Category: English

Source: APO

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The second part of the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on the Treaty on Plastics is currently being held in Geneva, Switzerland, with over 170 nations meeting to discuss the implementation of a legally-binding instrument on plastic pollution. If signed, the treaty would cut the production levels of single-use plastics, posing significant economic damages to hydrocarbon-producing countries – particularly those in Africa.

The African Energy Chamber (AEC) strongly opposes the proposed Treaty on Plastics. While the intentions behind such a treaty may stem from environmental concerns in the developed world, its implementation would devastate the petrochemical industry in Africa. This treaty would effectively stifle the growth of Africa’s oil and gas industry, leading to increased energy poverty, hindered manufacturing, stalled industrialization and a decline in vital investments for the chemicals sector.

African countries, particularly Gabon, Ghana, Angola and Senegal, would bear the brunt of this impact. These are nations which have long-faced economic challenges, yet they possess significant deposits of oil and gas resources. Gabon holds 2 billion barrels of oil and 1.2 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of gas; Ghana has 1.1 billion barrels of oil and 2.1 tcf of gas; Senegal has 1 billion barrels of oil and 120 tcf of gas; while Angola has 9 billion barrels of oil and 11 tcf of gas.

These resources promise to turn Africa’s economy around, primarily through opportunities in petrochemical production. The rise in petrochemical manufacturing in Africa brings with it a wave of economic benefits – from employment opportunities to the introduction of essential materials and supply chains to global trade and innovation. Petrochemicals will catalyze development across strategic sectors, including healthcare, agriculture and transportation. Faced with both an energy and food crisis, Africa requires petrochemicals to improve livelihoods and ensure inclusive growth.  

By opposing the Treaty on Plastics, African nations can protect their path to energy security, industrial growth and economic prosperity. Gabon, for example, is making significant strides towards alleviating energy poverty through investments in oil and gas projects. Targeting 220,000 barrels per day (bpd), the country seeks to diversify its economy through the expansion of petrochemicals, LNG and LPG processing. Major projects include the $2 billion Cap Lopez LNG terminal – starting in 2026 – the Batanga LPG plant and the SOGARA refinery, which targets 1.5 million tons by 2030.

The Treaty on Plastics would disrupt this growth, impacting Gabon’s efforts to strengthen its economy. Ongoing oil and gas projects in Senegal would also be jeopardized by the Treaty. Following the start of operations at the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) project in 2025 and the Sangomar oilfield in 2024, Senegal is advancing efforts to improve domestic fuel security, facilitate the development of new industries and spur economic development. GTA has a capacity of 2.3 million tons per annum (mtpa), with subsequent phases increasing output to 5 mtpa. Sedin Engineering plans to build a refinery and petrochemical plant in the country leveraging offshore resources to produce high-value plastics and chemicals. The Treaty on Plastics would restrict this.

Meanwhile, Ghana’s ambitious petrochemical park would suffer significantly, undermining the country’s industrial development. The country plans to develop a $12 billion petroleum hub in Jomoro, which, following the completion of all phases, will incorporate three 300,000 bpd refineries, five petrochemical plants, storage facilities and port infrastructure. The Treaty on Plastics would impact this project, which has the potential to drastically improve energy and food security across the West African region. Angola – sub-Saharan Africa’s second biggest oil producer – plans to enhance petrochemical production under efforts to diversify the oil-reliant economy. Under the Gas Master Plan – aimed at attracting $30 billion in investment and generating over $150 billion in economic benefits through the natural gas sector – Angola aims to bolster petrochemical and fertilizer production, thereby supporting the creation of new industries. The Treaty on Plastic could see a dramatic decline in oil, gas and plastic demand, impacting Angola’s progress to diversify and grow its economy.

Tanzania – home to upwards of 57 tcf of gas reserves – is also pursuing several petrochemical and natural gas projects. Through the development of the $42 billion Tanzania LNG project, the country seeks to accelerate industrialization, positioning itself as a global hub for oil, gas and associate by-products. Projects such as the Tanzania Mbolea and Petrochemicals Company Kilwa Complex – a proposed project that targets a capacity of 3.8 mtpa – are central to this goal. Once completed, the plant will be the largest fertilizer-manufacturing factory in Africa producing a variety of petrochemical products, including urea and ammonia. The complex is expected to commence commercial operations in 2028, but if the Treaty on Plastics is signed, it could significantly impact the project’s ability to secure financing and reach completion.

“The AEC calls on African nations, specifically Gabon, Ghana, Angola, and Senegal, to reject support for this treaty. We urge these countries to prioritize their energy and industrial needs over external environmental agendas that do not align with Africa’s developmental priorities. Supporting this treaty would amount to shooting yourselves in the foot, making no sense for Africa’s future,” stated NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Source: APO

Shell’s plans to explore for oil and gas in South Africa’s Orange Basin, recently granted environmental authorization to drill up to five deepwater wells, now faces a court appeal from environmental groups and coastal communities. While legal challenges are a natural part of democratic governance, there is broad consensus on the urgent need to streamline South Africa’s permitting processes to prevent unnecessary delays and roadblocks – especially those often driven by Western-funded environmental NGOs. Expediting energy project approvals with responsible safeguards will help unlock the country’s vast resource potential without compromising natural heritage.

South Africa’s energy landscape is at a crossroads. The country imports roughly 70% of its oil consumption, exposing its economy to volatile global markets and price shocks. Offshore exploration in the Orange Basin offers a pragmatic path to strengthen energy security and reduce reliance on expensive imports. Shell’s project, located in the Northern Cape Ultra Deep Block near Namibia’s major Venus discovery – which is expected to produce over 100,000 barrels per day – could be transformative for South Africa and the wider Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.

Addressing Environmental Concerns with Rigorous Safeguards

Environmental groups have raised concerns about the potential impacts of drilling and seismic surveys on marine life. However, Shell’s authorization followed a comprehensive Environmental and Social Impact Assessment incorporating rigorous safeguards. Modern seismic surveys utilize carefully controlled low-frequency sound waves designed to minimize disturbance, supported by decades of research and over $30 million annually invested in monitoring and mitigation technologies.

More than 35 seismic surveys have been conducted offshore South Africa over the past decade with no recorded significant harm to marine ecosystems. The oil and gas industry continues to invest in innovations like passive acoustic monitoring and phase ramp-up procedures to protect marine mammals.

Shell plans to drill between 3,500 and 3,200 meters below sea level, making it among deepest offshore wells globally and the deepest ever attempted in South Africa. The company robust contingency plans to swiftly address rare incidents like blowouts, underscoring its commitment to safe, responsible exploration in ultra-deepwater environments.

Urgent Call for Litigation and Regulatory Reform

As the voice of the African energy sector, the African Energy Chamber (AEC) strongly calls for immediate reform of litigation and upstream petroleum legislation to prevent disruptive, meritless legal challenges by foreign-funded NGOs including Greenpeace, Just Stop Oil, Extinction Rebellion, the Green Connection and Natural Justice. Such litigation threatens to halt vital projects, seismic surveys and drilling campaigns abruptly, undermining investor confidence and delaying Africa’s energy progress.

“Implementing these reforms will safeguard South African infrastructure and energy projects from unjustified legal roadblocks, establishing a stable regulatory environment critical for long-term investment. This stability is essential for positioning Africa as a preferred destination for oil and gas investment and for accelerating regional economic growth,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber.

Advancing Africa’s Offshore Energy Frontier

South Africa is part of a wider African trend toward expanding offshore energy development. Companies such as TotalEnergies, Africa Oil Corp and Eco Atlantic are increasing their exploration activities, encouraged by progressive regulatory reforms improving investment conditions. The recent Upstream Petroleum Resources Development Act represents an important step in fast-tracking exploration and production while balancing environmental protection.

Shell and other energy companies drilling in South Africa will boost domestic energy production, create jobs and stimulate economic growth across the SADC region. Unlocking Africa’s oil and gas resources delivers far-reaching benefits – developing skills, generating government revenues for social programs and economic diversification, improving infrastructure and providing pathways out of energy poverty for many communities.

Balancing Energy Needs for Africa’s Future

While renewables are necessary for Africa’s long-term energy transition, fossil fuels remain indispensable today for meeting growing demand and powering economic growth. A just and pragmatic energy future recognizes the need to responsibly develop all available resources.

Shell’s Orange Basin project embodies this vision. It is an opportunity to bolster South Africa’s energy independence, stimulate economic growth and deliver tangible benefits to communities. The AEC encourages all stakeholders – government, industry and civil society – to work together to ensure exploration proceeds safely, transparently and in the interest of all Africans.

The court appeal underscores the importance of open dialogue and due process, but it should not overshadow the urgent need to advance energy development projects that can transform the continent. Africa deserves to harness its resources for the benefit of its people, and projects like Shell’s Orange Basin exploration are a vital part of that future.

“Africa stands at the threshold of an energy revolution that can drive sustainable growth and lift millions out of poverty. There is widespread agreement on the urgent need to streamline South Africa’s permitting system and enact litigation reforms to prevent unwarranted delays from foreign-funded environmental groups, while still protecting the environment. We urge all stakeholders to come together to support Shell and other energy companies drilling in South Africa, which will increase domestic energy supply, create employment and drive economic growth throughout the SADC region,” states Ayuk.  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Source: APO

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African Energy Week (AEW) 2025: Invest in African Energies is set to welcome leading voices from some of the most influential advisory and market intelligence firms supporting Africa’s energy transformation. With a sharpened focus on facilitating investment and de-risking entry into Africa’s oil, gas and energy sectors, this group of speakers reflects growing demand for trusted insight, financial strategy and legal clarity as the continent positions itself for large-scale energy development.

Representing Rystad Energy, Bimbola Kolawole, Vice President and Head of Commercial, Africa, brings the perspective of one of the world’s leading independent research and energy intelligence firms. With Rystad’s data-driven insights playing a central role in shaping investor and operator decision-making, the company’s analysis of African upstream and gas markets has become essential to understanding resource potential and project viability. At AEW, Kolawole will speak to how real-time intelligence and market modeling can help both African stakeholders and global investors identify actionable opportunities and build bankable projects.

Joining the conversation is Fiyinfolu Okedare, Director of Consulting at Forvis Mazars, a global advisory group with deep expertise in corporate structuring, due diligence and energy sector transactions. Forvis Mazars has emerged as a key partner for companies navigating Africa’s diverse regulatory environments and planning long-term investments. Okedare will contribute strategic insights into how advisory support can unlock financial close, improve compliance and align investor expectations with project realities, particularly in complex or emerging markets.

Also speaking is Onyeka Cindy Ojogbo, Deputy Managing Partner at CLG, one of Africa’s foremost legal and regulatory advisors focused on energy. CLG has played a pivotal role in shaping upstream policy, cross-border energy frameworks and legal reforms across the continent. At AEW, Ojogbo will share how legal innovation, contract structuring and policy advocacy are enabling energy investments to move from exploration to development at a faster, more secure pace.

Africa’s energy sector is experiencing a structural shift, marked by increasing domestic participation, shifting capital flows and growing interest in integrated oil and gas development, along with gas-to-power and renewable diversification. As global capital becomes more cautious and competitive, African markets must sharpen their value proposition. Transparent licensing rounds, fiscal stability, ESG alignment and robust project preparation have become non-negotiables for attracting long-term international investors. In this environment, intelligence and advisory firms serve as critical enablers – translating opportunity into action and reducing uncertainty across every stage of the value chain.

“Africa is open for investment, but success depends on transparency, trusted partners and data-backed strategies,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber. “Rystad, Forvis Mazars and CLG are helping to build that foundation. They are not just observers – they are enablers of deals, progress, and long-term impact.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

About AEW: Invest in African Energies:
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.

Source: APO

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Energy project developer Technip Energies has confirmed its participation as a Gold Sponsor at the upcoming MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference and exhibition, taking place from December 9-10 in Dakar. Held under the theme Energy, Petroleum and Mining in Africa: Synergy for Inclusive Economic Development, the event is organized with the support of Senegal’s Ministry of Energy, Petroleum and Mines, Petrosen, COS-Petrogaz and the African Energy Chamber. 

With over 100 projects completed across the continent, Technip Energies continues to play a leading role in advancing energy infrastructure and local development in Mauritania, Senegal and Guinea-Conakry. The company’s sponsorship at MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 underscores its long-standing commitment to the MSGBC region. 

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.

In June 2025, Technip Energies achieved commercial operations for the floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel deployed at the bp-operated Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) (https://apo-opa.co/4lnxBR6) gas project offshore Mauritania and Senegal. The FPSO is equipped with eight processing and production modules and is designed to accommodate 140 personnel and process up to 500 million standard cubic feet of gas per day, enabling the production of 2.3 million tons of LNG annually during Phase 1 of the project. 

First cargo (https://apo-opa.co/4fyVKCZ) for the GTA project was loaded for export in April 2025, marking Mauritania and Senegal’s debut as LNG exporting nations. The first phase of the project is on track to produce about 2.3 million tons per year of LNG, with a portion allocated to domestic markets in both countries. Partners are advancing planning for Phase 2 of the GTA development (https://apo-opa.co/3Ut7n4L) – set for 2025-2027 – which will explore a gravity-based structure concept, aiming to expand capacity to between 2.5 and 3 million tons per annum. 

In Guinea-Conakry, Technip Energies is supporting the country’s efforts to build downstream capacity in the mining sector. The company was recently awarded a front-end engineering design contract for an alumina refinery (https://apo-opa.co/412NrJG), which will process Guinea-Conakry’s bauxite reserves into alumina for electric vehicle battery production and energy storage technologies. 

Meanwhile, the company is also leading the ACATBS modernization project at the SAR refinery in Senegal, a critical national infrastructure upgrade aimed at increasing processing capacity, enhancing fuel security and supporting local industrialization. The project incorporates strong local content initiatives, including the training and deployment of national professionals across engineering and commissioning phases. 

Operating under a strategy that emphasized gas monetization, industrial development and local workforce integration, Technip Energies is a key partner to public institutions across the MSGBC region. The company’s participation at MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 reflects its role in delivering transformational projects that contribute to energy sovereignty and inclusive economic growth. 

“Technip Energies’ continued investment in transformation projects across the MSGBC region highlights the critical role of engineering excellence and local content in unlocking the basin’s full energy potential. Their presence reinforces a mission to foster cross-border collaboration and sustainable development throughout West Africa,” states Sandra Jeque, Project Director, Energy Capital & Power. 

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

Source: APO

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This year’s Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) conference – scheduled for September 3-4 in Luanda – will feature the first-ever Deals & Showcases Track as part of the main conference agenda. Taking place alongside the Strategic and Technical Tracks, this exclusive program feature encompasses a series of sessions that will explore the procurement process of some of the country’s biggest operators. The track will also feature presentations that demonstrate youth-led innovation in Angolan oil and gas. With just one month to go until the event, now is the time to secure your place and be part of the multi-track program.  

The Deals & Showcases Track is geared towards both Angolan youth as well as the country’s service providers, entrepreneurs and innovators. Led by major players, the track will introduce key solutions across the value chain, with presentations offering insight into innovative methods to drive exploration, production and broader industry development in Angola.  

A masterclass on Understanding IOC Procurement: Best Practices for Service Companies will take place during the event. The session will navigate the procurement processes of international companies active in Angola, providing an in-depth look at how companies structure their procurement strategies, what they prioritize in supplier selection and how service providers can optimize their approach to meet industry expectations. The session will be led by Adao Costa, Procurement Manager at ExxonMobil Angola.  

A session powered by Angola’s national oil company Sonangol – titled SonaJovem Showcase – will see entrepreneurs and innovators take the stage to present their business solutions to a panel of seasoned investors and executives. With a few minutes to make their case, Angola’s bright minds will showcase the potential of their technology, business model or energy solution. Additionally, a closed-door Carbon Market Session will also take place during this track, followed by a showcase led by energy major TotalEnergies.  

Meanwhile, a session on Empowering Local: Forex Solutions for Sustainable Growth in Angola’s Oil & Gas Sector will examine the evolving financial landscape in Angola and the impact on local service providers. The session will feature insights from experts and industry leaders on how to overcome hurdles in securing foreign currency for international payments and how to position local businesses for growth in a US-dollar dominated global market.  

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

About AOG:
AOG is the largest oil and gas event in Angola. Taking place with the full support of the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas; the National Oil, Gas and Biofuels Agency (ANPG); the Petroleum Derivatives Regulatory Institute (IRDP); national oil company Sonangol; and the African Energy Chamber; the event is a platform to sign deals and advance Angola’s oil and gas industry. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

Source: APO – Report:

On UN International Youth Day 2025, the Youth Charter (www.YouthCharter.org) is urging Africa’s governments, sports bodies, communities, and young leaders to unite behind a Global Call to Action that will ensure the 2026 Dakar Youth Olympic Games deliver a lasting legacy of hope and opportunity for the continent’s young people.

The Dakar Games will be the first-ever Olympic event staged on African soil – a milestone moment for the International Olympic Committee and a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Africa’s youth.

“Dakar 2026 must be more than a sporting spectacle – it must be the spark for a continental movement that engages, equips, and empowers our young people,” said Professor Geoff Thompson MBE FRSA DL, Founder and Chair of the Youth Charter. “Africa’s youth are the youngest and fastest-growing population in the world. We must channel their talent and energy into building peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable communities.”

A Legacy Opportunity for All – #LegacyOpportunity4All

Since 1993, the Youth Charter has worked across Africa – from post-apartheid township programmes in South Africa to social coach training in Namibia and youth leadership development in Ghana, Nigeria, and Kenya. This experience has shown that sport, when linked to education, health, employment, and environmental action, can transform lives.

For Dakar 2026, the Youth Charter is proposing a Pan-African Youth Legacy Programme that will:

1. Train thousands of “Social Coaches” across all 54 African nations, using the Games as a catalyst to expand youth mentoring and leadership.
2. Establish Community Campuses in urban and rural areas to provide Somewhere to Go, Something to Do, and Someone to Show Them – safe spaces for sport, learning, culture, and enterprise.
3. Align all projects with the UN SDGs, ensuring measurable impact in health, education, gender equality, peace, climate action, and partnerships.

From Dakar to Every African Community

The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games can inspire and activate programmes far beyond Senegal:

• In South Africa, the Youth Charter’s Mandela-inspired initiatives show how sport can unite divided communities and drive social change.
• In Nigeria and Ghana, sport is already creating employment opportunities for young people – from coaching to digital media and event management.
• In Kenya and Uganda, community sport programmes are improving health outcomes and increasing school retention, especially for girls.
• Across the Sahel, sport-led interventions are being used to promote peace, resilience, and climate awareness in areas facing instability.

A Call to Africa’s Leaders

The Youth Charter is calling on:

• African Union & Member States: Integrate Sport for Development and Peace into national development plans and the AU’s Agenda 2063.
• African private sector & philanthropy: Invest in community sport infrastructure and youth programmes as part of corporate social responsibility and shared value strategies.
• African youth leaders: Take the lead in designing and delivering projects that respond to local needs, using Dakar 2026 as a launch platform.
• IOC & International Partners: Commit to long-term investment in Africa’s youth, ensuring the Dakar Games legacy is built and sustained well beyond 2026.

From Dakar to 2030

With only five years left to achieve the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, Dakar 2026 offers Africa a unique moment to demonstrate authentic, evidence-based impact in youth development. The Youth Charter’s #LegacyOpportunity4All vision aligns with the IOC’s Olympism365 strategy and the UN’s Youth2030 plan – ensuring sport is a driver of inclusive and sustainable growth.

“From Dakar’s stadiums to Africa’s streets and villages, we can create a generation of young people who see sport not just as a game, but as a pathway to education, peace, climate action, and opportunity,” Thompson concluded.

Download the Youth Charter UN International Youth Day Essay & Dakar 2026 Legacy Briefing: Youth Charter – From Rhetoric to Reality: Global Call to Action for Sport for Development and Peace

– on behalf of Youth Charter.

Youth Charter @ Social Media:
LinkedIn: @ YouthCharter
Facebook: @ YouthCharter
Instagram: @ youthchartersdp
YouTube: @ YouthCharter
X: @ YOUTHCHARTER

Youth Charter #Hashtags:
#International Olympic Committee
#Olympism
#Fight4theStreets
#YoungLivesLost
#Call2Action
#LegacyOpportunity4All
#SportDevelopmentPeace
#Empowerthenextgeneration
#CommonwealthSecretariat
#UNSustainableDevelopmentGoals

About Youth Charter:
Founded in 1993 in Manchester, UK, the Youth Charter is a UN-accredited NGO with three decades of experience delivering Sport for Development and Peace initiatives in the UK and internationally. Its mission is to Engage, Equip, and Empower young people through sport, art, culture, and digital activity, creating sustainable legacy opportunities for all.

The Youth Charter is a UK registered charity and UN accredited non-governmental organisation. Launched in 1993 as part of the Manchester 2000 Olympic Bid and the 2002 Commonwealth Games, the Youth Charter has Campaigned and Promoted the role and value of sport, art, culture and digital technology in the lives of disaffected young people from disadvantaged communities nationally and internationally. The Youth Charter has a proven track record in the creation and delivery of social and human development programmes with the overall aim of providing young people with an opportunity to develop in life.

Specifically, The Youth Charter Tackles educational non-attainment, health inequality, anti-social behaviour and the negative effects of crime, drugs, gang related activity and racism by applying the ethics of sporting and artistic excellence. These can then be translated to provide social and economic benefits of citizenship, rights responsibilities, with improved education, health, social order, environment and college, university, employment and enterprise.