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Kenya’s Strathmore University crowned overall winners in simulated court proceedings

Source: Government of South Africa

Kenya’s Strathmore University crowned overall winners in simulated court proceedings

The 17th Africa Regional Round of the Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition concluded this week with Kenya’s Strathmore University crowned overall winners following two days of intense simulated court proceedings.

The competition brought together university law students from South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda and Zimbabwe to argue complex hypothetical disputes in international space law before a simulated International Court of Justice.

South Africa’s University of Pretoria was awarded 1st Runner-Up, whilst Augustine Mudzodza from Zimbabwe’s Midlands State University received the Best Oralist Award. Kabarak University of Kenya was awarded the Best Memorial Award.

 The 2026 edition focused on strengthening Africa’s legal, policy, regulatory, scientific, and institutional capacity within the global space economy.

The event was hosted by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) in partnership with the South African National Space Agency (SANSA) and industry stakeholders, including Dragonfly Aerospace Systems, NewSpace Systems, Petrawell, and Newcraft.

It took place at the Casa Toscana Convention Centre in Pretoria from 25 – 26 May under the theme: “Empowering Africa’s Future in Space Governance for Sustainable Space Activities.”

Presiding over the final round, the President of the Court of Appeal in Kenya, Honourable Justice Daniel Kiio Musinga, praised the high standard of advocacy and legal reasoning displayed throughout the competition.

“I am persuaded that the future of African international lawyering is in very good hands. It is not elsewhere, it is right in this room,” Musinga said. 

He further emphasised the importance of Africa asserting its voice within global governance systems.

“For most of its history, that architecture has been built by hands other than ours. The work of this generation is to convert our seats at the table from courtesy into authorship,” he said.

Addressing the finalists, Musinga said the students represented not only their institutions, but the broader African continent.

“You do not represent only your institutions tonight; you represent five African nations, and through them a continent,” he added.

The winning team will now represent Africa at the global finals later this year in Türkiye during the International Astronautical Congress.

Speaking after the announcement, Megan Wanjiru Nsuguna from Strathmore University described the competition as both demanding and rewarding following months of preparation and rigorous training.

“The preparations for this started in December last year. It has been quite crazy, with lots of sleepless nights, but today was a validation that your work pays at the end of the day. Nothing goes unnoticed,” Nsuguna said.

She said competing against talented students from across the continent was one of the highlights of the competition.

“It became an exchange of ideas and perspectives, which was very interesting,” she said.

Nsuguna, who has developed a growing interest in air and space law, also encouraged young people aspiring to pursue careers in law to remain determined.

“Do it scared, do it when you do not know anything, just do it. If you put your mind into something, do it, and if you are doing it, be the best at it,” she said.

Throughout the two-day competition, students demonstrated advanced legal reasoning, advocacy, diplomacy, and interpretation of international law, including Space Treaty law, while arguing hypothetical disputes involving outer space governance and regulation.

The competition forms part of broader efforts by the dtic and SANSA to strengthen and capacitate Africa’s participation in international space governance processes and develop future African legal experts, policymakers, negotiators, and regulators within the global space sector.

Participating students will also attend the African Space Policy and Law Conference, hosted by University of Pretoria and McGill  University supported by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), the dtic and SANSA from 28–29 May 2026, where international and continental policymakers, academics, regulators, and industry leaders will deliberate on developments in international space governance and sustainable industrial development and Africa’s strategic role within the global space economy.

The continued success and growth of the Africa Regional Round reflects the continent’s increasing commitment to strengthening human capital, legal scholarship, institutional capacity, and international cooperation within the field of outer space governance and sustainable development. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Government must take up its role in implementation of industrial policy

Source: Government of South Africa

Government must take up its role in implementation of industrial policy

Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau says the South African government has a central role in the successful implementation of country’s industrial policy.

However, the implementation requires close collaboration between government, business, labour, and civil society for it to succeed. 

He was speaking at a Ministerial Post–Budget Vote Media and Stakeholder Roundtable that he hosted in Cape Town last night.

The discussions focused on inclusive economic growth and key priorities identified in the 2026/2027 National Assembly Budget Vote Speech that he delivered yesterday.

“We certainly believe that if implemented in the right way, supported by the correct policies, fiscal, trade and industrial instruments, we should be able to undertake a significant shift in our industrialisation process. 

“The implementation mechanisms of the industrial strategy include issues around energy pricing in the country, industrial financing, and defining the respective roles of the public and private sectors, as well as how we incentivise partnerships around these initiatives,” Tau said.

“We have spoken about scaling up export credit support and partnering with financial institutions to underwrite exports from the country. 

“We have identified the need for partnerships, because not all the required resources will come from government. Consequently, we need to mobilise private-sector participation, financial institutions, and international partners,” he said.

Tau also emphasised that he believed South Africa should continue working closely with the United States of America.

“We regard the United States of America as an important trading partner and one of the most influential economies globally. It is therefore important that we maintain and strengthen that relationship. We will continue to engage with our international partners and stakeholders consistently and firmly where necessary,” he added.

“Despite concerns and external pressures, South Africa’s exports have continued to grow, including exports to the United States even amid difficult global conditions. This suggests that, notwithstanding the challenges, South Africa still has significant opportunities to expand and strengthen its position in global markets,” proclaimed Tau.

Group Senior Executive, Strategic Trade at Aspen Pharma Group, Dr Stavros Nicolaou said there was a need for stronger alignment across society, government, business, labour, academia, and civil society around a shared set of national priorities. 

“We need all sectors to speak with one voice on the importance of industrialisation and economic development. What is lacking, in many respects, is a sufficiently strong national consensus around our economic direction and priorities.

“Industrial policy must be about ensuring that the country itself benefits more meaningfully from its resources, production capacity and economic activity,” added Dr Nicolaou.

A South African writer, lawyer and entrepreneur, Ms Christine Qunta, observed that transformation was essential for achieving equality, and when it is resisted, equality cannot be achieved. With only 4.4% of the population managing the economy, transformation was crucial.

“For this reason, we must be resolute and unapologetic about transformation,” Qunta said.

Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Mzwandile Masina, urged the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), all levels of government and other stakeholders to cease operating in separation, for the benefit of the economy and the public.

He said the dtic has a vital role in coordinating all aspects of the economy to achieve economic transformation. – SAnews.gov.za

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Merck Foundation declared Ghana First Lady as Ambassador of “More than a Mother” to build healthcare capacity, break infertility stigma, and support girl education

Source: APO

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, officially launched their programs in Ghana in partnership with H.E. Mrs. LORDINA DRAMANI MAHAMA, The First Lady of the Republic of Ghana and Ambassador of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”, during the Merck Foundation Ghana Alumni Summit 2026.

Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation and President of “More Than a Mother” Campaign emphasized, “I am delighted to meet our long-term partner and my dear sister, H.E. Mrs. LORDINA DRAMANI MAHAMA, First Lady of the Republic of Ghana and to honor her outstanding contribution as the Ambassador of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”. We also formally launched the Merck Foundation programs in the country and underscored our commitment towards building healthcare and media capacity, patient care landscape transformation, breaking infertility stigma and supporting girl education, together in the country.

I am proud to share that we have to date provided 257 scholarships for local Ghanaian healthcare providers in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties, with the aim to establish a strong platform of skilled and specialized healthcare providers across Ghana’s healthcare sector nationwide.”

Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg Haverkamp added, “Our aim is to improve the overall health and wellbeing of people by building healthcare capacity across Africa, Asia and other developing countries. We are strongly committed to transforming patient care landscape through our scholarships program.” 

H.E. Mrs. LORDINA DRAMANI MAHAMA, First Lady of the Republic of Ghana expressed, “It is a pleasure to welcome and meet the Chairman and CEO of Merck Foundation in our country. Together, we officially launched our joint programs and celebrated important milestones reflecting the great success of our partnership in building healthcare capacity, transforming patient care, breaking infertility stigma and supporting girl education. 

Our partnership has enabled us to provide 257 scholarships for our healthcare providers nationwide, reaching not only the capital city but communities across the country. This is a huge achievement for us.

Moreover, through Educating Linda Program, we are also providing annual scholarships for our 40 high-performing yet underprivileged Ghanaian schoolgirls, to help them complete their education. Educating and empowering young girls is one of the most powerful investments we can make towards building stronger families, thriving communities, and a brighter future for our nation.”

Merck Foundation has overall provided more than 2,600 scholarships for healthcare providers in 44 critical and underserved specialties from over 52 countries.

During the Summit, Merck Foundation alumni shared inspiring testimonies on how these scholarships have transformed their professional journeys and improved patient care in their communities.

Moreover, Merck Foundation Awards Ceremony was also held where the Winners of the Merck Foundation Awards 2024 and 2025 were acknowledged by Merck Foundation Chairman, Merck Foundation CEO together with Ghana First Lady.

“It was a pleasure meeting and celebrating our winners, the health and social champions, who are the voice of the voiceless”, added Dr. Rasha Kelej.

Out of the total 257 scholarships provided for Ghanaian healthcare providers;

  • 89 scholarships have been provided for one-year postgraduate diplomas and two-year master’s degrees in Diabetes, Endocrinology, Preventive Cardiovascular and Obesity & Weight Management, under the Merck Foundation Nationwide Diabetes and Hypertension Blue Points Program.
  • 69 scholarships have been provided for Fertility Specialty and Embryology training in India, one year PG Diploma and two-year MSc in Sexual and Reproductive care, Urology, Women’s Health and Family Medicine. This will play a vital role in breaking infertility stigma.
  • 12 scholarships have been provided for healthcare providers for Oncology and Cancer Management.
  • 87 scholarships have been provided for 1 year PG Diploma and 2 Years Master Degree in other various critical and underserved specialties like Acute Medicine, Respiratory Care, Critical care, General Surgery, Trauma and Orthopaedics, Psychiatry, Dermatology, Emergency & Resuscitation Medicine, Gastroenterology, Infectious diseases, Neurology, Neurosurgery, Neuroimaging for Research, Pain Management, Rheumatology, Neonatal Medicine, Paediatrics and Child Health, Care of the Older Person and more.

The summit was also attended by the beneficiaries of Educating Linda.

“The young girls shared powerful testimonies about how these scholarships have positively transformed their lives. Listening to their journeys and learning about the impact these scholarships have had on their education, confidence, and future aspirations was truly inspiring and deeply moving” added Dr. Kelej.  

In partnership with the First Lady of Ghana, Merck Foundation has also launched seven children’s storybooks: “More Than a Mother”, “Educating Linda”, “Jackline’s Rescue”, “Not Who You Are”, “Ride into the Future”, “Sugar Free Jude” and “Mark’s Pressure” to raise awareness about critical social and health issues among young children. 

During the occasion, several copies of the storybooks were also signed by the The First Lady of Ghana, Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO, making the initiative even more special for the participants and young children present. Thousands of copies will be distributed across schools in Ghana. These storybooks have also been adapted into animation films to further enhance their impact.

Merck Foundation, together with the First Lady of Ghana, also organizes annual Online Health Media Training for the Ghanaian journalists and also launches annual awards for media, musicians, filmmakers, and fashion designers to encourage creative talents to raise awareness about important social issues. To date, more than 125 Ghanaian talents have been recognized through the Awards.

During the Summit, Merck Foundation CEO and Ghana First Lady also announced the Call for Application for their 2026 Awards.

Details of the Awards:

1. Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: Media representatives and media students are invited to showcase their work to raise awareness about one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Submission deadline: 30th September 2026.

2. Merck Foundation Film Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026:  All African Filmmakers, Students of Film Making Training Institutions, or Young Talents of Africa are invited to create and share a long or short FILMS, either drama, documentary, or docudrama to deliver strong and influential messages to address one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Submission deadline: 30th September 2026.

3. Merck Foundation Fashion Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: All African Fashion Students and Designers are invited to create and share designs to deliver strong and influential messages to raise awareness about one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Submission deadline: 30th September 2026.

4. Merck Foundation Song Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: All African Singers and Musical Artists are invited to create and share a SONG with the aim to address one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Submission deadline: 30th September 2026.

5. Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: Media representatives are invited to showcase their work through strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30th October 2026.

6. Merck Foundation Film Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: All African Filmmakers, Students of Film Making Training Institutions, or Young Talents of Africa are invited to create and share a long or short FILMS, either drama, documentary, or docudrama to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30th October 2026.

7. Merck Foundation Fashion Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: All African Fashion Students and Designers are invited to create and share designs to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30th October 2026.

8. Merck Foundation Song Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: All African Singers and Musical Artists are invited to create and share a SONG with the aim to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30th October 2026.

Apply here: https://apo-opa.co/4uMkeiX

Entries for all the awards are to be submitted via email to:

submit@merck-foundation.com

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.

More Images: https://apo-opa.co/42WAOAv

Contact:
Mehak Handa
Community Awareness Program Manager 
Phone: +91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
Email: mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard!
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4fd3CMl
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Threads: https://apo-opa.co/4vg7QaN
Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/4u2A87F
Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/430iDdg

About Merck Foundation:
The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare & scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website.  Please visit www.Merck-Foundation.com to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4fd3CMl), X (https://apo-opa.co/4v9jm7J), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4uyih9F), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4v85RVU), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4vg7QaN) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4u2A87F).

The Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While it collaborates with various partners, including governments to achieve its humanitarian goals, the foundation remains strictly neutral in political matters. It does not engage in or support any political activities, elections, or regimes, focusing solely on its mission to elevate humanity and enhance well-being while maintaining a strict non-political stance in all of its endeavors.

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Qatar Strongly Condemns Targeting of Kuwait with Missiles And Drones

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha | May 28, 2026

The State of Qatar strongly condemns the targeting of the sisterly State of Kuwait with missiles and drones, considering it a blatant violation of its sovereignty and a flagrant breach of international law.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stresses the need to spare the region the consequences of these unjustified attacks and to work towards de-escalation in order to restore regional and international security and stability.

The Ministry reiterates the State of Qatar’s full solidarity with the State of Kuwait and its support for all measures taken by Kuwait to preserve its sovereignty and security.

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Seitlholo visits Kai !Garib Municipality over water and sanitation challenges

Source: Government of South Africa

Seitlholo visits Kai !Garib Municipality over water and sanitation challenges

Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister Sello Seitlholo will on Friday undertake a working visit to the Kai !Garib Local Municipality in the Northern Cape to engage municipal leadership on critical water and sanitation challenges affecting communities in the area.

The visit follows the latest Blue and Green Drop regulatory assessments, which indicate that water and sanitation services within the municipality have regressed to a critical state.

Among the key issues to be discussed are the municipality’s debt obligations to the Vaal-Orange Catchment Management Agency (VOCMA) and Water User Associations (WUAs) in the Northern Cape.

According to the Department of Water and Sanitation’s 2026/2027 Budget Vote recently tabled in Parliament, municipalities across South Africa owed approximately R23 billion to Water Boards and Water User Associations as of 31 March 2026. In response, the department has committed to intensify support interventions in the worst performing municipalities.

The Ministry has also initiated coordinated engagements with Premiers, MECs responsible for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), and mayors across the country to improve payment compliance and service delivery.

Communities within the Kai !Garib Municipality continue to experience frequent water supply interruptions and challenges relating to drinking water quality. To address these concerns, the Department of Water and Sanitation has commenced a feasibility study for the proposed Kakamas Bulk Water Supply Project.

The project is expected to improve access to fresh water supply in Kakamas town and surrounding areas, including Alheit, Marchand, Augrabies, Lutzburg, Cillie, Riemvasmaak, as well as nearby commercial farming communities.

During the visit, the Deputy Minister will also engage the municipality on measures to address contamination of watercourses due to poor wastewater systems. The ongoing malfunctioning of sewage infrastructure has resulted in continuous sewage overflows from manholes, pump stations, stormwater systems, and oxidation ponds in areas such as Kakamas, Keimoes, Kenhardt and Vredesvallei. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Authorities intercept drugs worth R998.2 million at Beitbridge Port of Entry

Source: Government of South Africa

Authorities intercept drugs worth R998.2 million at Beitbridge Port of Entry

The Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr Michael Masiapato, has commended border guards and law enforcement agencies following the successful interception of a massive drug consignment with an estimated street value of approximately R998.2 million at the Beitbridge Port of Entry. 

During a stop and search operation on Wednesday, the border guards intercepted a truck travelling from Malawi into South Africa. The truck was subjected to a non-intrusive inspection through the cargo scanner, during which suspicious substances were detected.

This prompted officials to conduct an extensive physical search of the truck, which lasted approximately eight hours. During the operation, officials discovered a substance identified as methaqualone (ABBA), commonly used in the manufacturing of Mandrax.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) K-9 Unit, together with the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commonly known as the Hawks, was immediately activated to assist with processing the crime scene and further investigations.

The authorities confirmed that the truck was loaded with approximately 713 000 grams of the substance. The estimated street value of the consignment is R998 200 000.

Three suspects were arrested during the operation and are currently detained at the Musina Police Station. They are expected to appear in court soon on charges relating to drug trafficking and contravention of South African laws.

Investigations are currently underway to determine the intended destination of the substance and whether the syndicate forms part of a broader transnational criminal network operating within the region or globally.

Commissioner Masiapato said the interception demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-led border security operations and the importance of integrated collaboration among law enforcement agencies.

“This interception sends a strong message that South Africa’s borders are not a safe passage for organised criminal activities. The BMA remains committed to strengthening border security, combating transnational crime, and protecting the country from illicit activities that threaten our communities and economy,” Commissioner Masiapato said.

The BMA continues to enhance its operational capabilities through the use of advanced technology, intelligence coordination and strategic partnerships to secure South Africa’s borders.

The Authority further commends all officials and stakeholders involved in the successful operation for their vigilance, professionalism and commitment to safeguarding the country. – SAnews.gov.za

                                               

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Social Grant beneficiaries urged to switch to Black Cards before deadline

Source: Government of South Africa

Social Grant beneficiaries urged to switch to Black Cards before deadline

Postbank has reminded all social grant beneficiaries currently using South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) Gold Cards to urgently replace them with the new Postbank Black Cards before the 31 August 2026 deadline. 

In a statement on Wednesday, Postbank said there was only two grant payment months left before SASSA Gold Cards stop working, and beneficiaries are encouraged not to wait until the last minute as delays and long queues may occur closer to the deadline date. 

Failure to replace the SASSA Gold Cards before the deadline may result in beneficiaries being unable to access their social grant payments using the old cards. 

Postbank has warned that the deadline to replace SASSA Gold Cards will not be extended. 

“The window period for replacing SASSA Gold Cards is closing fast and we are concerned that many beneficiaries may think that they still have sufficient time, or the period will be extended. 

“Anyone without a Black Card after the deadline will need to first obtain a new card before they can access payments,” Postbank Chief Commercial Officer, Thami Cele, said. 

Cele said that Postbank is making a special appeal to social grant beneficiaries to get their new cards while there is still time. 

The replacement process is free of charge and can be completed at designated Postbank service points in participating retail outlets nationwide. 

The agency reminded beneficiaries that:

  • The replacement of SASSA Gold Cards with Postbank Black Cards is free of charge. 
  • Existing Gold Cards will no longer function after the deadline. 
  • Beneficiaries must carry a valid ID or temporary ID when collecting the new card. 
  • Black Cards can be collected from any Postbank site inside selected retailers that include Shoprite, Checkers, Usave, Pick n Pay, Boxer and Spar stores. Dial *120*355# to locate a nearby card collection site. 
  • Cards can be collected from any province, even if that is not the province in which a person’s SASSA grant got approved. 
  • Postbank Black Cards work immediately upon issue, and there is no need to go to a SASSA office once you have received your new card. Any funds balance currently in a customer’s Gold Card will automatically be reflected. 
  • Beneficiaries are urged to remain vigilant against scams and ensure that the Black Card they are being offered is written Postbank in the front. If it’s not written Postbank, then it is a scam. 
  • No forms are required and if you are asked to complete, or sign any form, the card is not a Postbank Black Card. Don’t accept it, and call Postbank’s toll-free number for help. 

Beneficiaries may contact Postbank on 0800 5354 55 for more information. 

Postbank said it remains committed to ensuring that beneficiaries continue receiving their grants safely, securely, and without interruption. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Hon. Senator Heineken Lokpobiri to Speak at African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 as Nigeria Posts Record $18.2B Investment Surge

Source: APO


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Hon. Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Federal Republic of Nigeria, has been confirmed as a featured speaker at African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, where he is expected to outline Nigeria’s accelerating upstream transformation and its expanding role as one of Africa’s leading oil and gas investment destinations.

Nigeria’s energy sector has recorded one of its strongest investment cycles in a decade, driven by regulatory reforms under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), improved fiscal incentives and renewed confidence from international oil companies (IOCs) and indigenous operators.

In 2025 alone, Nigeria approved 28 new Field Development Plans valued at $18.2 billion, unlocking an estimated 1.4 billion barrels of crude oil reserves, according to government disclosures. These approvals mark a decisive shift toward accelerating project execution timelines and reversing years of stalled upstream development.

Lokpobiri has consistently credited this momentum to reforms under the PIA, alongside faster licensing processes and investment-friendly fiscal adjustments. Speaking in Abuja earlier this year, he noted that Nigeria secured four of seven major Final Investment Decisions in Africa between 2024 and 2025, positioning the country as a leading upstream investment hub on the continent.

A central pillar of this resurgence is Shell’s Bonga deepwater complex, where the company has taken a $5 billion final investment decision on the Bonga North project, a subsea tie-back expected to add over 300 million barrels of recoverable resources and significantly boost long-term output from the FPSO hub. The development is widely viewed as a benchmark for Nigeria’s renewed deepwater competitiveness.

Meanwhile, ExxonMobil’s planned investment in the Usan deepwater oil field is expected to inject up to $1.5 billion between 2025 and 2027, supporting production revitalization through new drilling and infrastructure upgrades.

Alongside IOC-led expansion, Nigeria’s indigenous producers are increasingly central to near-term output growth, with Heirs Energies targeting up to 100,000 barrels per day as it ramps up development across its onshore Niger Delta portfolio, including OML 17. This momentum is complemented by Seplat Energy’s optimization of its expanded onshore portfolio following the ExxonMobil acquisition, reinforcing the growing role of local operators in stabilising production and driving Nigeria’s short-term output gains.

Lokpobiri is also expected to highlight Nigeria’s broader energy transition framework at AEW 2026, which seeks to balance oil production growth with gas monetization, domestic refining expansion and increased local content participation. His policy messaging has consistently emphasized that Nigeria’s oil and gas sector is structured to accommodate both IOCs and a growing base of indigenous operators.

“Nigeria is once again proving what is possible when policy meets execution,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber. “Under leaders like Heineken Lokpobiri, we are seeing renewed seriousness about production, investment and getting projects across the line – from deepwater developments to indigenous-led growth. This is exactly the kind of momentum Africa needs: not promises, but barrels, projects, and bankable deals.”

As AEW 2026 prepares to convene policymakers, investors, and operators from across Africa and beyond, Lokpobiri’s address is expected to serve as one of the defining policy moments of the conference – spotlighting Nigeria’s resurgence at the center of Africa’s upstream growth story and its ambition to convert recent investment momentum into sustained production gains.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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SunTrust Atlantic Energies Brings Niger Delta Expansion Strategy to African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 as Gold Sponsor

Source: APO


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Nigeria-based SunTrust Atlantic Energies will participate at African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 as a Gold Sponsor, reinforcing the company’s growing profile as one of the Niger Delta’s most active indigenous upstream operators. Scheduled for October 12–16 in Cape Town, the event is set to provide SunTrust Atlantic with a platform to showcase its drilling campaign, infrastructure strategy and regional growth ambitions across West Africa and the Gulf of Guinea.

Having emerged as Africa’s premier energy investment event, AEW 2026 will convene operators, financiers, policymakers and service companies to advance project development and energy access across the continent. SunTrust Atlantic’s participation comes as Nigerian independents increasingly leverage the fiscal incentives introduced under the Petroleum Industry Act to expand services, accelerate production and strengthen local infrastructure ownership in mature onshore basins.

SunTrust Atlantic has accelerated upstream activity through a multi-year drilling campaign centered on the Umusadege field in OML 56, onshore Delta State. In February last year, the company and joint-venture partner Midwestern Oil & Gas commenced drilling operations on the Umu-C2 development well, targeting deeper untapped reservoirs to offset natural production decline across mature zones of the field.

The Umu-C2 well was designed as a slightly deviated development well targeting all primary oil-bearing sands within the Umusadege Central culmination. Planned to reach a total depth of 10,859 feet, the well forms part of a broader redevelopment strategy launched in 2024 to sustain production efficiency and improve long-term reservoir recovery across the structurally complex onshore asset.

SunTrust Atlantic currently maintains a baseline production average of approximately 10,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd) from the Umusadege field through 20 production strings across 17 active wells. Since commercial production commenced, the field has produced more than 54.1 million barrels of crude oil. The asset contains 13 known multi-horizon hydrocarbon reservoirs requiring intensive seismic interpretation and directional drilling programs.

Alongside OML 56, SunTrust Atlantic is advancing development of the Egbolom field under the petroleum prospecting license 202, securing during Nigeria’s 2020 marginal field bid round. The company holds a 35.82% participating interest in the asset, which was carved out of the former OML 23 block. The field is estimated to contain 220 million barrels of stock take oil initially in place and approximately 85 million barrels of recoverable 2P reserves.

The company’s infrastructure pipeline position remains a major differentiator among Niger Delta independents. SunTrust co-owns the 51.4-km Umugini Pipeline, a 12-inch crude excavation line with a nameplate capacity of 100,000 bpd. The pipeline links the Umusadege field to Shell Nigeria’s trunkline network at Eriemu, allowing crude evacuation through both the Forcados and Brass export terminals under dual-terminal agreements.

“SunTrust Atlantic Energies’ participation at African Energy Week 2026 reflects the growing strength and ambition of indigenous Nigerian operators driving the continent’s upstream expansion. Their continued investment in production growth, infrastructure ownership and redevelopment demonstrates exactly the type of African-led energy development that AEW was created to champion,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber.

Looking ahead, SunTrust Atlantic is positioning itself to capitalize on Nigeria’s revised fiscal framework under the Petroleum Industry Act, which offers royalty and tax incentives for marginal field operators. The company plans to transition Egbolom from a processing license into a long-term petroleum mining license while utilizing cash flow from Umusadege production and existing evacuation infrastructure to support future drilling, flow station expansion and regional asset optimization initiatives.

Orama going to chair the energy finance track on the energy finance summit at AEW.

Acme – company created by Afrexim– Orama is the chairman of Acme. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Botswana Deepens Angola Partnership as Minister Bogolo Kenewendo Joins Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) 2026

Source: APO


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Bogolo Kenewendo, Minister of Minerals and Energy of Botswana, has joined the upcoming Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) 2026 Conference and Exhibition, taking place September 9-10 in Luanda with a pre-conference day scheduled for September 8. Her participation comes as the two countries expand bilateral cooperation across refining, fuel security and mineral development, reflecting a broader regional push toward integrated African energy and mining value chains.

As a landlocked and import-reliant economy, Botswana has increasingly prioritized long-term fuel security through regional infrastructure partnerships. Angola’s refining ambitions – anchored by the Lobito refinery project – have emerged as a strategic opportunity as the country seeks to diversify supply routes and reduce exposure to external fuel market volatility. In April 2026, Minister Kenewendo visited the construction site of the refinery alongside her Angolan counterpart Diamantino Azevedo. The parties discussed a possible strategic partnership in oil refining and investment in the facility.

Currently under development in Benguela, the Lobito Refinery will be Angola’s third facility once operations commence in 2027. With a capacity of 200,000 barrels per day, it will also be the country’s largest, providing a much-needed boost to domestic refining. While construction is commencing, Angola is currently seeking $4.8 billion in investment to fill the financing gap for the facility, highlighting a strategic opportunity for regional neighboring seeking alternative fuel supplies.

Beyond refining, Botswana and Angola have taken steps to strengthen cooperation within the mineral industry. As Africa’s biggest diamond producers, the countries face similar challenges, including the rise of lab-grown alternatives. Both countries are also vying for a stake in De Beers and have recently joined the World Federation of Diamond Bourses as National Affiliate members, signaling a new phase in southern Africa’s push to integrate more deeply into the global diamond trading ecosystem. These moves following a meeting held between the ministers in November 2025. Minister Azevedo travelled to Botswana to engage in discussions on mineral cooperation.

Against this backdrop, AOG 2026 will serve as a critical platform to advance dialogue and cooperation between Angola and Botswana. The conference has increasingly evolved beyond a traditional oil and gas event, positioning itself as a broader platform for discussions around regional infrastructure, refining, mining, energy security and industrial development.

Minister Kenewendo’s participation underscores the growing convergence between the energy and mining sectors across Southern Africa, particularly as countries pursue integrated strategies focused on industrialization, supply chain security and intra-African trade. As Angola and Botswana deepen cooperation across refining and minerals, the event provides an opportunity to translate bilateral discussions into commercially viable regional initiatives that strengthen long-term energy and industrial resilience across Southern Africa.

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