Category: English

Source: APO

Marriott International (www.Marriott.com) has made its debut in The Democratic Republic of the Congo with the openings of Protea Hotel by Marriott Kinshasa and Four Points by Sheraton Kinshasa. The launch of these two distinct hotels introduces globally recognised brands to Kinshasa, offering tailored experiences for business and leisure travellers in one of Africa’s most vibrant and strategically important capital cities. 

Set along the Congo River, Kinshasa is a dynamic hub for diplomacy, regional trade, and the arts. With a population of over 17 million, the city offers travellers a compelling mix of culture, commerce, and connectivity – from its lively music and culinary scenes to its bustling markets and proximity to Central Africa’s natural wonders.

“Entering The Democratic Republic of the Congo is a proud milestone for Marriott International as we continue to grow our footprint across Africa,” said Sandra Schulze-Potgieter, Vice President, Premium, Select & Midscale Brands, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. “With the openings of Four Points by Sheraton Kinshasa and Protea Hotel by Marriott Kinshasa, we’re excited to offer travellers and Marriott Bonvoy members two distinct ways to experience our trusted service and signature brand experiences in this dynamic market.”

Both hotels are managed by third-party management company SARV Management LLC.

“Working with Marriott International to bring world-class hospitality to the capital supports the city’s growing appeal as a destination for business and leisure, while contributing to local employment and skills development. We believe these openings will play a meaningful role in strengthening the tourism sector and showcasing the vibrancy and potential of Kinshasa on a global stage,” said Karim Minsariya, Director, SAMAY Hospitality SARL, the ownership company for both hotels.

Protea Hotel by Marriott Kinshasa

Protea Hotel by Marriott Kinshasa (https://apo-opa.co/48evOe2) offers a unique stay that blends contemporary comfort with authentic local character and personalised service. Ideally situated in an upscale neighbourhood near the Congo River, the hotel is surrounded by government offices, corporate headquarters, and premium malls, and is just minutes from the city centre. Its 88 thoughtfully designed guest rooms — many with balconies and scenic views — are tailored to meet the needs of today’s business, diplomatic, and leisure travellers, providing a welcoming base from which to explore Kinshasa.

The hotel’s bright atrium lobby brings together natural light, local artwork, and greenery, offering a welcoming space that pays tribute to the building’s former life as a school. Within this space sits the hotel’s signature indoor pool, a first of its kind in the city, offering a serene retreat after a busy day. Guests can dine at Marché 15, an all-day restaurant celebrating international and local flavours, or unwind at the Lobby Bar, a relaxed space ideal for informal meetings and evening drinks. Additional amenities include a well-equipped fitness centre, and a 56-square-metre conference room designed for small meetings and private gatherings.

Four Points by Sheraton Kinshasa

Located in the heart of Kinshasa’s central business district, Four Points by Sheraton Kinshasa (https://apo-opa.co/4pBfJou) offers 134 modern guest rooms. Whether travellers are visiting Kinshasa for work or fun, the hotel caters to their needs with its approachable design, and stylish comfort.

Reflecting the brand’s signature style, the hotel offers today’s independent travellers the Four Comfort Bed, fast and free Wi-Fi, and an energising start to the day with fresh coffee and breakfast options. After a productive day, guests can unwind over a meal at Lufira Restaurant, sip a signature cocktail at the stylish 83 Sky Lounge Bar, or enjoy a refreshing local beer on tap through the brand’s Best Brews™ programme.

Additional amenities include a 24-hour fitness centre, and a rooftop outdoor pool with panoramic city views. Four Points by Sheraton Kinshasa also boasts approximately 230 square metres of meeting space across four rooms, each equipped with modern conference facilities and advanced audiovisual technology, making it a prime venue for corporate meetings, workshops, and social events.

Both Protea Hotel by Marriott Kinshasa and Four Points by Sheraton Kinshasa participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, Marriott International’s award-winning travel programme. Members can earn and redeem points across an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, enjoy exclusive experiences through Marriott Bonvoy Moments, and unlock benefits such as free nights, mobile check-in, and Elite status recognition.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Marriott International, Inc..

Media contact: 
Birgit Deibele
Senior Director of Communications – Sub-Saharan Africa, Marriott International
Email: Birgit.Deibele@marriott.com

Protea Hotels by Marriott: 
Protea Hotels by Marriott® is the leading hospitality brand in Africa and it is one of the most widely recognised brands on the continent with over 60 hotels across 10 countries including Angola, Botswana, The Democratic Republic of the Congo, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. Protea Hotels by Marriott® is ideal for both business and leisure travellers by offering properties in primary and secondary business centres and desirable leisure destinations. Each hotel offers modern facilities, proactive and friendly service and consistent amenities such as full-service restaurants, meeting spaces, complimentary Wi-Fi, and well-appointed rooms, ensuring global standards for a high quality, relaxed and successful stay.

About Four Points by Sheraton®: 
Four Points by Sheraton is a global brand with over 365 hotels in over 45 countries and territories. At Four Points, travel is reinvented where timeless classics are woven with modern details, paired with genuine service in a casual environment around the world. Four Points hotels can be found in the heart of urban centers, near the beach, by the airport, or in the suburbs. Each hotel offers a familiar place to kick back and relax with an authentic sense of the local, where guests can watch sports and enjoy the brand’s Best Brews® program. Four Points is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments (https://apo-opa.co/3Ma51H3) and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit www.MarriottBonvoy.com. To learn more about Four Points, visit us online https://Four-Points.Marriott.com/.

Source: APO – Report:

As major energy projects advance across the MSGBC region, nations are gearing up for the next phase of development. The upcoming MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference and exhibition – taking place in Dakar from December 8-10 – will not only showcase emerging opportunities but connect global finance to regional projects. Key executives from across Africa’s investment, financial services and infrastructure space will participate at the event, underscoring renewed confidence in MSGBC energy opportunities.  

Speakers include Sadio Wade, Vice President of Energy Infrastructure at Actis; Antoine John Esther, COO-West and Central Africa at the Trade Development Bank (TDB); and Aïda Mbaye, Senior Manager-Strategy, Performance Group. Their participation highlights MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025’s role as the premier forum for investment, partnership and project development in the region and is expected to unlock new opportunities for strengthened capital expenditure and partnerships.

Explore opportunities, foster partnerships and stay at the forefront of the MSGBC region’s oil, gas and power sector. Visit www.MSGBCOilGasAndPower.com to secure your participation at the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

TDB recently advanced several initiatives to drive capital towards Africa’s frontier oil and gas markets. In October, the financial institution partnered with the Angola Sovereign Wealth Fund to create the Angola Export and Trade Development Facility, mobilizing capital for strategic sectors including logistics, agro-industry and regional integration. Operating in eastern and southern Africa, TDB plays a critical role in fostering trade, regional integration and sustainable development through the provision of trade finance, project and infrastructure finance, asset management and business advisory services. In April 2024, the bank signed a MoU to foster collaboration in the financing of trade and development in Senegal. The agreement establishes a framework for encouraging collaboration and sustainable economic growth in energy, infrastructure, healthcare, education, financial institutions, agriculture and food security.

Meanwhile, Actis has been a key player in renewable energy in the MSGBC region. Through its former portfolio company Lekela Power, Actis developed the 159 MW Taiba N’Diaye wind farm in Senegal, which reached full commercial operation in 2021 and now supplies electricity to more than two million people. Actis successfully exited Lekela in March 2023, transferring ownership to Infinity Power, while maintaining its focus on sustainable infrastructure investment and long-term development in the region.

Performances Group supports energy and infrastructure projects across the MSGBC region with strategic, operational and project performance services. The company works closely with local stakeholders to optimize management, investment efficiency, improve operational delivery and support infrastructure and industrial development within complex regional markets.

“Actis, TDB and Performances Group continue to demonstrate leadership in advancing energy and infrastructure development across the MSGBC region and we are pleased to welcome Sadio Wade, Antoine John Esther and Aïda Mbaye to this year’s program,” states Sandra Jeque, Events and Project Director, Energy Capital & Power.

– on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Source: APO – Report:

Norway reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to Africa’s low-income countries with a NOK 3.1 billion pledge to the African Development Fund’s seventeenth replenishment (ADF-17). The announcement, made during the Global Citizen Now: Johannesburg event, held on 21 November, was later reiterated in a bilateral meeting between Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and African Development Bank Group President Dr Sidi Ould Tah (http://AfDB.org).

The pledge includes a core ADF-17 contribution of NOK 2,377 million, representing a 5.79 percent increase from ADF-16. Norway also confirmed continued support to the Fund’s Climate Action Window with a commitment of NOK 150 million. Earlier in 2025, Norway contributed NOK 50 million to the Climate Action Window (https://apo-opa.co/3Y1GAhz) becoming its fifth investor.

Dr Sidi Ould Tah welcomed the announcement, saying: “Norway has been a highly valued partner of the African Development Fund. My discussion with the Prime Minister underscored our shared focus on youth opportunity, sustainable growth, and strong partnerships. Norway’s support to ADF-17 will help the Fund expand its impact at a decisive moment for Africa’s most vulnerable economies.”

Norway has participated in every replenishment of the African Development Fund since joining in 1973 and continues to prioritize core support that enhances predictability and responsiveness. According to the Norwegian Government’s official statement, this contribution reflects Norway’s commitment to improving access to food, electricity, water and sanitation, health services, education, and jobs for people living in the world’s most vulnerable contexts.

In the Norwegian government’s official statement (https://apo-opa.co/4pDTZIr), Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said: “All countries share a responsibility to work to build a more peaceful and more equitable world. This funding will go towards improving the lives of some of the world’s poorest people. It will be used, among other things, to provide people with access to food, electricity, water and sanitation, health services, education and jobs.”

Norway further noted that the contribution forms part of the follow-up to its 2024 strategy for engagement with African countries (https://apo-opa.co/48cmAPk). Norway recognizes the African Development Fund’s integral role in initiatives such as Mission 300 (https://apo-opa.co/3MfEtEf), which aims to expand electricity access to 300 million people in Africa by 2030.

The African Development Fund is the concessional window of the African Development Bank Group and a key source of financing for 37 low-income African countries. Since 1972, it has supported essential investments in energy, transport, agriculture, regional integration, and governance through grants, highly concessional loans, and guarantees.

The seventeenth replenishment of the African Development Fund will be finalized at a pledging session in London from 15 to 16 December 2025, when development partners will confirm their contributions.

– on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Media Contact:
Raquel Wilson
Communication and External Relations Department
media@afdb.org

About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org

Source: APO

With just one week to go until the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference and exhibition, West Africa’s premier energy and mining conference is preparing to welcome regional and international stakeholders to Dakar. Taking place from December 8-10, 2025 at the Centre International de Conférences Abdou Diouf (CICAD), the event will unite government leaders, global investors and industry executives under the theme Energy, Petroleum and Mining in Africa: Synergy for Inclusive Economic Development.

The 2025 edition comes at a pivotal time for the MSGBC basin, following first gas from the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG development and first oil from Senegal’s Sangomar field – milestones that signal a new phase of production growth and economic opportunity across the region. Exploration across The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau and Guinea-Conakry is also accelerating, supported by new seismic data, competitive fiscal incentives and increasing regional cooperation.

Explore opportunities, foster partnerships and stay at the forefront of the MSGBC region’s oil, gas and power sector. Visit www.MSGBCOilGasAndPower.com to secure your participation at the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

The program begins on December 8 with a full day of pre-conference engagements. The Society of Petroleum Engineers Senegal will host its annual technical workshop, offering a platform for knowledge sharing on practical industry topics including gas-field management, infrastructure-linked local content, production optimization and ESG integration. Complementing the workshop, the closed-door CEO Assembly will convene C-suite executives, ministers and financial institutions for confidential discussions on investment strategies, cross-border development and long-term energy security in the basin.

The main conference opens on December 9 with a high-level grand opening ceremony featuring senior representatives from the African Energy Chamber, bp, Woodside Energy, the African Petroleum Producers’ Organization, the Gas Exporting Countries Forum and Gabon’s Ministry of Universal Access to Water and Energy. The ceremony will culminate in a presidential address by Bassirou Diomaye Faye, President of Senegal, highlighting the country’s expanding leadership in regional energy development and its strategy for inclusive, diversified growth.

A central feature of the program will be the ministerial dialogue on MSGBC regional cooperation, bringing together energy ministers from Senegal, Mauritania, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau and Guinea-Conakry. The session will explore approaches to policy harmonization, equitable energy access, sustainable resource management and investment attraction as the region scales up oil, gas and mining activity. Throughout the two-day conference, delegates will also gain insights through presentations and panels on cross-border gas initiatives, power market integration, critical minerals, downstream development, Ivory Coast’s evolving energy landscape and national project updates from throughout West Africa.

Industry leaders from bp, Kosmos Energy, Woodside Energy, TGS, Apus Energy, national energy companies and many more across the basin will share updates on exploration pipelines, drilling activity, infrastructure planning and emerging investment opportunities. Their participation reflects growing confidence in the MSGBC basin’s long-term potential and the importance of collaboration to advance new hydrocarbon, power and mining developments.

The conference will conclude with post-event activities on December 11, including a networking golf day and a cultural excursion to Gorée Island, facilitating additional engagement and relationship-building among delegates. As the countdown enters its final week, MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 is set to play a defining role in guiding the next phase of West Africa’s energy and mining evolution – driving investment, strengthening cooperation and supporting a sustainable, inclusive future for the MSGBC region.

“MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 arrives at a decisive moment for the region. This year’s conference brings together partners, policymakers and investors who will shape the next decade of progress in West Africa,” states Sandra Jeque, Events and Project Director, Energy Capital & Power.

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

Source: APO

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The rapid emergence of the Dangote Refinery – now supplying regional markets and set for expansion to 1.4 million barrels per day (bpd) by 2028 – has reshaped West Africa’s downstream landscape and accelerated the need for coordinated, modern institutional frameworks. Against this backdrop, the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference and exhibition – taking place in Dakar from December 8-10 – will host a dedicated panel session titled West Africa Potential Refining Increase and the Need for a New Institutional Framework.

The session will be well-positioned to unpack how new refining capacity, evolving trade flows and regulatory alignment are redefining opportunities for investors, traders and policymakers across the MSGBC region and beyond. With several large-scale projects underway – including Senegal’s planned Société Africaine de Raffinage (SAR) 2.0 facility, Ghana’s petroleum hub development and multiple modular refineries – the region is entering a new phase of downstream growth that demands stable governance structures, harmonized fuel standards and enhance intra-African trade mechanisms.

Explore opportunities, foster partnerships and stay at the forefront of the MSGBC region’s oil, gas and power sector. Visit www.MSGBCOilGasAndPower.com to secure your participation at the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

The panel brings together four premier voices shaping West Africa’s refining expansion, including Baboucarr Njie, Managing Director, Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC); Anibor Kragha, Executive Secretary, African Refiners and Distributors Association (ARDA); Mamadou Abib Diop, CEO, SAR; and Badara Mbacké, Managing Director, TotalEnergies Senegal.

The GNPC is a major player in Ghana’s multi-phase, $60-billion petroleum hub initiative. As part of the initiative the parastatal is driving refinery development, logistics expansion and strategic partnerships to position Ghana as a future regional energy hub. Meanwhile, ARDA plays a key role in advancing harmonized cleaner fuel standards and enabling reforms and intra-African market integration essential for downstream modernization.

The SAR 2.0 refinery aims to add 4 million tons of annual capacity to Senegal by 2029, supporting domestic self-sufficiency and strengthening regional export capabilities. Finally, representing one of the region’s most attractive international energy firms, TotalEnergies Senegal is engaged across downstream distribution, product marketing and strategic partnerships in Senegal’s growing oil and gas sector.

Together, these experts will be well-positioned to examine the shifting dynamics between refiners and importers, the investment potential of new capacity additions and policy measures needed to safeguard market stability while fostering competition and innovation. As such, the session is poised to provide actionable insights on how West Africa can unlock value, attract sustainable capital and build a resilient refining ecosystem for long-term growth.

“As West Africa’s refining landscape undergoes its most significant transformation in decades, it is vital that industry leaders convene to align on the frameworks that will guide this growth. This session brings together the key decision-makers shaping the region’s downstream future, enabling that policy, investment and capacity expansion to move forward in a coordinated and sustainable way,” states Sandra Jeque, Events and Project Director, Energy Capital & Power.

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

Source: APO

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The UK government’s recent decision to withdraw $1.15 billion in support from the TotalEnergies-led Mozambique LNG project is a concerning example of Western policy priorities undermining Africa’s development. Announced on Monday, the decision comes at a moment when global energy markets face unprecedented pressure. Yet, the UK appears more focused on ideological signaling rather than practical solutions to persistent energy poverty.

The Mozambique LNG project is far more than another fossil fuel venture. It represents a transformative opportunity for the continent, with the potential to deliver 13 million tons of LNG annually – powering industries, fueling domestic growth and supporting economic development in a region where millions still live without reliable electricity. By withdrawing support, the UK has chosen to prioritize its green and “woke” agenda over African progress, focusing on counting emissions rather than taking into consideration African energy poverty and the need to prioritize energy security, affordability and sovereignty.

Security challenges in northern Cabo Delgado forced TotalEnergies to suspend operations in 2021. Since then, improved conditions have allowed the company to lift the suspension and resume planning, contingent on government approval for a revised development roadmap. Rather than recognize this progress, UK Export Finance cited ‘risks’ as justification for withdrawal – a rationale that reflects priorities driven more by political optics than by Africa’s urgent energy needs. The same risk has been evaluated by the US, with the US Export-Import Bank moving to reapprove a loan earlier in 2025 in recognition of the improved situation on the ground. The decision to withdraw financing reflects a broader trend by the UK to follow an anti-fossil fuels agenda, one that has already put North Sea production in great decline.

The African Energy Chamber (AEC) condemns the decision to withdraw, deeming the decision as not only a setback for Mozambique but for the entire continent. The withdrawal undermines African energy security, industrial ambitions and efforts to lift millions from energy poverty. This pattern has repeated across the continent: projects delayed or blocked, investments withheld, all justified in the name of climate or security concerns, while energy poverty persists. Africa does not need moral instruction on climate from nations that consume energy at levels far beyond the continent’s needs. What is essential are partnerships that respect African priorities, timelines and the sovereign right to develop sustainably.

“Withdrawing support from Mozambique LNG is a betrayal of Africa’s right to energy security and a slap in the face of progress for the continent’s millions living without reliable power. This moment should serve as a call to action: it serves as a stark reminder that Africa’s energy future cannot rely solely on foreign financing or conditional support. Mozambique LNG, and projects like it across the continent, must be championed by Africans for Africans, with a focus on responsible development, job creation and the eradication of energy poverty,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.

The Mozambique LNG project highlights what African energy development should look like: ambitious, transformative and responsible. Gas‑liquefaction projects in Cabo Delgado are expected to create at least 10,000 direct jobs by 2025, focusing on local populations and supporting young graduates with SME development. Construction of the Mozambique LNG facility alone has been estimated to create around 5,000 jobs. Beyond employment, LNG production and exports have already generated rising government revenues – with state LNG‑related earnings increasing by over 20% last year. Once fully operational and supported by stable financing, Mozambique LNG could deliver the energy, revenue and human capital needed to power industry, boost public services and lift communities out of energy poverty.

Africa is rich in natural resources – including its 620 trillion cubic feet of natural gas – yet these resources are too often treated by Western governments as tools of influence rather than drivers of growth. The UK’s withdrawal underscores the urgent need for Africa to develop independent financing mechanisms, attract investors who respect its priorities and strengthen regional cooperation to protect critical energy projects.

Mozambique LNG exemplifies how African energy development can create jobs, drive industrial growth and reinforce economic sovereignty. Energy security cannot be dictated by shifting foreign political priorities. Led by Africans with a focus on responsible development, projects like Mozambique LNG can deliver tangible benefits, empower communities and help eradicate energy poverty across the continent.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.