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Madlanga Commission hears testimony on Durban harbour drug seizure

Source: Government of South Africa

Madlanga Commission hears testimony on Durban harbour drug seizure

The Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System will today hear testimony relating to the seizure of a consignment of drugs at the Durban harbour on 22 June 2024, but proceedings will take place behind closed doors.

The testimony of Witness H will focus on the seizure of the drugs, their handling and storage at the DPCI/Hawks office in Port Shepstone, as well as the subsequent theft of the drugs from the office and the findings of investigations into the matter.

In a statement issued on Friday, commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels said the commission had ruled that the entire testimony would be heard in-camera, meaning there would be no public access to the proceedings.

“It has come to the attention of the Madlanga Commission that some media houses seem to have missed the ruling yesterday evening that the hearing of Witness H will be held fully in-camera,” Michaels said.

The commission’s hearings this week and next week are focused on drug seizures by South African law enforcement agencies and the theft of such drugs.

According to the statement, the commission’s evidence leaders applied on Tuesday, 5 May 2026, for Witness H to testify in-camera because the evidence relates to ongoing investigations and could not be presented publicly without potentially undermining investigations and possible criminal prosecutions.

Two media houses responded to the application and indicated that they would not oppose it.

Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga subsequently issued a ruling on Thursday evening confirming that the testimony of Witness H on 8 May 2026 “will be in camera with no video or audio feed to the public”. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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President Ramaphosa hails South32 investment as Hillside Aluminium marks 30 years

Source: Government of South Africa

President Ramaphosa hails South32 investment as Hillside Aluminium marks 30 years

President Cyril Ramaphosa has hailed Hillside Aluminium’s contribution to South Africa’s economy, skills development and job creation, while reaffirming government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for investment and industrial growth.

Speaking at the 30th anniversary celebration of the South32 Hillside Aluminium smelter in KwaZulu-Natal on Thursday, the President said the operation had made a significant contribution to the country’s industrial capabilities since it began operations in 1996.

“When President Nelson Mandela opened the smelter in April 1996, he said: ‘The ultimate yardstick by which we must measure our efforts is the extent to which they promote sustained economic growth and development, create jobs and eliminate poverty.’

“Today, we can say that Hillside Aluminium has delivered,” President Ramaphosa said.

The President said the smelter currently supports 3 650 direct and indirect jobs and contributes to an estimated 29 000 jobs across the economy. 

“Hillside Aluminium is not only a smelter; it is a producer of skills. It is known for its highly skilled artisans, rigorous engineering, tight process control and an uncompromising safety culture,” he said.

President Ramaphosa said the apprenticeships, bursaries and learnerships provided by the company have strengthened South Africa’s national skills pipeline and prepared young people for industries of the future.

The President also praised the company’s community investment initiatives, including support for health services at Ngwelezana Hospital through a dedicated paediatric burns unit, water projects in the King Cetshwayo District and school refurbishment projects.

“All of these projects make a real and lasting difference in the lives of thousands of people in this area,” he said.

President Ramaphosa further welcomed South32’s pledge at this year’s South Africa Investment Conference to invest R3.9 billion towards upgrading rail infrastructure in KwaZulu-Natal and the Northern Cape.

He acknowledged the difficult operating environment faced by smelters in recent years due to rising costs and market pressures, while commending Eskom for engaging with industry on long-term electricity solutions.

“We welcome the discussions between Eskom and South32 about a long-term electricity solution for Hillside Aluminium when the current contract ends in 2031.

“We are encouraged by the commitment by South32 and Eskom to develop an energy solution that supports the smelter’s competitiveness and brings renewable energy into the national grid,” the President said.

President Ramaphosa said reliable infrastructure in energy and logistics remains critical to improving the competitiveness of South African industries.

“Transnet has turned the corner and has moved from decline to recovery, and from planning to implementation.

“Investment, reform and delivery are now firmly underway in rail and port infrastructure,” he said. 

The President said government’s structural reform agenda continues to gain momentum, with progress being made in restoring rail volumes, implementing reforms and attracting private sector investment.

“South Africa is transitioning to the early stages of a multi-operator rail system, with 11 private train operating companies having been granted access to freight rail lines,” he said.

The President reiterated that inclusive growth and job creation remain government’s foremost priority. 

“Sustained domestic investment, including the investment by South32, is essential to advance this priority,” he said.

Congratulating South32 on the milestone, the President described the company’s longevity as “a story of South Africans choosing excellence, shift after shift and year after year”.

“You are demonstrating what can be achieved when long-term investment, operational excellence and partnership between industry, labour, communities and the state come together,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Mayor leads relief efforts

Source: Government of South Africa

Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Mayor leads relief efforts

Nelson Mandela Bay Executive Mayor Babalwa Lobishe has been conducting site visits across flood-affected communities to ensure the smooth progress of relief interventions as heavy rains continue to disrupt large parts of the metro.

By Thursday afternoon, more than 1 000 residents had been evacuated from flooded areas, with the majority coming from low-lying informal settlements.

“The preliminary assessment indicates damage to critical infrastructure, including roads and electricity networks. We have also seen residents forced to leave their homes, significantly disrupting their normal lives,” Lobishe said.

The municipality, in collaboration with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and churches, is providing displaced residents with essential support.

“Working with stakeholders, such as NGOs and churches, we will ensure that affected residents are provided with basic necessities while being accommodated in community halls,” Lobishe said.

Accompanied by municipal technicians, Lobishe also conducted an oversight visit to the Cuyler Bridge and the Swartkops River in Kariega to assess the structural condition of the bridges and monitoring rising water levels to ensure the safety and security of nearby communities.

Officials also evaluated potential risks that could necessitate further evacuations, particularly overnight, and discussed measures to mitigate further damage.

Lobishe said disaster management teams remain on high alert, operating around the clock to assist affected residents.

“As the rain continues and more areas remain flooded, we plead with residents to cooperate with disaster management officials on the ground so that we can limit injuries and avoid fatalities,” the mayor said.

Dams reach full capacity

Amid the widespread flooding, the municipality confirmed a significant turnaround in water security, with all major dams supplying Nelson Mandela Bay now at full capacity.

This includes Impofu Dam, the metro’s largest water source, with a capacity of approximately 107 000 megalitres, reached full capacity for the first time since 2016.

According to Lobishe, dam levels surged dramatically from 39% to 100% within just two days, following substantial rainfall in catchment areas, estimated at close to 100 000 megalitres.

The following dams are currently full:

•    Impofu Dam – 107 000 megalitres.
•    Kouga Dam – 128 000 megalitres.
•    Churchill Dam – 35 300 megalitres.
•    Groendal Dam – 13 700 megalitres.
•    Loerie Dam – 18 800 megalitres.

Lobishe described the development as a major relief for both residents and the business community of Nelson Mandela Bay.

“[While this brings much-needed relief], this also poses a challenge for us as the city to ensure that we work on our infrastructure to preserve this water and stretch it as much as possible for us to survive the dry winter season,” Lobishe said.

She emphasised that improved water security not only enhances living conditions of residents but also boosts economic growth and investment attraction.

According to the Senior Director for Water and Sanitation, Barry Martin, the drought, despite occasional slight improvements, has been the longest in Nelson Mandela Bay’s history. – SAnews.gov.za

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SAWS partners with Santan to enhance disaster risk management

Source: Government of South Africa

SAWS partners with Santan to enhance disaster risk management

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) and Santam have announced a partnership to strengthen the country’s early warning and forecasting capabilities and ensure communities are better prepared to deal with severe weather-related occurrences and disasters.

A joint statement issued on Thursday said Santam has sponsored the SAWS with the installation of nine automatic weather stations (AWSs) across the country.

This partnership is motivated by data that shows South Africa is experiencing increasingly frequent and severe weather events, with heightened floods, storms and fires, which cause loss of life and billions of rands in damage.

Early warning systems play a key role in warning people of impending hazards and are therefore not a luxury but cost-effective tools to enhance preparedness, save lives and reduce economic losses. 

Despite this, there are still major observational gaps across parts of South Africa.

According to the Santam Group CEO, Tavaziva Madzinga, the strategic partnership with the SAWS will play a critical role in enhancing disaster risk management in the country.

“By strengthening its observation and forecasting capabilities, we are helping to ensure that early warnings are accessible, credible and localised, so that South Africans can act before weather hazards escalate into disasters.

“This collaboration allows us to do more and reach further. By strengthening early warning systems, we are saving lives and helping South Africans avoid preventable loss by building greater resilience to extreme weather,” he said.

Madzinga added that from an insurance perspective, early warnings help reduce losses across households, businesses and the broader economy.

The 2022 floods in KwaZulu-Natal are estimated to have cost over R50 billion in damages.

The SAWS’ Acting CEO, Dr Jonas Mphepya, hailed the collaboration as a prime example of public-private partnership.

 He said the new AWSs were a welcome addition to the SAWS’ observation network.

“Currently, our network boasts 273 AWSs, 211 Automatic Rainfall Stations, 26 Lightning Detection Network Sensors, 25 Climate Stations and 12 Meteorological RADAR systems, among other things. 

“In a time of frequent and intensifying severe weather events, the importance of reinforcing our observational infrastructure, which the bedrock of our weather and climate services, cannot be overemphasised,” Mphepya said.

 The installations include four AWS units in Limpopo and Mpumalanga piloted during 2021 and 2022, as well as five additional stations that have recently been commissioned in KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Western Cape and Gauteng. 

These stations are operational and integrated into the SAWS weather observation system network, providing critical weather data.

“The locations of the new stations were identified through a needs-driven process led by the SAWS, focusing on areas with known observational gaps and heightened exposure to disruptive rainfall, flooding and severe weather events. 

“The eastern seaboard, stretching from the Eastern Cape through KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and into north-eastern parts of Limpopo have experienced repeated episodes of extreme and disruptive rainfall in recent years, while additional gaps were identified in parts of the Western Cape and Gauteng,” the joint statement said.

Beyond infrastructure, the partnership also places strong emphasis on awareness and education. Santam works with municipalities, schools and community organisations to improve understanding of weather warnings and how people should respond to them. 

This includes targeted education campaigns, school-based initiatives and community radio programmes in local languages in high-risk areas.  –SAnews.gov.za

 

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Tau welcomes progress made at Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone

Source: Government of South Africa

Tau welcomes progress made at Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone

Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau has expressed confidence and satisfaction in progress being made at the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone (RBIDZ) in KwaZulu-Natal.

The Minister paid a visit to the facility on Thursday where he was joined by the Deputy Minister of the Department of Science and Technology, Nomalungelo Gina, the provincial MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Reverend Musa Zondi and the provincial MEC for Transport and Human Settlement, Siboniso Duma. 

The RBIDZ has received funding from the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) Special Economic Zone (SEZ) programme. It has R252.39 billion investment in the pipeline with 23 investors and one strategic partner.

Tau visited Nyanza Light metals, which is housed in the industrial development zone. The company is constructing a R15 billion titanium dioxide pigment manufacturing plant. The plant will be the only one of its kind in Africa and will employ 3 000 people during construction and up to 850 permanent jobs during the operations.

“The project has attracted financing from the dtic’s SEZ programme, which establishes designated, geographically focused areas to attract foreign and domestic investment, aiming to accelerate industrial growth, exports, and job creation. 

“Other several development finance institutions, including the Industrial Development Corporation, the African Development Bank, and other partners such as the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) and African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) have funded the project and have committed to supporting this project as co-mandated lead arrangers.

“We are particularly thrilled about this initiative because it presents a model that can be replicated in similar projects, “said the Minister.

He added that the initiative shows how private sector funding can be mobilised alongside support from development finance institutions at the national and continental level as well as international partners. 

“Significantly, the project also mobilises technology transfer from China, which is indicative of our ability to build our industrial base in the country and in terms of our ability to ensure that we beneficiate material locally and we ensure that industrialisation happens at source,” said the Minister.

Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of the RBIDZ, Thabane Zulu said the facility is at a point where it is ready for implementation.

“We are at a point where we are ready to implement. Amongst others, the contract was signed for piling, which would be to prepare the infrastructure for the development to take place. So, for the next few months, you will see massive infrastructure investment, and the building of the actual plant that would be able to produce on this site,” said Zulu. 

The Nyanza Light metals project received direct support of R118 million from the dtic. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Targeting 250,000 bpd by 2030, First Exploration & Petroleum Development Company (First E&P) Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 as Diamond Sponsor

Source: APO

Nigerian independent First Exploration & Petroleum Development Company (First E&P) has joined African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 as a Diamond Sponsor, reinforcing its position as one of the continent’s leading indigenous operators at a time when Nigeria is working to restore oil output and scale gas as a driver of industrial growth.

The announcement comes as First E&P advances an ambitious growth strategy focused on expanding reserves, increasing production capacity and strengthening its regional footprint. This trajectory aligns closely with Nigeria’s broader energy agenda, which aims to stabilize production at 1.8 million bpd in 2026 and reach two million bpd over the medium term, while positioning gas as a central pillar of economic growth.

The company is targeting production of up to 250,000 bpd by 2030 through the optimization of existing assets, including the Anyala and Madu fields, alongside new exploration success and strategic acquisitions. Its portfolio – spanning PML 53, PML 54 and multiple prospecting licenses – has already supported output of nearly 60,000 bpd, underpinned by a track record of fast-track project delivery.

Exploration remains a key growth lever. In 2025, the company tripled its reserves through investments in both greenfield and marginal assets, including the Songhai field, where an estimated 2 tcf of gas was discovered.

At the same time, First E&P is integrating digital technologies into its operations. In February 2026, the company signed a memorandum of understanding with Digital Energy to deploy AI-driven solutions through the NexaHSE platform, aimed at improving operational efficiency, asset visibility and safety across its portfolio.

Beyond Nigeria, First E&P is expanding its regional presence. Its entry into Tanzania’s Mnazi Bay North Block, through a partnership with the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation, signals a strategic move into East Africa’s gas-rich basins while supporting regional energy access and clean cooking initiatives.

The company is also strengthening its position across the gas value chain. Plans are underway to establish a midstream and downstream gas business targeting more than 500 MMscf/d of processing and supply capacity by the end of 2026. Initial volumes are expected to be sourced from its PML 53 and PML 54 assets, supporting Nigeria’s gas-to-power strategy and creating new domestic and regional supply pathways.

“Africa’s energy future will increasingly be shaped by capable indigenous independents that can execute projects efficiently and unlock value across the value chain,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber. “First E&P’s exploration-led growth strategy and proven ability to deliver projects at speed position it as a key player in advancing energy security and industrial development in Nigeria and beyond.”

First E&P’s participation as a Diamond Sponsor at AEW 2026 comes at a pivotal moment for both the company and the broader energy sector. As indigenous operators take on a greater role in driving production and unlocking new resources, the event provides a platform to engage with policymakers, investors and industry stakeholders on new partnerships and project opportunities across Africa.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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From Artificial Intelligence (AI) to project profiles: ESI Africa has the stories to balance opinions

Source: APO

Private and public professionals deserve a clear view of where Africa’s power, water and infrastructure sectors are heading next, and the latest issue of ESI Africa (www.ESI-Africa.com) is where to start. It’s not a magazine to skim past, but to read thoroughly and return to.

At the heart of the magazine is a Cover Story on how AI powers the brain of infrastructure, unpacking the reality of this unfolding virtual intelligence. The piece addresses how Africa can balance digital acceleration with physical constraints and the risks emerging alongside the opportunities.

ESI Africa’s editor-in-chief, Nicolette Pombo-van Zyl, explains the risks: “On a daily basis, a typical 100MW hyperscale data centre needed to power AI can consume 6,500 homes’ water needs. And note that 55% of new data centres exceed 200MW. This makes the threat very real for everyone.”

It’s a sharp, thought-provoking anchor for the entire magazine.

From there, the articles widen the magazine’s lens across the continent in the Across the Map chapter. Readers will find deep dives into Ethiopia’s evolving energy mix, the continent’s ongoing struggle to meet SDG7 targets, Kenya’s renewable energy aspirations and the structural reforms reshaping electricity markets.

There’s also a grounded look at how commercial and industrial (C&I) players in South Africa are adapting to persistent power constraints—practical, real-world responses to a problem that continues to define the operating environment.

For those focused on unlocking capital, the Investment Mechanics section cuts through the noise. Infrastructure ambition is easy to talk about; financing it is far harder.

This issue of ESI Africa explores the three pillars needed to turn plans into bankable projects, the growing role of credit guarantees, and why local credit rating capacity could be a game-changer. Case studies, such as financing energy access in Uganda’s informal urban settlements, bring a necessary realism to the conversation.

Innovation is a constant theme, but the magazine treats it with a healthy dose of pragmatism. In Innovation in Action, the spotlight is on solutions that are already delivering impact.

From interoperability standards that protect grid investments to silicone coatings that reduce pollution-related outages, these are not abstract ideas—they are technologies and strategies being deployed now. Particularly compelling is the argument that governance, not just hardware, is the real intelligence behind “smart” grids.

Energy remains the backbone of the conversation, and Engines of Energy dives into the systems that will define the continent’s future mix. Whether it’s pumped storage hydropower stabilising grids, geothermal emerging from the niche to the mainstream, or the careful steps toward introducing nuclear, the section captures both the complexity and the inevitability of the transition.

“It’s a reminder that Africa’s energy story is not about a single solution, but a carefully balanced portfolio,” says Pombo-van Zyl.

Water, often underrepresented in infrastructure discussions, takes a well-deserved lead in The Water Agenda. The articles go beyond access and scarcity to explore user experience, financing resilience and the economics of reuse. There’s a definitive thread running through these pages that water is central to the energy sector.

And then there’s the practical side. This edition includes a comprehensive Show Guide to Enlit Africa 2026. From session overviews and exhibitor insights to navigation tips, it’s designed to help readers maximise their time and engagement at one of the sector’s most important gatherings.

Rounding it all off is the Elites Chapter, offering a glimpse into the people and projects shaping the industry’s direction. It’s both a reflection and a forward look—where leadership has been and where it’s heading.

What makes this issue stand out is its balance. It doesn’t lean too heavily into optimism or critique but rather presents a grounded, intelligent view of Africa’s narrative—full of opportunity, but constrained by real-world challenges.

Those who work in power, water, infrastructure finance or policy—or if decisions depend on understanding where these sectors intersect—this is essential reading.

Download the latest issue of ESI Africa and get a clearer picture of the forces shaping the continent’s infrastructure future. 

ESI Africa is the proud Host Media Partner of Enlit Africa: 19 – 21 May at the CTICC in Cape Town, South Africa: www.Enlit-Africa.com   

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

About ESI Africa: 
ESI Africa – Africa’s trusted power, energy, water and utility multimedia platform – is positioned as an impartial industry mouthpiece, delivering the latest technical developments and analysis in both print and digital formats since 1996.

The brand’s various routes to market are expertly primed to build a bridge between readers and solution providers as ESI Africa sifts through the daily noise and delivers the tale of Africa’s energy, power, utility and water transformation to the African and global market. https://apo-opa.co/3QRpqTK

About VUKA Group:
VUKA Group connects people and organisations across Africa’s energy, mining, mobility, green economy, and retail sectors through events, content, and strategic networking. Venture partners to The Global Trust Project and leaders of NPO Go Green Africa. www.WeAreVUKA.com

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From Hydrocarbons to Hyperscale: Oil and Gas Must Power Africa’s Data Center Boom

Source: APO

In April this year, Angola’s Ministry of Telecommunications, Information Technologies and Social Communication launched a national data center and government platform, marking a significant step in its digital transformation strategy. The facility is designed to enhance cybersecurity by localizing sensitive data, reduce operational costs across government systems and expand access to digital public services, while strengthening investor confidence and positioning the country as an emerging digital hub in southern Africa.

The move highlights a broader continental shift in which Africa’s oil and gas sector is increasingly supporting data center expansion by providing reliable power, capital investment and industrial infrastructure. This convergence between energy and digital systems will be a central theme at African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, taking place from October 12–16 in Cape Town, where a dedicated AI and Data Center Track will examine how energy resources can unlock scalable digital growth.

Angola’s rollout builds on a series of large-scale infrastructure investments aimed at strengthening connectivity and digital inclusion. Since launching the ANGOSAT-2 satellite in October 2022, the country has expanded its national fiber-optic backbone to approximately 22,000 km and enhanced international bandwidth through connections to submarine systems including 2Africa, WACS, SACS and SAT-3/WASC. Broadband coverage now exceeds 85% of the population, with roughly 17.7 million subscribers and mobile penetration approaching 75%, reflecting steady gains in digital adoption.

At the industrial level, the hydrocarbons sector is playing an increasingly central role in anchoring digital infrastructure. Angola’s state-owned Sonangol inaugurated a 920m2 corporate data center in Luanda on February 27, consolidating previously fragmented systems into a unified, high-security platform. The facility enables AI-driven applications such as reservoir simulation, predictive maintenance and emissions monitoring, allowing operators to optimize production efficiency while aligning with global standards for lower-carbon oil and gas development.

International energy companies are accelerating this shift by embedding advanced digital tools across offshore and onshore operations. Energy major ExxonMobil has deployed autonomous drones in Block 15, reducing inspection times by up to 60% while improving safety and continuity of production. Meanwhile, multinational energy corporation TotalEnergies is leveraging AI-enabled seismic processing and airborne methane detection technologies across Blocks 17 and 32, increasing data processing speeds by roughly 30% and improving environmental oversight.

Beyond upstream operations, private capital is scaling Africa’s data center footprint to meet rising enterprise and cloud demand. Data center operator and developer Raxio Group has commissioned Angola’s first Tier III facility through a $30 million investment, aimed at retaining data traffic locally and supporting hyperscale and enterprise clients. In Nigeria, MainOne launched the Lekki II data center in May 2025, reinforcing Lagos’ position as a premier digital infrastructure hub in West Africa. Meanwhile, in South Africa, TotalEnergies and data center operator Teraco are pioneering wheeling agreements by building a 120 MW solar plant in the Free State province to power facilities in Johannesburg.

These developments are unfolding alongside broader industrial expansion plans that link energy production director to digital growth. Aliko Dangote’s conglomerate is targeting $100 billion in annual revenue by 2030, backed by at least $40 billion in investment across sectors including gas, power and data centers. As demand for compute capacity rises, gas-to-power projects and integrated energy systems are expected to provide the stable electricity required to sustain large-scale digital infrastructure.

As Africa’s digital economy expands, the intersection of hydrocarbons, power generation and data infrastructure are becoming increasingly strategic, particularly in markets where grid stability remains a constraint. Through the AI and Data Center track, AEW 2026 is expected to position this energy-digital nexus as a cornerstone of future investment. The AI- and data center-focused track is further expected to highlight how oil and gas resources can support AI deployment, strengthen data sovereignty and accelerate the continent’s transition toward a more connected, technology-driven economic model.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Nigeria’s Upstream Reform Program Captures 40% of Africa’s Final Investment Decision (FID) Activity After a Decade on the Margins

Source: APO


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Nigeria has gone from capturing 4% of Africa’s upstream final investment decisions (FIDs) to commanding 40% in two years, according to Nigeria’s Energy Sector Reforms 2023-2026: A Three-Year Review, published by the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Energy and spearheaded by Special Adviser Olu Verheijen. The $50 billion project pipeline now in development beyond 2026 points to sustained capital commitment at a scale not seen in the Nigerian upstream for at least a decade.

Between 2014 and 2023, Nigeria was among the continent’s weakest performers for upstream FIDs despite holding 37.5 billion barrels of proven oil reserves, the second-largest endowment in Africa. Algeria captured 44% of African upstream FIDs during that period, Angola held 26%, while Nigeria trailed Mozambique, Ghana, Senegal and Namibia. In the third quarter of 2022, crude production briefly dropped below one million barrels per day, as years of underinvestment, pipeline vandalism and regulatory ambiguity compounded each other. However, reforms instituted by Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu have dramatically turned this trend around. Through deliberate and coordinated steps, the government has reset the trajectory. 

Addressing Fiscal Terms, Regulatory Scope and Contracting Speed

President Bola Tinubu’s administration moved simultaneously on fiscal terms and regulatory architecture. Policy directives in 2023 clarified the boundary of jurisdiction between the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), resolving an ambiguity that had complicated project sanctioning. Presidential Directive 40 introduced targeted tax incentives, and a separate Notice of Tax Incentives for Deep Offshore Production in 2024 was designed to draw international oil companies (IOCs) back into capital-intensive, long-cycle deepwater projects. The VAT Modification Order 2024 and Upstream Cost Efficiency Order 2025 addressed the cost structures that had rendered marginal projects uneconomic. NNPCL contracting timelines were compressed from 36 months to a maximum of six months.

Four Divestments Transferred Onshore Control to Indigenous Operators

In parallel, the administration deployed targeted security directives and accelerated ministerial consents for four IOC asset transfers. Renaissance acquired Shell’s onshore portfolio. Seplat Energy completed its acquisition of ExxonMobil’s Nigerian upstream interests. Oando took over from Agip, and Chappal acquired Equinor’s local assets. The four transactions totaled approximately $4 billion. The transfer of onshore and shallow-water blocks to indigenous operators contributed directly to production recovery. Output rose by approximately 400,000 barrels per day between 2023 and 2025 to reach 1.6 million barrels per day, the highest onshore production level in 20 years.

Signed Projects Total $10 Billion, With a $50 Billion Pipeline Beyond

The reforms produced a concrete FID response from Shell and TotalEnergies. Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) sanctioned the $5 billion Bonga North deepwater development in December 2024 and committed a further $2 billion to the HI Non-Associated Gas (NAG) project. TotalEnergies and NNPCL took a joint FID on the $550 million Ubeta gas field development in June 2024.

Together those three commitments account for more than $10 billion in signed investment after a decade of near-zero sanctioning activity. The pipeline beyond 2026 spans a further $50 billion across 11 projects including Bonga South West, Owowo, Usan and Erha. Nigeria approved 28 field development plans valued at $18.2 billion in 2025 alone, targeting an estimated 1.4 billion barrels of reserves.

“When a government rebuilds fiscal competitiveness and regulatory predictability at the same time, capital responds,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber. “Nigeria has done both, and the FID numbers are concrete proof.”

The Counterfactual Illustrates How Much Was at Stake

The presentation includes a no-reform projection that puts the gains in context. Without intervention, total crude and condensate production was on track to fall from 1.371 million barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2022 to 579,000 by 2030. Under the reform trajectory, output reached 1.77 million barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2026, with a stated government target of 3 million barrels per day. Export gas utilization rose 39% over the same period, while domestic utilization grew by 7%.

The durability of these gains will be tested by two factors: whether the institutional architecture put in place under the Tinubu administration holds over the long term, and whether the deepwater commitments signed in 2024 and 2025 advance to execution on schedule. The project pipeline is large enough that partial delivery would still represent a generational shift in Nigeria’s upstream output profile.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Enlit Africa 2026 to spotlight Africa’s nuclear execution pathway, from Koeberg life extension to new build readiness

Source: APO

Enlit Africa has announced dedicated nuclear-focused content within its 2026 conference programme, positioning nuclear not as a theoretical debate but as an execution topic centred on addressing delivery constraints, readiness and real-world decision-making. The event takes place on 19–21 May 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre in Cape Town, South Africa.

As countries and utilities balance energy security, affordability and decarbonisation goals, nuclear is increasingly being evaluated through the lens of implementation: life extension, supply chain capability, regulatory readiness, skills and grid integration. Enlit Africa’s nuclear programme coverage is designed to bring together utilities, regulators, policymakers, technology providers and financing stakeholders to engage on these practical enablers.

Nuclear programme coverage will include:

Koeberg life extension as an execution case study: lessons on planning, delivery and operational readiness for life extension programmes

New build readiness and procurement realities: a focus on the governance, sequencing and decision frameworks required to move from intention to delivery

Grid integration and system planning: discussions on how nuclear fits within wider system reliability, transmission planning and long-term capacity strategies

Supply chain, localisation and skills: what it takes to build durable delivery capability beyond individual projects

“The conversation is shifting from whether nuclear is part of the mix to what it would take to deliver it responsibly and successfully,” said Claire Volkwyn, Head of Content, Power, Energy and Water, VUKA Group. “We are structuring this content around execution: readiness, regulation, supply chain, skills and system integration.”

Enlit Africa, created by VUKA Group, forms part of a broader delivery-focused agenda spanning power and water infrastructure. The full programme is available online.

Download the full programme: https://apo-opa.co/4tTRDYB

Register: https://apo-opa.co/4nggi77

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

About Enlit Africa:
Enlit Africa convenes stakeholders across the power sector value chain to address the commercial and operational realities of delivery, bringing together leaders across finance, utilities, government, industry and technology to accelerate bankable investment, system readiness and measurable outcomes. https://apo-opa.co/4de7o5q

About VUKA Group:
VUKA Group connects people and organisations across Africa’s energy, mining, mobility, green economy, and retail sectors through events, content, and strategic networking. Venture partners to The Global Trust Project and leaders of NPO Go Green Africa.  www.WeAreVUKA.com        

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