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Kigali to host landmark Africa water leadership symposium

Source: Government of South Africa

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) Africa Hub has announced its commitment to co-convene a landmark leadership symposium aimed at addressing systemic challenges that hinder African countries from unlocking the bottom and middle tiers of the Africa Water Investment Programme (AIP) investment pyramid.

The commitment was made at the African Union (AU)–AIP Water Summit, where leaders and governments announced investment pledges and commitments on Friday.

Speaking on the closing day of the summit, IRC Africa Hub Director Juste Nansi said the Africa All Systems Leadership Symposium, scheduled to take place in Kigali, Rwanda, from 13 – 17 July 2026, will serve as a direct follow-up to the Africa Water Investment Summit, which kicked off on 13 August in Cape Town.

“The symposium will be jointly convened by the AU-AIP, bringing together the highest level of continental political leadership; the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW), providing its ministerial mandate and continental sector stewardship, and the IRC Africa Hub, contributing technical, system and facilitation expertise,” Nansi explained.

According to the African Union Development Agency, the AIP’s Pyramid of Water Investment Transformation is a strategic model that identifies potential sources of finance aimed at helping Africa to reach its ambitious annual investment target by 2030.

Nansi said the symposium will be organised under the authority of the government of South Africa, which chaired the current summit, and the government of Rwanda, as the intended host of the symposium.

“Their confirmed engagement will be instrumental in ensuring both political momentum and operational success.”

Nansi recalled the remarks by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the AU-AIP Water Summit opening on Wednesday, where he underscored the need to “transform water from a crisis sector into an opportunity sector”.

“This message was echoed by financing institutions throughout the summit, who stressed that the challenge is not a lack of available funds, but a lack of trust from financiers in the water sector,” Nansi said.

READ | Business leaders push for partnerships to tackle water investment gap

The Kigali Symposium will respond directly to these messages and will focus on the systemic reforms, transformation agendas, programmes, and projects needed to build trust and unlock financing opportunities for infrastructure across the continent.

“This unique platform will translate political ambition into operational reform pathways. Over five days, it will bring together Heads of State, Ministers, parliamentarians, mayors, regulators, utilities, public finance authorities, investors, and innovators to design and commit to systemic transformation projects,” Nansi said.

Key focus areas for the symposium

The symposium will focus on critical areas, including:

  • Leadership for system transformation: Aligning political, financial and technical leadership to overcome systemic bottlenecks. 
  • Strategic public finance and domestic resource mobilisation: Engaging Ministries of Finance and public development banks to strengthen creditworthiness, and expand national fiscal space for water and sanitation.
  • Professionalisation of service provision: Ensuring operational efficiency, capacity and long-term sustainability.
  • Regulation and accountability: Embedding transparency, performance monitoring and citizen engagement into sector governance.

Through curated transformation dialogues, reform matchmaking sessions and targeted investment conversations, Nansi said the symposium will act as an accelerator for multi-country reform and transformation projects aligned with the AU-AIP’s strategic objectives.

“We will collaborate with all partners to ensure that this event marks a milestone in Africa’s journey towards stronger governance systems, and the mobilisation of domestic and external investments on a large scale for a water-secure Africa with safe sanitation for all,” said Nansi. – SAnews.gov.za

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31 Arab, Islamic Countries, Arab League, OIC, GCC Condemn So-called "Greater Israel Vision"

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, August 15 

The foreign ministers of 31 Arab and Islamic countries, and the secretaries-general of the Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), condemned in the strongest terms the statements made by Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel (the occupying power), and reported by the Hebrew media, regarding the so-called “Greater Israel Vision.”

They stressed that it represents a gross disregard and a blatant and dangerous violation of the rules of international law and the foundations of stable international relations, and constitutes a direct threat to Arab national security, the sovereignty of states, and regional and international security and peace.

The foreign ministers of the State of Qatar, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, the Republic of Chad, the Union of the Comoros, the Republic of Djibouti, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Republic of Gambia, and the Republic of Indonesia, the Republic of Iraq, the State of Kuwait, the Republic of Lebanon, the State of Libya, the Republic of Maldives, the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, the Kingdom of Morocco, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Sultanate of Oman, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the State of Palestine, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Republic of Senegal, the Republic of Sierra Leone, the Federal Republic of Somalia, the Republic of Sudan, the Syrian Arab Republic, the Republic of Turkiye, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Republic of Yemen, the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, the Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the Secretary-General of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC), in a joint statement, said that while the Arab and Islamic countries affirm their respect for international legitimacy and the Charter of the United Nations, particularly Article 2, paragraph 4, regarding the rejection of the use or threat of force, adding that they will adopt all policies and measures that frame and consolidate peace, achieving the interests of all countries and peoples in security, stability, and development, far from the illusion of control and the imposition of the power of force.

They also condemned in the strongest terms the approval by extremist Israeli Minister Bezalel Smotrich of the settlement plan in the E1 area and his extremist racist statements rejecting the establishment of a Palestinian state. They consider this a flagrant violation of international law and a blatant assault on the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to establish their independent, sovereign state on the June 4, 1967, lines, with occupied Jerusalem as its capital. They emphasized that Israel has no sovereignty over the occupied Palestinian territories.

They affirmed their absolute rejection and condemnation of this settlement plan and all illegal Israeli measures, which constitute a flagrant violation of international law and Security Council resolutions, particularly Resolution 2334, which condemns all Israeli settlement activities aimed at changing the demographic composition, character and legal status of the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem, the capital of the State of Palestine. They reaffirmed the advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice, which emphasized the illegality of the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territory and the necessity of ending it immediately, eliminating its effects and providing compensation for its damages.

They warned of the danger of Israeli intentions and policies aimed at annexing Palestinian territories, and the continued extremist Israeli government’s expansionist settlement approach in the occupied West Bank, including attempts to harm Islamic and Christian holy sites, foremost among them the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque, settler terrorism, daily raids on Palestinian cities, villages and camps, the systematic destruction of Palestinian refugee camps and the displacement of Palestinians from their homes, which directly contributes to fueling cycles of violence and conflict, and undermines the chances of achieving a just and comprehensive peace in the region. It also warns of the reliance on ideological and racist illusions, which threatens to fuel the conflict and make it difficult to control its path or predict its outcomes, threatening regional and international security and stability alike.

In a related context, the foreign ministers of Arab and Islamic countries, the Arab League, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation reiterated their rejection and condemnation of the crimes of Israeli aggression, genocide, and ethnic cleansing. They also affirmed the need for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, while ensuring unconditional access to humanitarian aid to halt the systematic starvation policy used by Israel as a weapon of genocide. This requires an immediate end to the deadly Israeli blockade of the Strip, the opening of Israeli crossings with the Gaza Strip, and holding Israel, the occupying power, fully responsible for the consequences of its crimes in the Gaza Strip, including the collapse of the health and relief system, as the occupying power.

They also reaffirmed their complete and absolute rejection of the displacement of the Palestinian people in any form and under any pretext, calling on the international community to pressure Israel to halt its aggression and fully withdraw from the Gaza Strip, paving the way for the appropriate conditions to be created for the implementation of the Arab-Islamic plan for early recovery and reconstruction efforts in the Gaza Strip.

They emphasized that the Gaza Strip is an integral part of the occupied Palestinian territory and the need for the State of Palestine to assume governance responsibilities in the Gaza Strip, as well as in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, with Arab and international support within the framework of the political program of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, and the policy of one system, one law, and one legitimate weapon.

In this context, the Ministers and Secretaries-General, in their joint statement, called on the international community, especially the permanent members of the Security Council, particularly the United States of America, to assume their legal and moral responsibilities and take immediate action to compel Israel to halt its ongoing aggression against the Gaza Strip and its dangerous escalation in the occupied West Bank, and to stop the delusional, inflammatory statements issued by its officials and provide international protection to the Palestinian people and enable them to achieve their legitimate rights, foremost among which is their right to establish an independent, sovereign state on their national soil, and to hold accountable those who commit crimes and violations against them. 

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Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Meets Turkish Foreign Minister

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, August 13, 2025

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, met Wednesday with HE Minister of Foreign Affairs of the sisterly Republic of Turkiye Hakan Fidan.

Both sides discussed advancing bilateral cooperation between the two countries, developments in the Gaza Strip, the occupied Palestinian territories, and Syria, as well as a variety of topics of shared interest.

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs underscored the importance of ramping up regional and global efforts to end the brutal war on the Gaza Strip, ensure the unhindered and sustainable flow of humanitarian aid into the Strip, and secure the release of hostages and prisoners.

His Excellency further underscored the State of Qatar’s full support for all good-faith efforts aimed at settling the Palestinian cause through peaceful means and enforcing the two-state solution.

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Former Namibian Mines and Energy Minister Tom Alweendo to Speak at African Energy Week (AEW) 2025 as Country’s Offshore Oil Boom Accelerates

Source: APO

Tom Alweendo, Former Minister of Mines and Energy, Namibia will participate as a speaker at this year’s African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025, taking place in Cape Town from September 29 to October 3. Alweendo – who led Namibia’s Ministry of Mines and Energy from 2018 until March 2025 – recently launched Alvenco Advisory, a strategic consultancy aimed at assisting investors in navigating Namibia’s political, fiscal, legal and environmental regimes.

The firm offers tailored advisory services covering policy and regulatory compliance, alignment with national development priorities, and stakeholder engagement at both community and government levels. By leveraging Alweendo’s extensive ministerial experience and network, Alvenco Advisory aims to facilitate responsible investment that unlocks value, drive industrial participation and supports Namibia’s long-term socioeconomic objectives.

AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

Namibia’s offshore oil and gas sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, marked by a series of world-class discoveries and heightened exploration activity. The most recent milestone came in April this year, when the Capricornus 1-X exploration well in offshore Block 2914A delivered a successful light oil discovery. Operated by Rhino Resources alongside partners Azule Energy, Namcor and Korres Investments, the well encountered 38m of high-quality net pay, flowed over 11,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd) during testing and confirmed the presence of a commercially viable light oil system.

Capricornus 1-X mirrors the characteristics of the nearby Venus and Graff discoveries, reinforcing the Orange Basin’s position as a globally significant petroleum province. The African Energy Chamber (AEC) – as the voice of the African energy sector – recently commended the PEL85 joint venture partners for delivering one of Namibia’s most significant oil discoveries to date, noting its potential to catalyze further investment, fast-track appraisal drilling and accelerate development initiatives.

Drilling momentum is set to remain strong throughout 2025, with seven wells planned this year alone. These include Marula-1X by TotalEnergies and a second PEL85 well planned by Rhino Resources, as well as the Kharas prospect within BW Energy’s Kudu license. Additional prospects at Olympe and Saturn have also been identified, signaling continued confidence from major international operators.

Namibia’s Ministry of Mines and Energy has confirmed new licensing opportunities in 2025 under an open licensing regime, spanning deepwater, ultra-deepwater and shallow-water environments. The country’s Petroleum Commission has emphasized the government’s commitment to attracting fresh investment while ensuring discoveries are fast-tracked to first oil and deliver tangible benefits to the national economy.

Beyond exploration, development planning is advancing on two of Namibia’s largest finds. TotalEnergies’ Venus project in Block 2913B is targeting a 2026 final investment decision and ap planned 150,000-bpd FPSO facility. Galp is progressing appraisal of its Mopane discovery, supported by 3,500km2 of newly acquired high-density seismic data.

“Tom Alweendo’s leadership and deep understanding of Namibia’s energy landscape come at a pivotal moment for the country’s resource development. His insights will be invaluable in guiding discussions on how to translate world-class discoveries into sustainable economic growth and long-term benefits for all Namibians,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber.

Namibia’s emergence as one of the world’s most promising oil frontiers – underpinned by a stable regulatory environment, competitive licensing terms and a strong governance framework – positions the country as a leading destination for global upstream investment.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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The National Football League (NFL)’s United Kingdom (UK) Based Academy Program Announces Games and Roster for 2025-26 Season

Source: APO


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  •  Schedule to Include Four Games Against U.S. High School Opposition
  • Tickets for the game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Oct. 8 on sale now (https://apo-opa.co/45moyvb) 
  • 68 Players From 20 Different Countries on 2025-26 Roster

The NFL’s (www.NFL.com) UK based Academy program has announced its game schedule for the upcoming season as the program marks the start of the 2025-26 academic year.

Welcoming 68 individuals from 20 different countries to the roster, the NFL’s elite player development program based in Loughborough, U.K., supports talented student athletes from across the world.

Following strong performances during the 2024 season, the Academy will once again face key matchups against four highly regarded U.S. high school teams.

The team’s season will kick off in Dublin, Ireland, on Aug. 22nd against The Hun School, New Jersey. The game will take place as part of the Global Ireland Football Tournament (GIFT) ahead of the 2025 Aer Lingus College Football Classic.

The season’s second game is scheduled for a week later, with the team travelling to the U.S. to take on the Edgewater Eagles in Orlando, Florida, on Aug. 29th. The match-up represents a rematch of the sides’ thrilling 2024 meeting in Loughborough, in which Edgewater claimed victory by 51-45.

The highlight of the season will come on Oct. 8th, when the NFL Academy return to the field at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. They will face off against 16-time State and 3-time National champions, St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders, from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Tickets for the game are available to purchase via Ticketmaster (https://apo-opa.co/45moyvb), with all proceeds going to support the NFL Foundation UK and NFL Academy.

The final match-up against U.S. high schools sees the NFL Academy return to the U.S. for a meeting with IMG Academy in Florida. Having played the state IMG team for the past three seasons here in Europe, the NFL Academy will now play the IMG National team for the first time.

On the sidelines, Steve Hagen will also continue in his role as Head Coach for a third season, seeking to build on the program’s success to date. 2025 will see over 40 NFL Academy alumni playing NCAA college football, with 27 set to feature in Division I.

“It’s always a challenge to blend the old with the new so we’re excited to see what the new players can bring to the upcoming season,” said Head Coach, Steve Hagen. “We look forward to continuing to build on our past successes and helping all our player to achieve their fullest potential, both on the field and in the classroom.”

Follow the NFL Academy @nflacademy across X, Instagram and TikTok. To find further information on the NFL Academy program, please visit here (https://apo-opa.co/47viZvC).

NFL’s UK Based Academy 2025-26 Season Schedule:

  • Aug. 22: The Hun School – Dublin, Ireland
  • Aug. 29: Edgewater Eagles – Edgewater, Florida, U.S.
  • Sep. 13: Dusseldorf Panther – Loughborough, U.K.
  • Sep. 21: BNL National – Loughborough, U.K.
  • Sep. 27: Manchester Titans – Manchester, U.K
  • Oct. 8: St Thomas Aquinas Raiders – London, U.K.
  • Oct. 17: IMG Academy – Bradenton, Florida, U.S.
  • Nov. 14: Mexican Academy – Madrid, Spain
  • Nov. 15: Madrid U21 All-Stars – Madrid, Spain

NFL’s UK Based Academy 2025-26 Roster:

Country

Athlete(s)

Argentina (1)

Hugo Chigozime Arias Okoro (DB)

Austria (2)

Luca Wolf (TE), Felician Weissensel (DL)

Belgium (1)

Stan Pichon (WR)

Canada (4)

Viktor LaChambre (QB), Nathan Morris (RB), Andrew Gomon (RB), Zian Iseghohi (OLB)

Denmark (4)

Emil Løkkegaard (QB), Julius LeFevre (OL), Silas Floche (TE), Mikkel Ngassa (DB)

England (20)

Bobby Bridges (QB/K), Didi Georgiou (RB), Kristian Abel (RB), Ben Schneller (WR), Noah Prasad-Smith (WR), Malachy McMahon (WR), Seb Delzoppo (WR), Adam Ibirionke (OL), Tyrone Stolarczyk (OL), Theo Andall (OL), Barney Short (OL), Hugo Short (TE), Devon Myrie (TE), Corey Pyke (DL), Che Figueroa (DL), Max O’Grady (LB), Ashley Daniel (DB), Jayden Smith (DB), Ryan Crooks (DB), Nickson Massa (DB)

Finland (4)

Rene Rautiainen (WR), Oliver Lehtinen (OL), Vili Haapasalo (TE), Terho Vainio (LB)

France (2)

Sam Drouet (LB), Jean-Placide Makina (OLB)

The Gambia (1)

Aziz Jaye (OL)

Germany (16)

Felix Merrow (WR), Jamil Secka (WR/DB), Carlos Speidel (WR), Tom Brinkmann (OL), Bruno Werner (OL), Niko Kampas (OL), Johannes Mager (DL), Benny Kubat (DL), Leo Schoske (DL), Joel Queisser (LB), Yasir Sani (LB), Sem Wohlgemuth (OLB), Adeola Werner (OLB), Moritz Strempel (OLB), Max Bartholomy (DB), Shaq Cisse (DB)

Mexico (2)

Armando Gamborino (WR), Emiliano Albarran (OLB)

Nigeria (2)

Augustine Irek (DL), Benson Jerry (OLB)

Norway (2)

Magnus Town (OL), Tobias Gadeberg (DL)

Portugal (1)

Gabriel Goncalo (DB)

Scotland (1)

Jude Colvin (LB)

South Africa (1)

Max Louw (OL)

Spain (1)

Tom Gabarro (DB)

Sweden (1)

Edgar Wallen (RB),

Syria (1)

Shams Al Nusyrat (DL)

Trinidad and Tobago(1)

Brandon Bryant (DB)

NFL Academy alumni currently playing Division 1 College football:

  • Darren Agu, United Kingdom (TE) – New Mexico State University
  • Dimitri Madden, United Kingdom (DL) – Akron University
  • Seydou Traore, United Kingdom (WR) – Mississippi State University
  • Freddie Pelling, United Kingdom (OL) – Campbell University
  • Samuel Isiguzo, United Kingdom (DB) – Bryant University
  • Sam Fenton, United Kingdom (QB) – University of South Florida
  • Tunde Mkparu, United Kingdom (DB) – Bryant University
  • Kofi Taylor-Barrocks, United Kingdom (LB) – University of Texas at El Paso
  • Peter Clarke, United Kingdom (TE) – Temple University
  • Emmanuel Okoye, Nigeria (TE) – University of Tennessee
  • Dominic Braesch, Germany (OL) – University of North Alabama
  • Daniel Akinkunmi, United Kingdom (OL) – University of Oklahoma
  • Luke Yau-Gayle, United Kingdom (DL) – University at Buffalo
  • Timi Oke, United Kingdom (DB) – Northwestern University
  • Lopez Sanusi, Ireland (DL) – Boise State University
  • Pape Abdoulaye Sy, Senegal (OL) – Boston College
  • Benjamin Kienz, Germany (OL) – Kennesaw State University
  • Yahya Attia, Austria (OL) – University of Colorado Boulder         
  • Clinton Azubuike, Nigeria (DL) – Vanderbilt University
  • Akram Elnagmi (OL)- University of Pittsburgh
  • Arthur De Boachie (DB)- Boise State University
  • Andy Quinn (K/P)- Boston College
  • Kevin Bentin (LB)- Long Island University
  • Pharrell Harewood (P)- Nicholls State University
  • Joe Kirby (OL)- Nicholls State University
  • Matti Kruger (DL)- Bucknell University
  • Samu Suominen (OL)- University of Massachusetts Amherst

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of National Football League (NFL).

About the NFL Academy:
The NFL Academy program offers talented student athletes a pathway to combine their full-time education with intensive training in American football, under the guidance of a professional coaching team. The program began in the U.K. serving student-athletes from across the world and has expanded recently to Australia to also service student-athletes across the APAC region. 

In the U.K., the NFL Academy is based at Loughborough’s world-renowned center of sporting excellence and in partnership with Loughborough College and Loughborough University. The program promotes world class performance and the development of elite player pathways, supporting student athletes (aged 16-19) with NFL best practices and resources.

The NFL APAC Academy in the region, located on Australia’s Gold Coast, opened in Sep, 2024 in partnership with A.B. Paterson College and supported by the City of Gold Coast and the Queensland State Government (for athletes aged 12-18).

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Libya’s Minister of Oil and Gas Joins Cape Town Energy Event as Latest Bid Round Piques Global Interest

Source: APO

Dr. Khalifa Abdulsadek, Minister of Oil and Gas of Libya, has joined this year’s African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference as a speaker. This year’s event will host a dedicated Invest in Libyan Oil & Gas Summit – highlighting Libya’s push to open up its sector for foreign investment. With Libya’s latest licensing round drawing interest from over 40 prospective applicants – including leading energy operators – the country is on track to meet its ambitious goal of producing two million barrels per day (bpd)

Minister Abdulsadek’s participation comes as Libya opens up the sector for foreign investment, with its latest licensing round piquing the interest of over 40 prospective applicants. With leading energy operators announcing that they are competing in the round, Libya is well-positioned to meet its goals of two million barrels per day (bpd).  

Libya launched its 2025 licensing round in March as part of its 25-year strategy to add 8 billion barrels of crude oil to its proven reserves. The licensing round offers 22 exploration blocks – 11 onshore and 11 offshore – with contracts set to be signed by the end of 2025. Featuring newly-selected blocks based on geological viability and proximity to existing infrastructure, the licensing round represents a compelling opportunity for investors seeking early returns, given the blocks lower entry costs and quicker development timelines. Multinational energy corporation Chevron and integrated multi-energy company TotalEnergies have both announced that they are competing in the round, alongside energy majors ExxonMobil and Eni.

Currently producing 1.4 million bpd, Libya’s latest licensing round is expected to play an instrumental part in enhancing national output. To support a transparent and streamlined bidding process, the country’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) introduced a dedicated online platform for managing the bid round. The platform offers secure, confidential access to technical, legal and financial data. The bid openings and announcement of successful applicants will take place on November 15, 2025, while the contract signings will take place between November 22-30. This clear and structured timeframe has boosted investor confidence in the sector.  Further enhancing confidence, Libya has introduced the fifth generation of its Exploration and Production Sharing Agreement (EPSA V). The agreement is a modernized contractual framework designed to attract international oil companies with more competitive fiscal terms, thereby transitioning the country from a concession-based system to state-partnered agreements. The EPSA V balances investor appeal with national interest, offering companies greater predictability and a stronger return on investment.

These developments come as Libya sees renewed interest by foreign operators in its oil and gas opportunities. ExxonMobil, for example, returned to the country after a decade-long hiatus, signing an MoU to carry out a technical study evaluating the hydrocarbon potential of four offshore blocks. The geological and geophysical surveys will be conducted along Libya’s northwest coast and within the Sirte Basin. Shell and bp entered into agreements with Libya’s NOC in July 2025 to carry out studies on hydrocarbon exploration and production at three oilfields in the country. Under the agreement with bp, the company will explore redevelopment opportunities at the Mature Darir and Messla oilfields. bp will also pursue exploration prospects in nearby areas. Meanwhile, the agreement with Shell will see the company conduct a detailed feasibility study for the development of the al-Atshan oilfield and other fields fully owned by the NOC.

Beyond greenfield opportunities, Libya is working to revitalize production at legacy assets. Notably, companies to the likes of Waha Oil Company and Mellitah Oil & Gas are breathing new life into mature assets, using advanced technology, well stimulation programs and upgrades to gathering systems and processing facilities. In the infrastructure space, the country is making significant strides towards modernizing projects with a view to bolster exports and reclaim its place as a major global supplier. Key projects include the Structures A&E development led by Eni. The project will transport gas from two offshore fields to the Mellitah complex for processing, with offshore drilling commencing in 2025. Other projects include the Sabratha Compression project and the Bouri Gas Utilization Project. During AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025, Minister Abdulsadek is expected to share further insight into the impact these projects play in Libya. His participation will facilitate new collaborations, support production growth and accelerate development across strategic basins.

“Libya is rapidly positioning itself as a major global supplier, targeting two million bpd through fresh investment in greenfield and brownfield block opportunities. This ambitious strategy has already begun to yield positive results, with a host of foreign operators committing to investing,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

About African Energy Week (AEW):
AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

Media files

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Business leaders push for partnerships to tackle water investment gap

Source: Government of South Africa

Business leaders push for partnerships to tackle water investment gap

The business sector has emphasised the need for stronger partnerships with government and heightened investment in water infrastructure, especially at the local government level, which is perceived as the engine of service delivery.

Speaking at a plenary session focused on closing the investment gap at the local government level during the African Union–Africa Water Investment Programme (AU-AIP) summit on Thursday, Kobie Brand, the Deputy Secretary-General and Regional Director for Africa at ICLEI said Africa must embrace the principle of multisectoral governance in tackling water challenges.

“Providing water, anywhere in any country, is only possible through partnerships, not only between different levels of government working together but also in collaboration with the private sector. We in the water sector understand that we cannot address global challenges without addressing nature issues – the origins of our water resources, and protecting them,” Brand said.

ICLEI provides technical consulting to local governments to identify and meet sustainability objectives.

Addressing perceptions that local governments are high-risk partners, Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) Head of Transacting for Municipalities and Water Boards, Ben Mokheseng, said effective partnerships and co-created solutions can yield positive results, making it possible for municipalities to  honour their obligations.

Mokheseng said most development finance institutions tend to focus more on sustainability but often overlook the development aspect.

He said DBSA has been financing municipal infrastructure, with the bank’s local government loan book at around R33 – R35 billion, and R110-R115 billion is in local government.

“Contrary to popular belief, that book is the best performing book,” he said.

However, Mokheseng noted that poor governance remains a major challenge in municipalities, often leading to dysfunction, despite qualified individuals occupying key positions.

“If you don’t have political backing and proper asset maintenance, administrations are bound to suffer.”

The AU-AIP Water Investment Summit is running from 13-15 August 2025. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK

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National Convention widens channels for deep engagement among South Africans

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has encouraged South Africans to keep engaging in discussions that lay bare their concerns, hopes for the future, and how they envision a better tomorrow for themselves and the country.

“This initiative [the National Convention] is about what all South Africans must do together to make our lives and country better,” President Ramaphosa said on Friday.

Speaking at the first National Convention of the National Dialogue, current underway at the University of South Africa (Unisa) in Pretoria, President Ramaphosa said people must meet in homes and community halls.

“We want them to meet in churches, synagogues, mosques and temples. Our people must meet in schools and lecture halls, in boardrooms and on the shopfloor, on the pathways of our villages and the streets of our townships and our cities,” he said.

President Ramaphosa said the struggle for freedom from apartheid proved that unity in diversity is not an abstract slogan. 

“It is a powerful force for transformation,” he said.

The President said no voice is too small and no perspective is too inconvenient to be heard.

“We are gathered here to listen to each other; to understand one another and to chart a common path forward for our country. We meet at a time of profound challenges, economic hardship, unemployment, inequality, growing poverty and a crisis of confidence in our institutions. 

“We also meet at a time when the world is rapidly changing and our ability to adapt and renew ourselves will define the next generation,” President Ramaphosa said.

South Africans, the First Citizens said, are sons and daughters of the same soil.

“We share a common past. We share the same inheritance of division, of inequality and of injustice. We share the same pride at ending the crime of apartheid and establishing a constitutional democracy. We also share a common future.  

“Because each one of us, regardless of our differences, is committed to work together to build the future of which we all dream. We believe that if we share our concerns and fears, we can conquer them,” the President said.

In her welcoming remarks, Unisa Vice Chancellor, Professor Puleng LenkaBula, said the National Convention marks a turning point in the history of South Africa.

“This is the process that will culminate in the National Dialogue. The process will help to reclaim our peace. As a country, we came from a painful past,” she said.

Chair of the Convention Organising Committee, Boichoko Ditlhake, said the National Convention is a process that allows the country to acknowledge its challenges.

“It is only us as South Africans who are meant to find solutions to our challenges.”

Ditlhake emphasised the importance of communities getting together to discuss their concerns.

“This is the beginning of the many engagements in our communities. We are looking at engagements that will involve more than 10 million South Africans to explore different issues,” he said.  

He expressed hope that everlasting solutions will be found for all South Africans.

 The two-day National Convention, in which stakeholders and representatives from all quarters of society are participating, aims to outline and agree on key themes for the National Dialogue.

The dialogue has been described by the Presidency as a call to action for citizens to lead an inclusive dialogue on the challenges facing the country. – SAnews.gov.za

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Digital Connect Infrastructure & Telecom (DCIT) Chairman Abiola Lukman Lawal becomes Board Member of African Energy Chamber

Source: APO

The African Energy Chamber (AEC) (https://EnergyChamber.org/), the voice of the African energy sector, is proud to announce that Abiola Lukman Lawal, Chairman, Digital Connect Infrastructure & Telecom (DCIT), has been appointed as the newest Board Member of the Chamber. A seasoned executive with over three decades of experience in the oil and gas, infrastructure, telecoms and aviation sectors, Lawal’s appointment reaffirms the Chamber’s commitment to uniting visionary leaders to drive Africa’s energy and infrastructure transformation.

Lawal’s appointment to the AEC Board follows a major milestone for DCIT, which recently partnered with U.S.-based Vanu Inc. to launch solar-powered mobile network sites in underserved Nigerian communities. This collaboration leverages Vanu’s low-power, off-grid systems and DCIT’s infrastructure capabilities to deploy scalable, renewable energy-driven connectivity solutions. With proof-of-concept sites now live, plans are underway for expansion across Nigeria and into other African markets – signaling a major leap in energy-tech convergence on the continent.

Prior to his leadership at DCIT, Lawal served as Managing Director and CEO of Eterna PLC, where he spearheaded one of Nigeria’s most significant downstream energy turnarounds. Under his leadership, Eterna joined a consortium that delivered Nigeria’s largest airside aviation fuel depot – the Joint User Hydrant Installation 2 – at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport. The 15-million-liter capacity facility now stands as a key asset in West Africa’s aviation infrastructure.

Further accomplishments under his tenure include restoring Eterna to profitability in FY 2024 after a N12 billion loss in 2023; projecting 27% revenue growth; achieving a 166% increase in operating profit in H1 2024; and driving a 117% year-to-date rise in share price – placing Eterna among the Nigerian Exchange’s top-performing stocks. Lawal also championed significant investments in LPG and CNG, enabling long-term resilience and diversification in volatile market conditions.

Recognized as one of BusinessDay’s Top 25 CEOs in Nigeria for 2024, Lawal’s strategic leadership continues to bridge traditional and emerging energy sectors. His prior roles include Deputy Managing Director and CFO at Eroton Exploration & Production, Executive Director at Oando Gas & Power and Group Chief Strategy Officer at Oando Plc – where he played a pivotal role in the company’s downstream-to-upstream expansion strategy.

“The African Energy Industry is honored to welcome Abiola Lukman Lawal to our Board of Directors. He knows how to turnaround companies with his vary data driven and pragmatic leadership approach. His ability to connect infrastructure development, energy innovation and commercial strategy across both the public and private sectors makes him an invaluable addition to our leadership. Lawal’s appointment comes at a critical time as we accelerate investment, technology deployment and inclusive growth across Africa’s energy value chain,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, AEC.

As a Board Member, Lawal will support the Chamber’s mission to foster a results-oriented business environment and promote private sector-led energy development across Africa. His leadership will be instrumental in driving cross-border collaboration, advancing infrastructure-led growth and helping to make energy poverty history across the continent.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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