Category: Africa

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Rural and coastal economies crucial drivers of growth

Source: Government of South Africa

Forestry and fisheries are proving to be powerful engines of rural and coastal development, directly fueling South Africa’s economic growth.

Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, on Wednesday highlighted how these sectors are creating jobs, supporting families, and driving transformation in areas often overlooked in the country’s growth story.

“Forestry and fisheries are not small, side industries. They are pillars of our economy, supporting families, creating work, and driving transformation in places often left out of the growth story,” said the Minister.

Recent data show that agriculture, forestry and fishing recorded strong growth in late 2024 and early 2025, providing a vital boost to the national GDP at a time when other industries faced pressure.

At the heart of this momentum is the Commercial Forestry Master Plan, adopted in 2019, which charts a course for inclusive growth. As part of the plan, State-owned plantations are being transferred to communities, opening opportunities in timber production and processing industries, and generating jobs in rural areas.

On the fisheries front, the department has formally recognised about 10 000 small-scale fishers, organised into 171 cooperatives across four provinces. With support in co-management, abalone ranching and mentorship, these cooperatives are gaining access to resources that increase income and resilience.

The Fishing for Freedom campaign is also breathing new life into South Africa’s harbours, turning them into hubs of economic activity. Revitalised harbours are now supporting fish processing, boat repair, tourism and hospitality, ensuring that coastal towns become vibrant centres of growth.

“Every cooperative supported, and every harbour revitalised is proof that environmental stewardship is not in conflict with jobs. It is the foundation of jobs,” said George.

He added that the growth of forestry and fisheries demonstrates how green industries can deliver prosperity while safeguarding resources for the future.

“By planting trees, empowering cooperatives, and revitalising harbours, we are showing that rural and coastal economies are not waiting at the margins. They are leading South Africa’s growth story,” George said. — SAnews.gov.za

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No storm in a teacup as local company seeks new market in Germany

Source: Government of South Africa

A Limpopo company based at the Ga-Matlala Ramoshebo village near Marble Hall is on a mission to seek an export market in Germany. 

Setsong Tea Crafters will be one of the 30 companies that will be showcasing their products at the Anuga International Food and Beverage Trade Fair that will take place in the German town of Cologne, from 4-8 October 2025.

The participation of the companies has been made possible by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) that has set up a national pavilion for the showcasing of proudly South African products at Anuga. This is part of the department’s efforts to assist companies seek export opportunities in various parts of the world.

READ | SA companies to showcase their products at Anuga International Trade Fair

The co-founder of Setsong Tea Crafters, Nondumiso Phaahla, says the company will take full advantage of the opportunity to showcase its products in Germany with the hope of capturing the hearts and attention of international importers who will flock to Germany in search of quality, world-class food products and beverages. 

Anuga is a biennial event that is regarded as the world’s largest and most important food and beverage fair. It attracts distributors, retailers, importers and wholesalers of food and beverages from all continents.

Phaahla is optimistic that the tasteful indigenous black bush and red root tea products that are produced by her company will impress the international importers and distributors. In South Africa, the Setsong products, that are produced from indigenous plants found in Limpopo, are sold in various stores including Spar, Food Lovers Market and Dischem.

“We are working hard to meet the growing local demand, but we are looking forward to the trip to Germany because we are confident that our tea will definitely hold its own and compete successfully on the international market.

We are excited about the trip as it provides us with an opportunity to showcase products from a village in Limpopo on an international stage. Organic foods and beverages are in demand all over the world,” explained Phaahla.

The company is also planning to expand its production factory in order to meet the domestic and international demand that it is “optimistic will be created by our trip to Germany.”

“We are not only targeting Germany, but Europe and other parts of the world, as there will be food importers from various continents at Anuga,” she said.

She said if the company succeeds in securing exports orders from international importers at Anuga, the impact on the company will be positive and far-reaching, as they will be compelled to increase production in order to service the new export markets. Increasing production will result in the creation of more jobs. 

Currently, the company, which was established in 2014, employs 35 permanent staff and will soon roll out its expansion plans that will see a state-of-the-art factory being built in the village to enable them to increase production. 

The company’s production facilities consist of seven rondavels that have been turned into a food agro-processing centre. The rondavels represent various stages of the production value cycle from harvesting to packaging.

“Our place has become a tea and indigenous knowledge hub. We are now adding an agro tourism component and have started hosting tea tours that are gradually becoming popular with visitors,” Phaahla said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Big catch ahead for this West Coast Rock Lobster fishing season

Source: Government of South Africa

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, has announced a 58.4% increase in the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) and Total Allowable Effort (TAE) for the 2025/2026 West Coast Rock Lobster fishing season.

“The 58.4% increase reflects our commitment to both ecological recovery and economic opportunity. By basing our decisions on the best available science, we can ensure that this iconic fishery continues to thrive for generations to come,” the Minister said on Tuesday.

The TAC will rise from 505 tonnes in 2024/2025 to 800 tonnes for 2025/2026.

This follows the latest scientific assessment, which shows signs of recovery in the resource.

The TAC will be shared as follows:

  • Commercial Offshore: 400 tonnes (50%).
  • Commercial Nearshore: 136 tonnes (17%).
  • Recreational: 24 tonnes (3%).
  • Small Scale Nearshore: 136 tonnes (17%).
  • Small Scale Offshore: 104 tonnes (13%).

To protect the stock, the fishing season remains capped at four months per zone, typically from 15 November 2025 to 15 March 2026. 

The limit prevents harvesting during sensitive biological periods and helps curb poaching.

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment considered an industry request to extend the season to six months but opted to retain the four-month limit.

 “Extending the season at this stage would compromise recovery. The shorter season strikes the balance between protecting the stock and sustaining the livelihoods of fishing communities,” George said.

Other industry requests, such as landing rights for nearshore holders on behalf of others, and weekend fishing in May and June, were declined due to concerns about poaching and stock monitoring.

However, the Minister stressed the department’s willingness to keep engaging.

“We value the industry’s input and remain committed to working together on solutions that protect our marine ecosystems, while addressing community needs,” he said.

For recreational fishers, the season is set at 12 days, with dates to be confirmed by amendment to the Marine Living Resources Act (MLRA) Regulations. 

Stakeholders may appeal TAC and TAE decisions within 30 days by writing to MLRAAppeals@dffe.gov.za, with a copy to CSCapplications@dffe.gov.za.

According to the Minister, the increase signals a positive trajectory for the West Coast Rock Lobster.

“By maintaining rigorous science and constructive engagement, South Africa is building a sustainable fishery that supports jobs, strengthens communities and preserves the country’s marine heritage,” George said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Border management to come under the spotlight at Steering Committee meeting

Source: Government of South Africa

Wednesday, October 1, 2025

The Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr Michael Masiapato, will co-chair the Eswatini–South Africa Steering Committee Meeting on Border Management. 

This as the Commissioner is set to lead a high-level delegation to Thursday’s session.

“The meeting forms part of ongoing bilateral engagements between South Africa and the Kingdom of Eswatini aimed at strengthening cooperation and enhancing the management of ports of entry shared by the two countries,” said the BMA.

A key focus of the session will be the implementation protocol of the Joint Action Plan, which was signed at the end of 2024.

The Joint Action Plan commits all entities operating at the ports of entry between South Africa and Eswatini to develop immediate, medium- and long-term measures to improve the facilitation and management of goods, travellers and vehicles across the border. 

The BMA and the South African Revenue Service (SARS) signed the historic agreement with Eswatini to collectively address challenges faced in the border environment.

Through this cooperation, South Africa and the Kingdom of Eswatini are working towards a shared vision of modern, secure, and well-managed borders. 

“The Bilateral Joint Action Plan further includes commitments to harmonise policy and procedures, strengthen joint planning, and optimise the deployment of resources to support efficient movements and trade facilitation.

“This engagement builds on significant progress already achieved through similar Joint Action Plans signed with the Republic of Mozambique in 2023 and with the Kingdom of Lesotho earlier this year, both of which have already resulted in notable improvements in border coordination and trade facilitation,” the BMA said.

The South African Revenue Services (SARS) delegation will be led by Beyers Theron, the Director for Customs.

The BMA and SARS are commited to deepening intergovernmental cooperation and strengthening the efficiency of border operations across all ports of entry. – SAnews.gov.za

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Afreximbank allocates US$100 million Afreximbank Trade Facilitation Programme (AFTRAF) line of credit to NBS Bank Plc Malawi

Source: APO – Report:

African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) has signed a facility agreement with NBS Bank Plc Malawi (NBS Bank) to provide NBS Bank with a US$100 million Afreximbank Trade Facilitation Programme (AFTRAF) line of credit to support the bank’s growing trade finance portfolio and enable it to continue to effectively meet its trade clients’ needs.  

Signed on the sidelines of the recently concluded Intra-African Trade Fair 2025 (IATF2025) by Mr. Haytham El Maayergi, Executive Vice President, Global Trade Bank, Afreximbank, and Mrs. Temwani Simwaka, CEO of NBS Bank, the facility agreement is structured to assist NBS Bank to increase its trade volumes and to support importation of essential commodities, like fertiliser, medicines and fuel into Malawi.  

Speaking on the signing, Mr. Haytham El Maayergi, Executive Vice President, Global Trade Bank, Afreximbank, said that the facility was a demonstration of Afreximbank’s commitment to support indigenous African businesses and financial institutions to meet national needs. 

“This US$100 million facility is among the largest limits for AFTRAF for a bank in Malawi,” Mr. El Maayergi said, adding, “it demonstrates Afreximbank’s commitment to supporting Malawi’s trade aspirations as one of its member states. It also demonstrates the good and long-term relationship that exists between Afreximbank and the NBS/NICO group.” 

He expressed confidence that the facility would enable NBS Bank to support the growing trade needs of its customers which are aimed at supporting and increasing trade volumes for strategic commodities in Malawi, notably the importation of fuel, fertiliser and pharmaceuticals, and would also provide the bank with a confirmation line from within Africa. 

Mr. El Maayergi added that the facility was in line with Afreximbank’s mandate of supporting intra- and extra-African trade. 

AFTRAF programme enhances the confidence of counterparties in the settlement of international trade transactions and improves correspondent banking relationships by supporting critical imports into Africa, boosting intra-African trade and facilitating the purchase of equipment for the production of export goods. It provides trade confirmation services, trade confirmation guarantees and irrevocable reimbursement undertakings. 

Attended by more than 112,000 visitors from 132 countries, IATF2025, which took place from 4 to 10 September 2025, ended on a remarkably high note with US$48.3 billion in trade and investment deals signed over the seven days of the continental exposition. It welcomed 2,148 exhibitors. 

– on behalf of Afreximbank.

Media contact: 
media@intrafricatradefair.com
press@afreximbank.com

About the Intra-African Trade Fair:
Organised by African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), African Union Commission (AUC) and African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) is intended to provide a unique platform for facilitating trade and investment information exchange in support of increased intra-African trade and investment, especially in the context of implementing the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). IATF brings together continental and global players to showcase and exhibit their goods and services and to explore business and investment opportunities in the continent. It also provides a platform to share trade, investment and market information with stakeholders and allows participants to discuss and identify solutions to the challenges confronting intra-African trade and investment. In addition to African participants, the Trade Fair is also open to businesses and investors from non-African countries interested in doing business in Africa and in supporting the continent’s transformation through industrialisation and export development.  

For more information, please visit www.IntrAfricanTradeFair.com. 

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Afreximbank Accorde une Ligne de Crédit Programme de Facilitation du Commerce d’Afreximbank (AFTRAF) de 100 Millions de Dollars Américains à la Banque NBS Plc Malawi

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

La Banque Africaine d’Import-Export (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) a signé un accord de facilité avec la Banque NBS Plc Malawi (NBS Bank) afin de lui octroyer une ligne de crédit de 100 millions de dollars US dans le cadre du Programme de Facilitation du Commerce (AFTRAF) d’Afreximbank. Cette ligne de crédit permettra à la banque de soutenir son portefeuille croissant de financements commerciaux et de continuer à répondre efficacement aux besoins de ses clients commerciaux. 

Signé en marge de la quatrième Foire Commerciale Intra-Africaine (IATF2025) par M. Haytham El Maayergi, Vice-Président Exécutif de la Banque Commerciale Mondiale, Afreximbank, et Mme Temwani Simwaka, PDG de la Banque NBS , l’accord de facilité est structuré de manière à aider la Banque NBS à augmenter ses volumes commerciaux et à soutenir l’importation de produits de première nécessité, tels que les engrais, les médicaments et le carburant, au Malawi. 

S’exprimant à propos de la signature, M. Haytham El Maayergi, Vice-Président Exécutif de la Banque Commerciale Mondiale, Afreximbank, a déclaré que cette facilité démontrait l’engagement d’Afreximbank à soutenir les entreprises et les institutions financières Africaines locales afin de répondre aux besoins nationaux. 

« Cette facilité de 100 millions de dollars Américains est l’une des plus importantes accordées par l’AFTRAF à une banque au Malawi », a déclaré M. El Maayergi, ajoutant : « Elle témoigne de l’engagement d’Afreximbank à soutenir les aspirations commerciales du Malawi en tant que l’un de ses États membres. Elle témoigne également des relations fructueuses et durables qui existent entre Afreximbank et le groupe NBS/NICO. » 

Il s’est dit convaincu que cette facilité permettrait à la Banque NBS  de répondre aux besoins commerciaux croissants de ses clients, qui visent à soutenir et à augmenter les volumes commerciaux de produits stratégiques au Malawi, notamment l’importation de carburant, d’engrais et de produits pharmaceutiques, et fournirait également à la banque une ligne de confirmation depuis l’Afrique. 

M. El Maayergi a ajouté que cette facilité était conforme au mandat d’Afreximbank, qui consiste à soutenir le commerce Intra-Africain et Extra-Africain. 

Le programme AFTRAF renforce la confiance des contreparties dans le règlement des transactions commerciales internationales et améliore les relations entre les banques correspondantes en soutenant les importations essentielles vers l’Afrique, en stimulant le commerce Intra-Africain et en facilitant l’achat d’équipements pour la production de biens d’exportation. Il fournit des services de confirmation commerciale, des garanties de confirmation commerciale et des engagements de remboursement irrévocables. 

Avec plus de 112 000 visiteurs venus de 132 pays, l’IATF2025, qui s’est déroulée du 4 au 10 Septembre, s’est terminée sur une note remarquablement positive avec 48,3 milliards de dollars Américains d’accords commerciaux et d’investissement signés au cours des sept jours de l’exposition continentale. Elle a accueilli 2 148 exposants. 

Distribué par APO Group pour Afreximbank.

Contact médias :
media@intrafricatradefair.com
press@afreximbank.com 

À propos de la Foire Commerciale Intra-Africaine :
Organisée par la Banque Africaine d’Import-Export (Afreximbank), la Commission de l’Union Africaine (CUA) et le Secrétariat de la Zone de Libre-Échange Continentale Africaine (ZLECAf), la Foire Commerciale Intra-Africaine (IATF) a pour objectif de fournir une plateforme unique facilitant l’échange d’informations sur le commerce et l’investissement afin de soutenir l’augmentation du commerce et des investissements Intra-Africains, en particulier dans le contexte de la mise en œuvre de l’Accord de Libre-Échange Continental Africain (ZLECAf). L’IATF rassemble des acteurs continentaux et mondiaux afin de présenter et d’exposer leurs produits et services et d’explorer les opportunités commerciales et d’investissement sur le continent. Elle fournit également une plateforme pour partager des informations sur le commerce, l’investissement et les marchés avec les parties prenantes et permet aux participants de discuter et d’identifier des solutions aux défis auxquels sont confrontés le commerce et l’investissement Intra-Africains. Outre les participants Africains, la Foire est également ouverte aux entreprises et aux investisseurs de pays non Africains intéressés par les affaires en Afrique et désireux de soutenir la transformation du continent par l’industrialisation et le développement des exportations.  

Pour plus d’informations, veuillez consulter le site www.IntrAfricanTradeFair.com. 

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A KFC revela a sua receita secreta

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

Num movimento que provocou ondas de choque na indústria da restauração rápida, a KFC África (https://global.KFC.com) anunciou hoje que vai fazer o impensável: revelar a sua receita secreta.

A receita tem sido objeto de lendas empresariais, sendo que apenas um punhado de pessoas conhece a fórmula completa.

Os concorrentes tentaram fazer engenharia reversa, os teóricos da conspiração desenvolveram ideias elaboradas sobre o assunto e as redes sociais contribuíram para alimentar as chamas.

O objetivo é sempre o mesmo: descobrir o que está na receita. Na quarta-feira 8 de outubro, a verdade será finalmente revelada.

O mundo merece a verdade

“Há anos que as pessoas nos perguntam qual é a nossa receita secreta”, afirmou Grant Macpherson, Diretor de Marketing e Digital Officer da KFC África.

“Adivinharam, suplicaram e fizeram o seu melhor para a copiar. E agora decidimos que o mundo pode finalmente partilhá-la. Pensamos que será melhor para todos se for conhecida.”

“A história decidirá se este é ou não um golpe de mestre, mas acreditamos que será bom para nós e, mais importante, bom para a África do Sul.”

Macpherson diz que a KFC só explicará as razões que a levaram a revelar a receita secreta no dia da grande revelação.

Ativo precioso

“É óbvio que vai haver muita especulação sobre o porquê de cedermos este bem precioso, e porquê agora”, afirmou.

“Os nossos clientes fiéis podem estar a perguntar-se se isto vai acabar com a mística que fez da KFC a maior marca de restaurantes de serviço rápido da África do Sul.”

“Pensamos que não, mas tudo será esclarecido no dia 8 de outubro. Até lá, todos os palpites e opiniões não passarão disso mesmo.”

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para KFC Africa.

Sobre a KFC África:
A KFC faz parte da história de África desde 1971, quando o primeiro restaurante abriu em Joanesburgo. Atualmente com mais de 1400 restaurantes em 22 países subsarianos, é a marca líder de restaurantes de serviço rápido do continente e a casa do frango frito Original Recipe® que milhões de pessoas adoram. 

Na KFC África, alimentamos mais do que a fome – alimentamos o potencial. Cada refeição servida faz parte de um objetivo maior: criar um lugar à mesa para todos e garantir que o potencial não é apenas visto – é alimentado. Esse compromisso ganha vida através de iniciativas que fazem uma diferença mensurável. A nossa Streetwise Academy, apoiada pelos serviços de acreditação das SETA (Sector Education and Training Authorities, Autoridades do Setor da Educação e Formação), concede aos membros da equipa competências para prosperar enquanto líder, nos RH e nas operações – alcançando uma taxa de promoção e retenção de 75% que prova o poder do investimento nas pessoas. O nosso programa Add Hope fornece mais de 30 milhões de refeições a crianças vulneráveis todos os anos, enquanto que o Mini Cricket, o maior programa desportivo de base da África do Sul, chega a mais de 120.000 jovens jogadores orientados por 13.000 treinadores. Para além da alimentação, iniciativas como as bolsas de estudo Ikusasa Lethu e os programas de capacitação de jovens em toda a África abrem caminhos para a educação, meios de subsistência e futuros mais brilhantes.

Com mais de 40.000 membros da equipa a impulsionar o nosso negócio, a KFC África orgulha-se de ser um empregador de eleição – cultivando carreiras, justiça e integridade enquanto serve milhões diariamente. Porque quando os indivíduos se elevam, as famílias fortalecem-se. As comunidades crescem. As nações transformam-se. É esse o impacto inegável que nos orgulhamos de servir.

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KFC s’apprête à dévoiler sa recette secrète

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Dans le cadre d’une annonce qui a émis des ondes de choc dans tout le secteur de la restauration rapide, KFC Africa (https://global.KFC.com) annonce aujourd’hui qu’il ferait l’impensable : révéler sa recette secrète.

La formule complète de la recette, qui est à l’origine de la légende de l’entreprise, n’est connue que d’une poignée de personnes.

Les concurrents ont essayé la rétro-ingénierie, les complotistes ont élaboré des théories complexes et les réseaux sociaux ont joué leur rôle en créant le buzz.

L’objectif a toujours été le même : trouver ce qu’il y a dans la recette. Le mercredi 8 octobre, la vérité sera enfin révélée.

Le monde mérite de savoir

« Depuis des années, les gens nous posent des questions sur notre recette secrète », déclare Grant Macpherson, Chief Marketing & Digital Officer, KFC Africa.

« Ils font des suppositions, ils demandent à savoir et ils font de leur mieux pour la copier. Et maintenant, nous avons décidé de partager la recette avec tout le monde. Nous pensons que ce sera mieux pour tous si la recette est dévoilée.

L’histoire décidera s’il s’agit ou non d’un coup de maître, mais nous pensons que les résultats seront positifs pour nous et, surtout, pour l’Afrique du Sud. »

Macpherson rappelle que KFC expliquera les raisons qui motivent l’entreprise à révéler la recette secrète le jour de sa présentation.

Un actif précieux

« Les spéculations vont aller bon train sur les raisons qui nous motivent à partager cet actif précieux, et pourquoi maintenant », ajoute-il.

« Nos clients fidèles se demandent peut-être si cela tuera le mythe qui a fait de KFC la plus grande marque de restauration rapide d’Afrique du Sud.

Nous ne le croyons pas, mais tout deviendra clair le 8 octobre. D’ici là, ce ne seront que des spéculations. »

Distribué par APO Group pour KFC Africa.

À propos de KFC Africa :
KFC fait partie de l’histoire de l’Afrique depuis 1971, année de l’ouverture du premier restaurant à Johannesburg. Aujourd’hui, avec plus de 1 400 restaurants répartis dans 22 pays subsahariens, KFC est la première marque de restaurants à service rapide du continent, notamment grâce à son poulet frit Original Recipe® que des millions de personnes adorent.

Chez KFC Africa, nous nourrissons les personnes, mais aussi leur potentiel. Chaque repas servi fait partie d’un objectif plus large : créer pour chacun une place à la table et veiller à ce que le potentiel ne soit pas seulement visible, mais aussi encouragé. Cet engagement prend vie grâce à des initiatives qui ont un impact tangible. Notre Streetwise Academy, soutenue par l’accréditation Services SETA, donne aux membres de l’équipe les compétences nécessaires pour s’épanouir dans les domaines du leadership, des RH et des opérations de première ligne, avec un taux de promotion et de rétention de 75 %, ce qui témoigne du bien-fondé d’investir dans les talents. Notre programme Add Hope fournit plus de 30 millions de repas aux enfants vulnérables chaque année, tandis que Mini Cricket, le plus grand programme sportif populaire d’Afrique du Sud, est suivi par plus de 120 000 jeunes joueurs encadrés par 13 000 entraîneurs. Au-delà de l’alimentation, des initiatives telles que les bourses d’études Ikusasa Lethu et les programmes d’autonomisation des jeunes à travers l’Afrique ouvrent la voie à l’éducation, aux moyens de subsistance et à un avenir meilleur.

Avec plus de 40 000 membres d’équipe, KFC Africa est fier d’être un employeur de choix, cultivant les carrières, l’équité et l’intégrité tout en servant des millions de personnes chaque jour. Parce que lorsque les individus s’épanouissent, les familles se renforcent. Les communautés grandissent. Les nations se transforment. C’est l’impact indéniable auquel nous sommes fiers de contribuer.

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African Energy Chamber (AEC) Launches State of African Energy 2026 Outlook at African Energy Week (AEW) 2025

Source: APO

The African Energy Chamber (AEC) (https://EnergyChamber.org/) officially launched its latest industry report – the State of African Energy 2026 Outlook – at the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference on Tuesday. Developed in partnership with S&P Global Commodity Insights, the report provides an in-depth analysis into the various facets of the African energy sector, detailing challenges and opportunities in hydrocarbons, renewable energy, power, finance and technology. The report represents a vital tool for investors, de-risking investments at a time when the continent is accelerating energy developments.

“We need key data to drive investments which is why we worked with S&P Global Commodity Insights on this report. One thing is clear: there is significant density of infrastructure in Europe but that is not evident in Africa. But we also see significant opportunities in Africa. This study shows you where the market is and where the opportunities are,” stated Verner Ayukegba, Senior Vice President, AEC.  

The State of African Energy 2026 Outlook helps investors and project developers navigate the continent’s diverse and evolving energy markets. The report covers a variety of strategic topics, from exploration and production trends to upcoming drilling campaigns to global capital expenditure, frontier basins and decarbonization. A focus on the downstream sector offers insights into refining, infrastructure and trade, while a section on African gas and LNG unpacks new LNG projects, potential roadblocks to gas monetization and domestic demand.

“The report covers everything from oil and gas to critical minerals. It is time to stop talking and move to investing. Key takeaways you will find in the report are statistics on oil and gas production, with oil demand projected to grow from 11.4 million barrels per day (bpd) to 13.6 million bpd,” shared Mark Eramo, CEO, S&P Global Commodity Insights.

Beyond oil and gas, the report shares insights into Africa’s emerging renewable energy market. Chapters cover anticipated power demand, opportunities in off-grid solutions, challenges to renewable energy adoption and financing projects. By outlining the continent’s energy transition, the report offers key insights into how the continent can advance a transition to clean energy while scaling-up baseload power and energy access.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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African Energy Week (AEW) 2025 Opens with Exploration Push, $1B Seismic Investment and United States (U.S.) Pledge of Partnership

Source: APO – Report:

African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025 opened on Tuesday with a call to fast-track oil, gas and clean energy development across the continent, as industry leaders highlighted new exploration initiatives, billion-dollar seismic investments and deepening U.S.-Africa energy ties as the backbone of Africa’s industrial future.

U.S. Senator Ted Cruz pledged that Washington would stand behind Africa’s energy ambitions. “The U.S. should be a strong and committed partner in Africa’s energy future, supporting robust investment in exploration, production and infrastructure,” he said. Cruz also positioned the U.S. as Africa’s “alternative to communist China,” framing energy as the foundation of a new era of “investment-led commercial diplomacy.”

Josh Volz, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Europe, Eurasia, Africa and the Middle East in the U.S. Department of Energy, emphasized U.S. support for African-led energy development. “International governments should not stand in the way of how African nations determine their energy futures. We are eager to hear how best we can, from a U.S. perspective, partner with Africa,” he said. Volz noted that the U.S. private sector is already heavily engaged in Africa, with current investments totaling $65 billion, along with a $2.5 billion pledge recently implemented under the Trump administration aimed at supporting energy expansion across the continent.

NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber, said exploration is firmly back on the continent, but warned that policy delays could derail progress. “The state of African energy is resilient. Liberia just signed a few new blocks with TotalEnergies, and we are hoping gas developments in Mozambique move forward. But it shouldn’t take five, 10 or 20 years to approve projects,” he said. “The energy industry can take care of the sub-surface issues, but it’s our job to deal with the above-ground.”

Ayuk stressed the need for fiscal clarity and stronger enabling environments. “The game is going cheap. The fiscals will make us better. Besides putting pressure on African leaders to move, we need to deal with financial apartheid. Gas is green in Europe where they can afford it, but not in Africa. We need to stop these double standards,” he said.

Seismic giant TGS reinforced this momentum, with CEO Kristian Johansen, confirming that the company has invested over $1 billion in African data over the past decade. “Our unparalleled multi-client library, representing about 70% of all seismic data in Africa, continues to unlock new opportunities – de-risking frontier basins, revitalizing mature plays and revealing potential where others saw only uncertainty,” Johansen said.

Mike Sangster, Senior Vice President for Africa at TotalEnergies, emphasized the scale of investment needed to meet Africa’s growing energy demand. “The IEA says the industry needs to invest $500 billion per year to meet growing demand – 90% of this investment is needed just to stand still, to offset natural declines in our fields. New oil and gas projects are not optional – they are essential. Otherwise, energy security is at risk,” he said.

He noted that TotalEnergies is dedicating significant resources to Africa, with half of its exploration and appraisal budget allocated to the continent. The company recently acquired licenses in the Republic of Congo, Namibia and Nigeria, and is anticipating the launch of new projects in Angola and Uganda. Sangster further highlighted various sustainability initiatives, including the elimination of routine flaring in Gabon, the deployment of 13,000 methane sensors across Africa by 2025, and the operation or construction of 1.1 GW of renewable capacity.

Turning to clean energy solutions, Ayuk pressed for urgency on LPG as a safe cooking fuel, citing a landmark U.S. proposal launched earlier this year. “Some 750,000 to one million Africans die every year from lack of clean cooking fuels – this is an issue we must address. LPG is going to be big. We are going to use it and we will not stop,” he said.

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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