Category: English

Source: APO

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African upstream oil and gas operators are accelerating efforts to integrate renewable and lower-carbon energy sources into production activities. Recent milestones across Uganda, Nigeria, South Africa and the Republic of Congo demonstrate how the continent’s largest operators are embedding energy diversification into project design, with hybrid and gas-to-power systems set for greater scale from 2025 to 2027.

Although most renewable capacity in Africa is still deployed at utility scale through grid-connected wind, solar and storage projects, upstream developers are increasingly adopting hybrid energy strategies to support production and lower Scope 1 and 2 emissions. Together, these developments signal a transition toward upstream systems that are both commercially competitive and environmentally aligned.

Integrated and Gas-Supported Upstream Developments

Uganda’s Tilenga development represents one of the continent’s most advanced examples of integrated energy planning within a major upstream project. Operated by energy major TotalEnergies and China’s state-owned China National Offshore Oil Corporation, Tilenga is designed for very low Scope 1 and 2 emissions and is targeting first oil by late 2026. The project uses all associated gas to generate power for processing infrastructure, with surplus electricity supplied to both the national grid and the East African Crude Oil Pipeline. Combined with the reinjection of all produced water, Tilenga reflects a new generation of high-efficiency upstream assets underpinned by robust energy management systems.

In Nigeria, integrated gas-to-power solutions continue to strengthen the link between upstream output and domestic power markets. The ANOH Gas Development – led by energy companies Seplat Energy and Renaissance Africa Energy – started commercial operations in July 2025, supplying nearly 600 million cubic feet per day for power generation and supporting Nigeria’s broader transition. The Iseni gas field, operated by TotalEnergies alongside British major Shell and global energy company the Nigerian National Petroleum Company, has already begun delivering gas directly to the Dangote Fertilizer and Petrochemical Plant, enabling dedicated on-site power supply and improving operational stability.

Emerging Hybrid Models and Regional Outlook

Broader regional trends suggest that hybrid systems integrating oil, gas and renewables are beginning to take shape in multiple markets. These developments are supported by regional gas-to-power milestones, including Mozambique’s 450 MW Temane project – scheduled for operation in 2026 – designed to reinforce grid stability and complement renewable growth as gas strengthens its position as a transition fuel.

In South Africa, gas explorer Kinetiko Energy’s Amersfoort coalbed methane development began phased power supply in 2024 and is progressing toward long-term capacity targets of up to 500 MW for the national grid. At the same time, TotalEnergies has launched construction of two major renewable facilities – a 140 MW wind farm and a 120 MW solar plant in the Northern Cape – under a 20-year corporate power purchase agreement with chemicals company Sasol’s Secunda complex and gas cylinders supplier Air Liquide’s oxygen production operations. Both projects have been under construction since late 2024 and are slated for full operation by 2026.

The country’s industrial sector offers further insight into how large-scale renewable integration can be replicated across upstream operations. Global mining company Anglo American’s collaboration with renewable energy company EDF Renewables to develop up to 5 GW of wind and solar capacity by 2030 showcases the viability of dedicated renewable power procurement for heavy industry, a model increasingly relevant for oil and gas operators seeking to reduce emissions and lock in long-term energy security. Combined with emerging green hydrogen opportunities in Namibia and Mauritania, these initiatives highlight how African upstream players are positioning themselves within a diversified, multi-energy future.

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

Source: APO – Report:

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As part of the first edition of the West African Arts and Culture Festival (ECOFEST), holding in Dakar from 30 November to 6 December 2025, two major highlights marked activities on 1 December 2025 at the Grand Théâtre National Doudou Ndiaye Coumba Rose: the inaugural conference and an interactive dialogue between West African youth and the Commissions of ECOWAS and UEMOA.

The inaugural conference, which officially launched the festival’s programme of panel discussions, debates and intellectual exchanges under ECOFEST 2025, was delivered by Professor Mamadou Fall, a distinguished Senegalese academic and specialist in African socio-political dynamics. His presentation focused on the role of culture in contemporary geopolitical transformations, as well as its potential as a tool for dialogue, mediation and peacebuilding in West Africa.

The youth dialogue session featured exchanges between West African youth, Professor Fatou Sow Sarr, ECOWAS Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, and Mr. Mamadù Serifo Jaquite, UEMOA Commissioner in charge of the Department of Human Development. The discussion was held under the theme: “Pathways to the Future with Youth for Development, Peace and Integration.”

The meeting provided a platform for both Commissioners to present ongoing programmes and opportunities available to West African youth. They engaged directly with young leaders, emerging artists, cultural entrepreneurs, students and members of youth organisations on key contemporary issues, including development challenges, peace and regional integration, as well as youth employability.

Discussions also focused on strengthening civic participation and enhancing the contribution of young people to the construction of a stable, inclusive and integrated West African regional space.

As part of this first edition of ECOFEST, several flagship activities are featured across Dakar, including film screenings, an exhibition and sales fair of handcrafted art, fashion and culinary arts, as well as exhibitions at the Creativity Fair showcasing heritage-based skills and digital innovation led by start-ups.

The programme further includes artistic competitions in painting, photography and sculpture, traditional and modern music performances by young talents, as well as roundtable discussions on cultural and creative industries and the regional market, regional citizenship and a culture of peace, and on regional diversity and cultural heritage.

– on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Source: APO – Report:

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Mr. Goush Tewolde, representative of the Forestry and Wildlife Authority, reported that the strong efforts to preserve and develop forest and wildlife resources are registering encouraging results.

Mr. Goush indicated that, as a result of the active control mechanisms put in place, coupled with awareness-raising activities to enhance public understanding, the types of trees and wildlife that were on the verge of extinction are now reviving.

He went on to say that the corrective measures taken against those engaged in deforestation activities are also contributing to the development of forestry and wildlife in the area.

The people engaged in forestry and wildlife preservation activities in the Faulina administrative area indicated that the coordinated effort is significantly contributing to the preservation initiative.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Source: APO

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Parliament has approved over Shs8 trillion in supplementary funding for financial year 2025/2026, to support key development projects including road infrastructure, health and agriculture services, among others.

According to State Minister for Finance, Planning and Economic Development (General Duties), Hon. Henry Musasizi, the funding for the activities under Supplementary Schedules 1, 2 and 3 are over and above the budget of the financial year, but fall within three per cent of the total approved budget.

“We have incurred expenditures that had been unforeseen and unavoidable at the time of budgeting. These fall within the three per cent requirement and we are requesting Parliament to consider these expenditures and approve them in order to regularize the process,” said Musasizi, while seeking the Parliamentary approval during a plenary sitting chaired by Speaker Anita Among, on Tuesday, 02 December 2025.

According to the report presented by the Chairperson of the Budget Committee, Hon. Patrick Opolot Isiagi, the supplementary schedules will be funded through non-tax revenue (Shs42.96 billion), local revenue from local governments (Shs13.03 billion), domestic borrowing (Shs3.7 trillion) and external financing (Shs4.27 trillion).

Under Supplementary Schedule I, Shs1.65 trillion is expected to facilitate among others, funding of shortfalls created by the withdrawal of US funding to essential health services in Uganda, to avoid drug stock outs and any other health related crisis.

Further, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will receive Shs3 billion to host the 18th Ministerial mid-term review meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), whereas Shs6.92 billion will support recruitment expenses for newly created grant aided UgIFT seed secondary schools.

A total of Shs1.69 trillion is to be availed to the Ministry of Works and Transport under Supplementary Schedule II, to facilitate 395km of seven suspended projects including the Kampala-Jinja Highway (72 km); 533km of 11 projects under reduced progress; and nine bridge projects affected by financing constraints.

Under Supplementary Schedule III, Shs4.75 trillion will be provided to among others enable the Commission of Inquiry into the Apaa land dispute to carry out its duties with funding of Shs7.95 billion, following a Presidential directive on the matter.

The supplementary schedule will also avail up to Sh422.26 billion to purchase additional aircraft under Uganda Airlines, including two Dreamliner Boeing passenger aircraft, one Boeing freighter and two mid-range Airbus aircraft, as well as associated bridge leasing costs.

Construction of community access roads in 81 district local governments will be supported with Shs37.5 billion under the national oil seeds project, whereas the national ambulance system will be facilitated with Shs10billion, noting that most ambulances are not operational due to inadequate fuel and mechanical breakdowns.

However, in a minority report to the House, Hon. Ibrahim Ssemujju (FDC, Kira Municipality), challenged the proposed supplementary schedules over their size and character, noting repeated supplementary financing for long-standing obligations in the sectors of agriculture, works, energy, health and defence.

“Parliament is being asked to approve more than Shs6 trillion in supplementary funding. If this continues, we will soon reach a point where the annual budget is treated as a ceremonial event while the real spending happens through supplementary schedules,” Ssemujju said.

He further noted, “Road contracts that have been running for years cannot be classified as emergencies. These are predictable matters that should have been foreseen in the main budget.”

Among his recommendations, Ssemujju called for a detailed report on Uganda Airlines aircraft purchases before approval, as well as mandated quarterly implementation reports to Parliament for all approved supplementary expenditures.

“The Ministry is requesting more than Shs400 billion to purchase new aircraft for Uganda Airlines yet the country has not recovered from the Bombardier deal, where we purchased aircraft that were already being phased out. Before government buys any new aircraft, a thorough due diligence process must be presented,” Ssemujju added.

The Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi, also challenged the proposed supplementary schedules while alluding to Regulation 18(5) of the Public Finance Management Regulations 2016.
It states; “Parliament may approve a supplementary appropriation or the Minister may approve a supplementary budget, as the case may be, where the supplementary expenditure is unabsorbable, unavoidable and unforeseeable”.

“When we were here planning for the budget process, why did you not bring these issues then, why now? This is a bad planning issue,” Ssenyonyi said.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.

Source: APO

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The Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services had called on the Department of Correctional Services to ensure maintenance is continued once it takes successfully the running of the private prisons.

The departmental delegation which was led by Minister, Dr Pieter Groenewald, assured the committee that it was ready to take over the Mangaung Correctional Facility and Kutama Correctional Facility when it briefed the committee on plans and the work done to take over the running of the correctional centres. Manguang became infamous following the escape of the famous offender Thabo Bester a couple of years back.

The Chairperson of the committee, Ms Kgomotso Ramoboleng, said the take-over should not result in inefficiencies and budget mismanagement. “It would be ideal if the take-over results in cost savings for the department. The take-over would be seamless if there is cooperation especially with regards to Mangaung, which is run by a consortium on whose behalf G4S manages the centre,” said Ms Ramolobeng.

She added: “We wanted the Department to come out clearly on the plans to mitigate risk, and maintenance. There better be no regression at those two well run facilities, and as the committee we implore the department to keep those standards.”

The committee also requested a thorough briefing early in 2026 regarding all investigations that concern unnatural deaths of inmates, as well as erroneous release of inmates.

ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MS KGOMOTSO RAMOLOBENG.

For media enquiries, please contact the committee’s Media Officer:
Name: Sibongile Maputi (Mr)
Cell: 081 052 6060
E-mail: smaputi@parliament.gov.za

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Source: APO

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Speaker, Anita Among has asked the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Nobert Mao to present a statement on the status of regulations of the biometric voter verification system, ahead of the forthcoming general elections.

Uganda will hold general elections in January 2026 and lawmakers are concerned that regulations on biometric voter verification have not yet been approvedyet the system will be in use.

While chairing the plenary sitting on Tuesday, 02 December 2025, Speaker Among underscored the need for the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs to present a statement on the status of the regulations.

This followed a matter that was raised by the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi who said that in April this year, the minister pledged to table the regulations, a commitment that has not been honoured. 
“We are left with only one month to elections and there are no regulations on the biometric system. What guidelines are you going to base the elections on?” Ssenyonyi asked.

He raised concern that President Yoweri Museveni alluded to mandatory usage of the biometric system for voting. 
“Candidate Museveni made a statement during his campaigns that a polling station where the machines will not work, voting will not happen. I was confused and I want government to clarify; in cases where network fails, what will happen?” Ssenyonyi added.

Kampala Central Division Member of Parliament, Hon. Muhammad Nsereko said that the regulations ought to be clear on systems failure to avoid confusion. 
“During the last election, the Electoral Commission gave a provision of a manual system in cases of biometric system failure. But in the case of next elections, how will it be done?” Nsereko said. 
Hon. Asuman Basalirwa (Jeema, Bugiri Municipality) was concerned that procurement of technology and machines are being undertaken outside the regulations. 
“Machines are being procured but stakeholders are not aware,” he said.

The Attorney General, Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka gave reassurance that there is sufficient legal infrastructure to use the biometric voter verification during the forthcoming elections.

He also allayed fears over President Museveni’s remarks on the mandatory use of the biometric verification machines saying that the Electoral Commission is the only organ that is mandated to conduct an election. 
“I have not heard anything from the President but there is nothing to worry about. Section 12 of the Electoral Commissions Act mandates the EC to stop an election even on election day,” said Kiryowa Kiwanuka. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.