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Senqu Bridge a powerful symbol of cooperation and shared development

Source: Government of South Africa

Senqu Bridge a powerful symbol of cooperation and shared development

Mokhotlong, Lesotho – President Cyril Ramaphosa has underscored the strength and longevity of relations between South Africa and Lesotho, describing the Senqu Bridge as a powerful symbol of cooperation and shared development.

Speaking at the official launch of the bridge under the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) on Wednesday in Mokhotlong, President Ramaphosa said the structure reflects a partnership built on mutual respect, shared history and a common vision for regional progress.  

“The Senqu Bridge is a milestone in our longstanding collaboration. This bridge is testament to the deep-seated relationship between our two countries. 

“Rising high above the river valley, located more than 2 500 meters above sea level, this bridge has been built to endure. It will serve many generations to come,” the President said. 

President Ramaphosa, along with His Majesty King Letsie III, officially unveiled the state-of-the-art Senqu Bridge, marking a major milestone in the long-standing partnership between South Africa and Lesotho under the Lesotho Highlands Water Project. 

Set against the highlands of Mokhotlong, the historic moment unfolded as President Ramaphosa arrived by helicopter near the bridge before joining King Letsie III for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The two leaders then unveiled a commemorative plaque bearing the inscription: “Officially opened on 22 April 2026 by His Majesty King Letsie III, Kingdom of Lesotho and H.E President Cyril Ramaphosa in celebration of 40 years of partnership and regional development” .

The Senqu Bridge, constructed at an estimated cost of R2.4 billion, is the largest of three major crossings being developed under Phase II of the LHWP. Measuring approximately 825 metres in length and rising about 90 metres above the river valley, the bridge will play a critical role in maintaining connectivity across the Polihali Reservoir once water levels rise.

President Ramaphosa noted that beyond its engineering significance, the bridge is designed as long-term infrastructure that will improve connectivity, mobility and economic access for communities, businesses and visitors in the region.

“Together with the two other bridges being constructed to span the Polihali Reservoir, this bridge will improve travel across this part of the country, making transport easier and cheaper for communities, businesses and visitors,” the President said. 

Constructed in the mountainous highlands of Mokhotlong, the bridge forms part of a broader infrastructure programme aimed at supporting both water security and economic development.

President Ramaphosa emphasised that the project reflects a commitment to inclusive development, ensuring that communities affected by construction are not left worse off, despite the complexities involved.

He highlighted the economic benefits already realised, including the creation of more than 1 200 jobs, largely for Basotho, as well as skills development initiatives such as the Young Professionals Programme, which is equipping graduates with technical expertise in the sector.

The President described the LHWP as one of the world’s most ambitious and successful transboundary water projects and the largest investment South Africa has made beyond its borders. 

He also expressed appreciation to the people of Lesotho for their continued partnership in sharing water resources that are essential to South Africa’s economic growth.

“South Africa is a water-scarce country, and the waters of Lesotho’s highlands are vital to our country’s development. We remain forever grateful to the great Basotho nation for making water resources available to us,” the President said.

President Ramaphosa further noted that cooperation between the two countries is expanding across multiple sectors through the Bi-National Commission, including water and energy, infrastructure, skills development, defence and social development.

He said this growing collaboration reflects a broader commitment to regional integration and development, aligned with the vision of the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

“The building of partnerships is very important in a changing, complex and uncertain global environment. 

“Guided by the spirit of Pan Africanism, South-South cooperation and solidarity, we are forging ahead to realise the vision of an economically integrated Africa, as espoused by the African Union’s Agenda 2063,” President Ramaphosa said. 

The President added that the Senqu Bridge stands as a symbol of African capability and solidarity, demonstrating what can be achieved through partnership and shared purpose.

“This project is more than infrastructure. It is more than steel and concrete. It is a symbol of a deep and enduring partnership.

“The Senqu Bridge is an example of what Africa can achieve when it believes in itself, when it works together to advance the needs of the people,” President Ramaphosa said.

SA pledges R30 million support to Lesotho

President Ramaphosa also announced that South Africa will provide R30 million in humanitarian assistance to Lesotho through the African Renaissance Fund.

He said the funding will support the country’s response to HIV and tuberculosis, particularly in the context of declining international assistance.

The President noted that South Africa will continue to champion regional cooperation through platforms such as the Southern African Development Community, with a focus on strengthening trade, investment and integration across the region.

Background of the LHWP

The Senqu Bridge forms part of the broader LHWP, a multi-phased, treaty-based partnership between South Africa and Lesotho established on 24 October 1986 to address water security, energy generation and socio-economic development.

The project harnesses the Orange–Senqu River system through a network of dams and transfer tunnels, supplying water to South Africa’s Integrated Vaal River System, which supports the economic hub of Gauteng. 

At the same time, Lesotho benefits through hydropower generation, infrastructure development and long-term economic opportunities.

Phase II of the project is currently under construction and includes the Polihali Dam, a concrete-faced rockfill structure approximately 165 metres high, as well as a 38-kilometre transfer tunnel that will connect the Polihali and Katse reservoirs.

Once completed, this phase will increase water supply capacity from 780 million cubic metres per annum to 1 270 million cubic metres per annum, significantly strengthening long-term water security for South Africa.

Beyond its strategic importance, the Senqu Bridge is also a major engineering achievement. It is the first extradosed bridge in Lesotho and was constructed using advanced techniques suited to the region’s mountainous terrain. 

The project has created significant employment opportunities, with more than 1 200 workers, the majority of them Basotho, contributing to its construction.

The bridge is one of several components under construction in Phase II, alongside the Polihali Dam, transfer tunnel and supporting infrastructure such as roads, power lines and telecommunications. – SAnews.gov.za

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Speaker of Parliament of Albania Meets Qatari Ambassador

Source: Government of Qatar

Tirana, April 22, 2026

HE Speaker of Parliament of the Republic of Albania Niko Peleshi met with HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Albania Jabor bin Ali Al Dosari.

During the meeting, they discussed cooperation relations between the two countries. 

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African Energy Chamber (AEC) Doubles Down on Africa Energies Summit Boycott, Demands Immediate Shift on Local Content

Source: APO


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The African Energy Chamber (AEC) (www.EnergyChamber.org) has reiterated that it will continue boycotting the upcoming Africa Energies Summit – hosted by Frontier Energy Network in London – until meaningful changes are made to the event’s approach to local content and hiring practices. The Chamber’s position reflects mounting concern across the African energy sector that platforms claiming to represent the continent are failing to include African professionals – particularly Black Africans – in leadership and decision-making roles.

The AEC has been explicit: this is no longer a matter of engagement or dialogue, but one of accountability. Despite repeated calls for reform, the organizers of the summit have not demonstrated a willingness to address concerns around exclusion, particularly the lack of Black African representation at senior levels within an Africa-focused platform. For the AEC, this undermines both the credibility and the legitimacy of the event.

“Our position remains the same: if you benefit from Africa’s resources and its development agenda, then you must reflect Africa in your leadership, hiring and decision-making. Local content can no longer be smoke and mirrors – it must be a tangible commitment to inclusion, opportunity and ownership. We cannot accept a situation where Africa is central to the conversation, but Africans are absent from leadership,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, AEC.

The decision to continue the boycott comes amid a mass withdrawal by the African public and private sector from the upcoming summit, with stakeholders citing repeated failures by the organizers to address concerns around local content and participation. In March 2026, Mozambique’s oil and gas sector withdrew from the summit, with the Mozambique Energy Chamber expressing that its members will not be attending. In April 2026, Ghana followed suite, citing similar concerns as well as discriminatory hiring practices that sidelined African professionals. This reflects a broader position: Africa will not support events that exclude African professionals.

For its part, the AEC has been firm on this position. Delivering a keynote address to downstream players during ARDA Week 2026, Ayuk called for a continental shift to ‘refine, baby refine,’ highlighting the need for African-led innovation and infrastructure development to address energy security challenges. Drawing attention to African-led projects such as the Dangote Refinery – Africa’s largest facility at 650,000 barrels per day – as well as indigenous companies such as Sahara Group, Ayuk stressed that “energy poverty cannot only be an ideology but action,” emphasizing the need to invest more in local communities, companies and projects.

The Chamber reinforced this position during the Namibia International Energy Conference in Windhoek last week, where discussions largely centered around local content, women in energy and advancing the country’s oil boom. During the event, the Chamber called for strong local content frameworks and inclusive leadership, highlighting that through strengthened participation and policies that advocate for gender diversity, the country could position oil and gas as an engine for growth. The behavior of organizations such as Frontier Energy Network and individuals such as Daniel Davidson threaten to undermine these efforts, posing a structural risk to Africa’s energy development.

“It will be incredibly dangerous to have the vision of Daniel Davidson and Frontier Energy Network guide how the continent deals with energy poverty, investments and the development of fields in Namibia, Mozambique and across Africa. Over the coming weeks we will intensify our campaign to boycott the summit. But the industry must do more: seismic companies that continue enabling these horrible policies will also be targeted. They are aiding and abetting anti-African policies. Multi-client data does not work with discrimination,” added Ayuk.

The AEC has made it clear that its position will not shift without tangible change. For the Chamber and its partners, the issue is not about exclusion in return, but about establishing a baseline of fairness, representation and mutual respect. Until that standard is met, the boycott will remain in place.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Chambre africaine de l’énergie (AEC) renforce son boycott du Sommet Africa Energies et exige un changement immédiat en matière de potentiel local

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


La Chambre africaine de l’énergie (AEC) (www.EnergyChamber.org) a réaffirmé qu’elle continuerait à boycotter le prochain Sommet sur les énergies en Afrique – organisé par Frontier Energy Network à Londres – jusqu’à ce que des changements significatifs soient apportés à l’approche de l’événement en matière de potentiel local et de pratiques d’embauche. La position de la Chambre reflète l’inquiétude croissante au sein du secteur énergétique africain quant au fait que les plateformes prétendant représenter le continent ne parviennent pas à inclure des professionnels africains – en particulier des Africains noirs – dans les rôles de direction et de prise de décision.

L’AEC a été claire : il ne s’agit plus d’une question d’engagement ou de dialogue, mais de responsabilité. Malgré des appels répétés à la réforme, les organisateurs du sommet n’ont pas démontré leur volonté de répondre aux préoccupations concernant l’exclusion, en particulier le manque de représentation des Africains noirs aux échelons supérieurs au sein d’une plateforme axée sur l’Afrique. Pour l’AEC, cela sape à la fois la crédibilité et la légitimité de l’événement.

« Notre position reste la même : si vous tirez profit des ressources de l’Afrique et de son programme de développement, vous devez alors refléter l’Afrique dans votre direction, votre recrutement et votre prise de décision. Le potentiel local ne peut plus être une façade – il doit s’agir d’un engagement concret en faveur de l’inclusion, de l’égalité des chances et de l’appropriation. Nous ne pouvons accepter une situation où l’Afrique est au cœur des discussions, mais où les Africains sont absents des postes de direction », déclare NJ Ayuk, président exécutif de l’AEC.

La décision de poursuivre le boycott intervient alors que les secteurs public et privé africains se retirent en masse du prochain sommet, les parties prenantes invoquant les échecs répétés des organisateurs à répondre aux préoccupations concernant le potentiel local et la participation. En mars 2026, le secteur pétrolier et gazier du Mozambique s’est retiré du sommet, la Chambre africaine de l’énergie ayant déclaré que ses membres n’y participeraient pas. En avril 2026, le Ghana a emboîté le pas, invoquant des préoccupations similaires ainsi que des pratiques d’embauche discriminatoires qui écartaient les professionnels africains. Cela reflète une position plus large : l’Afrique ne soutiendra pas les événements qui excluent les professionnels africains.

Pour sa part, l’AEC s’est montrée ferme sur cette position. Dans un discours liminaire adressé aux acteurs du secteur aval lors de l’ARDA Week 2026, Ayuk a appelé à un changement continental vers le « raffinage, baby raffinage », soulignant la nécessité d’une innovation et d’un développement des infrastructures menés par l’Afrique pour relever les défis de la sécurité énergétique. Attirant l’attention sur des projets menés par des Africains, tels que la raffinerie Dangote – la plus grande installation d’Afrique avec une capacité de 650 000 barils par jour – ainsi que sur des entreprises locales telles que le Sahara Group, M. Ayuk a souligné que « la pauvreté énergétique ne peut être qu’une idéologie, mais aussi une action », insistant sur la nécessité d’investir davantage dans les communautés, les entreprises et les projets locaux.

La Chambre a réaffirmé cette position lors de la Conférence internationale sur l’énergie de Namibie qui s’est tenue à Windhoek la semaine dernière, où les discussions ont principalement porté sur le potentiel local, les femmes dans le secteur de l’énergie et la promotion du boom pétrolier du pays. Au cours de cet événement, la Chambre a appelé à la mise en place de cadres solides en matière de potentiel local et à un leadership inclusif, soulignant que grâce à une participation renforcée et à des politiques favorisant la diversité des genres, le pays pourrait faire du pétrole et du gaz un moteur de croissance. Le comportement d’organisations telles que Frontier Energy Network et d’individus comme Daniel Davidson menace de saper ces efforts, posant un risque structurel pour le développement énergétique de l’Afrique.

« Il serait extrêmement dangereux de laisser la vision de Daniel Davidson et de Frontier Energy Network dicter la manière dont le continent aborde la pauvreté énergétique, les investissements et le développement des gisements en Namibie, au Mozambique et à travers l’Afrique. Au cours des prochaines semaines, nous intensifierons notre campagne de boycott du sommet.

Mais l’industrie doit faire davantage : les sociétés sismiques qui continuent de permettre ces politiques horribles seront également visées. Elles se rendent complices de politiques anti-africaines. Les données multi-clients ne fonctionnent pas avec la discrimination », a ajouté Ayuk.

L’AEC a clairement indiqué que sa position ne changera pas sans évolution concrète. Pour la Chambre et ses partenaires, il ne s’agit pas d’exclusion en retour, mais d’établir une base de référence en matière d’équité, de représentation et de respect mutuel. Tant que cette norme ne sera pas respectée, le boycott restera en vigueur.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Energy Chamber.

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A Câmara Africana de Energia (AEC) reforça o boicote à Cimeira Africa Energies e exige mudanças imediatas em matéria de conteúdo local

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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A Câmara Africana de Energia (AEC) (www.EnergyChamber.org) reiterou que continuará a boicotar a próxima Cimeira Africana de Energias — organizada pela Frontier Energy Network em Londres — até que sejam feitas mudanças significativas na abordagem do evento em relação ao conteúdo local e às práticas de contratação. A posição da Câmara reflete a crescente preocupação em todo o setor energético africano de que as plataformas que afirmam representar o continente não estão a incluir profissionais africanos — particularmente africanos negros — em cargos de liderança e tomada de decisão.

A AEC foi explícita: isto já não é uma questão de envolvimento ou diá., mas sim de responsabilização. Apesar dos repetidos apelos à reforma, os organizadores da cimeira não demonstraram vontade de abordar as preocupações em torno da exclusão, particularmente a falta de representação de africanos negros em cargos de direção dentro de uma plataforma focada em África. Para a AEC, isto compromete tanto a credibilidade como a legitimidade do evento.

«A nossa posição mantém-se a mesma: se beneficiam dos recursos de África e da sua agenda de desenvolvimento, então devem refletir África na vossa liderança, contratação e tomada de decisões. O conteúdo local já não pode ser uma fachada — deve ser um compromisso tangível com a inclusão, a oportunidade e a apropriação. Não podemos aceitar uma situação em que África é central na conversa, mas os africanos estão ausentes da liderança», afirma NJ Ayuk, Presidente Executivo da AEC.

A decisão de continuar o boicote surge no meio de uma retirada em massa do setor público e privado africano da próxima cimeira, com as partes interessadas a citarem repetidas falhas por parte dos organizadores em abordar as preocupações em torno do conteúdo local e da participação. Em março de 2026, o setor de petróleo e gás de Moçambique retirou-se da cimeira, tendo a Câmara de Energia de Moçambique expressado que os seus membros não irão participar. Em abril de 2026, o Gana seguiu o exemplo, citando preocupações semelhantes, bem como práticas de contratação discriminatórias que marginalizavam os profissionais africanos. Isto reflete uma posição mais ampla: África não apoiará eventos que excluam profissionais africanos.

Por seu lado, a AEC tem-se mantido firme nesta posição. Num discurso de abertura dirigido aos intervenientes do setor a jusante durante a ARDA Week 2026, Ayuk apelou a uma mudança continental para «refinar, baby refinar», destacando a necessidade de inovação e desenvolvimento de infraestruturas liderados por africanos para enfrentar os desafios da segurança energética. Chamando a atenção para projetos liderados por africanos, como a Refinaria Dangote — a maior instalação de África, com 650 000 barris por dia —, bem como para empresas locais, como o Sahara Group, Ayuk salientou que «a pobreza energética não pode ser apenas uma ideologia, mas sim ação», enfatizando a necessidade de investir mais nas comunidades, empresas e projetos locais.

A Câmara reforçou esta posição durante a Conferência Internacional de Energia da Namíbia, realizada em Windhoek na semana passada, onde as discussões se centraram principalmente no conteúdo local, nas mulheres no setor energético e no avanço do boom petrolífero do país. Durante o evento, a Câmara apelou a estruturas sólidas de conteúdo local e a uma liderança inclusiva, salientando que, através de uma participação reforçada e de políticas que defendam a diversidade de género, o país poderia posicionar o petróleo e o gás como um motor de crescimento. O comportamento de organizações como a Frontier Energy Network e de indivíduos como Daniel Davidson ameaça minar estes esforços, representando um risco estrutural para o desenvolvimento energético de África.

“Será incrivelmente perigoso permitir que a visão de Daniel Davidson e da Frontier Energy Network oriente a forma como o continente lida com a pobreza energética, os investimentos e o desenvolvimento de campos na Namíbia, em Moçambique e em toda a África. Nas próximas semanas, intensificaremos a nossa campanha para boicotar a cimeira.

Mas a indústria tem de fazer mais: as empresas sísmicas que continuam a permitir estas políticas horríveis também serão alvo de críticas. Estão a ajudar e a incentivar políticas anti-africanas. Os dados multi-cliente não funcionam com discriminação», acrescentou Ayuk.

A AEC deixou claro que a sua posição não mudará sem uma mudança tangível. Para a Câmara e os seus parceiros, a questão não é a exclusão em retaliação, mas sim o estabelecimento de uma base de justiça, representação e respeito mútuo. Até que esse padrão seja cumprido, o boicote permanecerá em vigor.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Energy Chamber.

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PetroGuin, Tender Oil and Gas Joint Venture (JV) Signals Rising Confidence in Guinea-Bissau’s Deepwater Potential

Source: APO

A new joint venture between PetroGuin and Tender Oil and Gas marks a step forward in unlocking Guinea-Bissau’s offshore potential, reinforcing broader momentum across West Africa’s deepwater frontier.

Signed during the Invest in African Energy Forum in Paris on Wednesday by Petroguin Director General Alfredo Malú and Tender Oil and Gas Chairman and CEO Teodor Ovidiu Tender, the agreement for Blocks 5C and 6C reflects increasing investor confidence in a basin long constrained by capital intensity and technical barriers.

“The discovery in Senegal and Chevron’s recent entry into the deepwater blocks in Guinea-Bissau have begun to have an impact, arousing interest in the deep offshore areas of Guinea-Bissau and the subregion,” said Malú.

At the core of the agreement is a comprehensive seismic campaign, including the acquisition and interpretation of 2D and 3D data, aimed at improving subsurface understanding and supporting future drilling.

“The Partnership Agreement between Tender Oil and Gas and PetroGuin-EP will accelerate exploration work in our deep offshore areas, which previously did not attract much interest due to the heavy investment and advanced technologies required,” said Malú.

Beyond its technical scope, the partnership signals a broader shift, as frontier markets like Guinea-Bissau increasingly attract agile, partnership-driven players capable of operating in complex environments.

“It will enable greater dynamism in the country’s oil sector, with the short- and medium-term goal of advancing exploration drilling,” Malú said.

With a focus on accelerating exploration timelines and stimulating sector activity, the JV underscores the role of strategic collaboration in advancing the next phase of Africa’s deepwater development.

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

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Investment Delays, Supply Risks Put Africa’s Gas Opportunity in Focus at Paris Forum

Source: APO

Delays to new gas projects and continued underinvestment in upstream development are raising the prospect that global LNG markets will remain tighter for longer than previously expected, industry leaders said at the opening of the Invest in African Energy Forum in Paris on Wednesday.

The discussion was shaped by a shared concern: that shifting geopolitics, capital discipline and deferred final investment decisions (FIDs) are converging to slow new supply just as demand continues to evolve.

Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) Secretary General Dr. Philip Mshelbila said the market had been widely expected to tip into oversupply by 2026, but that outlook is now being reassessed as volatility persists and investment timelines stretch.

“The current energy crisis touches every corner of the globe,” he said, pointing to sustained disruption driven by geopolitical tensions and supply uncertainty. If instability continues, he added, the market risks a more structural reordering rather than a near-term correction.

That uncertainty is already feeding through into investment decisions, with companies increasingly prioritizing risk management over expansion, leading to deferred FIDs across several gas developments.

For Africa, the implications are particularly acute. Despite holding significant gas reserves and export infrastructure – including LNG capacity and pipeline links to Europe via Libya and Algeria – much of the continent’s potential remains constrained by weak upstream development.

“There is a material gap between capacity and reserves, and actual production,” Mshelbila said, stressing that closing that gap will require sustained and large-scale upstream investment. He estimated global gas investment needs at $11–12 trillion over the coming decades, with the majority directed toward exploration and production.

That investment gap is also being felt further down the value chain. Anibor Kragha, Executive Secretary of the African Refiners and Distributors Association (ARDA), pointed to Africa’s continued dependence on imported refined products and limited strategic buffers, exposing structural fragility across the downstream sector.

“Africa remains heavily dependent on refined petroleum products,” he said, noting that some countries operate with as little as 20 days of strategic fuel reserves. “We’ve come to realize how fragile the global supply chain is.”

He argued that addressing these vulnerabilities will require a rethink of refinery development models, with future projects needing to be more flexible and integrated in order to attract long-term capital.

NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber, framed the broader energy debate around rising demand rather than transition, arguing that Africa is entering a period of structural energy expansion driven by industrial growth and emerging technologies.

“We believe Africans deserve more, not less energy,” he said, describing the coming decade as “an African decade of energy additions, not energy transitions.”

Ayuk pushed back against what he described as disproportionate global climate narratives around Africa, noting that the continent contributes less than 3% of global emissions. “No other industry has matched our industry’s ability to produce more energy with fewer emissions,” he said.

Ayuk also highlighted accelerating demand from new sectors, including data infrastructure and artificial intelligence, which he said will require “historic amounts of new energy,” reinforcing the need to accelerate gas development and monetize existing discoveries.

Rounding out the discussion, Foday Mansaray, Director General of Sierra Leone’s Petroleum Directorate, emphasized that project delivery will depend increasingly on alignment between governments, investors and operators, particularly in frontier markets.

“The future of energy is being negotiated in rooms like this,” he said, underscoring the importance of partnership-driven development as Africa seeks to convert resources into production.

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

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Invest in African Energy Forum: Inga 3 Nears Parliament Review as Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Accelerates Landmark 11 GW Hydropower Project

Source: APO

The 11 GW Inga 3 hydropower project in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is now approaching parliamentary review. Speaking during the Ministerial Dialogue on “Unlocking Africa’s Gas Supply for Global Energy Security” during the Invest in African Energy Forum 2026, Aimé Sakombi Molendo, Minister of Hydraulic Resources & Electricity, Democratic Republic of Congo, confirmed that the government is moving ahead with financing and implementation preparations for the project.

“We have been moving forward at the government’s request, and we have secured $275 million from the World Bank. I believe we should accelerate implementation as much as possible. Given all the stated characteristics, we may not even need traditional investors as such, but rather transformation partners to move very quickly,” Minister Sakombi Molendo said.

Inga 3 forms part of the broader Grand Inga complex on the Congo River, one of the largest hydropower sites in the world with a planned capacity of 44 GW. It is expected to deliver between 4.8 GW in its initial phase, with long-term expansion potential reaching up to 11 GW depending on phased development and transmission buildout. The project is designed not only to increase domestic electricity supply but also to enable large-scale electricity exports across Southern and Central Africa through high-voltage transmission corridors.

“We are now aligning institutions, partners and financing instruments to move into execution. This project is no longer theoretical; it is entering implementation,” he added.

The discussion broadened to Africa’s wider energy landscape, including gas, electricity and regional integration efforts. Clotaire Kondja, Minister of Petroleum and Gas, Gabonese Republic, highlighted Gabon’s focus on leveraging natural gas.

“We are entering a phase where gas infrastructure is not only about exports but about domestic industrial transformation. The opportunity is to build integrated value chains that support long-term competitiveness,” Minister Kondja said.

From an institutional gas perspective, Dr. Philip Mshelbila, Secretary General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), underscored Africa’s strategic role in global gas supply. “Natural gas is central to energy security and industrial development. Africa holds significant resources, but unlocking them requires stable frameworks, investment confidence, and regional cooperation,” Mshelbila stated.

“Africa’s energy future will depend on execution, not just resources. The question is whether we can build integrated systems that connect generation, gas supply, and industrial demand across borders,” Mshelbila concluded.

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

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Por que razão África necessita de coordenação institucional em matéria de política energética

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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À medida que a governação energética global se desloca das mesas de negociação para os tribunais, África enfrenta um desafio novo e urgente: garantir que a sua voz não só seja ouvida, mas também alinhada. A recente intervenção da Câmara Africana de Energia (AEC) (https://EnergyChamber.org) num caso consultivo histórico sobre o clima perante o Tribunal Africano dos Direitos Humanos e dos Povos trouxe esta questão para o centro das atenções. Iniciado pela União Pan-Africana de Advogados, o caso procura definir as obrigações legais dos Estados africanos na resposta às alterações climáticas – decisões que poderão ter implicações de longo alcance para o desenvolvimento energético, a industrialização e o crescimento económico em todo o continente.

No entanto, o envolvimento das partes interessadas africanas tem sido desigual. Esta falta de coordenação reflete uma questão estrutural mais ampla. Em todo o continente, a política energética é moldada por um ecossistema fragmentado de governos, reguladores, instituições regionais, empresas estatais e grupos de defesa. Embora cada um desempenhe um papel importante, a ausência de alinhamento resulta frequentemente em mensagens inconsistentes, particularmente em fóruns jurídicos e políticos globais onde a clareza e a coesão são fundamentais.

A decisão da AEC de intervir como amicus curiae é, por si só, uma resposta a esta fragmentação. Ao intervir, a Câmara pretende garantir que as realidades energéticas de África – particularmente a necessidade de equilibrar a ação climática com o desenvolvimento – sejam devidamente representadas. No entanto, nenhuma instituição isolada pode falar em nome de um continente inteiro. O caso destaca uma necessidade mais profunda de envolvimento coordenado entre as partes interessadas africanas.

Organizações como a Organização dos Países Exportadores de Petróleo (OPEP) e a Organização Africana de Produtores de Petróleo (APPO) têm servido há muito como plataformas para alinhar os interesses dos produtores e definir posições coletivas. Os cortes coordenados na produção da OPEP na sequência do colapso dos preços do petróleo em 2020, por exemplo, ajudaram a estabilizar os mercados globais e a restaurar a confiança nos preços. Entretanto, a APPO promoveu iniciativas como o Banco Africano de Energia para mobilizar financiamento para projetos de petróleo e gás num contexto de restrição dos fluxos de capital globais. Estes exemplos demonstram o poder da coordenação, mas também sublinham a necessidade de expandir esta abordagem para além da gestão de mercado, para as esferas jurídica e política.

Essa necessidade está a tornar-se mais urgente. Os tribunais e os órgãos jurídicos estão cada vez mais a moldar a política climática, transferindo decisões-chave das esferas políticas para interpretações vinculativas ou quase vinculativas. Estas decisões estão a influenciar o financiamento de projetos, as aprovações e a viabilidade a longo prazo dos hidrocarbonetos em mercados emergentes como África. Isto já é evidente em África, onde a pressão jurídica e relacionada com o clima sobre projetos como o Oleoduto de Petróleo Bruto da África Oriental contribuiu para retiradas de financiamento, atrasos e um escrutínio mais rigoroso, a par dos desafios que os desenvolvimentos de GNL enfrentam em Moçambique.

Sem uma posição africana coordenada, existe um risco real de que estes quadros sejam moldados externamente, sem refletir plenamente as prioridades do continente. Isto surge numa altura em que África tem de lidar simultaneamente com as pressões climáticas e resolver uma lacuna fundamental no acesso à energia – mais de 600 milhões de pessoas em todo o continente ainda não têm acesso à eletricidade.

A contradição é gritante. Pede-se a África que acelere a descarbonização enquanto continua a construir os sistemas energéticos necessários para apoiar o crescimento económico e a industrialização. Uma voz fragmentada apenas agrava este desafio. Posições nacionais divergentes, quadros regulamentares inconsistentes e uma defesa descoordenada enfraquecem a capacidade do continente para negociar eficazmente, atrair investimento e defender o seu caminho de desenvolvimento.

«Com demasiada frequência, África apresenta-se nos debates globais sobre energia dividida – enquanto outros se apresentam organizados e estratégicos», afirmou NJ Ayuk, Presidente Executivo da AEC. «Se não coordenarmos as nossas políticas, as nossas mensagens e as nossas posições jurídicas, as decisões sobre o futuro energético de África serão tomadas sem que África esteja presente à mesa. A unidade já não é opcional; é a forma como protegemos os nossos recursos, atraímos investimento e asseguramos o nosso desenvolvimento.»

Uma coordenação institucional mais forte oferece um caminho claro a seguir. Ao alinhar posições entre governos, organizações regionais e organismos do setor, África pode apresentar uma narrativa unificada – que enfatize o seu direito ao desenvolvimento, o papel contínuo dos hidrocarbonetos e a importância de uma transição energética equilibrada e inclusiva.

Neste contexto, a OPEP e a APPO têm um papel fundamental a desempenhar – não apenas como organizadoras, mas como motores do alinhamento de políticas. Através de estratégias coordenadas, dados partilhados e representação unificada em fóruns globais, estas instituições podem ajudar a transformar África de um conjunto de vozes individuais num bloco de negociação coeso.

A intervenção da AEC no processo sobre o clima deve ser vista como um sinal – não apenas da importância da participação, mas do custo da fragmentação. À medida que a governação energética global continua a evoluir, África não se pode dar ao luxo de ser reativa, dividida ou sub-representada.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Energy Chamber.

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Why Africa Needs Institutional Coordination on Energy Policy

Source: APO – Report:

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As global energy governance shifts from negotiation tables to courtrooms, Africa is facing a new and urgent challenge: ensuring its voice is not only heard, but aligned. The recent intervention by the African Energy Chamber (AEC) (https://EnergyChamber.org) in a landmark climate advisory case before the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights has brought this issue into sharp focus. Initiated by the Pan African Lawyers Union, the case seeks to define the legal obligations of African states in addressing climate change – decisions that could have far-reaching implications for energy development, industrialization and economic growth across the continent.

Yet engagement from African stakeholders has been uneven. This lack of coordination reflects a broader structural issue. Across the continent, energy policy is shaped by a fragmented ecosystem of governments, regulators, regional institutions, state-owned enterprises and advocacy groups. While each plays an important role, the absence of alignment often results in inconsistent messaging, particularly in global legal and policy forums where clarity and cohesion are critical.

The AEC’s decision to intervene as amicus curiae is, in itself, a response to this fragmentation. By stepping in, the Chamber aims to ensure that Africa’s energy realities – particularly the need to balance climate action with development – are properly represented. However, no single institution can speak for an entire continent. The case highlights a deeper need for coordinated engagement across African stakeholders.

Organizations such as the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO) have long served as platforms for aligning producer interests and shaping collective positions. OPEC’s coordinated production cuts following the 2020 oil price collapse, for example, helped stabilize global markets and restore price confidence. Meanwhile, APPO has advanced initiatives such as the Africa Energy Bank to mobilize financing for oil and gas projects amid tightening global capital flows. These examples demonstrate the power of coordination, but also underscore the need to expand this approach beyond market management into legal and policy arenas.

That need is becoming more urgent. Courts and legal bodies are increasingly shaping climate policy, shifting key decisions from political arenas into binding or quasi-binding interpretations. These rulings are influencing project financing, approvals and the long-term viability of hydrocarbons in emerging markets like Africa. This is already evident in Africa, where legal and climate-related pressure on projects such as the East African Crude Oil Pipeline has contributed to financing withdrawals, delays and heightened scrutiny, alongside challenges facing LNG developments in Mozambique.

Without a coordinated African position, there is a real risk that these frameworks will be shaped externally, without fully reflecting the continent’s priorities. This comes at a time when Africa must simultaneously navigate climate pressures and address a fundamental energy access gap – over 600 million people across the continent still lack access to electricity.

The contradiction is stark. Africa is being asked to accelerate decarbonization while still building the energy systems required to support economic growth and industrialization. A fragmented voice only deepens this challenge. Diverging national positions, inconsistent regulatory frameworks and uncoordinated advocacy weaken the continent’s ability to negotiate effectively, attract investment and defend its development pathway.

“Too often, Africa shows up to global energy debates divided – while others come organized and strategic,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC. “If we don’t coordinate our policies, our messaging and our legal positions, decisions about Africa’s energy future will be made without Africa at the table. Unity is no longer optional; it’s how we protect our resources, attract investment and secure our development.”

Stronger institutional coordination offers a clear path forward. By aligning positions across governments, regional organizations and industry bodies, Africa can present a unified narrative – one that emphasizes its right to development, the continued role of hydrocarbons and the importance of a balanced, inclusive energy transition.

In this context, OPEC and APPO have a critical role to play – not only as conveners, but as engines of policy alignment. Through coordinated strategies, shared data and unified representation in global forums, these institutions can help transform Africa from a collection of individual voices into a cohesive negotiating bloc.

The AEC’s intervention in the climate case should be seen as a signal – not just of the importance of participation, but of the cost of fragmentation. As global energy governance continues to evolve, Africa cannot afford to be reactive, divided or underrepresented.

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.