MIL-OSI – Page 42 – MIL Africa Engine

April 2, 2026

Minister Diamantino Azevedo to Headline Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) 2026 as Angola Enters New Production Cycle

Source: APO

Diamantino Azevedo, Angola’s Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas, will once again headline the Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) Conference and Exhibition – taking place September 9-10 with a pre-conference day on September 8. The event comes at a time when new projects, renewed exploration and downstream expansion are reshaping the country’s oil and gas outlook, positioning it on the precipice of a new production cycle. Minister Azevedo’s participation reflects the government’s commitment to engaging investors, tackling industry challenges and advancing the country’s $70 billion upstream investment pipeline.

AOG 2026 arrives at a critical time for Angola’s oil and gas market. With key project milestones achieved in the first few months of 2026, the country is entering a new phase defined less by decline concerns and more by production stabilization, gas monetization and new investment opportunities. Just this month, the New Gas Consortium achieved first gas delivery from the Quiluma field – part of Angola’s first non-associated gas project – with initial output estimated at 150 million standard cubic feet per day. This followed the start of operations at the Ndungu field in February 2026, marking a key step forward in the broader Agogo Integrated West Hub Development.

Offshore momentum continues to define Angola’s upstream sector, with redevelopment programs, new agreements and exploration campaigns underway. A principles agreement was signed between the ANPG, TotalEnergies and ExxonMobil for the allocation of four blocks in the frontier Benguela and Namibe Basins in March, laying the foundation for the signing of the respective production sharing contracts. Angola’s Block 15/06 partners announced the Algaita-01 discovery in February 2026, with estimated reserves of 500 million barrels of oil. Sonangol, Afentra, Maurel & Prom and NIS Naftgas are advancing redevelopment activities at Blocks 3/05 and 3/05A, with plans for two infill wells in 2026. At Block 3/24, Afentra is eyeing FID in late 2026 or early 2027 as the company moves toward the development phase. The anticipated launch of the country’s next licensing round is expected to drive new investment in exploration.

Onshore exploration is also gaining traction. Corcel recently raised £3.6 million to accelerate its exploration program at KON 16 as it moves from seismic interpretation to drilling within the next 12 months. ReconAfrica is advancing geochemical sampling and permitting for a potential 2D seismic in the Damara Fold Belt, while Afentra is currently acquiring geophysical data to delineate the highly prospective KON 4 acreage. Recent months have also seen Nigeria’s Oando Energy Resources assume operatorship of Block KON 13, while Angola’s Sonangol is leading exploration activities at KON 11, KON 12 and KON 15. The Lower Congo basin is witnessing similar momentum, led by companies such as Etu Energias, ACREP and Walcot Energy.

Angola’s upstream drive is complemented by ambitions to strengthen the downstream sector. Following the start of operations at the Cabinda oil refinery in 2025, Angola is looking at bringing the 200,000 bpd Lobito refinery online in 2027. Preparations are also underway to develop the 100,000 bpd Soyo facility, with the country seeking foreign investment to complete these strategic projects.

With new production coming online, a licensing round on the horizon and refining capacity expanding, Angola is positioning itself as one of the few markets offering both near-term production growth and long-term exploration potential. Against this backdrop, AOG 2026 comes at a critical time for the global industry, as investors increasingly look to proven hydrocarbon basins with expansion potential, stable regulatory frameworks and clear project pipelines. In a tighter global supply environment, Angola is not just participating in the market – it is becoming increasingly central to it.

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

Media files

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April 2, 2026

Atlantic Energy Alliance to Ignite Brazil‑Africa Offshore Collaboration at African Energy Week (AEW) 2026

Source: APO

Cross‑Atlantic energy partnerships are materializing into strategic ventures that could reshape offshore development across the South Atlantic Basin. At the heart of this momentum is the Brazil‑Africa energy nexus, spotlighted as a driver of deepwater collaboration and floating production expertise. As energy leaders prepare for African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 in Cape Town and its Brazil–Africa Town Hall, this evolving relationship will be crucial to scaling upstream growth on both continents.

Brazil’s decades‑long mastery of ultra‑deepwater oil and gas is now a strategic asset for African producers and investors. From the pre‑salt fields of the Santos Basin to its advanced FPSO technologies, Brazil has built a track record of executing complex offshore projects. Deployments like the 2025 Bacalhau FPSO, capable of processing 220,000 barrels per day, highlight the operational scale and technical sophistication that Brazilian companies can bring to Africa’s emerging offshore frontiers, helping to reduce development risks and accelerate production timelines.

This technical edge is a key reason Petrobras is expanding into Africa. In early 2026, Petrobras confirmed a 42.5% stake acquisition in a significant offshore exploration block in Namibia alongside TotalEnergies, marking the company’s return to African waters after focusing on domestic pre-salt fields. Under President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Africa has become “a main region of development outside Brazil,” with Namibia, Angola and Nigeria cited as priority markets.

Petrobras has also pursued exploration rights in South Africa’s Deep Western Orange Basin and engaged African peers through high-level forum participation. These efforts, highlighted at AEW, aim to translate Brazil’s deepwater experience into Africa’s offshore growth narrative, where geological parallels between Brazil’s pre-salt basins and African margins offer a compelling case for collaboration.

“For Africa’s energy sector to thrive – whether in deepwater, LNG or cross‑border projects – we need partners who bring capital and expertise. Brazil’s offshore pedigree and appetite to invest signal the kind of South‑South collaboration that accelerates real project delivery, unlocks value in frontier basins and drives industrial growth for both continents,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.

Beyond rhetoric, energy diplomacy is translating into action. Last year’s Invest in African Energies Reception in Rio de Janeiro brought Brazilian and African stakeholders together to discuss strategic partnerships and investment prospects, setting the stage for further engagement at AEW in Cape Town.

For African producers, partnering with Brazilian companies offers access to mature offshore technologies, local content facilitation and operational models refined in challenging deepwater environments. Petrobras’ FPSOs, equipped with advanced carbon-management systems, demonstrate innovations that could be adapted to Africa’s offshore projects, balancing efficiency and environmental performance.

As the energy landscape evolves, strategic cooperation between Brazil and African nations could unlock a new era of Atlantic basin development, moving beyond traditional North-South investment patterns. Through shared expertise, aligned financing frameworks and sustained engagement – exemplified by AEW’s Brazil‑Africa agenda – the trans-Atlantic energy corridor is emerging as a priority for governments, investors and operators alike.

The AEW Town Hall promises to explore how Brazil’s offshore legacy can accelerate Africa’s next wave of offshore projects and how innovative capital structures can bridge financing gaps. With major players from both continents convening in Cape Town this year, the momentum toward operationalizing Atlantic energy partnerships is building – with implications for global supply dynamics and regional energy security.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

April 2, 2026

Draft AI policy approved for publication for public comment

Source: Government of South Africa

Draft AI policy approved for publication for public comment

Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni says Cabinet has approved the publication of the draft South Africa AI policy for public comment.

The aim of the AI policy is to ensure that both the benefits and risks brought by AI are evenly distributed across society and generations.

During a media briefing in Pretoria on Thursday, the Minister said the policy aims to strengthen government’s ability to regulate and adopt AI responsibly, while encouraging local innovation, supporting job creation and improving access to AI skills.

“The policy is structured around six core pillars aimed at promoting the responsible development and ethical deployment of AI.

“These core pillars are capacity and talent development; AI for inclusive growth and job creation; responsible governance; ethical and inclusive AI; cultural preservation and international integration; and human centred deployment,” said the Minister.

The policy recognises that a phased approach should be adopted, as AI deployment and risk profiles differ across sectors. – SAnews.gov.za

Janine
Thu, 04/02/2026 – 15:13

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April 2, 2026

L’Atlantic Energy Alliance va dynamiser la collaboration offshore entre le Brésil et l’Afrique lors de African Energy Week (AEW) 2026

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Les partenariats énergétiques transatlantiques se concrétisent en initiatives stratégiques susceptibles de redéfinir le développement offshore dans l’ensemble du bassin sud-atlantique. Au cœur de cette dynamique se trouve le lien énergétique Brésil-Afrique, mis en avant comme moteur de la collaboration en eaux profondes et de l’expertise en matière de production flottante. Alors que les leaders du secteur énergétique se préparent pour l’African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 au Cap et son forum Brésil-Afrique, cette relation en pleine évolution sera cruciale pour accélérer la croissance en amont sur les deux continents.

La maîtrise du Brésil, acquise au fil de plusieurs décennies, du pétrole et du gaz en eaux ultra-profondes constitue désormais un atout stratégique pour les producteurs et les investisseurs africains. Des gisements pré-salifères du bassin de Santos à ses technologies FPSO de pointe, le Brésil a fait ses preuves dans la réalisation de projets offshore complexes. Des déploiements tels que le FPSO Bacalhau de 2025, capable de traiter 220 000 barils par jour, mettent en évidence l’envergure opérationnelle et la sophistication technique que les entreprises brésiliennes peuvent apporter aux nouvelles frontières offshore africaines, contribuant ainsi à réduire les risques liés au développement et à accélérer les délais de production.

Cet avantage technique est l’une des principales raisons pour lesquelles Petrobras se développe en Afrique. Début 2026, Petrobras a confirmé l’acquisition d’une participation de 42,5 % dans un important bloc d’exploration offshore en Namibie aux côtés de TotalEnergies, marquant ainsi le retour de l’entreprise dans les eaux africaines après s’être concentrée sur les gisements pré-salifères nationaux. Sous la présidence de Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, l’Afrique est devenue « une région de développement majeure en dehors du Brésil », la Namibie, l’Angola et le Nigeria étant cités comme marchés prioritaires.

Petrobras a également cherché à obtenir des droits d’exploration dans le bassin Deep Western Orange en Afrique du Sud et a noué des liens avec ses homologues africains en participant à des forums de haut niveau. Ces efforts, mis en avant lors de l’AEW, visent à transposer l’expérience brésilienne en eaux profondes dans le récit de la croissance offshore africaine, où les similitudes géologiques entre les bassins pré-salifères du Brésil et les marges africaines constituent un argument de poids en faveur de la collaboration.

« Pour que le secteur énergétique africain prospère – qu’il s’agisse de projets en eaux profondes, de GNL ou de projets transfrontaliers –, nous avons besoin de partenaires qui apportent des capitaux et de l’expertise. L’expérience offshore du Brésil et son appétit pour l’investissement sont le signe d’une collaboration Sud-Sud qui accélère la réalisation concrète de projets, libère la valeur des bassins pionniers et stimule la croissance industrielle des deux continents », déclare NJ Ayuk, président exécutif de la Chambre africaine de l’énergie.

Au-delà des discours, la diplomatie énergétique se traduit en actions concrètes. La réception « Invest in African Energy » organisée l’année dernière à Rio de Janeiro a réuni des acteurs brésiliens et africains pour discuter de partenariats stratégiques et de perspectives d’investissement, ouvrant la voie à un engagement accru lors de l’AEW au Cap.

Pour les producteurs africains, le partenariat avec des entreprises brésiliennes offre un accès à des technologies offshore éprouvées, au potentiel local et à des modèles opérationnels affinés dans des environnements en eaux profondes difficiles. Les FPSO de Petrobras, équipés de systèmes avancés de gestion du carbone, témoignent d’innovations qui pourraient être adaptées aux projets offshore africains, en conciliant efficacité et performance environnementale.

À mesure que le paysage énergétique évolue, la coopération stratégique entre le Brésil et les nations africaines pourrait ouvrir une nouvelle ère de développement du bassin atlantique, dépassant les schémas d’investissement Nord-Sud traditionnels. Grâce à un partage d’expertise, à des cadres de financement harmonisés et à un engagement soutenu – illustrés par le programme Brésil-Afrique de l’AEW –, le corridor énergétique transatlantique s’impose comme une priorité pour les gouvernements, les investisseurs et les opérateurs.

La réunion publique de l’AEW promet d’explorer comment l’héritage offshore du Brésil peut accélérer la prochaine vague de projets offshore en Afrique et comment des structures de capital innovantes peuvent combler les déficits de financement. Avec la réunion à Cape Town cette année des principaux acteurs des deux continents, la dynamique en faveur de la mise en œuvre des partenariats énergétiques atlantiques s’accélère – avec des implications pour la dynamique mondiale de l’offre et la sécurité énergétique régionale.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Energy Chamber.

April 2, 2026

So-called coronation of a Nigerian national has no legal effect

Source: Government of South Africa

So-called coronation of a Nigerian national has no legal effect

Cabinet has expressed “disgust” at the so-called coronation of a Nigerian national as an alleged chief in KuGompo City, in the Eastern Cape.

During a post-Cabinet media briefing in Pretoria on Thursday, Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said this was “a mere kindergarten gimmick” and that it “has no legal effect”.

She said Cabinet confirmed that the establishment, recognition, and functioning of any traditional leadership structure are strictly governed by the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act, which provides clear and non-negotiable procedures for legitimacy and recognition.

“Cabinet noted the apology from the Nigerian High Commission on this matter and directed the Department of International Relations and Cooperation to continue engaging with the High Commission on the unacceptable conduct of Nigerians in South Africa that is unbecoming of visitors,” said the Minister.

She said it was deeply concerning that legitimate grievances over this matter have resulted in the acts of violence and criminality.

“Cabinet reminds citizens that the right to protest comes with responsibility, it must be exercised peacefully and within the confines of the law,” added the Minister. – SAnews.gov.za

Janine
Thu, 04/02/2026 – 15:03

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April 2, 2026

Zimbabwe’s push to extend the president’s rule could deepen elite divisions and weaken democracy

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By David B. Moore, Research Associate, Dept of Anthropology & Development Studies and Fellow, Clare Hall, University of Cambridge, University of Johannesburg

Zimbabwe’s ruling party, Zanu-PF, wants to amend the constitution through a bill in parliament. It won’t be that simple, however. Under the constitution, voters must approve such changes through a referendum.

The new bill’s most significant proposals include extending presidential and parliamentary terms by two years. This would allow Zimbabwe’s 83-year-old president, Emmerson Mnangagwa, to remain in power until 2030, ending the hopes of vice-president Constantino Chiwenga reaching the presidency in 2028. Chiwenga, as the head of the armed forces, was the main organiser of the 2017 coup that brought the exiled Mnangagwa to power.

The proposals could also pave the way for further changes that help Zanu-PF realise its long-cherished dream of permanent rule. The amendment proposes ending direct presidential elections. Instead, the president would be chosen by members of parliament. Given that Zanu-PF can, and has, co-opted enough MPs to dominate parliament, this would consolidate executive power within the ruling party.

Other proposed changes include expanding the senate to 90 members and returning the electoral commission to a largely discredited registrar-general who has been accused of bias. The bill also creates a Delimitation Commission that would allow the ruling party to shift constituency boundaries.

I have researched and written on Zimbabwe’s political history and political economy since the early 1980s. In my view, these changes risk weakening already fragile democratic protections in Zimbabwe.

Extending term limits entrenches incumbency. Long-serving president Robert Mugabe established de-facto one-party rule – always contested, but maintained consistently by carefully calibrated doses of coercion, cheating and crafted consensus – in 1987 as he became executive president. This followed the genocidal Gukurahundi massacre of the 1980s when thousands of people were killed as Zimbabwe’s main opposition party was crushed.

The military forced Mugabe to resign in 2017 under “Operation Restore Legacy”. Mugabe was at the time 93. The coup was later legitimised by being given the “military-assisted transition” label.

Zanu-PF veteran Mnangagwa, who had been Mugabe’s recently fired deputy, and since 1978 his key security advisor, took on his mantle. This transition was violently consummated with a contested election in 2018 and vicious quelling of the January 2019 “stay-away” protests calling on the state to improve citizen livelihoods.

These latest proposed amendments – dubbed Agenda 2030 – point to a system where political competition is narrowed and power is more tightly controlled by the ruling party and its leaders.

What it means for Zimbabwe

Removing direct presidential elections reduces voter choice. The weakening of independent institutions – including electoral and judicial bodies – further reduces accountability.

The constitutional amendment proposes that the presidential vote take place in parliament by party-based MPs, who would likely elect one of their own.

However, the generally unpopular ruling party fears going through the necessary referendum to pass such changes. Additionally, 90 days of public consultation on constitutional amendments are needed. The Zanu-PF state has already compressed these to four days at about 65 locations, allowing about an hour each for discussion.

The first meetings were stacked with busloads of Zanu-PF supporters. And as happens during the party’s rallies, there were gifts of bikes and food as the carrots, and intimidation and threats as the sticks. Besides this mix, session chairs ignored opposition efforts to voice their opinions.

By the end of the second day of these meetings, the coalition of the three “defend the constitution” movements opposing Zanu-PF’s proposals boycotted the hearings.

No matter: Zanu-PF will either choose to push a referendum forward (with low participation) or pursue more repressive and/or judicially engineered means to secure the amendments.

What it means for Zanu-PF

The proposed constitutional amendments also have major implications within Zanu-PF itself, particularly for Chiwenga. They would effectively end his chances of becoming president in 2028.

In 2008, highly contested presidential election results forced Mugabe and opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai to a run-off. As is widely acknowledged, Mnangagwa and Chiwenga – then leading Zimbabwe’s Joint Operations Command – agreed to let Mugabe stay on. They would strike at a more opportune time: Mnangagwa would then lead first, and Chiwenga would take power in the next term.

The severe violence during the run-off led to a transitional inclusive government. This eventually led to the development of the 2013 constitution, which introduced a two-term limit for the presidency.

At a Zanu-PF congress soon after the 2018 election, Mnangagwa announced he’d vie again in 2023.

Now, the proposed extension to 2030 effectively blocks Chiwenga’s path to the presidency. At the very least, those two years would allow Mnangagwa to consolidate his – and his family’s – power. Zanu-PF’s ever present factional tensions will be exacerbated.

As my book Mugabe’s Legacy: Coups, Conspiracies, and the Conceits of Power in Zimbabwe argues, Zanu-PF’s past and present – before, during and after the liberation war – are replete with factional fighting as those near its top seek to entrench one-party rule with its control over the country’s wealth.

What it means for opposition politics

Zimbabwe’s opposition remains fragmented and weakened. The once-powerful Movement for Democratic Change splintered and its closest successor succumbed to Zanu-PF, partly induced by its leader’s megalomania.

After the boycott of the hearings, how will the proposed constitutional amendments be stopped? Resistance to the proposals had created an opportunity for greater opposition unity.

Events such as the October 2025 firebombing of a civil society meeting meant to discuss the amendments foretold the current intimidation.

Will the changes sail through?

Success on the constitutional amendments is not guaranteed. Internal factional tensions, particularly around succession, could complicate the process. Chiwenga is far from the only challenger in Mnangagwa’s sight.

If (when?) the shambolic – yet brutal – ruling party manages to move to a post-Agenda 2030 phase, it may well crash under the weight of its own contradictions. And with it all of Zimbabwe goes.

– Zimbabwe’s push to extend the president’s rule could deepen elite divisions and weaken democracy
– https://theconversation.com/zimbabwes-push-to-extend-the-presidents-rule-could-deepen-elite-divisions-and-weaken-democracy-279792

April 2, 2026

A Atlantic Energy Alliance impulsionará a colaboração offshore entre o Brasil e África na African Energy Week (AEW) 2026

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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As parcerias energéticas transatlânticas estão a materializar-se em empreendimentos estratégicos que poderão remodelar o desenvolvimento offshore em toda a Bacia do Atlântico Sul. No centro deste impulso está o nexo energético Brasil-África, destacado como um motor da colaboração em águas profundas e da experiência em produção flutuante. À medida que os líderes do setor energético se preparam para a African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 na Cidade do Cabo e para o seu Fórum Brasil-África, esta relação em evolução será crucial para ampliar o crescimento a montante em ambos os continentes.

O domínio de décadas do Brasil em petróleo e gás em águas ultraprofundas é agora um ativo estratégico para produtores e investidores africanos. Desde os campos pré-sal da Bacia de Santos até às suas tecnologias avançadas de FPSO, o Brasil construiu um histórico de execução de projetos offshore complexos. Implantações como a FPSO Bacalhau de 2025, capaz de processar 220 000 barris por dia, destacam a escala operacional e a sofisticação técnica que as empresas brasileiras podem trazer para as fronteiras offshore emergentes de África, ajudando a reduzir os riscos de desenvolvimento e a acelerar os prazos de produção.

Esta vantagem técnica é uma das principais razões pelas quais a Petrobras está a expandir-se para África. No início de 2026, a Petrobras confirmou a aquisição de uma participação de 42,5% num importante bloco de exploração offshore na Namíbia, em parceria com a TotalEnergies, marcando o regresso da empresa às águas africanas após se ter concentrado nos campos pré-sal nacionais. Sob a presidência de Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, África tornou-se «uma região principal de desenvolvimento fora do Brasil», com a Namíbia, Angola e a Nigéria citadas como mercados prioritários.

A Petrobras também tem procurado obter direitos de exploração na Bacia do Laranja Ocidental Profundo, na África do Sul, e tem interagido com os seus pares africanos através da participação em fóruns de alto nível. Estes esforços, destacados na AEW, visam traduzir a experiência do Brasil em águas profundas na narrativa de crescimento offshore de África, onde as semelhanças geológicas entre as bacias pré-sal do Brasil e as margens africanas oferecem um argumento convincente para a colaboração.

«Para que o setor energético africano prospere – seja em projetos de águas profundas, GNL ou transfronteiriços – precisamos de parceiros que tragam capital e conhecimentos especializados. O historial offshore do Brasil e a sua vontade de investir sinalizam o tipo de colaboração Sul-Sul que acelera a concretização de projetos reais, desbloqueia valor em bacias de fronteira e impulsiona o crescimento industrial para ambos os continentes», afirma NJ Ayuk, Presidente Executivo da Câmara Africana de Energia.

Para além da retórica, a diplomacia energética está a traduzir-se em ação. A Receção Invest in African Energies do ano passado, no Rio de Janeiro, reuniu partes interessadas brasileiras e africanas para discutir parcerias estratégicas e perspetivas de investimento, preparando o terreno para um maior envolvimento na AEW, na Cidade do Cabo.

Para os produtores africanos, a parceria com empresas brasileiras oferece acesso a tecnologias offshore maduras, facilitação de conteúdo local e modelos operacionais aperfeiçoados em ambientes desafiantes de águas profundas. As FPSOs da Petrobras, equipadas com sistemas avançados de gestão de carbono, demonstram inovações que poderiam ser adaptadas aos projetos offshore de África, equilibrando eficiência e desempenho ambiental.

À medida que o panorama energético evolui, a cooperação estratégica entre o Brasil e as nações africanas poderá inaugurar uma nova era de desenvolvimento da bacia atlântica, indo além dos padrões tradicionais de investimento Norte-Sul. Através da partilha de conhecimentos especializados, de quadros de financiamento alinhados e de um envolvimento sustentado – exemplificado pela agenda Brasil-África da AEW –, o corredor energético transatlântico está a emergir como uma prioridade tanto para governos como para investidores e operadores.

O AEW Town Hall promete explorar como o legado offshore do Brasil pode acelerar a próxima vaga de projetos offshore em África e como estruturas de capital inovadoras podem colmatar lacunas de financiamento. Com os principais intervenientes de ambos os continentes a reunirem-se na Cidade do Cabo este ano, o impulso para a operacionalização de parcerias energéticas no Atlântico está a ganhar força – com implicações para a dinâmica global do abastecimento e a segurança energética regional.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Energy Chamber.

April 2, 2026

President Ramaphosa appoints new SARS Commissioner

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Dr Ngobani Johnstone Makhubu as Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) for a period of five years with effect from 1 May 2026.

President Ramaphosa has made this appointment in terms of section 6 of the South African Revenue Service Act of 1997, following an unanimous recommendation by a selection panel convened by Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana.

Dr Makhubu, who has held the position of Deputy Commissioner: Taxpayer Engagement & Operations since 2023, succeeds Commissioner Edward Kieswetter whose two-year contract ends on 30 April 2026.

The incoming Commissioner is a seasoned public and private sector executive with more than 17 years of senior leadership experience spanning tax administration, commercial, finance and operations management.

He has worked in complex, regulated and large-scale organisations across multiple industries including fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), mining, power generation and public revenue services.

Dr Makhubu has worked on the formulation of the SARS strategic direction since 2020 and has actively worked to implement the Vision 2024 strategy together with the current Commissioner.

The implementation of Vision 2024 achieved revenue collections with a compounded annual growth rate of 7.6% while voluntary compliance increased by 3.4 percentage points.

President Ramaphosa congratulates Dr Makhubu on his appointment to lead the revenue service as the institution that provides the financial resources necessary for the Government to function, fund infrastructure, and pay for social services.

President Ramaphosa has also expressed his appreciation and high regard for Commissioner Kieswetter’s incisive and innovative leadership that has positioned SARS as a critical enabler of fiscal stability, social delivery, trade facilitation, and the enablement of domestic and foreign investment.

President Ramaphosa says the change in the leadership of SARS shows how sound succession planning contributes to the capability of the State.

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

April 2, 2026

President appoints new SARS Commissioner

Source: Government of South Africa

President appoints new SARS Commissioner

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Dr Ngobani Johnstone Makhubu as Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service for a period of five years with effect from 1 May 2026.

President Ramaphosa has made this appointment in terms of section 6 of the South African Revenue Service Act of 1997, following a unanimous recommendation by a selection panel convened by Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana.

Dr Makhubu, who has held the position of Deputy Commissioner: Taxpayer Engagement and Operations since 2023, succeeds Commissioner Edward Kieswetter whose two-year contract ends on 30 April 2026.

“The incoming Commissioner is a seasoned public and private sector executive with more than 17 years of senior leadership experience spanning tax administration, commercial, finance and operations management.

“He has worked in complex, regulated and large-scale organisations across multiple industries including fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), mining, power generation and public revenue services,” said the Presidency in a statement.

Dr Makhubu has worked on the formulation of the SARS strategic direction since 2020 and has actively worked to implement the Vision 2024 strategy together with the current Commissioner.

The implementation of Vision 2024 achieved revenue collections with a compounded annual growth rate of 7.6% while voluntary compliance increased by 3.4 percentage points.

“President Ramaphosa congratulates Dr Makhubu on his appointment to lead the revenue service as the institution that provides the financial resources necessary for the government to function, fund infrastructure, and pay for social services,” said the Presidency.

It added that President Ramaphosa has expressed his appreciation and high regard for Commissioner Kieswetter’s “incisive and innovative leadership that has positioned SARS as a critical enabler of fiscal stability, social delivery, trade facilitation, and the enablement of domestic and foreign investment”.

President Ramaphosa said the change in the leadership of SARS shows how sound succession planning contributes to the capability of the state. – SAnews.gov.za

Janine
Thu, 04/02/2026 – 13:47

903 views

April 2, 2026

Caribbean Energy Week 2026 Ignites Regional Oil and Renewables Dialogue

Source: APO

Caribbean Energy Week (CEW) 2026 kicked off in Paramaribo, Suriname, uniting government officials, investors and industry leaders to explore the region’s evolving energy landscape on 30 March. Day 1 highlighted discussions on hydrocarbons, renewables, power infrastructure, mining and carbon credits, featuring keynotes and panels with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and regional energy ministers, alongside executives from major national oil companies.

Caribbean Doubles Down on Oil

Caribbean leaders at CEW advocated a balanced energy strategy that embraces both oil and gas development alongside renewables, arguing that global demand growth necessitates a pragmatic mix. Surinamese Foreign Affairs Minister Melvin Bouva and Oil and Gas Minister Patrick Brunnings, as well as Trinidad and Tobago’s Energy Minister Ernesto Kesar highlighted the need to convert major discoveries – such as Guyana’s Stabroek Block and Suriname’s GranMurgu project – into sustained production. The ministers also said the projects have the potential to attract investment, enhance regional cooperation and build local capacity, while emphasizing that hydrocarbons will remain central to the region’s energy outlook for the foreseeable future.

Suriname is positioning itself as a key investment destination by advancing new frameworks to boost certainty and streamline project development, with first oil expected by 2028 and gas by 2030. Officials stressed that energy transition goals should be realistic, balancing decarbonization with immediate economic and energy needs, and ensuring that oil and gas revenue supports broader economic growth through workforce development, stronger local content and private sector participation.

Grenada Hydrocarbon Tender Launch

Grenada plans to launch a selective offshore hydrocarbon tender by the end of 2026 or early 2027, inviting oil and gas companies to bid on exploration blocks. Lead Consultant at the Grenada Hydrocarbon Technical Working Group Gilbert Yevi said the move aims to kick-start development of the nation’s unexplored offshore potential, backed by extensive seismic data and a technical working group focused on building the industry responsibly and competitively.

Afreximbank $5 Billion Caribbean Mandate

The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) plans to use its expanded $5 billion CARICOM financing mandate to support Caribbean oil and gas development, local content growth and energy sector collaboration, especially as new producers emerge. The bank’s Caribbean head Okechukwu Ihejirika highlighted past financing – including backing Suriname’s Staatsolie stake in GranMorgu – and said the bank is building interregional platforms with CARICOM to attract capital and expertise to the region.

Caribbean Energy Financing Expansion

The Caribbean’s energy financing landscape is strengthening as the Afreximbank boots its CARICOM financing capacity from $3 billion to $5 billion, aiming to narrow the region’s funding gap for energy, infrastructure and industrial projects. Officials at CEW stressed that broad access to capital is critical to turning energy ambitions into reality, with the expanded facility set to support a variety of regional developments.

This expanded commitment signals a shift toward locally anchored financing structures capable of backing energy and logistics projects across Caribbean markets, while Caribbean authorities push to address infrastructure challenges and strengthen regional ties. Speakers also highlighted the importance of local content and workforce development in ensuring that resource development translates into domestic economic growth and cross-Atlantic cooperation with African partners is gaining momentum to share expertise and financing models.

U.S. Caribbean Energy Partnerships

The U.S. is intensifying energy partnerships in the Caribbean, focusing on Suriname’s expanding oil and gas sector and broader regional energy security. U.S. officials emphasize modern infrastructure, workforce development and sustainable investment aligned with long-term growth, while cautioning against unsustainable external financing. They highlighted U.S. firm’s role in exploration, citing APA Corporation’s work in Suriname and potential opportunities across the energy value chain.

Suriname’s GranMorgu Project Gains Momentum

Industry leaders expressed that Suriname’s offshore GranMorgu development is progressing quickly toward first oil in 2028, with TotalEnergies advancing FPSO construction, subsea testing and upcoming drilling campaigns while new infrastructure and supply chain capacity are built. Companies including SBM Offshore, Shell and Weatherford emphasized that beyond production, the project’s success will rely on workforce training, stronger local participation and long-term planning as Suriname’s offshore sector continues to mature.

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

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