Category: MIL-OSI

Source: APO – Report:

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The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission has commenced a series of regional consultations in Senegal to advance the Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) agenda. The first meeting was held in Matam on 22nd September 2025, bringing together government officials, youth representatives, civil society organisations, and development partners to kickstart the process of developing Senegal’s National Action Plan (NAP) on YPS.

The consultations, which will also take place in the regions of Tambacounda and Kédougou, are a key step in promoting youth inclusion and empowerment as essential elements for building a safer, more stable, and prosperous West Africa. The initiative aligns with ECOWAS Vision 2050 and the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace, and Security, and reflects Senegal’s commitment to ensuring young people play a central role in decision-making and peacebuilding processes.

Declaring the meeting open, the Deputy Governor of Matam, Mr. Baba Hann, emphasised that the consultations reflect Senegal’s inclusive approach to developing its National Action Plan (NAP) on Youth, Peace, and Security. He pledged to share the outcomes with the Presidency of Senegal and urged young people across the region to actively participate and commit themselves to advancing the YPS agenda.

Mr. Constant Gnacadja, Acting Head of the ECOWAS Mediation and Coordination of Regional Political Affairs Division, represented by Mr. Arthur Obayuwana, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to promoting youth inclusion in peace and security processes across the region. He highlighted that the initiative is guided by the ECOWAS Conflict Prevention Framework (ECPF) and draws inspiration from the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250, which recognises the critical role of young people in peacebuilding and conflict prevention.

The Deputy Mayor of Matam, Mr. Ameth Gueye, welcomed the opportunity for young people in his community to contribute their views and priorities to the National Action Plan, underscoring the importance of local voices in shaping national policies on peace and security.

Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of key stakeholders, including the West African Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP), local government officials, youth leaders, and civil society organisations. They collectively reaffirmed their commitment to working with ECOWAS and national authorities to promote youth engagement, peacebuilding, and social cohesion in Senegal.

The consultations were facilitated by the Association pour la Promotion du Leadership des Jeunes Femmes et Filles (APELJFF), led by its coordinator, Ms. Simone Diouf, with support from youth development experts. Participants engaged in breakout sessions structured around five strategic pillars of Senegal’s National Action Plan: governance, peace and security, employment, economy and technological innovation, education, basic social services and inclusion, environment, climate and energy, and communication, resource mobilisation and partnerships.

The discussions also examined critical issues such as human security and the socio-economic exclusion of young people, which have been identified as key factors fuelling vulnerability to violence and instability in the region. Stakeholders explored ways to address these challenges through inclusive policies, capacity building, and cross-sectoral collaboration.

With young people representing nearly 70 percent of West Africa’s population of over 400 million, the Youth, Peace, and Security programme is a critical regional priority. By engaging youth as active partners in peacebuilding and governance, ECOWAS and its member states aim to create pathways for sustainable development while reducing the risks of recruitment by extremist groups and other destabilising actors.

The outcomes of the consultations will inform the drafting of Senegal’s National Action Plan on Youth, Peace and Security, which will serve as a model for similar initiatives across the region, contributing to the ECOWAS Vision 2050 goal of building a peaceful, stable, and prosperous West Africa that is truly people-centred.

– on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Source: APO – Report:

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A delegation from the ECOWAS Commission, led by Dr. Sintiki Tarfa-Ugbe, Director of Humanitarian and Social Affairs, paid a working visit to the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) in Ghana.

The purpose of the visit was to assess and monitor the implementation of ECOWAS humanitarian assistance provided in response to the devastating floods of 2022 and 2023, which severely impacted communities across the Greater Accra and Eastern Regions, with Nsawam Adagyiri, Ga West, Ga South, and Weija Gbawe among the hardest hit.

In response, ECOWAS donated targeted emergency relief assistance. In partnership with the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) and Abantu for Development, the intervention aimed to restore livelihoods, strengthen community resilience, and accelerate recovery for the most vulnerable households. The ECOWAS support package included emergency relief, livelihood restoration, and resilience-building interventions aimed at helping affected families recover and rebuild.

Beneficiaries carefully selected by NADMO, received food and non-food items, as well as training in essential livelihood skills such as baking, hairdressing, soap-making, and farming. At the end of the training session, each participant was equipped with start-up kits, designed to foster confidence, independence, and self-reliance. These tools empowered individuals to rebuild their lives and contribute meaningfully to their communities. Some beneficiaries present shared their personal experiences,

In his opening remarks, Major General (Rtd) Joseph B. Kuyon, Director-General of the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO, stated

“ECOWAS has once again demonstrated its commitment to the ideals of its mandate and standing with Ghanaians in times of crisis,” he stated. “These interventions have produced tangible and life-changing results with strong emphasis on livelihood recovery and resilience-building.”

In response to the devastating floods in Ghana, ECOWAS humanitarian assistance reached more than 5,100 households with emergency relief, including food, clothing, mattresses, and other essentials, prioritizing vulnerable groups such as women-headed households, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.

Beyond immediate aid, over 190 individuals received financial literacy and entrepreneurship training, 90 farmers were equipped with climate-smart farming techniques and modern tools, and artisans and small business owners were supported with start-up kits. Communities also benefited from 10 new boreholes, the establishment of Water and Sanitation Committees, and industrial handwashing stations in schools to safeguard public health.

To strengthen long-term resilience, NADMO enhanced its institutional capacity through training in disaster risk reduction, early warning, and post-disaster recovery, supported by a new training manual to guide sustainable disaster management practices in Ghana.

Representing Abantu for Development, Dr. Rose Mensah-Kutiw emphasized the inclusive and empowering nature of the initiative:

“This programme placed dignity and resilience at the heart of recovery, ensuring that no one was left behind.”

Dr. Sintiki Tarfa-Ugbe reaffirmed ECOWAS’s people-centered humanitarian approach, noting that 85% of funding directly supports communities through livelihoods, food aid, water, and sanitation. She stressed that ECOWAS interventions go beyond emergency relief, focusing on resilience, dignity, and sustainable work opportunities.

“Our interventions go beyond emergency relief—we emphasize livelihoods, resilience, and restoring dignity,” Dr. Ugbe added. “

Highlighting a shift from high-level meetings to tangible community projects, she commended the collaborative model involving governments, civil society, and local communities. Despite declining donor funding, she emphasized that ECOWAS remains a reliable partner in resilience, providing direct support and empowering communities across West Africa.

The event was highlighted with a powerful example of how ECOWAS initiatives restore dignity and resilience in vulnerable communities. A beneficiary, Aunty Cici, a petty trader and sole guardian of her 7yr old grandson showcased her new acquired skill in soap making. She was trained and equipped through ECOWAS support. With start-up capital, she now earns steady profits, supports her family, and rebuilds her life.

Her story is a powerful testament to ECOWAS’s mission: promoting solidarity, resilience, and sustainable recovery across West Africa. These efforts not only uplift individuals but also complement national strategies to protect citizens from climate-related disasters and economic shocks.

This field assessment mission reflects ECOWAS’ broader vision of promoting solidarity, resilience, and sustainable recovery across West Africa, while complementing national efforts to protect citizens from climate-related disasters.

– on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Source: APO – Report:

OPEC Secretary General Haitham Al Ghais will speak at African Energy Week 2025: Invest in African Energies in Cape Town to discuss the continent’s growing role in the global energy landscape. Since assuming office in 2022, Al Ghais has been a staunch advocate for Africa’s oil and gas sector, emphasizing the continent’s pivotal role in global energy security. His participation at AEW 2025 highlights OPEC’s strategic focus on fostering investments and partnerships that bolster Africa’s energy infrastructure and economic growth.

Al Ghais has consistently highlighted Africa’s vast untapped energy potential, with estimates suggesting the continent holds up to 120 billion barrels of oil reserves. During the Nigeria International Energy Summit in February, he reiterated OPEC’s commitment to unlocking Africa’s full oil potential, describing it as an “utmost priority” for the organization. This emphasis aligns with OPEC’s broader strategy to ensure a balanced and sustainable energy mix, advocating for investments that not only meet current energy demands but also pave the way for future energy security.

A notable development in this regard is OPEC’s engagement with Namibia, a country poised to become a significant player in the global oil market. Following major offshore discoveries, Namibia is on track to commence production by the next decade. Al Ghais has expressed OPEC’s readiness to support Namibia’s oil exploration and production efforts, emphasizing the importance of such partnerships in meeting future energy demands.

“Secretary General Al Ghais’ participation in AEW 2025 highlights the organization’s recognition of Africa’s strategic importance in the global energy landscape. By fostering partnerships and encouraging investments, OPEC aims to unlock the continent’s energy potential and support sustainable growth in the oil and gas sector,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.

As an Official Partner, OPEC’s involvement at AEW 2025 underscores its strategic commitment to Africa, fostering partnerships and encouraging investments that unlock the continent’s energy potential and support sustainable growth in the oil and gas sector. OPEC’s contributions to the agenda include the World Oil Outlook session as part of the pre-conference program and the OPEC-Africa Roundtable, both designed to provide insights on market trends, investment opportunities and strategies for advancing Africa’s oil and gas development.

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

About African Energy Week:
AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

Source: APO – Report:

By NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber (https://EnergyChamber.org/).

Eni CEO Claudio Descalzi has never stopped making Africa his and Eni’s first choice for investment.

I know Mr. Descalzi as a shrewd negotiator, a disciplined CEO, and a strong advocate of natural gas development on our continent. As he champions African energy independence and sovereignty, natural gas has been and remains key to his work in Africa.

Even during difficult times, he has persisted in furthering his company’s investments in Africa, as he did following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. At that critical time, he encouraged the EU to consider imports from Africa to replace Russian petroleum, including the 20 billion cubic meters (bcm) of Russian gas Italy was importing annually.

As a longtime promoter of African energy potential, Descalzi has overseen major hydrocarbon projects in countries from Congo to Libya to Nigeria — both oil and natural gas. Under his leadership, Eni has launched some of the continent’s fastest-moving liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects while prioritizing low carbon output.

Along with the business side of his role, the CEO has encouraged the company’s country managers and executives to take on many social responsibility efforts in Africa.

On a more personal note, when you talk to many African President’s, Ministers and business leaders, he is always a source of wise counsel — something I see as the mark of a true legend. He is always willing to work with others and share his experiences and knowledge about doing business in other markets.

The Man and the Company

A native of Milan and a 1979 physics graduate of the city’s namesake university, Descalzi has a deep history with Eni, having started in 1981 as a field petroleum engineer. His broad understanding of the industry and the company has been forged within many roles of increasing responsibility — in Africa, the Middle East, China, and — from 2010 to 2014 —as Chairman of Eni UK.

In May of 2014, he took on the role of CEO for Eni.

Among the founding CEOs of the 2014 Oil and Gas Climate Initiative, Descalzi is also a member of the European Round Table for Industry and co-chair of the Oil and Gas Governors Community of the World Economic Forum.

A Visiting Fellow at The University of Oxford, he has received many significant industry awards, among them the esteemed Charles F. Rand Memorial Gold Medal award from the Society of Petroleum Engineers and the American Institute of Mining Engineers.

To its great credit, Eni has been working in Africa since the 1950s to develop the continent’s resources and form partnerships that secure a supply of natural gas and advance the world’s energy transition.

Those efforts, employing a mix of traditional, renewable, and bio energy, are making progress toward the 2050 Net Zero target in 13 African countries. It’s also important to note that the company employs thousands in Africa, and that 80% of the gas it produces there goes to local markets.

Eni Activity in Africa Under Descalzi’s Leadership

Egypt, Algeria, and Libya have been cornerstones of Eni’s African presence. Eni’s history in Libya began in 1959 with the acquisition of its first concession. After a 10-year hiatus in onshore drilling in Libya, caused primarily by the country’s civil war, Descalzi made sure that Eni was one of the first companies to re-enter the country in 2024.

Eni’s activities in Algeria date back to the early 1980s, and Algeria remains one of the company’s largest suppliers of gas to Europe.

Egypt, meanwhile, gained global attention in 2015 with Eni’s Zohr discovery, one of the largest gas finds ever in the Mediterranean.

Eni now plans to invest close to USD9 billion each in Algeria and Egypt, as well as Libya, over the next four years. Descalzi has stated (https://apo-opa.co/46MtAlb), “Internal demand in these countries — because of demographic growth — is increasing at about 7 to 8% every year, this means they need gas … they need investment.”

In Angola, I was lucky to have been with Mr. Descalzi when his efforts alongside BP to launch the Agogo floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) vessel and to form the first major international oil company (IOC) joint venture in Africa, Azule Energy.  During a recent meeting with Angolan President Lourenco in Luanda, the two leaders talked about Azule’s exploration and delivery achievements. They noted that the Agogo, planned to become the first carbon-neutral FPSO in Angola, began production 10 months ahead of the original plan.

As the biggest independent equity oil and gas producer in Angola, Azule Energy holds 18 licenses, 11 of which are operating and producing a total of 210,000 barrels per day (bpd).

Congo:  In 2023, Descalzi was instrumental in launching the Congo LNG project, encompassing the installation of two floating LNG (FLNG) plants to process gas from the country’s current and future fields, helping foster European energy security, while providing sufficient gas for Africa. Tango FLNG, with a 0.6 million tons per annum (MTPA) capacity, began production in December 2023. Nguya FLNG is set to begin production (2.4 MTPA) by the end of this year, boosting the total capacity of the project to 3 MTPA.

In Côte d’Ivoire, under Descalzi’s leadership, Eni has been working since 2015, and is currently working in 10 deepwater blocks.

Eni’s Baleine field offshore project is the first net-zero upstream project in the world for Scope 1 and 2 emissions. After Eni fast-tracked the building project, it went from discovery to first oil in less than 19 months.

Baleine Phase 1 began production in 2023, and Phase 2 started producing in December 2024. Phase 2 is expected to meet local energy needs by connecting with pipeline constructed during Phase 1 and solidifying Côte d’Ivoire’s status as a producer.

Elsewhere on the continent:  In Mozambique, while many companies evacuated due to escalating violence and terror attacks in Cabo Delgado province since 2017, the CEO chose to proceed with Eni’s Coral South and Coral Norte FLNG projects, achieving a final investment decision (FID) for Coral South in 2017 and advancing Coral Norte to pre-FID stage, despite serious security concerns. In Namibia, Descalzi is looking toward more exploration. And, as a legacy producer in Nigeria, Eni, under his leadership, plans to continue working on deepwater and LNG projects, while expanding into the agri-feedstock sector as per the company’s 2023-2026 plan (https://apo-opa.co/3IakaGU).

Social Responsibility Efforts

Eni’s social responsibility initiatives include something very dear to Descalzi’s heart — facilitating clean cooking in sub-Saharan Africa.

Currently, approximately 1 billion Africans lack access to clean cooking. The African Energy Chamber is heartened to see Descalzi’s efforts on this front, including Angola’s Clean Cooking Program, begun in 2024, which already benefits over 500,000 residents in seven of the country’s provinces. He is pushing to get 2 million people in the country access to clean cooking technology very quickly.

On the employment front, Descalzi is ensuring the training and development of Africans — and that they are hired at the highest levels. He is also empowering African women by providing jobs throughout the company. Countless African women can tell stories of him giving them opportunities in the industry.

I would compare Mr. Descalzi to Patrick Pouyanné, the CEO of TotalEnergies, in his engagement with African presidents. He personally goes to each country Eni operates in, unlike most CEOs. He builds personal relationships with presidents and ministers, showing a humility that has made him one of the most favorite CEOs among the IOCs in Africa.

This was illustrated in his September 2025 meetings with Angola’s President Lourenco, where the two talked about Azule’s continuing work on the health, education, and economic diversification fronts. This work includes support for Luanda’s Cardiopulmonary Hospital Complex, business training and financial education programs, and construction and rehabilitation of 14 facilities to help educate over 17,000 children.

His style is not to stop with getting to know the well-knowns, either. He sits with young Africans and jokes with them, motivates and encourages them.

We Applaud Descalzi

It is fitting that we applaud a man who has made a global energy giant a truly African company. Eni’s expertise is evident in all it does in Africa, with its great exploration teams and the projects it completes in a timely, technically savvy way.

In his own quiet way, without international fanfare, Descalzi has worked to the benefit of Africa and Africans.

Descalzi’s care for Africa shows; although he oversees operations across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas, he engages the most with Africa, making Africa the largest part of his work.

In short, Africa is part of his family.

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.