Category: MIL-OSI

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NourishNext: Supporting Youth-Led Innovation in West Africa’s Fruit and Vegetable Value Chains

Source: APO

The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) (www.GAINHealth.org), in partnership with the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC),  Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement, has launched the NourishNext West Africa 2026 : Youth Agrifood Innovation Challenge (Link). NourishNext is a regional innovation challenge that will identify, support, and showcase youth-led solutions that improve the availability, accessibility, affordability, and consumption of fruits and vegetables across Benin, Nigeria, Senegal, and Côte d’Ivoire.

Download Document: https://apo-opa.co/4fgzG1D

Participants will progress through a series of evaluation stages, including application screening, expert assessment, mentorship, and national pitch events, before selected finalists advance to a regional finale in Dakar, Senegal, later this year. Along the way, innovators will receive opportunities to strengthen their innovative solutions, gain visibility, connect with experts and partners, and compete for seed funding to help scale their solutions.

The Challenge is designed to provide a structured pathway that not only identifies promising innovations across the fruit and vegetable value chains but also equips young innovators with the support and exposure needed to accelerate their impact.

West Africa’s agrifood system employs over 60 percent of the workforce and contributes nearly a third of the GDP, yet fruit and vegetable consumption across the region remains far below recommended levels. At the same time, young people and women continue to face high levels of unemployment and underemployment, despite being one of the region’s strongest sources of innovation and enterprise.

“At the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), we believe young people are among the most powerful drivers of innovation and sustainable development across West Africa. The NourishNext West Africa 2026 innovation challenge is important because it provides a platform for mentorship, expertise, and partnerships that turn promising solutions into scalable ones, for building stronger food systems and better nutrition” said Amanda Ammann – Ambassade de Suisse au Senegal and Programme Manager Food Systems, Swiss Agency for Development & Cooperation (SDC)

Empowering Youth to Transform Food Systems 

Young innovators understand the challenges facing their communities firsthand and are uniquely positioned to develop practical solutions that improve how fruits and vegetables are processed, marketed, and consumed. NourishNext is designed to harness that creativity and entrepreneurial drive by supporting innovations that address key bottlenecks across the fruit and vegetable value chain.

The Challenge is seeking youth-led enterprises and innovators developing solutions in four areas: 

  • Value addition and processing; 
  • Integration of locally produced fruits and vegetables into public nutrition and social protection programmes, such as school feeding; 
  • Market and supply chain solutions; and
  • Consumer demand and healthy diet behaviour change. 

Applicants must be based in Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, or Senegal and should have progressed beyond the idea stage, and should be having at least a prototype, pilot, field-tested solution, or early market traction.The platform is particularly interested in innovations that reduce post-harvest losses, improve cold storage and logistics, help expand market access, and increase consumption of nutritious fruits and vegetables.

“NourishNext is designed for youth-led enterprises that are already beyond the idea stage, with prototype, pilot or early market traction. It builds on GAIN Nigeria’s ongoing work to strengthen nutritious food value chains, support small and medium enterprises, and create the market linkages and ecosystem support that help promising solutions become scalable businesses,” said Dr. Michael Ojo, Country Director, GAIN Nigeria.

NourishNext is not just a competition, it is a platform designed to help promising youth-led innovators grow and scale their impact. Throughout the Challenge, participants will have opportunities to strengthen their business models or programmes, enhance the nutrition impact of their innovations, and connect with mentors, partners, investors, and new markets. By fostering collaboration, peer learning, technical support, and investment opportunities, NourishNext aims to strengthen the regional innovation ecosystem and accelerate solutions that make healthy diets more accessible across West Africa.

In Benin, the initiative is expected to help connect youth entrepreneurship with the country’s broader nutrition priorities and policy commitments. “Benin’s food and nutrition architecture, from the Food and Nutrition Council to dietary guidelines, means we are ready to translate commitment into action. The NourishNext West Africa innovation challenge, will help young Beninese innovators commercialise value-added produce, plug into school feeding and public procurement, and reduce barriers that keep nutritious food out of households,” said Françoise Sayi, Country Director, GAIN Benin.

Applications for the NourishNext West Africa Youth Agrifood Innovation Challenge 2026 officially opened on 8 July 2026. Young innovators aged 18–35 years, and women-led enterprises with women leaders up to 40 years of age, from Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, or Senegal, are invited to apply and showcase their innovative solutions for strengthening nutritious fruit and vegetable value chains across West Africa. Apply here Link (https://apo-opa.co/4gQO16a). ​

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN).

Additional Links: 
Nutrition Connect: https://apo-opa.co/4vBIyUd
Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN): www.GAINHealth.org

Social Media: 
Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) Benin – LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/44MsdkK
Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) Nigeria – LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/4gMcKs8

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Libya Energy Summit Launches Upstream Hub to Drive Production Growth

Source: APO


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Libya is placing upstream investment at the core of its energy strategy, with a dedicated Upstream Hub set to convene during the upcoming Libya Energy & Economic Summit (LEES) 2027 in Tripoli from January 23–25. The day-long strategic platform will bring together the Ministry of Oil and Gas, the National Oil Corporation (NOC), international oil companies, service providers and investors to accelerate exploration, production growth and technology deployment across Libya’s hydrocarbon sector.

The Upstream Hub comes as Libya transitions from a successful licensing phase into an execution-driven growth cycle. Following the country’s first upstream licensing round in 17 years, the Ministry of Oil and Gas and NOC are now focused on converting newly awarded exploration acreage into production, while preparing a second licensing round expected in late 2026 or early 2027.

The 2025/2026 licensing round offered 22 exploration blocks across Libya’s most prospective onshore and offshore basins. Five blocks were awarded to international operators, with production sharing agreements signed in June 2026, while the remaining acreage is expected to return to market under revised fiscal terms through the new Exploration and Production Sharing Agreement (EPSA-V) framework.

Reflecting these developments, the Upstream Hub will open with “Licensing in Focus: 2027 Bid Round Expectations and Exploration Updates,” examining EPSA-V revisions, anticipated commercial reforms and exploration priorities as Libya seeks stronger participation in the relaunch of unawarded acreage.

The “Exploration Mandate: Onshore, Offshore and Frontier Basins” session will assess opportunities across the Sirte, Murzuq and Ghadames basins, as well as offshore prospects in the Pelagian Basin and frontier deepwater acreage. Discussions will support Libya’s objective of increasing crude production from approximately 1.4 million bpd to 1.6 million bpd in the near term, with a longer-term target of 2 million bpd.

Digital transformation will also feature prominently through the “AI, Digital Oilfields and Smart Production Technologies” session, showcasing advancements such as Sirte Oil Company’s AI-assisted drilling campaign using SLB technology, alongside smart field systems, real-time monitoring, cloud analytics and automated digital measurement solutions being deployed across Libya’s upstream operations.

As Libya targets the drilling of 70 to 100 new exploration and appraisal wells annually, the “Fast-Tracking Brownfield Redevelopment and Unconventional Plays” session will examine enhanced oil recovery, mature asset optimization and unconventional resource development. Ongoing work by established international operators and service firms including major global energy players highlights the role of redevelopment, infrastructure upgrades and shale resource evaluation in accelerating production growth.

Building domestic capability remains central to the Ministry’s strategy. The “Building the Service Ecosystem for Libya’s Production Growth” session will explore local content development, workforce training, technology transfer and partnerships between international operators and Libyan service companies to strengthen long-term industry capacity.

Completing the agenda, the “Gas as a Growth Engine” session will examine offshore gas development, domestic supply expansion and export potential, while the “Decarbonizing Libya’s Upstream Sector” session will focus on emissions reduction, digital efficiency, methane management and lower-carbon production practices.

Together, the Upstream Hub positions LEES 2027 as a leading platform for shaping Libya’s next phase of upstream investment, technological modernization and sustainable production growth.

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

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KZN Legislature adopts R168.2 billion budget

Source: Government of South Africa

KZN Legislature adopts R168.2 billion budget

KwaZulu-Natal Finance MEC Francois Rodgers has welcomed the adoption of the province’s R168.2 billion budget for the 2026/27 financial year, marking an important milestone towards driving economic growth, strengthening service delivery and improving the lives of residents. 

The budget, approved by the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature on Tuesday, provides a firm foundation for the province’s continued journey from recovery to renewal and reflects government’s commitment to responsible financial management, fiscal discipline and sustainable development. 

Rodgers said the budget is aligned with the Provincial Financial Recovery Plan and is designed to protect frontline services, while creating conditions necessary for inclusive economic growth. 

More than 80% of provincial expenditure has been allocated to the Education, Health and Social Development departments, with additional funding earmarked to ease budgetary pressures in the education and health sectors. 

This includes support for the equalisation of Grade R teachers’ salaries and the strengthening of critical healthcare services.

The budget also prioritises infrastructure development, job creation and economic growth. Significant funding has been allocated for road maintenance, the rehabilitation of infrastructure damaged by natural disasters, and investments in early childhood development, agriculture, tourism and public infrastructure to stimulate economic activity and create employment opportunities across the province.

Rodgers described the adoption of the budget as a strong vote of confidence in the province’s future.

“Taking into account the constrained fiscal environment, this budget reflects the shared commitment of the Government of Provincial Unity to build a stronger, more resilient KwaZulu-Natal. It protects essential services, invests in our people, and creates opportunities for economic growth and job creation. Most importantly, it positions our province to move forward with confidence as we work together to deliver a better future for all citizens,” Rodgers said. 

The MEC said the provincial government will now focus on implementing the budget and ensuring that every rand spent delivers meaningful value to communities.

“Through sound governance, strategic investment and a continued focus on service delivery, the provincial government remains committed to building a prosperous, inclusive and growing KwaZulu-Natal,” Rodgers said.

eNdumeni urged to adopt credible budget

Meanwhile, Rodgers has engaged with eNdumeni Mayor Mcebo Mkhize, senior councillors and municipal officials to discuss solutions to the political and administrative challenges that have prevented the municipality from adopting its 2026/27 budget, a breach of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA).

The meeting, held on Monday, was attended by senior officials from the KwaZulu-Natal Treasury, the Provincial Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), and members of the MEC’s Ministry. 

According to the provincial treasury, discussions were constructive, with all stakeholders expressing a shared commitment to finding a solution that places the interests of eNdumeni residents first. 

KwaZulu-Natal Treasury and Provincial CoGTA reiterated their availability to support the municipality in developing a credible and funded budget that will safeguard service delivery and improve the municipality’s financial sustainability.

The meeting also discussed a proposed plan to address the municipality’s debt to Eskom, which will be presented to the municipal council for consideration and possible adoption. 

Rodgers said the people of eNdumeni deserve a municipality that is focused on service delivery and sound financial management.

“The focus of the budget and its approval should be in the best interests of the residents of eNdumeni. The people of eNdumeni are not all interested in politics, but all stand to benefit from affordable and sustainable services. The KZN Treasury team is committed to assisting the local municipality,” Rodgers said.

The MEC reminded the municipality that the provincial government has resolved that eNdumeni must adopt a credible and funded budget by 31 July 2026, failing which the municipality will be dissolved, and an administrator will be appointed.

However, Rodgers emphasised that such an outcome is not the preferred option of the provincial government and that every effort should be made to resolve outstanding matters through cooperation and responsible leadership.

Rodgers also urged councillors to remain guided by the principle of putting principles before politics, and to work together in the interests of the community.

“The provincial government remains confident that, through continued engagement and collaboration, eNdumeni can adopt a credible budget that strengthens governance, protects service delivery and supports the municipality’s long-term development,” Rodgers said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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NPO ordered to pay back ‘unlawful’ NLC funding

Source: Government of South Africa

NPO ordered to pay back ‘unlawful’ NLC funding

The Special Tribunal has declared that the National Lotteries Commission’ (NLC) decision to award a R4 million grant to non-profit organisation (NPO) Mshandukani Foundation unlawful, reviewing and setting it aside.

The Tribunal has also ruled that the funds be repaid, including interest.

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) had investigated the funding, which found irregularities in the awarding as well as use of the funds.

“[The] investigation… revealed that the funding application was based on a [borehole] project that had already been completed several years earlier and that the grant funds were diverted to entities linked to the foundation’s leadership.

“The SIU’s investigation found that the Mshandukani Foundation, a registered non-profit organisation (NPO), applied in February 2019 for grant funding of R4 708 000 to implement a community development project aimed at providing clean water to communities in the Eastern Cape.

“The application, signed by the Mshandukani Foundation’s Chairperson, Pretty Shandukani, to the NLC indicated that the project would benefit 8015 vulnerable people and create 15 part-time jobs. It also included operational costs such as salaries, stipends, audit fees, bank charges and travel expenses,” the SIU explained.

The funding was approved by former NLC Chief Operating Officer Phillemon Letwaba and was further distributed to various individuals and organisations including some R3.6 million paid to Preldon Construction CC, a company owned by Pretty Mshandukani.

“From the R3.6 million, R500 000 was paid… to Ironbridge Travelling Agency and Events (Pty) Ltd, a company owned by Mr Letwaba’s wife, Ms Rebotile Malomane, and R550 000 was paid… to Mshandukani Holdings, purportedly as a loan.

“Furthermore, Preldon Construction made several payments of R700 000 to Mshandukani Foundation, R2.1 million to Mshandukani Holdings, R150 000 to an associate, and R120 000 to Mr Mshandukani’s personal account. Additionally, R39 675 was paid to Rocbit Drilling Equipment,” the SIU said.

The investigation also found:

  • The borehole work itself was of poor quality.
  • Engcobo Local Municipality had no legal authority over the schools and clinics because responsibility for water services rests with the Chris Hani District Municipality.
  • Mshandukani Foundation lacked the necessary approvals under the South African Schools Act and had failed to consult the Department of Basic Education, as required.

“The SIU also discovered that two employees of Mshandukani Holdings, a geologist intern and a receptionist, had been listed as members of the foundation without their knowledge or consent.

“The SIU found that neither the foundation, Mr Letwaba, Ironbridge Travelling Agency and Events, nor Ms Malomane had provided any explanation for how the grant funds were used,” the corruption busting unit added.

The SIU was authorised to investigate allegations of corruption and maladministration at the NLC through Proclamation R32 of 2020 signed by President Cyril Ramaphosa. – SAnews.gov.za

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Líderes em conteúdo local vão impulsionar a agenda de desenvolvimento da força de trabalho na African Energy Week (AEW) 2026

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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À medida que África entra num novo ciclo de investimento energético, a formação de uma força de trabalho local qualificada tornou-se tão importante quanto a captação de capital. A Conferência e Exposição da African Energy Week (AEW), que decorrerá de 12 a 16 de outubro na Cidade do Cabo, coloca este tema no centro da sua agenda, com a participação de figuras de destaque nas áreas do desenvolvimento de competências, da formação da força de trabalho e das políticas de conteúdo local.

O painel de oradores inclui Nillian Mulemi, CEO da Petrofund, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, Secretário Executivo do Conselho de Desenvolvimento e Monitorização de Conteúdo Nigeriano (NCDMB), e Loïc du Rusquec, Membro do Conselho Executivo e Administrador da IFP Training. Juntos, reúnem décadas de experiência no desenvolvimento de reservas de talentos nacionais, no reforço da capacidade institucional e na garantia de que os profissionais locais estejam preparados para apoiar projetos energéticos cada vez mais complexos em todo o continente.

Fundada em 1993, a Petrofund promove o desenvolvimento do capital humano através de bolsas de estudo, apoio institucional e parcerias estratégicas que reforçam o ensino das ciências, da engenharia e das áreas técnicas. A organização opera com o mandato de formar a mão-de-obra qualificada necessária para apoiar a emergente indústria petrolífera a montante da Namíbia. Com a TotalEnergies a avançar para a decisão final de investimento (FID) do projeto Venus em 2026 e a corrida para a primeira produção de petróleo até 2030 em curso, a Petrofund pretende posicionar a juventude da Namíbia na vanguarda do próximo capítulo de desenvolvimento do país. Espera-se que Mulemi partilhe a sua visão sobre esta estratégia durante a AEW 2026.

Em representação da Nigéria, Ogbe junta-se à conferência num momento em que o país se esforça por atingir os dois milhões de barris por dia na produção de petróleo, impulsionado por uma nova onda de investimentos na ordem dos mil milhões de dólares. O NCDMB coloca as empresas e os empreendedores nigerianos no centro desta dinâmica de investimento, promovendo o desenvolvimento e a utilização das capacidades internas para a industrialização do país. Marcos recentes refletem esta visão, incluindo o lançamento de um programa de excelência académica denominado «Cradle-to-Career», uma nova certificação de formação em petróleo e gás e um programa de desenvolvimento de capital humano introduzido em parceria com a TotalEnergies e a Geoplex.

Entretanto, enquanto líder na formação profissional e no desenvolvimento de competências para os setores da energia, mobilidade e ambiente, a IFP Training oferece programas especializados que abrangem a exploração, a produção, a refinação, as tecnologias de transição energética e a excelência operacional, ajudando empresas e governos a reforçar as capacidades da força de trabalho nos setores energéticos tradicionais e emergentes. Através das suas parcerias com operadores e instituições nacionais em todo o mundo, a IFP Training continua a apoiar o desenvolvimento de profissionais técnicos altamente qualificados, capazes de responder às exigências em constante evolução da indústria energética global. Du Rusquec participa na AEW 2026 para debater o impacto destes programas no setor energético africano.

«O futuro energético de África não será determinado apenas pelos projetos que desenvolvemos, mas pelas pessoas que capacitamos para os liderar. Desenvolver competências técnicas locais, reforçar as instituições nacionais e criar oportunidades para os profissionais africanos são elementos essenciais para garantir que o continente tire o máximo partido dos seus recursos naturais», afirma NJ Ayuk, presidente executivo da Câmara Africana de Energia.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Energy Chamber.

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Les acteurs clés du contenu local vont piloter le programme de développement des ressources humaines lors de African Energy Week (AEW) 2026

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Alors que l’Afrique entre dans un nouveau cycle d’investissements énergétiques, la constitution d’une main-d’œuvre locale qualifiée est devenue tout aussi importante que l’attraction de capitaux. La conférence et le salon African Energy Week (AEW), qui se tiendront du 12 au 16 octobre au Cap, placent ce thème au cœur de leur programme, avec la participation d’intervenants de premier plan dans les domaines du développement des compétences, de la formation de la main-d’œuvre et de la politique de contenu local.

Parmi les intervenants figurent Nillian Mulemi, PDG de Petrofund, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, secrétaire exécutif du Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), et Loïc du Rusquec, membre du comité exécutif et administrateur d’IFP Training. À eux trois, ils apportent plusieurs décennies d’expérience dans le développement de viviers de talents nationaux, le renforcement des capacités institutionnelles et la mise en œuvre de mesures visant à garantir que les professionnels locaux soient dotés des compétences nécessaires pour soutenir des projets énergétiques de plus en plus complexes à travers le continent.

Créé en 1993, Petrofund favorise le développement du capital humain par le biais de bourses, d’un soutien institutionnel et de partenariats stratégiques qui renforcent l’enseignement des sciences, de l’ingénierie et des disciplines techniques. L’organisation a pour mission de constituer la main-d’œuvre qualifiée nécessaire pour soutenir l’industrie pétrolière en amont émergente de la Namibie. Alors que TotalEnergies vise la décision finale d’investissement (FID) pour le projet Venus en 2026 et que la course à la première production de pétrole d’ici 2030 bat son plein, Petrofund entend placer la jeunesse namibienne au premier plan du prochain chapitre du développement du pays. M. Mulemi devrait partager son point de vue sur cette stratégie lors de l’AEW 2026.

Représentant le Nigeria, M. Ogbe participe à la conférence à un moment où le pays s’efforce d’atteindre une production pétrolière de deux millions de barils par jour, porté par une nouvelle vague d’investissements de plusieurs milliards de dollars. Le NCDMB place les entreprises et les entrepreneurs nigérians au cœur de cette dynamique d’investissement en favorisant le développement et l’utilisation des capacités nationales pour l’industrialisation du pays. Des étapes récentes témoignent de cette vision, notamment le lancement d’un programme d’excellence académique « Cradle-to-Career », d’une nouvelle certification de formation dans le secteur pétrolier et gazier, ainsi que d’un programme de développement du capital humain mis en place en collaboration avec TotalEnergies et Geoplex.

Par ailleurs, en tant que leader de la formation professionnelle et du développement des compétences dans les secteurs de l’énergie, de la mobilité et de l’environnement, IFP Training propose des programmes spécialisés couvrant l’exploration, la production, le raffinage, les technologies de transition énergétique et l’excellence opérationnelle, aidant ainsi les entreprises et les gouvernements à renforcer les compétences de leur main-d’œuvre dans les secteurs énergétiques traditionnels et émergents. Grâce à ses partenariats avec des opérateurs et des institutions nationales du monde entier, IFP Training continue de soutenir le développement de professionnels techniques hautement qualifiés, capables de répondre aux exigences en constante évolution de l’industrie énergétique mondiale. M. du Rusquec participera à l’AEW 2026 pour discuter de l’impact de ces programmes sur le secteur énergétique africain.

« L’avenir énergétique de l’Afrique ne sera pas déterminé uniquement par les projets que nous développons, mais par les personnes que nous formons pour les diriger. Renforcer l’expertise technique locale, consolider les institutions nationales et créer des opportunités pour les professionnels africains sont essentiels pour garantir que le continent tire pleinement parti de la valeur de ses ressources naturelles », déclare NJ Ayuk, président exécutif de l’African Energy Chamber.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Energy Chamber.

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Capital Takes Center Stage at Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) 2026 as Finance Leaders Join Speaker Lineup

Source: APO


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Angola’s investment landscape will take center stage at the upcoming Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) Conference & Exhibition 2026, taking place September 9–10 with a pre-conference day on September 8, as a lineup of leading financial institutions joins the program. Senior representatives from the Trade and Development Bank Group (TDB Group), the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), Houlihan Lokey, Gemcorp Capital and Banco Sol will share insights into mobilizing capital, overcoming financing constraints and supporting the next phase of growth across Angola’s oil and gas value chain.

TDB Group continues to strengthen its position as one of Africa’s leading development finance institutions, supporting infrastructure, energy and industrial projects across the continent. In Angola, the bank introduced the Angola Export and Trade Development Facility in partnership with the Angola Sovereign Wealth Fund in 2025 to expand export capacity and improve access to infrastructure financing. Gift Moonga, Chief Executive, Southern Africa & Island States, is expected to discuss how innovative financing mechanisms such as this can strengthen Angola’s position as a regional energy hub.

As one of Africa’s largest trade finance institutions, Afreximbank has become a major financier of Angola’s upstream, downstream and energy infrastructure projects. Its recent investments include a $1.3 billion facility for the Soyo fertilizer plant, announced in 2025, and a $1.75 billion syndicated receivables purchase facility for Sonangol in early 2026, supporting the national oil company’s operating and capital expenditure requirements. Peter Olowononi, Director, Regional Operations, Southern Africa, will examine the role of development finance in accelerating Angola’s energy ambitions.

JP Hanson, Managing Director and Global Head of the Oil & Gas Group at Houlihan Lokey, joins the conference as the global investment bank continues to expand its advisory work across the energy sector. Through its dedicated Oil & Gas Group, the firm advises upstream, midstream, downstream and oilfield services companies on mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, restructuring and strategic transactions. Hanson is expected to provide a global perspective on investment trends and capital markets shaping the energy industry.

Imbono, the operational platform of Gemcorp has established a significant presence in Angola’s energy sector through investments in strategic infrastructure. These include the Cabinda Refinery, in which Gemcorp holds a 90% stake, and which commenced operations in 2025 with an initial processing capacity of 30,000 barrels per day. The firm also partnered with Angola’s Sovereign Wealth Fund in 2025 to launch a $500 million Africa-focused infrastructure fund aimed at expanding access to project finance across the continent. Pablo Mattos, Head of Downstream Operations, will speak at AOG 2026.

Meanwhile, Banco Sol – one of Angola’s leading financial institutions – continues to play an important role in improving access to finance for domestic companies operating across the oil and gas value chain. The bank recently partnered with the Association of Companies Providing Services to the Angolan Oil Industry to strengthen financing opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises, underscoring the growing importance of domestic financial institutions in supporting local participation and project delivery. Osvaldo Lemos Macaia, President of the Executive Committee, has joined the AOG 2026 speaker lineup.

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

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Local Content Leaders to Drive Workforce Development Agenda at African Energy Week (AEW) 2026

Source: APO


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As Africa enters a new energy investment cycle, building a skilled local workforce has become just as important as attracting capital. The African Energy Week (AEW) Conference and Exhibition, taking place on October 12-16 in Cape Town, positions this topic at the center of its program agenda, with leading voices in skills development, workforce training and local content policy speaking.

The speaker lineup includes Nillian Mulemi, CEO, Petrofund, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and Loïc du Rusquec, Executive Board Member and Board Director, IFP Training. Together, they bring decades of experience developing national talent pipelines, strengthening institutional capacity and ensuring local professionals are equipped to support increasingly complex energy projects across the continent.

Established in 1993, Petrofund advances human capital development through scholarships, institutional support and strategic partnerships that strengthen science, engineering and technical education. The organization operates under a mandate to build the skilled workforce needed to support Namibia’s emerging upstream petroleum industry. With TotalEnergies pursuing Venus FID in 2026 and the race for first oil production by 2030 on, Petrofund aims to position Namibia’s youth at the forefront of the country’s next development chapter. Mulemi is expected to share insight into this strategy during AEW 2026.

Representing Nigeria, Ogbe joins the conference at a time when the country is striving to reach two million barrels per day in oil production, driven by a renewed wave of billion-dollar investments. The NCDMB positions Nigerian companies and entrepreneurs at the center of this investment drive by promoting the development and utilization of in-country capacities for the industrialization of the country. Recent milestones reflect this vision, including the launch of a Cradle-to-Career academic excellence program, new oil and gas training certification and a human capital development program introduced alongside TotalEnergies and Geoplex.

Meanwhile, as a leader in professional training and skills development for the energy, mobility and environment sectors, IFP Training delivers specialized programs covering exploration, production, refining, energy transition technologies and operational excellence, helping companies and governments strengthen workforce capabilities across traditional and emerging energy sectors. Through its partnerships with operators and national institutions worldwide, IFP Training continues to support the development of highly skilled technical professionals capable of meeting the evolving demands of the global energy industry. Du Rusquec joins AEW 2026 to discuss the impact of these programs on Africa’s energy sector.

“Africa’s energy future will not be determined solely by the projects we develop, but by the people we equip to lead them. Building local technical expertise, strengthening national institutions and creating opportunities for African professionals are essential to ensuring the continent captures the full value of its natural resources,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Advisor to Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for Ministry of Foreign Affairs Participates in Gulf Research Meeting in UK

Source: Government of Qatar

Cambridge | July 22, 2026

Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari participated in the opening session of the Gulf Research Meeting titled “Regional Security from Gulf Perspectives and the Future of the Regional Order.” Held annually by the Gulf Research Center in Cambridge, United Kingdom, the forum brought together more than 450 researchers specializing in Gulf studies.

The session explored the geopolitical transformations underway in the region and their implications for regional security and stability. It emphasized the importance of developing more comprehensive approaches to confront shared challenges and strengthening regional and international cooperation to support security and stability.

During his remarks, Dr. Al Ansari stressed that recent regional developments have altered the concept of security in the region, extending beyond the military sphere to encompass maritime and aviation security, energy, infrastructure, and economics, a matter which necessitates the adoption of a more comprehensive security concept based on the integration of security, economic, and developmental dimensions.

The Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed the importance of strengthening joint Gulf action and building balanced partnerships with the international community based on shared responsibility in order to consolidate security and stability, support development and prosperity, and achieve a more sustainable future for the peoples of the region.

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Secretary-General of Ministry of Foreign Affairs Meets Ambassador of Slovenia

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha | July 22, 2026

HE Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi met on Wednesday with HE Non-Resident Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia to the State of Qatar Natalia Al Mansour, on the occasion of the end of her tenure.

HE the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs extended thanks to HE the Ambassador for her efforts in supporting and strengthening bilateral relations, wishing her success in her future duties.