sintana Energy a annoncé son intention d’introduire ses actions à la Bourse namibienne, marquant ainsi un tournant vers une croissance inclusive et une participation locale dès les premières phases dans l’un des marchés pétroliers et gaziers frontaliers les plus prometteurs d’Afrique. Cette initiative s’inscrit dans la stratégie globale de la société visant à explorer les options permettant d’offrir et de développer la liquidité pour les investisseurs locaux, garantissant ainsi que les Namibiens ne soient pas de simples spectateurs du boom des hydrocarbures dans leur pays, mais des participants actifs dans la chaîne de valeur dès le début.

La Chambre africaine de l’énergie (AEC) salue cette cotation comme une initiative stratégique et tournée vers l’avenir qui reflète le type de solutions axées sur le marché nécessaires pour faire progresser le développement énergétique à travers le continent. Alors que la Namibie se prépare à sa première production de pétrole d’ici 2030, l’introduction en bourse de Sintana renforce l’importance de structurer le secteur de manière à apporter des avantages tangibles aux citoyens dès aujourd’hui. En favorisant la participation locale grâce à l’accès au marché public, Sintana aligne les intérêts économiques nationaux sur la croissance en amont.

Sintana Energy a déjà entamé des discussions avec la Bourse de Namibie et a engagé IJG Securities Ltd. en tant que sponsor et conseiller d’entreprise. Menée en partie par Knowledge Katti, directeur de Sintana et président de Custos Energy, cette initiative reflète une prise de conscience croissante selon laquelle la propriété et l’accès doivent être élargis pour que le plein potentiel économique des hydrocarbures puisse être réalisé. M. Katti a souligné que l’introduction en bourse de Sintana reflète une vision visant à faire des Namibiens – en particulier les jeunes – de véritables acteurs du secteur émergent du pétrole et du gaz. Il a décrit cette cotation comme étant plus qu’une simple opportunité financière ; c’est une chance pour les Namibiens de diversifier leur avenir, de constituer un patrimoine intergénérationnel et de détenir une participation directe dans le secteur de l’énergie.

« La cotation de Sintana est un exemple éloquent de la manière dont le secteur énergétique africain peut être structuré pour apporter des avantages réels et immédiats à ses populations. La Namibie montre que la participation locale ne doit pas attendre la phase de production : elle peut et doit commencer dès la phase d’exploration. C’est le genre de leadership et d’innovation dont nous avons besoin sur tout le continent », déclare NJ Ayuk, président exécutif de l’AEC.

Cette cotation intervient à un moment charnière tant pour Sintana Energy que pour la Namibie. Grâce à ses droits sur des blocs du bassin de l’Orange, Sintana Energy mène plusieurs initiatives d’exploration ambitieuses aux côtés de partenaires locaux et internationaux. Sur le PEL 83, les partenaires du projet – notamment TotalEnergies (opérateur), Galp Energia et Sintana – ont récemment revu à la hausse les ressources contingentes 3C, les portant de 875 millions de barils à 1,38 milliard de barils équivalent pétrole, soit une augmentation de 57 %, soulignant ainsi le potentiel du complexe de Mopane. Les partenaires prévoient un programme de forage de trois puits qui débutera au second semestre 2026, suite à l’entrée de TotalEnergies dans le projet plus tôt cette année. La décision finale d’investissement est prévue pour 2028, la première production de pétrole étant prévue pour 2032.

Sintana Energy détient également une participation indirecte de 7,4 % dans le PEL 87, qui comprend les blocs 2713A et 2713B, opérés par Pancontinental Energy. En mars 2026, les partenaires ont obtenu l’accord du gouvernement pour prolonger la première période de renouvellement de l’exploration de 12 mois, jusqu’au 22 janvier 2027. Au cours de cette période, les partenaires réaliseront une étude d’impact environnemental, retraiteront les données sismiques 3D et leur interprétation, et foreront un puits d’exploration. Dans le bassin de Walvis, Sintana Energy a signé une lettre d’intention prévoyant une période d’exclusivité pour une participation indirecte dans le PEL 37, actuellement détenu et exploité par Paragon Oil and Gas. En vertu de cet accord, Sintana dispose d’un délai allant jusqu’au 30 avril 2026 pour mener une due diligence technique, commerciale et juridique sur Paragon et le PEL 37, en vue d’une éventuelle prise de participation dans cet actif.

Dans ce contexte, la prochaine cotation en bourse de Sintana témoigne de son engagement à aligner sa stratégie d’investissement sur les ambitions économiques à long terme de la Namibie. En donnant la priorité à l’inclusion, à la transparence et à la participation précoce, la société ne se contente pas de faire progresser sa stratégie en amont, mais établit une nouvelle norme quant à la manière dont les entreprises s’engagent auprès des communautés locales.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Energy Chamber.

April 16, 2026

Les crises en cours au Moyen-Orient risquent de faire perdre à l’Afrique 0,2 point de pourcentage de sa croissance économique en 2026

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Les crises qui secouent actuellement le Moyen-Orient impactent les économies mondiales et surtout les pays africains qui pourraient perdre jusqu’à 0,2 point de croissance, souligne un document conjoint de politique présenté mardi 15 avril 2026 à Washington DC par la Commission de l’Union africaine, le Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement, la Commission économique des Nations unies pour l’Afrique (CEA) et le Programme des Nations unies pour le développement (PNUD).

Télécharger le document 1 : https://apo-opa.co/4mBpy5u
Télécharger le document 2 : https://apo-opa.co/484mxEK

Intitulé « Impacts du conflit au Moyen-Orient sur les économies africaines », le rapport souligne que les économies africaines qui se relevaient doucement des conséquences drastiques du Covid-19, de la guerre russo-ukrainienne et des hausses des tarifs commerciaux, pourraient figurer parmi les plus impactés par ces guerres en cours au Proche-Orient.

Kevin Urama, l’économiste en chef du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement et vice-président chargé de la Gouvernance économique et de la Gestion des connaissances qui présentait ce rapport en marge des réunions de printemps du Fonds monétaire international et de la Banque mondiale, a souligné que la fermeture du détroit d’Ormuz a de nombreuses conséquences en matière de transport et de commerce.

« Le rapport rappelle que le continent fait preuve d’une très grande résilience », a souligné Francisca Tatchouop Belobe, commissaire de l’Union africaine chargée de l’Économie, du Développement, du Commerce, du Tourisme, de l’industrie et des Mines.

Selon le rapport, les principaux canaux de transmission des effets des conflits au Moyen-Orient sur les économies africaines sont notamment : les envolées des prix des hydrocarbures, des produits alimentaires et des engrais ; la perturbation du commerce mondial et des chaînes logistiques et d’approvisionnement, ainsi que la volatilité des marchés des capitaux et de change.

« 80 % du pétrole importé en Afrique vient de cette zone ainsi que 50 % du pétrole raffiné », a déclaré Claver Gatete, secrétaire exécutif de la CEA. Du fait de ces guerres, 31 pays africains enregistrent déjà une dépréciation de leurs devises.

Pour faire face à la crise, l’économiste en chef du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement demande aux gouvernements africains de ne surtout pas céder à la panique en prenant des décisions précipitées, préjudiciables à leurs équilibres budgétaires. Le rapport préconise notamment une gestion stratégique de l’inflation afin de garantir la stabilité des anticipations de prix à court terme, une discipline budgétaire rigoureuse, par une gestion prudente des recettes exceptionnelles des pays exportateurs de pétrole, un renforcement du contrôle de la dette et une utilisation stratégique des réserves énergétiques ; le cas échéant et, lorsque les marges budgétaires le permettent, il conseille le déploiement de mesures de protection sociale temporaires et ciblées pour protéger les populations les plus vulnérables des conséquences de la crise.

Le rapport demande toutefois aux gouvernements d’éviter les subventions généralisées qui pourraient aggraver les déficits budgétaires à long terme ; de diversifier les sources d’approvisionnement de l’énergie, des intrants et des produits alimentaires, de renforcer le commerce régional et intrafricain sur les marchés du pétrole et des engrais afin d’accroître la résilience, et, d’assurer une coordination interinstitutionnelle fluide afin d’harmoniser les politiques monétaires et budgétaires stratégiques. Parallèlement, les partenaires au développement, les banques multilatérales et institutions financières de développement sont invitées à apporter un soutien d’urgence aux pays africains par le biais de mesures de réponse à la crise et d’une assistance technique. Il y est aussi préconisé d’accélérer l’opérationnalisation de la Zone de libre-échange continentale africaine (ZLECAf), de renforcer la mobilisation des capitaux domestiques à grande échelle. L’Afrique devrait aussi préconiser la diversification du mix énergétique par l’accélération de ses investissements dans les énergies renouvelables et le secteur gazier.

Les acteurs de l’écosystème financier africain sont invités à accélérer la mise en œuvre de la Nouvelle architecture financière africaine pour le développement (NAFAD) dont le Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement vient de clôturer les assisses continentales visant à accélérer les réformes et renforcer la mobilisation des ressources financières africaines afin d’accroître le financement du développement du continent.

La vice-secrétaire générale des Nations unies, Amina J. Mohammed, a appelé à mettre en place des mesures « pour sauvegarder les gains déjà engrangés au niveau continental ». « Nous devons œuvrer à ce que les Objectifs de développement durable dans le cadre de l’agenda 2030 et de l’Agenda 2063 soient atteints », a-t-elle indiqué.

Pour la vice-présidente principale du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement,

Marie-Laure Akin-Olugbagde, « il y a nécessité d’une coordination globale car, aucun pays ni institution ne peut faire face seule aux chocs. En plus, il faut une réactivité rapide comme ce fut le cas lors de la pandémie de Covid-19 et de la guerre en Ukraine et que les populations soient placées au centre des interventions. »

« Les chocs nous touchent profondément et nous n’avons pas le choix que d’être résilients et les pays africains ont les moyens » de réagir, a souligné Ahunna Ezioknwa, directrice du Bureau régional du PNUD pour l’Afrique. « Nous avons besoin, en Afrique, de gagner la lutte pour l’indépendance énergétique… Il nous faut investir dans les solutions nationales et inciter les jeunes à s’investir dans l’innovation, le numérique et l’intelligence artificielle », a-t-elle poursuivi.

La présentation du rapport a été suivi d’un panel de discussion sur son contenu et les solutions qui y sont préconisées.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

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April 16, 2026

A cotação da Sintana marca uma nova era para a participação local no setor do petróleo e gás da Namíbia

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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A empresa de petróleo e gás com sede no Canadá, Sintana Energy, anunciou a sua intenção de cotar as ações da empresa na Bolsa de Valores da Namíbia, sinalizando uma mudança no sentido de um crescimento inclusivo e da participação local numa fase inicial num dos mercados de petróleo e gás de fronteira mais promissores de África. Esta iniciativa reflete a estratégia global da empresa de explorar opções para proporcionar e desenvolver liquidez para os investidores locais, garantindo que os namibianos não sejam meros espectadores do boom dos hidrocarbonetos do país, mas participantes ativos na cadeia de valor desde o início.

A Câmara Africana de Energia (AEC) congratula-se com a cotação como uma iniciativa estratégica e voltada para o futuro que reflete o tipo de soluções orientadas para o mercado necessárias para promover o desenvolvimento energético em todo o continente. À medida que a Namíbia avança para a sua primeira produção de petróleo até 2030, a cotação da Sintana reforça a importância de estruturar o setor de forma a proporcionar benefícios tangíveis aos cidadãos hoje. Ao permitir a participação local através do acesso ao mercado público, a Sintana está a alinhar os interesses económicos nacionais com o crescimento a montante.

A Sintana Energy já iniciou discussões com a Bolsa de Valores da Namíbia e contratou a IJG Securities Ltd. como sua patrocinadora e consultora corporativa. Liderada em parte por Knowledge Katti, Diretor da Sintana e Presidente da Custos Energy, esta iniciativa reflete um reconhecimento crescente de que a propriedade e o acesso devem ser alargados para que o pleno potencial económico dos hidrocarbonetos seja concretizado. Katti salientou que a cotação da Sintana é o reflexo de uma visão que visa ver os namibianos — em particular os jovens — tornarem-se verdadeiros participantes no setor emergente do petróleo e do gás. Descreveu a cotação como mais do que uma oportunidade financeira; mas como uma oportunidade para os namibianos diversificarem o seu futuro, construírem riqueza geracional e deterem uma participação direta no setor energético.

«A cotação da Sintana é um exemplo poderoso de como o setor energético africano pode ser estruturado para proporcionar benefícios reais e imediatos à sua população. A Namíbia está a demonstrar que a participação local não tem de esperar até à produção — pode e deve começar na fase de exploração. Este é o tipo de liderança e inovação que precisamos de ver em todo o continente», afirma NJ Ayuk, Presidente Executivo da AEC.

A cotação surge num momento crucial tanto para a Sintana Energy como para a Namíbia. Com exposição a blocos na Bacia de Orange, a Sintana Energy está a avançar com várias iniciativas de exploração ambiciosas em conjunto com parceiros locais e internacionais. No PEL 83, os parceiros do projeto — incluindo a TotalEnergies (operadora), a Galp Energia e a Sintana — reviram recentemente os recursos contingentes 3C para cima, de 875 milhões de barris para 1,38 mil milhões de barris de equivalente de petróleo, o que representa um aumento de 57% e destaca o potencial do complexo de Mopane. Os parceiros estão a planear um programa de perfuração de três poços com início no segundo semestre de 2026, na sequência da entrada da TotalEnergies no projeto no início deste ano. A decisão final de investimento (FID) está prevista para 2028, com a primeira produção de petróleo prevista para 2032.

A Sintana Energy detém também uma participação indireta de 7,4% na PEL 87 — que abrange os Blocos 2713A e 2713B, operados pela Pancontinental Energy. Em março de 2026, os parceiros receberam aprovação do governo para prorrogar o Primeiro Período de Renovação de Exploração por 12 meses, até 22 de janeiro de 2027. Durante este período, os parceiros realizarão uma Avaliação de Impacto Ambiental, reprocessarão dados sísmicos 3D e a sua interpretação e perfurarão um poço de exploração. Na Bacia de Walvis, a Sintana Energy assinou uma Carta de Intenções para um período de exclusividade relativamente a uma participação indireta na PEL 37 — atualmente detida e operada pela Paragon Oil and Gas. Nos termos do acordo, a Sintana tem até 30 de abril de 2026 para realizar a due diligence técnica, comercial e jurídica sobre a Paragon e a PEL 37, com vista a uma potencial entrada no ativo.

Nesse contexto, a próxima cotação da Sintana demonstra um compromisso em alinhar a sua estratégia de investimento com as ambições económicas de longo prazo da Namíbia. Ao dar prioridade à inclusão, transparência e participação precoce, a empresa não só está a avançar com a sua estratégia de upstream, como também a estabelecer um novo padrão para a forma como as empresas interagem com as comunidades locais.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Energy Chamber.

April 16, 2026

Crise no Médio Oriente pode custar a África 0,2% de crescimento económico em 2026

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

A crise no Médio Oriente está a afetar as economias mundiais, prevendo-se que o crescimento nos países africanos diminua até 0,2%.

Baixar documento 1: https://apo-opa.co/4mBpy5u
Baixar documento 2: https://apo-opa.co/484mxEK

Esta é a conclusão de um documento de política conjunta apresentado na terça-feira, 15 de abril de 2026, em Washington, D.C., pela Comissão da União Africana, pelo Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento (BAD), pela Comissão Económica das Nações Unidas para África (UNECA) e pelo Programa das Nações Unidas para o Desenvolvimento (PNUD).

O relatório, intitulado “Impactos do Conflito no Médio Oriente nas Economias Africanas,” alerta que as economias africanas, que estavam a recuperar lentamente das graves consequências da COVID-19, da guerra entre a Rússia e a Ucrânia e do aumento das tarifas comerciais, poderão estar entre as mais afetadas pelos conflitos em curso no Médio Oriente.

Kevin Urama, economista-chefe e vice-presidente para a Governação Económica e Gestão do Conhecimento do BAD, apresentou o relatório à margem dos Encontros da Primavera do Fundo Monetário Internacional e do Banco Mundial. Salientou que o encerramento do Estreito de Ormuz teve consequências significativas para os transportes e o comércio.

“O relatório lembra-nos que o continente demonstra uma resiliência notável”, afirmou Francisca Tatchouop Belobe, Comissária da União Africana para os Assuntos Económicos, Desenvolvimento, Comércio, Turismo, Indústria e Mineração.

O relatório indica que os principais efeitos dos conflitos no Médio Oriente nas economias africanas incluem o aumento dos preços dos hidrocarbonetos, dos produtos alimentares e dos fertilizantes. Estes também causam perturbações no comércio global, na logística e nas cadeias de abastecimento, e tornaram os mercados de capitais e cambiais voláteis.

“80% do petróleo importado para África provém desta região, assim como 50% do petróleo refinado”, afirmou Claver Gatete, Secretário Executivo da ECA. Como resultado destes conflitos, 31 países africanos já estavam a sofrer uma desvalorização da moeda, disse Gatete.

Para fazer face à crise, o Economista-Chefe do AfDB, Urama, instou os governos africanos a não entrarem em pânico nem a tomarem decisões precipitadas que pudessem prejudicar os seus equilíbrios orçamentais.

O relatório recomenda, em particular, uma gestão estratégica da inflação para garantir expectativas de estabilidade de preços a curto prazo. Adverte os países exportadores de petróleo para que adotem uma disciplina fiscal rigorosa, gerindo as receitas extraordinárias com prudência, reforçando simultaneamente a monitorização da dívida e utilizando as reservas energéticas de forma estratégica. Nos casos em que a margem orçamental o permita, aconselha a implementação de medidas de proteção social temporárias e direcionadas para proteger as populações mais vulneráveis da crise.

No entanto, o relatório insta os governos a evitarem subsídios generalizados que possam agravar os défices orçamentais a longo prazo e a diversificarem as fontes de energia, os fatores de produção e o abastecimento alimentar.

Recomenda também que os governos africanos reforcem o comércio regional e intra-africano nos mercados do petróleo e dos fertilizantes para aumentar a resiliência; e garantam uma coordenação interinstitucional harmoniosa para alinhar as políticas monetárias e orçamentais estratégicas.

Ao mesmo tempo, o relatório apela aos parceiros de desenvolvimento, bancos multilaterais e instituições de financiamento do desenvolvimento para que prestem apoio de emergência aos países africanos através de medidas de resposta à crise e assistência técnica.

Recomenda ainda que a Zona de Comércio Livre Continental Africana (AfCFTA) seja rapidamente operacionalizada, reforçando simultaneamente a mobilização de capital interno em grande escala. O relatório incentiva também África a diversificar o seu mix energético, acelerando os investimentos em energias renováveis e no setor do gás.

Insta as partes interessadas no ecossistema financeiro africano a acelerarem a implementação da Nova Arquitetura Financeira Africana para o Desenvolvimento (NAFAD), para a qual o BAD concluiu recentemente consultas a nível continental. Essas consultas conduziram ao ‘Consenso de Abidjan’, a 9 de abril de 2026, na capital comercial da Costa do Marfim. Têm como objetivo acelerar as reformas no sentido de mobilizar recursos financeiros africanos em grande escala para impulsionar o financiamento do desenvolvimento em todo o continente.

A Vice-Secretária-Geral das Nações Unidas, Amina J. Mohammed, apelou à adoção de medidas “para salvaguardar os ganhos já alcançados a nível continental” e acrescentou: “Temos de trabalhar para garantir que os Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável no âmbito da Agenda 2030 e da Agenda 2063 sejam alcançados”.

Para a Vice-Presidente Sénior do BAD, Marie-Laure Akin-Olugbagde, “é necessária uma coordenação global, uma vez que nenhum país ou instituição pode enfrentar estes choques sozinho. Além disso, é essencial uma resposta rápida, tal como aconteceu durante a pandemia da COVID-19 e a guerra na Ucrânia, e as pessoas devem ser colocadas no centro das intervenções”.

“Os choques afetam-nos profundamente e não temos outra escolha senão ser resilientes — e os países africanos têm os meios para responder”, sublinhou Ahunna Ezioknwa, diretora do Gabinete Regional do PNUD para África. “Em África, precisamos de vencer a luta pela independência energética… Temos de investir em soluções internas e incentivar os jovens a envolverem-se na inovação, na tecnologia digital e na inteligência artificial”, acrescentou.

Após a apresentação do relatório, um painel discutiu o seu conteúdo e propôs soluções adicionais.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

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April 16, 2026

Namibia International Energy Conference (NIEC) 2026: Namibia Fast-Tracks Oil Law Reform as President Nandi-Ndaitwah Pushes Amendment Bill Ahead of First Oil

Source: APO

Namibia’s President Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has announced a major push to accelerate petroleum reforms, including progress on a Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Amendment Bill, as the country moves to fast-track governance and investment frameworks ahead of first oil. Speaking at the Namibia International Energy Conference (NIEC) 2026 in Windhoek on Wednesday, the President said the reforms are central to improving regulatory efficiency, strengthening investor confidence and ensuring that the country’s emerging offshore oil sector delivers broad-based national benefits.

The announcement comes as Namibia intensifies efforts to convert its Orange Basin discoveries into production, with policymakers and industry leaders emphasizing that legal and institutional readiness must keep pace with accelerating upstream activity. The reform agenda is aimed at streamlining decision-making, improving sector coordination and aligning the country’s hydrocarbons strategy with Vision 2030, as major operators advance exploration, appraisal and development planning across multiple deepwater assets.

“As Namibia stands on the cusp of a new chapter of development, we are here not only to reflect on progress, but also shape the path ahead,” President Nandi-Ndaitwah said. “The road to first oil and beyond requires investment and partners for development to be realized. Hence the need for strategic reform to give confidence to investors and citizens alike.”

The emphasis on collaboration and policy certainty was echoed throughout the NIEC Opening Ceremony, where African Energy Chamber – Strategic Partner for NIEC 2026 – Executive Chairman NJ Ayuk described Namibia’s recent exploration success as a historic shift in global perception. He argues that the country’s challenge is no longer discovery, but execution – ensuring that legislation, investment conditions and talent development keep pace with accelerating offshore activity.

Ayuk highlighted that Namibia is now competing directly with other emerging hydrocarbon hubs for global capital, urging policymakers to sustain momentum and unlock broader participation in the sector. He said the country’s growing resource base presents a major opportunity to address energy poverty while building a competitive upstream industry.

“Namibia is a country where it was very difficult to find discoveries,” Ayuk said. “But right now, you get some of the biggest discoveries. And who can complain about Namibia becoming the drill, baby, drill capital of Africa? Namibia deserves to use every drop of hydrocarbons to better the lives of its people. We need to pass the right legislation to empower this government to fast-track opportunities. Namibia’s aspirations can be done by the work we do in this room. Energy poverty is real, and our industry is called upon to meet this challenge.”

Stressing that Namibia’s first oil is “not the destination, but the beginning,” Ndapwilapo Selma Shimutwikeni, CEO of NIEC organizer RichAfrica Consultancy emphasized that resource wealth alone will not transform the economy. She said real value will come from building surrounding industries, expanding local business participation and ensuring collaboration between investors and government to create inclusive, long-term economic development.

“Namibia stands at the threshold of its first oil. The success of Namibia’s energy sector will not be measured only by production but by how broadly it supports wider development, collaboration and the role of businesses and entrepreneurs. Collaboration is not optional. It is essential. The scale of opportunity requires trust between investors and collaboration between international companies and local government,” Shimutwikeni said.

That emphasis on collaboration and trust between investors and government is already translating into concrete upstream activity, with major operators accelerating their exploration programs across Namibia’s Orange Basin. Energy major Chevron confirmed that the company will drill the Nabba-1X exploration well in late-2026, marking a key step in its expanding Namibian portfolio and reinforcing confidence in the basin’s long-term deepwater potential.

“Chevron is moving to the next phase of our exploration journey,” said Beatrice Bienvenu, Namibia Country Manager, Chevron International Exploration & Production, adding that the decision reflects confidence in the basin’s emerging deepwater discoveries and the country’s growing position as a globally competitive frontier for exploration investment.

Meanwhile, momentum across Namibia’s Orange Basin is also being reinforced by parallel upstream advances from key operators, with activity shifting decisively from discovery toward development. Rhino Resources announced it is preparing to drill the Capricornus well in the coming months, while TotalEnergies is progressing its Venus development toward a mid-2026 final investment decision. These milestones are expected to be a catalyst for large-scale production and further development across its Namibian portfolio.

Together, these milestones underscore Namibia’s rapid transition from exploration frontier to emerging production hub, with the Orange Basin increasingly viewed as one of the most significant new deepwater plays globally.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

April 16, 2026

Africa’s Energy Wealth: Why Good Governance Must Power a Just Transition (By Sola Adebawo)

Source: APO

By Sola Adebawo, General Manager – Government, Joint Venture and External Relations, Heritage Operational Services Limited (https://www.HeritageOilLtd.com/).

Africa’s energy challenge is not a shortage of resources. It is a shortage of governance that works.

The continent holds some of the world’s richest solar potential, vast wind corridors, major gas reserves, hydropower capacity, and critical minerals. Yet Africa still consumes less electricity per capita than in almost any other region. Millions of homes remain unconnected. Industries depend on diesel. Hospitals ration power.

Geology cannot explain this contradiction; only institutions can.

A fair energy transition for Africa will not be decided by how quickly we install solar panels or sign climate commitments. It will be decided by whether our governance systems can convert resources into reliable power, affordable access, and inclusive growth.

Governance is what determines whether projects reach completion or remain abandoned; whether contracts are honoured or disputed; whether investors stay or leave; and whether communities benefit or feel excluded.

Africa is not transitioning from abundance. We are transitioning from scarcity. In that reality, a fair transition must first deliver access, affordability, and reliability. Climate responsibility matters, but development responsibility matters just as much.

This is why good governance sits at the centre of Africa’s energy future.

Good governance doesn’t replace capital. It attracts it. It doesn’t generate power. It enables power generation to survive politics, currency shocks, and institutional uncertainty.

Across the continent, the evidence is clear. Where regulation is predictable, projects move. Where procurement is transparent, financing costs fall. Where institutions are independent, investor confidence grows. Kenya’s clean energy progress, Senegal’s improving power sector credibility, and Uganda’s hydropower expansion came from institutional discipline, not ideology.

Namibia’s energy story is similar: where governance is steady, projects advance. With clear regulation and credible institutions, Namibia has built investor confidence in solar and wind, positioning itself as a disciplined player in Southern Africa’s clean energy transition.

Public budgets alone will never fund Africa’s energy transition. Private capital is essential and urgent.

But capital responds only to credibility. If policies change midstream, money flees immediately.

When politics overrides contracts, confidence collapses. Governance is a matter of economic survival.

A just transition also demands honest balance. Africa’s energy transition cannot precede prosperity; hydrocarbons remain essential until it is secured. Natural gas remains a vital transition fuel. When properly governed, oil and gas revenues can fund renewable energy deployment, grid expansion, education, and healthcare.

The fairness of the transition is determined less by resource choice than by how revenues are managed and reinvested.

A just transition is one where:

Renewables expand access.
Gas stabilises grids.
Oil revenues fund diversification.
Local capacity is built.
Communities see lasting benefit.

Fairness is not speed. Fairness is inclusion.

Africa must not be asked to leapfrog over development stages that others climbed slowly, using the same resources we are now told to abandon. The transition must respect history while preparing for the future.

Governance goes beyond systems. It is about leadership. Leadership that protects institutions, resists short-term politics, and understands that energy is the backbone of national survival.

Africa’s energy wealth is real. But wealth becomes prosperity only when governance converts it into an opportunity for ordinary people.

Our sun will not develop us. Our gas will not industrialise us by accident.

Our wind will not educate our children.

Only governance, focused on fairness and development, can achieve this transformation.

Africa does not reject transition, but insists on one with justice, made possible by good governance.

We reject transition without justice.

And good governance is what makes a just transition possible.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Heritage Operational Services Limited.

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April 16, 2026

Congo-Brazzaville election: boycotts, blackouts and growing dissent but Denis Sassou Nguesso held on to power

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Ngodi Etanislas, enseignant-chercheur, Université Marien Ngouabi

The 2026 presidential election in Congo-Brazzaville (the Republic of the Congo) returned Denis Sassou Nguesso for a fifth consecutive term, with a definitive 94.90% of the vote.

We asked Ngodi Etanislas, a political scientist who focuses on the central African country, to sum up what happened and why it matters, now that the dust has settled.

What political factors shaped the result?

Denis Sassou Nguesso’s huge victory is not the result of an open electoral race. It is, rather, the culmination of a political system built on decades of power consolidation since the end of the 1997 civil war. It was a “Soviet-style” outcome (overwhelming and predetermined) that can be explained by a few key political factors.

First, there is the political longevity of Nguesso, in power since 1979 (with an interruption from 1992 to 1997). This four-decade dominance gives him total control over the country’s political, institutional, and security apparatus. It makes political change not only difficult but structurally unlikely.

Furthermore, the rigged electoral process – especially through control of the state apparatus and election management bodies – contributed to this victory.

Electoral campaigning was also deeply unequal. Nguesso’s campaign looked like a “national tour”. It was built on a show of strength designed to project the image of a leader close to the people.

Did a divided opposition influence the result?

The fragmentation of the political opposition was arguably the most decisive factor behind the landslide. The opposition entered the election divided. They could not agree on a single candidate, which significantly reduced the chances of a democratic transition.

The election was marked by the absence of certain figures in Congolese politics. Some remain imprisoned (Jean-Marie Michel Mokoko and André Okombi Salissa). Others chose to boycott the poll, believing the conditions for a free and transparent election were not met. This stripped the contest of any real stakes. It helped secure a first-round victory for Nguesso. In 2016, he won 60.4% of the vote against a strong opposition.

For many observers, the six candidates in the race were largely unknown or lacked any real political base. Some appeared to be using the election to gain some visibility, or better yet, political legitimacy ahead of future contests. They were no match for Nguesso. They lacked the financial resources to campaign nationwide and build local support to defend their platforms.

Finally, the digital blackout – including a countrywide shutdown of phone networks and internet on election day – added another layer of opacity of the process. It created an unprecedented information blackout.

This reduced the opposition’s ability to organise collectively and deploy its delegates. It also aimed to limit the spread, on social media, of rumours about ballot stuffing, vote buying, and other politically sensitive content. The president was clearly worried about low turnout figures leaking out.

What was the mood among voters?

Voting was marked by deep disaffection, fuelled by the opposition’s boycott and a sense among many young people that voting was pointless. It also took place in a climate of fear perpetuated by the repressive environment. This included operations carried out early in the year by the General Directorate of Presidential Security, as well as intimidation and crackdowns targeting activists and political opponents.

The issue of voter turnout lies at the heart of the controversy surrounding this election.

Two scenarios can be considered.

The first is turnout orchestrated by the government through political and patronage networks. The goal is to boost participation in order to legitimise the electoral process and bolster the credibility of the results.

The second scenario involves a boycott of the election encouraged by the opposition, aimed at achieving low turnout, which could spark challenges over the election’s legitimacy.

Reports highlight a clear gap between official figures and field observations, suggesting a more complex picture of voter turnout than is apparent. The official turnout rate reportedly jumped by nearly 17% – from about 67.57% in 2016, when there were more opposition figures, to 84.65% in 2026, despite a widespread boycott. Yet polling stations across 6,620 booths in 4,011 centres appeared largely empty.

What challenges lie ahead?

To escape political and social stagnation, several democratic reforms are urgent:

Restoring electoral credibility and the independence of institutions is one of the most sensitive issues. The election exposed serious shortcomings in electoral governance – lack of transparency, inclusiveness and fairness.
The reliability of voter rolls, the impartiality of the Independent National Electoral Commission and unequal access to the media pose ongoing problems. All this happened without effective independent oversight. Without sweeping reforms of the electoral system, abstention and disengagement will continue to grow, particularly among young people.
Building a pluralistic political space and a viable opposition is essential for reshaping the Congolese political landscape. Releasing political prisoners and guaranteeing an effective right to opposition would be essential prerequisites for any national reconciliation.
Protecting fundamental freedoms and civic space. Human rights violations have been on the rise and there is no political dialogue between the government, the opposition, and civil society.
Succession and transition. The questions of what comes after Nguessou, whether power remains within the presidential majority, or ensuring continuity for a new term in 2031. This may include scenarios of dynastic succession within the presidential family.
Turning oil wealth into human development. Nearly half the population lives below the poverty line. The challenge is to convert oil revenues into public services (health, education) and opportunities for young people.
Reconnecting citizen participation, particularly young people, to politics. Young Congolese and civil society need to be brought back into the political process. Citizen participation remains crucial to the legitimacy of the electoral process.

What implications could the election have on political stability?

Stability rests on fragile foundations. A large part of the population sees the government as lacking legitimacy. Distrust in the electoral system runs deep.

Youth frustration is a particularly worrying indicator. A 2024 survey indicates that young people have little confidence in the political system. Many feel that voting is pointless. Chronic unemployment and lack of economic prospects deepen their frustrations.

The internal struggle within the ruling party over who comes after Sassou Nguessou could become the main source of instability. The risk grows if no clear widely accepted successor emerges. Internal divisions seen during the party’s congress in 2025 show how central succession is. They also show ongoing shifts in power and elite positioning.

The March 2026 presidential election did not resolve any key issues.

– Congo-Brazzaville election: boycotts, blackouts and growing dissent but Denis Sassou Nguesso held on to power
– https://theconversation.com/congo-brazzaville-election-boycotts-blackouts-and-growing-dissent-but-denis-sassou-nguesso-held-on-to-power-279539

April 16, 2026

Bird and tortoise fossil tracks on South Africa’s coast – latest findings are world firsts

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Charles Helm, Research Associate, African Centre for Coastal Palaeoscience, Nelson Mandela University

The south coast of South Africa’s Western Cape province is a rich source of fossil tracks and traces – clues suggesting what this environment may have been like many thousands of years ago.

We’re a research group from the African Centre for Coastal Palaeoscience who have been finding and documenting these tracks since 2007. So far we have identified more than 400 tracksites left by vertebrates, including pangolins, giraffe, snakes, rock hyraxes, crocodiles and elephants. They include a variety of marks, from footprints to butt-drag impressions and even traces of sound vibrations. Some of these animals have never been found in the vicinity through the body fossil record, only from their tracks.

Most have been dated to the Pleistocene era, between 130,000 and 90,000 years in age, using a technique that measures how long ago grains of sand were exposed to light. Some of the fossil tracks and traces are the first of their kind ever found anywhere.

Our research has recently yielded two more world firsts in the fossil record:

the only known giant tortoise tracks, and tramline tortoise trackways
the only known tracks of a bird called the hamerkop (“hammerhead”).

Hamerkop, with webbed feet. By Bernard Dupont, Wikimedia, CC BY

These sites are in danger of being destroyed in rockfalls, but our work ensures that the traces they preserve are not lost and we can continue to build a picture of the environment back when this area – now a coastline – was a giant plain full of creatures, like today’s Serengeti.

First known fossil tracks of the hamerkop bird

The bird trackway we’ve recently found was definitely made by a hamerkop (family Scopidae). These are the first fossil tracks of this bird found anywhere in the world.

The foot of a hamerkop track is roughly similar to that of a heron or egret, except that it has substantial webbing between the toes. Members of the heron family (Ardeidae) have three forward-pointing toes, and one backward-pointing toe that is slightly offset to the side. No or minimal webbing is evident. A well-preserved hamerkop track, however, will show a similar orientation of digits, but will also have webbing.

One of the fossilised hamerkop tracks. Author provided (no reuse)

That is exactly what we found at a tracksite on the ceiling of an overhang on a remote stretch of coastline.

We don’t know why hamerkops have webbing. Perhaps more ancient members of the lineage needed it to aid in swimming.

A couple of bones of a Pliocene hamerkop, probably about 4-5 million years old, have been identified at the South African west coast fossil site of Langebaanweg, and have been assigned to the species Scopus xenopus.

While we cannot determine if the tracks we have identified were made by the extant hamerkop (Scopus umbretta) or the extinct Scopus xenopus, a hamerkop origin is clear.

It is unusual to be able to identify a trackmaker to genus level based on just a few tracks, but a hamerkop provides a welcome exception to the rule.

The hamerkop track adds to 48 other fossil bird tracksites identified on the Cape coastline, including tracks of ostriches, storks, cranes, egrets, flamingos, guineafowl, spurfowl, oystercatchers and other shorebirds, terns, doves, and possibly cormorants, ducks and pelicans.

Bird body fossils are not common in southern Africa from this time period (from 194,000 to 57,000 years ago), but of those that have been found, most were in this coastal area.

A recurring theme in our work has been the identification of larger-than-expected bird tracks, hinting at the possibility either of extinct species or larger Pleistocene versions of extant trackmakers.

Tramlines and giant tortoise tracks

Our team found the world’s first fossilised giant tortoise trackway in 2022 on a rugged, remote stretch of the same coast. From the size of the tracks and trackway, we estimated that its maker was 106cm long, making it 50% longer than the largest tortoise that currently inhabits South Africa, the leopard tortoise (Stigmochelys pardalis).

Tragically, within a couple of months of being found, the loose rock slab bearing the trackway of the giant tortoise had slumped down the sandy slope and disappeared into the ocean.

So we were excited to find a second set of giant tortoise tracks.

In the Walker Bay Nature Reserve we found typical “toe-tip traces” of a tortoise, and were able to estimate that the trackmaker was 98cm in length. This is, therefore, the second set of trace-fossil evidence of giant tortoises found in the world.

Giant tortoise toe tip traces. Author provided (no reuse)

But first, we found three tortoise trackways showing the typical tramline pattern of smaller versions of these reptiles, with a wide “straddle” and closely spaced tracks in each line of the tramline. These fossilised tramline trackways are the first of their kind to be found in the world, and fill a notable gap in the fossil record.

3D model of De Hoop tortoise trackway. Author provided (no reuse)

One is located in the De Hoop Nature Reserve, and was probably made by a leopard tortoise. It is only rarely exposed, usually being covered by a thick layer of beach sand.

3D model of angulate tortoise trackway. Author provided (no reuse)

The other two are located in the Walker Bay Nature Reserve, and were probably made by the angulate tortoise, Chersina angulata.

Significance of these finds

There aren’t any body fossils of giant tortoises in southern Africa from the Pleistocene, but here we have track fossils.

Why the mismatch?

The answer may lie in the fact that the Pleistocene body fossils (of various animals) that have been uncovered in the region are mainly from caves our human ancestors inhabited. If our ancestors ate giant tortoises, it might have made more sense to butcher, cook and eat them on the spot, rather than carry a creature weighing 100kg all the way back to “home base”, which might have been as much as 10km away.

This is therefore an example of the trace fossil record delivering unanticipated findings and evidence that could not have been suspected from the traditional body fossil record.

The hamerkop site is now threatened. An enormous rockfall from the cliffs above has obliterated a couple of tracksites just a few metres to the east, rendering the entire band of cliffs unstable and dangerous.

3D model giant tortoise toe tip traces. Author provided (no reuse)

Our photogrammetry work (making three-dimensional models from two-dimensional images) at all the sites, however, will digitally preserve the tracks and trackways. It will also allow for the production of exact replicas which can be exhibited.

Given that these are the only known fossilised hamerkop tracks and the only remaining fossil tracks of a giant tortoise and of tramline tortoise trackways, it is reassuring to know that they will not be lost forever.

– Bird and tortoise fossil tracks on South Africa’s coast – latest findings are world firsts
– https://theconversation.com/bird-and-tortoise-fossil-tracks-on-south-africas-coast-latest-findings-are-world-firsts-278123