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Investors Look to Paris to Gauge Africa’s 2026 Energy Pipeline

Source: APO – Report:

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As global energy investment becomes more selective, capital is concentrating on African markets that combine near-term project delivery, regulatory momentum and credible financing pathways. The confirmation of energy ministers from Senegal, Nigeria, Zambia and Djibouti at the Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2026 Forum in Paris highlights markets where governments are actively engaging investors to advance priority projects.

Senegal: From Exploration to Project Delivery

In Senegal, attention has shifted from exploration success to project delivery and commercial structuring. First oil from the Sangomar field, operated by Woodside, marked the country’s entry into the producer ranks, while the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG project, led by bp and Kosmos Energy, continues to anchor gas export ambitions.

Phase 2 expansion discussions remain a focal point for investors assessing long-term LNG supply potential and capital requirements. Minister of Energy, Petroleum & Mines Birame Soulèye Diop has emphasized streamlining gas sales frameworks and clarifying domestic allocation – critical for investors balancing export revenues with local power and industrial demand.

Nigeria: Scale Meets Infrastructure Momentum

Nigeria’s investment case is defined by scale and long-awaited infrastructure progress. Its vast gas reserves have historically been under-monetized, but pipeline milestones now signal tangible momentum. The 614-km Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano gas pipeline, a $2.8 billion project, has completed its main line and is moving toward commissioning in 2026, capable of delivering up to 2 billion cubic feet per day of gas to northern industrial and power markets.

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) Dr. Ekperikpe Ekpo has consistently framed gas infrastructure expansion, pricing reform and domestic offtake development as central to Nigeria’s economic strategy, providing investors with clearer signals on where government support and policy continuity are strongest.

Zambia: Diversification for Energy Security

Zambia’s energy landscape is being reshaped by repeated droughts, which have exposed vulnerabilities in its hydro-dominated power system. This has accelerated the push toward diversification, creating opportunities for private investment in thermal generation, gas-fired power, renewables and regional power trade through the Southern African Power Pool.

Minister of Energy Makozo Chikote has highlighted the urgency of attracting private capital into generation and transmission infrastructure, aligning policy priorities with investor demand for bankable projects backed by credible offtake agreements and regional demand growth.

Djibouti: Infrastructure-Led, Regionally Focused

Djibouti offers a more targeted investment case. Positioned at a strategic crossroads in the Horn of Africa, its energy strategy prioritizes enabling regional power flows rather than large-scale domestic consumption. Geothermal developments, such as the Assal field, and cross-border power interconnections with Ethiopia position Djibouti as a regional transit and services hub.

Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Yonis Ali Guedi has highlighted energy security and export-oriented infrastructure as pillars of national development, appealing to investors seeking stable, long-term returns supported by multilateral finance and regional integration.

The IAE Forum returns to Paris on April 22–23, 2026, at a moment when governments and investors are increasingly focused on execution. By connecting energy ministers with banks, DFIs, project developers and institutional investors, the forum offers a practical setting to assess project readiness, financing structures and policy alignment across multiple markets. For investors navigating a more disciplined capital environment, IAE 2026 provides direct access to the decision-makers shaping near-term opportunities – bridging the gap between project ambition and capital deployment ahead of African Energy Week later in the year.

– on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

About Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2026:
IAE 2026 (http://apo-opa.co/4kmOxbF) is an exclusive forum designed to connect African energy markets with global investors, serving as a key platform for deal-making in the lead-up to African Energy Week. Scheduled for April 22–23, 2026, in Paris, the event will provide delegates with two days of in-depth engagement with industry experts, project developers, investors and policymakers. For more information, visit www.Invest-Africa-Energy.com. To sponsor or register as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com

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President Ramaphosa hails SARS as “engine room of the state”

Source: Government of South Africa

President Ramaphosa hails SARS as “engine room of the state”

President Cyril Ramaphosa has praised the South African Revenue Service (SARS) as a cornerstone of the country’s democratic and economic development, describing the institution as “the engine room of the South African state”.

The President was speaking on Thursday during an oversight visit to the SARS National Command Centre in Brooklyn, Pretoria, where he was briefed on the organisation’s operations and ongoing modernisation initiatives.

“It is an honour and privilege to be here at the SARS National Command Centre, which is the engine room of the South African state,” President Ramaphosa said.

He emphasised the unique role SARS plays in building a capable state and sustaining democracy, noting that the institution has been central to funding public services, infrastructure development and inclusive economic growth.

“The South African Revenue Service occupies a unique and critical role in the life of our nation; it is at the heart of our efforts to build a capable state,” the President said.

By strengthening compliance, the President said SARS ensures that government has sufficient, predictable resources for the delivery of public services, to invest in infrastructure to better the lives of the people, and to drive inclusive growth.

President Ramaphosa highlighted SARS’ contribution since its establishment in 1997, noting that the institution has collected more than R23 trillion in tax revenue over nearly three decades.

“SARS is a creation of our democracy. And for nearly 30 years, it has sustained our democracy,” he said.

He commended SARS for embracing innovation, saying that by harnessing new technologies and better understanding taxpayers, the organisation has positioned itself at the forefront of global best practice in tax administration.

“This organisation stands as a shining example of global tax collection best practice. It is one of the most effective, best run and trusted state institutions in our country,” the President said.

President Ramaphosa noted that public trust in SARS has grown significantly in recent years, increasing from 48 percent to 75 percent in just five years. He added that improvements in business and investor confidence are linked to the work of the revenue service.

“The regulatory environment is a key consideration for investors looking to bring their business to our country. They seek certainty in tax policy and honesty and efficiency in tax administration,” he said.

The President linked SARS’ performance to South Africa’s first sovereign credit rating upgrade in nearly two decades, noting that strong value-added tax and corporate income tax receipts were among the factors cited by S&P.

He further acknowledged SARS’ role in the multidisciplinary efforts that led to South Africa’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force grey list in October last year.

Reflecting on the institution’s past challenges, President Ramaphosa said SARS, like other key state institutions, had been severely affected during the era of state capture.

“Like a number of other key state institutions, SARS was severely impacted by the state capture era, with political meddling, mismanagement and corruption hampering its efficiency,” he said.

He commended the organisation for implementing the recommendations of the Nugent Commission of Inquiry and for its ongoing transformation.

“Eight years later, the majority of the recommendations have been implemented as the organisation continues along its transformative journey to become ‘a smart, modern SARS with unquestionable integrity that is trusted and admired’,” the President said.

While acknowledging early signs of economic recovery, President Ramaphosa said revenue collection remains challenging amid slow growth and rising living costs. He stressed the importance of SARS in supporting the priorities of the Government of National Unity.

“We need to have the fiscal space to drive inclusive economic growth and job creation, reduce poverty and tackle the high cost of living, and build a capable, ethical developmental state,” he said.

The President welcomed the launch of Project AmaBillions, a SARS initiative aimed at recovering an estimated R300 billion in legally due outstanding taxes and reiterated the institution’s role in combating corruption and illicit economic activity.

“Through lifestyle audits, enforcement actions directed at the illicit economy and other efforts, SARS is playing a leading role in this fight,” he said.

President Ramaphosa expressed appreciation to SARS staff across the country, acknowledging the difficulty and pressure associated with enforcing tax compliance.

“Thank you for doing what is one of the state’s most difficult jobs: enforcing tax compliance and taking tough decisions with fairness and integrity, often under immense pressure and criticism,” he said.

He also thanked partner institutions within the compliance and enforcement ecosystem, including the Financial Intelligence Centre, the South African Police Service, the National Prosecuting Authority and the Special Investigating Unit, as well as financial institutions and data providers.

In concluding his address, President Ramaphosa paid tribute to SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter for his leadership since 2019.

“Your leadership has been vital to restoring the credibility and integrity of this critical South African institution.

“You leave an organisation that is much more cohesive, efficient, capable and trusted than when you took office. The real measure of your contribution is not how much revenue SARS collected during your tenure, but by how well prepared it is for a challenging future,” he said.

President Ramaphosa said he was impressed by the visit and confident in SARS’ continued progress. – SAnews.gov.za

 

DikelediM

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Safety directive issued to Senteeko Dam owner

Source: Government of South Africa

Safety directive issued to Senteeko Dam owner

The Department of Water and Sanitation has issued a dam safety directive to address serious and ongoing safety risks at My Own Dam, publicly known as Senteeko Dam, in Mpumalanga.

The directive, issued in terms of Section 118 of the National Water Act, was served on the dam owner, Shamile Communal Property Association (CPA), on Tuesday, 3 February 2025.

It compels the owner to take immediate, time-bound action to stabilise the dam and prevent further deterioration in order to protect lives, livelihoods and property downstream.

This intervention follows a series of technical assessments which confirmed that the dam is still in a compromised and partially failed condition, and that without urgent remedial action, further deterioration is likely to continue.

As outlined in the directive, these conditions pose an unacceptable level of risk that cannot be adequately managed through monitoring alone.

The department said it is acting decisively to ensure that the dam owner fulfils their legal obligation to maintain the dam in a safe condition.

The department warned that continued deterioration of the dam presents a direct threat to downstream farming communities, including the risk of loss of life and damage to homes, agricultural land and infrastructure.

“These risks are heightened during periods of rainfall and cannot be ignored or deferred. The department is clear that the risk associated with the Senteeko Dam has not yet been averted, and regulatory enforcement will remain in place until that risk is meaningfully reduced,” it said in a statement on Wednesday.

Engineers have consciously avoided lowering water levels too rapidly, as a sudden drawdown could trigger further structural failure of the already compromised dam wall.

To address the prevailing risk, the dam owner’s Appointed Professional Engineer (APP) has been instructed to urgently assess the dam’s condition and determine the remedial measures required to prevent further deterioration and reduce the risk of failure.

“These determinations must be completed within seven days from the date of the directive and submitted to the department’s Dam Safety Office for review and approval. Once the proposed measures are approved, the department will require the dam owner to immediately commence urgent repair works, including the appointment of a competent and suitably qualified contractor.

“All repair works must be carried out [with] the supervision of the APP and continue until the department is satisfied that the dam no longer poses an unacceptable risk to downstream communities.”

The department said all required engineering designs and technical submissions must be received on or before 13 February 2026, in strict accordance with the timelines set out in the directive.

“Failure to comply with these instructions will result in further enforcement action, as provided for by the law.”

The department said it would prioritise all necessary regulatory approvals to ensure corrective work proceeds without delay, adding that protecting human life, property and livelihoods downstream of the Senteeko Dam remains its foremost concern.

The department will continue to closely monitor the situation and provide updates as developments occur.

 – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

GabiK

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NSFAS makes progress in clearing backlogs

Source: Government of South Africa

NSFAS makes progress in clearing backlogs

National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) Acting CEO, Wassem Carrim, on Thursday highlighted steady progress made by the student funding body in clearing backlogs and expanding access to funding for eligible students.

Carrim highlighted that more than 180 000 outstanding documents that were submitted to NSFAS, led to an additional 50 000 funding approvals, prior to the closing of the registration cycle.

The processing covers first-time entering students, returning university students and continuing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college students.

As a developmental fund that recognises South Africa’s complex social realities, NSFAS allows applicants with outstanding documentation an opportunity to resubmit, a process that has yielded significant results.

Carrim said teams have been working around the clock to address outstanding documents; an effort which has directly contributed to the approval of an additional 50 000 students for funding before the close of the registration cycle.

However, he noted that some students continue to upload incorrect, incomplete, or unclear documents, which creates a feedback loop between outstanding documents and NSFAS’s ability to consider the applications.

“NSFAS encourages students to send clear, correct copies of documents requested,” Carrim said.

One of the sticky points in outstanding documents related to the consent form, which is used to obtain permission from an applicant’s parent or guardian to verify household income through third-party data sources.

The consent form is used to obtain income data and has specific requirements from which information is compulsory for NSFAS to obtain from the parent(s) or guardian(s) for them to deem the form valid.

The Acting CEO explained that applications are often delayed when consent forms are incomplete, unsigned, undated, or incorrectly completed.

Common issues include forms being signed by students instead of parents, missing dates, incomplete mandatory fields, or cases where consent is provided for only one parent when both parents are identified through Home Affairs records.

In instances where a different individual is listed on the application, Carrim said a declaration form is required to explain the relationship, and this individual must also complete and sign the consent form.

“NSFAS has to verify income, and this also then leads to the requirement of a declaration form if the individual the applicant is including is not the parent at Home Affairs. The relationship must be explained,” Carrim said.

Over 660 000 students approved for funding

On the overall funding outcomes for the 2026 application cycle, NSFAS has approved 660 039 applications for student funding, while 85 662 applications are currently in the process of verification, where outstanding documents have already been submitted.

A total of 116 266 applications have been rejected for not meeting eligibility criteria, while 21 483 applications still have outstanding documents.

In addition, 13 052 loan applicants have been offered bursaries after meeting the qualifying criteria.

For continuing university students, 436 924 students met the academic progression criteria, while 109 761 did not. A further 4 945 students have outstanding results.

“Outstanding results may be due to supplementary examinations. Institutions are encouraged to upload these results so students may have clarity on their funding statuses,” Carrim said.

The results for continuing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) student results were received from 15 January 2026 and processed within seven days of receipt.

Of the 210 989 continuing TVET students, 127 503 met the academic progression criteria, 79 461 did not, and 4 025 cases remain under review.

Over 26 000 loan applications received

Carrim also gave an update on loan applications, confirming that 26 538 loan applications were received.

Of these, 4 609 were converted to bursaries after meeting qualifying criteria; 1 561 loans were approved, while 20 368 applications did not meet academic or financial eligibility requirements. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK

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Minister Tau on a working visit to China

Source: Government of South Africa

Minister Tau on a working visit to China

Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau has undertaken a working visit to China.

The trip ,which started today and ends on Saturday, comes at a time when South Africa is pursuing an objective of market diversification and export growth. 

The purpose of the trip is to sign the China-Africa Economic Partnership Agreement (CAEPA), which will see South African exports getting duty free access to the Chinese Market and attract investment into South Africa.

Tau will also take the opportunity to meet with various Chinese companies that have an interest in investing in South Africa.

China has been South Africa’s major trading partner for more than 15 years. 

“South Africa and China have a strong bilateral relationship that has been elevated to an all-round strategic cooperative partnership as formalised during President Cyril Ramaphosa’s official visit to China in September 2024,” the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition said in a statement. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin

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Upstream Petroleum Unit Joins Namibia International Energy Conference (NIEC) 2026 Amid Namibia’s Drive for First Oil

Source: APO


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Namibia’s newly established Upstream Petroleum Unit (UPU) – operating directly under the Presidency – has confirmed its participation at the 8th Namibia International Energy Conference (NIEC), taking place from April14-16, 2026, in Windhoek. As Namibia edges closer to first oil, the Petroleum Unit’s involvement signals the government’s commitment to shaping upstream policy, fostering investment and promoting partnership between regulators and industry.

The UPU, led by Kornelia Shilunga, Special Advisory and Head, and Carlo McLeod, Special Advisor and Deputy Head, is responsible for overseeing the country’s upstream petroleum sector. Established within the Presidency, the Unit develops regulatory frameworks, monitors compliance and ensures Namibia’s oil and gas policies create an enabling, investor-friendly environment. Its presence at NIEC 2026 will allow the Unit to engage directly with international and local stakeholders, highlight Namibia’s regulatory and governance priorities and discuss strategies for sustainable upstream development.

Now in its 8th edition, NIEC has established itself as Namibia’s premier energy platform. The conference convenes policymakers, investors, regulators, service providers, financial institutions, innovators and civil society, providing a forum to discuss developments across oil, gas, renewables, nuclear and power generation. For the UPU, NIEC 2026 offers a unique venue to present the government’s upstream priorities in the context of Namibia’s broader energy transition, including first oil production targeted for 2029.

Namibia’s upstream sector is currently experiencing significant momentum. TotalEnergies is preparing a final investment decision for its Venus project in 2026, while new discoveries by Rhino Resources and Galp Energia are attracting investor interest. New players have either entered the market or consolidated their portfolios in recent years. Oregen Energy increased its ownership in WestOil Limited, granting the company a 33.95% indirect interest in Block 2712A; Eco (Atlantic) secured the PEL 97, 98, 99 and 100 licenses; while Stamper Oil & Gas Corp acquired BISP Exploration Inc., gaining access to five oil and gas blocks in the Orange, Walvis and Lüderitz basins.

At the same time, Namibia is investing in renewables, green hydrogen, nuclear and grid expansion, demonstrating a holistic approach to energy security and diversification. The UPU’s participation ensures that upstream petroleum development remains aligned with these wider national objectives.

Over the years, NIEC has evolved from a platform for dialogue into a strategic hub for investment and partnership. With over 2,500 delegates expected from more than 45 countries, 400 speakers and participation from more than 1,500 companies, the conference provides the UPU with a high-profile stage to engage key stakeholders. The conference also emphasizes in-country value creation, local skills development and youth engagement through initiatives such as the Future Energy Leaders Program and internship opportunities.

“Namibia is at a pivotal moment in its energy journey,” says Selma Shimutwikeni, Founder and CEO of RichAfrica Consultancy. “The active participation of the Upstream Petroleum Unit at NIEC 2026 underscores the country’s commitment to creating a transparent, investment-ready upstream sector. This engagement will not only attract global investors but also ensure that Namibia’s first oil ambitions are achieved responsibly, sustainably and with maximum in-country value.”

By participating in NIEC 2026, the UPU reinforces the government’s focus on building a strong, well-regulated upstream sector capable of supporting Namibia’s first oil ambitions while attracting sustainable investment. The Unit’s active engagement at the conference will play a key role in ensuring that Namibia’s upstream petroleum sector grows responsibly, transparently and in alignment with the country’s energy transition goals.

The African Energy Chamber serves as the strategic partner of NIEC 2026, working alongside government and industry to advance investment, local content and responsible energy development in Namibia.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Receive Phone Call from Iranian Foreign Minister

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, February 4, 2026

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, received a phone call on Wednesday from HE Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran Dr. Abbas Araqchi.

During the call, they discussed the ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region.

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs reiterated the State of Qatar’s support for all efforts aimed at reducing tensions and achieving peaceful solutions that enhance security and stability in the region.

His Excellency also stressed the need for concerted efforts to spare the peoples of the region the consequences of escalation and to continue coordination with brotherly and friendly countries to overcome differences through diplomatic means.

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South Africa and Afreximbank: A Historic Agreement

Source: APO – Report:

Africa24 Group (https://Africa24TV.com/) invites viewers to relive, in full replay on Africa24 and Africa24 English, the official historic ceremony marking the Republic of South Africa’s accession to the Establishment Agreement of Afreximbank (African Export-Import Bank), the continent’s leading multilateral financial institution.

The complete ceremony replay is available here (https://apo-opa.co/4kiFsR7)

With this landmark signature, Africa’s largest economy becomes the 54th member state of the Bank, cementing a major strategic partnership and ushering in a new era of pan-African financial and trade cooperation. This accession reflects a shared commitment to strengthening Africa’s economic sovereignty and accelerating continental integration.

Dr. George Elombi, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, described the accession as a “decisive step toward uniting around the continent’s economic interests.”

South African President H.E. Cyril Ramaphosa stated: “South Africa’s accession to Afreximbank confirms our commitment to advancing African industrial development and deepening trade, investment, and development across the continent.”

Afreximbank Announces USD 8 Billion Country Programme

To operationalize this partnership immediately, Afreximbank will deploy an USD 8 billion Country Programme in South Africa aimed at:

  • Stimulating industrial development
  • Strengthening regional supply chains
  • Expanding intra-African trade
  • Increasing continental investment flows

Aligned with South Africa’s National Development Plan 2030, the programme targets strategic sectors including healthcare, financial services, manufacturing, energy, and mining.

Watch the Ceremony Replay

Africa24 and Africa24 English invite audiences to watch the full official ceremony and key addresses in replay across all platforms:

  • AFRICA24 TV (French – Channel 249 on Canal+ Africa)
  • AFRICA24 English (Channel 254 on Canal+ Africa)
  • myAfrica24, the continent’s leading HD streaming platform
  • https://Africa24TV.com/

Through this special broadcast, Africa24 Group reaffirms its commitment to covering Africa’s major milestones in economic integration and transformation.

Africa24 Group – Together, transforming Africa.

– on behalf of AFRICA24 Group.

Press Contact:
Communication Department – Africa24 Group
Gaëlle Stella Oyono
Email: onana@africa24tv.com
Tel/WhatsApp: +237 691 30 03 40
https://Africa24TV.com/

ABOUT AFRICA24 GROUP:
Founded in 2009, Africa24 Group is the continent’s leading television and digital media network, operating four full HD channels distributed across major global platforms. A trusted reference among decision-makers and executives, Africa24 in French and Africa24 English are pioneers and leaders in African news broadcasting.

Africa24 has expanded its leadership into sports with Africa24 Sport, the continent’s first dedicated sports news channel, and into creative industries with Africa24 Infinity, a channel dedicated to showcasing Africa’s creative talent in music, arts, culture, fashion, and design.

As the continent’s leading audiovisual brand, Africa24 Group operates four full HD television channels, each a leader in its segment:

  • AFRICA24 TV: Leading African news channel in French
  • AFRICA24 English: Leading African news channel in English
  • AFRICA24 Infinity: Channel dedicated to creative industries
  • AFRICA24 Sport: First African sports news and competitions channel

Africa24 Group also operates myAfrica24 (available on Google Play and the App Store), the first global HD streaming platform dedicated to Africa, accessible on television, tablet, smartphone, and computers. More than 120 million households worldwide have access to Africa24 channels through major operators including Canal+, Bouygues, Orange, Bell, and others, with over 8 million digital and social media subscribers.

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From Stalled Talks to Breakthroughs: Yoyo-Yolanda Signals New Chapter for the Gulf of Guinea

Source: APO – Report:

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Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea have signed a unitization agreement to jointly develop the cross-border Yoyo-Yolanda gas fields, marking a decisive step toward accelerating long-delayed gas monetization in the Gulf of Guinea. Forming part of the broader Gas Mega Hub (GMH) – an initiative led by Equatorial Guinea to monetize stranded gas reserves – the agreement strengthens cross-border cooperation at a time when the GMH is showing signs of resurgence.  

As the voice of the African energy sector, the African Energy Chamber (AEC) strongly supports the milestone, recognizing it as a clear signal that both countries are moving swiftly from negotiation to execution. As the project advances, the Chamber has called for sustained urgency, streamlined approvals and coordinated infrastructure development to maintain investor confidence and unlock the full economic potential of the Yoyo-Yolanda project.

Clear Signal to Investors: Execution, Urgency and Infrastructure First

Containing 2.5 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of natural gas reserves, the Yoyo-Yolanda project is an integral part of the GMH, monetizing gas resources across two strategic fields. Operators Noble Energy Cameroon and Noble Energy Equatorial Guinea – both Chevron companies – have reaffirmed their full commitment to the project. Jim Swartz, Chairman and Managing Director of Chevron Nigeria and the Mid-Africa Region, highlighted that the project is central to Chevron’s strategy of supporting long-term LNG supply and leveraging existing infrastructure at Alen and Punta Europa.

For the AEC, the agreement sends a strong signal to global investors that Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea are aligned, bankable and serious about accelerating gas development. The Chamber has called on both governments to fast-track final investment decisions, engineering and infrastructure rollout, while implementing targeted policies and incentives to maintain momentum.

The AEC has also urged Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea to draw on proven best practices from successful cross-border gas developments, including the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim project between Senegal and Mauritania, as well as earlier Gas Mega Hub agreements involving Nigeria and Cameroon, to reduce execution risk and shorten time-to-market.

“The Chamber celebrates the agreement to unify Yoyo-Yolanda. There is a tight window to monetize Africa’s gas resources before global market dynamics shift – delaying is not an option. Governments must eliminate red tape, accelerate execution, and leverage existing infrastructure to maintain investor confidence,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.

Gas Mega Hub Strategy Gains Momentum

For Equatorial Guinea, Yoyo-Yolanda is a cornerstone of the country’s GMH strategy, aimed at positioning the nation as a regional gas processing and monetization hub. The project reinforces Equatorial Guinea’s drive to commercialize its 1.5 tcf of domestic gas reserves to support energy security, industrialization and export growth.

Momentum behind the GMH has continued into 2026. Most recently, national oil company GEPetrol increased its participating interest in the Aseng gas project from 5% to 32.55%, following the signing of a Heads of Agreement with Chevron to finance the stake increase. The transaction strengthens national participation in upstream gas assets while accelerating feedstock availability for the Punta Europa LNG complex, reinforcing the GMH’s infrastructure-led approach to fast-tracking gas monetization.

This followed a letter of intent signed in 2023 by Noble Energy to supply gas from the onshore Aseng field. More recently, production sharing contracts signed with Panoro Energy and Africa Oil Corporation further underscore Equatorial Guinea’s commitment to scaling gas production and ensuring long-term throughput for the GMH.

For Cameroon, the Yoyo-Yolanda project supports the country’s 2035 universal energy access goals, including expanding access to LPG, biogas and electricity, while boosting export revenues. Beyond energy revenues, Yoyo-Yolanda is expected to catalyze broader socio-economic benefits. Accelerated development will expand local content participation, strengthen workforce development and act as a door opener for new exploration campaigns across the Gulf of Guinea, reinforcing the region’s position as an emerging gas investment frontier.

Turning Stalled Projects into Executable Developments

With Yoyo-Yolanda now unified, the focus shifts to execution. There is a narrow window to monetize gas resources before global market dynamics evolve, making speed and coordination essential. Fast-tracked approvals, streamlined cross-border processes and decisive project management will be critical to maintaining momentum and investor confidence.

Leveraging existing regional infrastructure will be equally important. By utilizing established processing and export facilities such as Punta Europa, Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon can lower operating costs, shorten development timelines and accelerate gas to market. For investors, rapid progress on Yoyo-Yolanda will send a clear signal that both countries are aligned, commercially focused and open for business.

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Concern over Senteeko Dam safety risks

Source: Government of South Africa

Concern over Senteeko Dam safety risks

The Department of Water and Sanitation has issued a dam safety directive to address serious and ongoing safety risks at My Own Dam, publicly known as Senteeko Dam, in Mpumalanga.

The directive, issued in terms of Section 118 of the National Water Act, was served on the dam owner, Shamile Communal Property Association (CPA), on Tuesday, 3 February 2025.

It compels the owner to take immediate, time-bound action to stabilise the dam and prevent further deterioration in order to protect lives, livelihoods and property downstream.

This intervention follows a series of technical assessments which confirmed that the dam is still in a compromised and partially failed condition, and that without urgent remedial action, further deterioration is likely to continue.

As outlined in the directive, these conditions pose an unacceptable level of risk that cannot be adequately managed through monitoring alone.

The department said it is acting decisively to ensure that the dam owner fulfils their legal obligation to maintain the dam in a safe condition.

The department warned that continued deterioration of the dam presents a direct threat to downstream farming communities, including the risk of loss of life and damage to homes, agricultural land and infrastructure.

“These risks are heightened during periods of rainfall and cannot be ignored or deferred. The department is clear that the risk associated with the Senteeko Dam has not yet been averted, and regulatory enforcement will remain in place until that risk is meaningfully reduced,” it said in a statement on Wednesday.

Engineers have consciously avoided lowering water levels too rapidly, as a sudden drawdown could trigger further structural failure of the already compromised dam wall.

To address the prevailing risk, the dam owner’s Appointed Professional Engineer (APP) has been instructed to urgently assess the dam’s condition and determine the remedial measures required to prevent further deterioration and reduce the risk of failure.

“These determinations must be completed within seven days from the date of the directive and submitted to the department’s Dam Safety Office for review and approval. Once the proposed measures are approved, the department will require the dam owner to immediately commence urgent repair works, including the appointment of a competent and suitably qualified contractor.

“All repair works must be carried out [with] the supervision of the APP and continue until the department is satisfied that the dam no longer poses an unacceptable risk to downstream communities.”

The department said all required engineering designs and technical submissions must be received on or before 13 February 2026, in strict accordance with the timelines set out in the directive.

“Failure to comply with these instructions will result in further enforcement action, as provided for by the law.”

The department said it would prioritise all necessary regulatory approvals to ensure corrective work proceeds without delay, adding that protecting human life, property and livelihoods downstream of the Senteeko Dam remains its foremost concern.

The department will continue to closely monitor the situation and provide updates as developments occur. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

GabiK

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