Category: MIL-OSI

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SA Medical Research Council conducts groundbreaking HIV vaccine trial in humans

Source: Government of South Africa

SA Medical Research Council conducts groundbreaking HIV vaccine trial in humans

The first participant in the BRILLIANT 011 first-in-human clinical trial for the HIV vaccine has been enrolled at the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation (DTHF) site at the Groote Schuur Hospital.

The groundbreaking trial is being conducted by the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), together with the DTHF and the Wits Health Consortium.

“The trial is testing two cutting-edge vaccine components – BG505 GT1.1 and 426c.Mod.Core-C4b – administered with the SMNP adjuvant.

“These state-of-the-art immunogens are the result of international scientific collaboration involving the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, the Scripps Consortium for HIV/AIDS Vaccine Development and Amsterdam University Medical Centers.

“The trial is…marking a major milestone in African-led HIV vaccine research. BRILLIANT 011 brings renewed hope that an HIV vaccine developed through African science, for African populations, is becoming increasingly possible,” the SAMRC said in a statement.

SAMRC sponsor representative, Professor Glenda Gray, said: “Advances in HIV vaccine research and development place our team in a pivotal position to map immune responses to these novel vaccines in order to guide further development of this regimen.”

African partnership

The BRILLIANT Consortium (BRinging Innovation to cLinical and Laboratory research to end HIV In Africa through New vaccine Technology) is an initiative launched some two years ago and the study forms part of this consortium.

The consortium unites leading researchers from South Africa, Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Mozambique, and is “notable for being predominantly led by African women scientists, with the SAMRC leading this first study”.

“Despite facing severe setbacks following US funding cuts that threatened to derail the programme, the BRILLIANT Consortium demonstrated remarkable scientific resilience.

“Through swift leadership action and the mobilisation of new investment, the team successfully preserved the integrity of the research and ensured that Africa’s first clinical trial under BRILLIANT could proceed,” the statement said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB

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Egypt: President El-Sisi Receives Turkish President Erdoğan

Source: APO


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Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi receives President of the Republic of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

The two presidents are scheduled to hold an official round of talks, after which they will co-chair the second meeting of the Egypt–Türkiye High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council. The two leaders will also take part in the closing session of the Egyptian-Turkish Business Forum, which is set to be held today with broad participation from the business community and financial and economic institutions in both countries.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

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Eritrea: Training on administration and leadership in Anseba Region

Source: APO


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The National Union of Eritrean Youth and Students branch in Anseba Region organized a training program on administration and leadership for 177 secondary school students from all schools in the region. The training program was conducted in Keren from 26 to 31 January.

Mr. Tahir Salah, head of Organizational Affairs of the union branch, indicated that the training covered concepts of administration and leadership, basic politics and ideology, psychological victory, nation and nationalism, planning and evaluation, as well as time management and communication.

As part of the program, the participants visited historical sites around the city of Keren and were provided briefings by experts from the tourism department in the region.

Noting that the program was part of the five-year strategic plan, Mr. Azazi Bereketeab, head of the National Union of Eritrean Youth and Students branch in the region, urged the participants to earnestly work for the implementation of the union’s programs in their respective schools.

Indicating that nation-building is a process that involves generations, Ambassador Abdella Musa, Governor of the region, called for integrated efforts in programs that target the youth.

In related news, the Culture and Sports Department in Gash-Barka Region provided training on administration and leadership to over 40 youth athletes from the 13 sub-zones of the region.

The training covered administration skills, popular campaigns, self-management, resource management, time management, and conflict resolution.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

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Eritrea: Annual meeting of Sahel Jemahir association

Source: APO


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Sahel Jemahir Association conducted its annual meeting on 30 January in Kamchewa, Afabet sub-zone. The annual meeting included a tour of historical sites in the sub-zone.

Mr. Mohammed-Nur Rejib, administrator of Afabet sub-zone, noting the history of Kamchewa during the armed struggle for independence and the perseverance of the people, commended those who organized the event in the area.

The meeting reviewed activities conducted in 2025 in terms of achievements registered and challenges encountered. Participants also discussed programs for 2026.

During their visit to the historical sites, participants were provided briefings on the historical significance of the areas they visited during the armed struggle for independence.

At the event, various sports competitions were conducted, and winners received their awards from Ms. Leul Gebreab, Minister of Labor and Social Welfare and chairperson of the Sahel Jemahir Association.

Sahel Jemahir Association was established in 2022 during the Jubilee anniversary of the liberation of Nakfa and has 170 members.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

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Trinidad & Tobago Prime Minister (PM) to Address Caribbean Energy Week (CEW) 2026 Amid Multi‑Billion‑Dollar Energy Investment Surge

Source: APO


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Caribbean Energy Week (CEW) 2026, the region’s premier energy investment platform, has confirmed Trinidad & Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad‑Bissessar as a keynote speaker. Her participation underscores the country’s pivotal role in shaping the Caribbean energy landscape and signals CEW’s emergence as the must‑attend forum for investors, operators and governments seeking high‑impact opportunities in the region.

In 2025, the government awarded a major ultra‑deepwater exploration block (TTUD‑1) to ExxonMobil, marking the company’s return after two decades and opening the door to potential investments of more than $20 billion. At the same time, enhanced cooperation on cross‑border gas projects with regional partners – including efforts by bp and Shell to secure U.S. licensing for fields shared with Venezuela – highlights the strategic importance of the basin as global players seek new supply opportunities.

On the project front, Trinidad & Tobago continues to deliver operational momentum. bpTT’s Cypre gas project has delivered first gas and completed its full seven‑well development, reinforcing supply into both export streams and domestic infrastructure. The Mento field, a 50/50 joint venture between bpTT and EOG Resources, has also begun producing first gas, demonstrating the strength of strategic partnerships in expanding output. Meanwhile, bp’s Ginger gas development reached FID and is on track for first gas in 2027, further expanding offshore capacity. These developments – alongside deepwater exploration interest and cross‑border initiatives – are critical to sustaining Trinidad’s role as a major LNG exporter and unlocking value across ammonia, petrochemicals and gas‑to‑power sectors.

“Spearheading regional cooperation and investment is at the heart of our mission for Caribbean Energy Week. Prime Minister Persad‑Bissessar’s confirmation highlights Trinidad & Tobago’s strategic importance and reinforces CEW as the place where capital meets opportunity across the Caribbean energy sector,” states Sandra Jeque, Project Director at Energy Capital & Power.

CEW 2026 will bring together ministers, global energy majors, investors and development partners for structured deal‑making, country roundtables and sector deep dives spanning hydrocarbons, LNG, renewables integration, grid modernization and carbon markets. Delegates will have the chance to engage directly with strategic opportunities in Trinidad & Tobago – from deepwater exploration acreage to transitional infrastructure and investment vehicles designed to accelerate clean energy access across the Caribbean.

Caribbean Energy Week 2026 will take place in Paramaribo, Suriname on 30 March – 1 April 2026, uniting government leaders, investors, and industry executives to showcase the Caribbean as one of the world’s fastest-evolving energy frontiers. By bringing together hydrocarbons, power renewables, mining, and carbon credits under one roof, the event will leverage the diversity of the Caribbean to highlight its most bankable projects, forge strategic partnerships and accelerate investment.

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

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Address by President Cyril Ramaphosa at Afreximbank Accession Signing Ceremony, Westcliff Hotel, Johannesburg

Source: President of South Africa –

Programme Director and Chairperson of the Export Credit Insurance Corporation, Ms Delia Ndlovu;
Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Parks Tau;
Ministers and Deputy Ministers;
Former Deputy President Baleka Mbete;
President of the Afrexim Bank, Dr George Elombi;
Former President of Afrexim Bank, Professor Benedict Oramah;
Members of the Board and Technical Team;
Representatives of business and organised labour;
Distinguished guests;
Ladies and gentlemen;

Good Morning.

Today we mark a major milestone in our quest to realise the economic integration of our continent.

South Africa’s accession to the Africa Export‑Import Bank affirms our commitment to African industrial development and to deepening trade, investment and development across the continent.

Once finalised, the South Africa‑Afreximbank Country Programme will be operationalised with a finance package that will initially support a range of strategic projects across the trade and industrial cluster.

The programme will inject capital into priority industrial projects, export diversification, infrastructure development and transformation initiatives.

Today’s signing signals a deliberate, ambitious and more impactful phase in South Africa’s economic engagement with Africa and the world.

For South Africa, the decision to accede to Afreximbank represents a strategic alignment.

We seek to contribute to an Africa that prioritises intra‑continental trade, that builds its own industrial base, and that mobilises African financial institutions to support development.

For more than 30 years, Afreximbank has demonstrated resilience, innovation and impact. It has developed a diversified portfolio across geographies and sectors.

This partnership will strengthen South Africa’s ability to support exporters, industrial projects and regional value chains, while advancing continental development.

South Africa accedes to Afreximbank at a time of both challenge and opportunity for the continent.

Global economic uncertainties, climate risks and shifting trade patterns underscore the need for building economic resilience.

As a country, we are implementing far‑reaching reforms to restore growth, improve competitiveness and expand inclusion.

We are working to accelerate economic growth by implementing structural reforms, increasing infrastructure investment and through targeted industrial policy.

As we accede to the Establishment Agreement today, we do so with a clear understanding that membership alone is not the objective.

What matters is how this partnership is translated into practical instruments that expand productive capacity, diversify our exports and integrate more South Africans into regional and global value chains.

South Africa’s industrialisation path is anchored by three mutually‑reinforcing pillars: decarbonisation, diversification and digitisation.

We are pursuing an energy transition that balances climate imperatives with developmental realities; that builds new industrial capabilities and creates new jobs.

That is why we are investing in renewable energy, green hydrogen, sustainable fuels and climate‑resilient infrastructure.

That is why we are focused on beneficiating critical minerals for clean energy technologies.

These are sectors where African countries hold competitive advantage.

They are sectors where long‑term project finance, guarantees and blended instruments are essential to unlocking scale.

Diversifying both our export basket and our exporter base is key to our economic growth strategy.

We are shifting toward higher‑value, more complex exports in advanced manufacturing, green industries, critical minerals beneficiation, pharmaceuticals and the digital economy.

Through the African Continental Free Trade Area we are working to build African value chains that anchor production on the continent and strengthen Africa’s economic sovereignty.

Afreximbank’s instruments — from trade finance and project preparation to risk mitigation and market access support — are indispensable in turning this vision into reality.

They will help to lower barriers to entry, reduce transaction costs and support South African firms as they expand into new African markets.

Through the Afreximbank Inclusive Development Support Programme for South Africa, a dedicated facility has been set aside to address structural barriers that have historically excluded many South Africans from participating in trade and industrialisation.

As a country we are working to enable new and emerging exporters to participate meaningfully in trade – particularly small and medium enterprises, black industrialists, and women‑ and youth‑owned firms.

This programme will enable black businesses and entrepreneurs to access finance, build assets and participate in strategic sectors.

Today’s accession brings us a step closer towards the incubation of a South African Export–Import Bank.

Working closely with Afreximbank, and building on the experience of our Export Credit Insurance Corporation, we are laying the foundations for a national institution that will support exporters, crowd in investment and provide financing aligned to our industrial priorities.

This is a strategic investment in our ability to compete and to support South African firms across the export lifecycle.

It will help to ensure that our participation in African and global trade is sustained, resilient and developmental.

Allow me to conclude by acknowledging the leadership that has brought us to this moment.

We welcome Dr George Elombi, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, whose stewardship marks a new chapter in the Bank’s evolution.

We recognise Professor Benedict Oramah, former President of AfreximBank, under whose visionary leadership the process of South Africa’s accession was initiated and advanced.

Your contribution to building Afreximbank into a formidable continental institution laid much of the foundations for the partnership we formalise today.

The continuity of leadership reflects the strength and maturity of Afreximbank as a Pan‑African institution.

Finally, we thank Minister Parks Tau for his central role in advancing South Africa’s trade and industrial agenda.

Today, as we sign this Instrument of Accession, we do so with clarity of purpose and confidence.

Let this moment mark not only South Africa’s full membership of Afreximbank, but the activation of a partnership that delivers growth, transformation and opportunity for our country and for our continent.

I thank you.

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Illegal mining bleeds billions from economy, says Mantashe

Source: Government of South Africa

Illegal mining bleeds billions from economy, says Mantashe

Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe, has warned that illegal mining is one of the most pressing challenges facing South Africa’s mining sector – costing the economy billions in lost revenue.

The Minister was delivering remarks at the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) National Inquiry into Policy Framework around Artisanal Mining.

The inquiry – now in its second leg – is investigating the Policy Framework around artisanal mining, the impact of artisanal mining on the human rights of surrounding communities and the scope and tactics employed in Operation Vala Umgodi.

“The dawn of democracy in 1994 marked a decisive break with this past. It ushered in a constitutional order grounded in human dignity, equality, and freedom, and it gave us the opportunity – and the responsibility – to correct historical injustices.

“For the mining industry, this meant developing a regulatory framework that promotes meaningful participation of historically disadvantaged persons, ensures responsible and sustainable mining, and drives socio-economic development.

“While progress has been made, significant challenges remain. One of the most pressing challenges confronting the sector is illegal mining, which is often conflated with artisanal and small-scale mining,” Mantashe said.

He noted the fundamental differences between artisanal and illegal mining, namely:

  • Illegal mining is a criminal activity conducted in direct contravention of South African law. It is part of broader organised economic crimes and is often linked to serious offences, including illicit financial flows, extreme violence, human trafficking, gender-based violence and femicide, as well as the smuggling of weapons and explosives.
  • Artisanal and small-scale mining, by contrast, is a legitimate and formalised economic activity, usually undertaken by citizens or legally documented residents, within a regulated framework.

He added that there is a “disturbing trend” emerging from illegal mining incidents with the involvement of undocumented foreign nationals.

He cited examples including:

  • In the Stilfontein incident, 1 826 illegal miners surfaced from underground. The majority of those involved were undocumented foreign nationals from Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Lesotho.
  • In Barberton, approximately 1 000 illegal miners were arrested, many of whom were also undocumented foreign nationals from Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Lesotho.

“We must be clear: an individual who enters the country illegally and engages in unlawful economic activity cannot be sanitised or reclassified as an artisanal and small-scale miner.

“Whereas illegal mining was once largely confined to derelict and ownerless mines, it is now increasingly encroaching on operational and licensed mines, posing serious risks to safety, security, and economic stability,” he said.

Lost revenue

Mantashe told the inquiry that illegal mining cost the South African economy and the sector some R49 billion in 2019.

In response, government adopted a strategy including:

  • The acceleration of the rehabilitation of derelict and ownerless mines
  • Implementing Operation Vala uMgodi to clamp down on illegal mining activities
  • Streamlining the regulatory framework to formalise artisanal and small-scale mining, while strengthening sanctions against illegal mining 

Strides have also been made in the rehabilitation of derelict and ownerless mines with at least four asbestos mines rehabilitated and 280 mine openings closed.

“This was made possible by an additional funding of R180 million allocated to the programme in the previous financial year.

“For the current financial year, a further R134.7 million was transferred to Mintek to continue this important work. It is important for the commission to note that the annual number of mines to be rehabilitated is dictated by the annual budget allocation received from the National Treasury.

“The department is also closely monitoring the rehabilitation and safe closure of operational mines to prevent these operations from becoming a burden on the state and future generations,” the minister noted.

Furthermore, a review of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA) is also underway.

This seeks to:

  • Formalise artisanal and small-scale mining,
  • Prohibit illegal mining,
  • Criminalise the transportation and trade of minerals without prescribed documentation.

“Even as this review continues, the Department has already acted. In 2022, we published the Policy on Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining for implementation. This policy provides a framework to formalise the sector and enable lawful economic participation, primarily for South African citizens and legally documented individuals.

“Let me be clear: this policy does not legitimise illegal mining. It creates pathways for lawful, regulated participation – while ensuring that criminal activity is firmly and decisively addressed,” Mantashe concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB

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R24m bridge set to transform access in Engcobo

Source: Government of South Africa

R24m bridge set to transform access in Engcobo

Residents of the Chaba Administrative Area (Ward 1) in Engcobo are one step closer to safer travel, improved access to services and new job opportunities, following the official introduction of a contractor for the long-awaited Chaba Bridge and access road.

For years, community members have had to contend with difficult and often unsafe travel conditions, particularly during heavy rains when access routes become hazardous.

The new project is expected to ease these daily challenges and bring long-term relief to residents who rely on the route to reach schools, health facilities and government offices.

Dr AB Xuma Local Municipality Mayor Siyabulela Zangqa introduced the appointed contractor to the community, marking a key milestone in the municipality’s ongoing drive to improve infrastructure and service delivery in rural areas.

Valued at R24 million, the project entails the construction of a new bridge and a 4.9-kilometre access road. Once completed, the development is expected to significantly improve connectivity, enhance road safety and facilitate smoother movement for residents and road users.

The improved infrastructure will also help stimulate local economic activity by making the area more accessible.

Zangqa said the construction is expected to take approximately 12 months and expected to create employment opportunities for about 20 local residents, ensuring that the project delivers immediate economic benefits while promoting community involvement throughout its implementation.

Zangqa said the project was a direct response to issues raised by residents during the municipality’s Integrated Development Plan (IDP) roadshows, highlighting the importance of public participation in shaping development priorities.

“The municipality will continue to engage with residents to address other matters that require attention,” Zangqa said, reaffirming the local government’s commitment to listening to community concerns.

He added that the Chaba Bridge and access road project represented a major step towards improved living conditions for communities across the area, reinforcing infrastructure investment and supporting inclusive growth across the municipality. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK

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Benedict Peters et le groupe Aiteo : définir un champion africain de l’énergie

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Benedict Peters est l’une des figures les plus influentes du secteur pétrolier et gazier africain. En tant que fondateur et PDG du groupe Aiteo, il a transformé une société locale de négoce de pétrole en l’une des plus grandes entreprises énergétiques locales du continent, en naviguant sur des marchés complexes, en réalisant des acquisitions stratégiques et en développant un portefeuille qui s’étend désormais au-delà du Nigeria.

Une vision qui va au-delà du négoce

Peters a débuté sa carrière dans le secteur énergétique nigérian chez Ocean and Oil Services (aujourd’hui Oando) et MRS Oil & Gas, où il a gravi les échelons jusqu’au poste de directeur général. Ces premières fonctions lui ont permis d’acquérir une expérience pratique dans les chaînes d’approvisionnement pétrolières et la gestion opérationnelle, jetant ainsi les bases de son envolée entrepreneuriale. En 1999, il a fondé Sigmund Communecci, une entreprise initialement axée sur la fourniture et le négoce de produits pétroliers. Au cours de la décennie suivante, l’entreprise est devenue l’un des plus grands exploitants de parcs de stockage et d’infrastructures de stockage du Nigeria, avec une capacité de plus de 250 millions de litres.

En 2008, Sigmund Communecci a été rebaptisée Aiteo Group, marquant ainsi son évolution vers une entreprise énergétique entièrement intégrée avec des ambitions en amont. Sous la direction de Peters, Aiteo opère désormais sur l’ensemble de la chaîne de valeur énergétique, de la production et du transport à la distribution et à la production d’électricité. Son actif le plus important est le NNPC-Aiteo Oil Mining Lease (OML) 29, qui comprend 11 champs pétroliers et gaziers dans le delta du Niger au Nigeria, dont le champ historique d’Oloibiri. Après avoir acquis l’OML 29 et la Nembe Creek Trunk Line (NCTL) auprès de Shell en 2015, Aiteo a augmenté sa production d’environ 25 000 barils par jour (bpj) à environ 90 000 bpj en un an, malgré les défis posés par les dommages causés aux infrastructures et le vol de pétrole.

De la commercialisation du pétrole à la production de base

Les activités de commercialisation d’Aiteo restent la pierre angulaire de l’entreprise. La société distribue de l’essence, du diesel, du carburant aviation, du kérosène et du GPL à travers un vaste réseau de stations-service et de partenaires indépendants. Ce segment assure des revenus stables et maintient la présence de la société dans tout le Nigeria.

Les ambitions de la société ont rapidement dépassé le cadre du négoce. L’acquisition de l’OML 29 et de la NCTL a permis à Aiteo de contrôler d’importants actifs en amont, formant ainsi l’épine dorsale de ses activités de production. Au cours des années suivantes, la production a augmenté régulièrement, contribuant à hauteur de près de 100 000 bpd à la production totale de pétrole brut du Nigeria, soit environ 5 % de la production nationale.

Le brut Nembe : une nouvelle qualité sur la scène mondiale

Sous la direction de Peters, Aiteo a lancé le brut Nembe, une qualité à faible teneur en soufre et à haute densité API développée avec la NNPC. Lancé en 2023-2024, le brut Nembe a été exporté vers des raffineries en Europe, marquant la première fois qu’une qualité de brut développée et commercialisée principalement par des entités nigérianes faisait son entrée sur le marché mondial.

L’introduction du brut Nembe met en évidence l’orientation stratégique d’Aiteo : optimiser les actifs de production pour l’usage domestique et l’exportation, et démontrer la viabilité commerciale des entreprises énergétiques nigérianes indigènes sur la scène mondiale.

Résilience opérationnelle dans le delta du Niger

Opérer dans le delta du Niger présente des défis importants. Aiteo a été confrontée à des perturbations des infrastructures, à des vols de pétrole et à des pertes de production liées à la sécurité. Au milieu de l’année 2024, la production a repris sur le champ de Nembe après une fuite importante, ce qui reflète l’importance accordée par l’entreprise à la continuité opérationnelle, à la sécurité et à la maintenance des infrastructures. Ces épisodes soulignent la complexité des opérations en amont au Nigeria et l’approche d’Aiteo visant à atténuer les risques grâce à la modernisation des infrastructures, à des protocoles de sécurité et à des plans d’urgence.

Expansion à travers l’Afrique

Si le Nigeria reste au cœur des activités d’Aiteo, M. Peters a poursuivi une stratégie panafricaine. La société a acquis une participation dans le bloc gazier de Mazenga au Mozambique, l’une des plus grandes réserves de gaz terrestres d’Afrique subsaharienne, estimée à 19 000 milliards de pieds cubes. Des études géologiques et des évaluations sur le terrain sont en cours, reflétant une approche mesurée du développement de nouveaux actifs énergétiques régionaux.

En juillet 2025, Aiteo a signé un accord avec le gouvernement du Mozambique et la société publique Petromoc pour développer une raffinerie à grande échelle capable de traiter 240 000 barils par jour. Le projet vise à réduire la dépendance du Mozambique vis-à-vis des produits raffinés importés et à soutenir la distribution régionale d’énergie, ce qui représente une expansion stratégique dans les infrastructures en aval.

Initiatives dans le domaine du gaz et de l’électricité

En complément de ses activités en amont et en milieu de chaîne, Aiteo investit dans le traitement du gaz et la production d’électricité. Par l’intermédiaire d’Aiteo Power, la société développe des centrales électriques alimentées au gaz dans les régions riches en ressources du Nigeria, dans le but d’augmenter l’approvisionnement en électricité à usage industriel et résidentiel. Ces initiatives reflètent une stratégie plus large visant à diversifier les actifs énergétiques et à soutenir le développement économique local.

Reconnaissance et ambitions continentales

Le leadership de Peters lui a valu une reconnaissance internationale, notamment en étant nommé « Leader africain de l’année dans le secteur pétrolier et gazier » lors du gala Forbes Best of Africa en 2018, ce qui témoigne de son rôle dans le renforcement des capacités locales dans le secteur de l’énergie. Sous sa direction, Aiteo a suivi une approche stratégique délibérée pour devenir une société énergétique africaine pleinement intégrée, équilibrant la production en amont, la distribution en aval, le développement du gaz et la production d’électricité.

Aujourd’hui, la société produit près de 100 000 barils par jour à partir de ses principaux actifs nigérians, tandis que ses initiatives dans le domaine du gaz et de la distribution au Mozambique reflètent ses ambitions continentales plus larges. M. Peters continue de donner la priorité à une expansion mesurée, à la fiabilité des infrastructures et au développement à long terme du secteur, démontrant ainsi que les entreprises africaines locales peuvent rivaliser efficacement avec les grandes entreprises mondiales.

« Benedict Peters s’investit pleinement dans le développement énergétique de l’Afrique et la prospérité des Africains. Pour lui et Aiteo, l’autonomisation du continent grâce au développement durable de l’énergie est un engagement de toute une vie », déclare NJ Ayuk, président exécutif de la Chambre africaine de l’énergie, ajoutant : « Véritable incarnation du poème « Si » de Rudyard Kipling, Benedict Peters souligne l’idée que même lorsqu’il occupe des postes de pouvoir, il ne perd pas le contact avec ses racines communes. C’est un leader qui peut côtoyer les rois sans perdre son sens du commun. »

Distribué par APO Group pour African Energy Chamber.

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Benedict Peters and Aiteo Group: Defining an African Energy Champion

Source: APO


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Benedict Peters is one of the most influential figures in Africa’s oil and gas sector. As Founder and CEO of the Aiteo Group, he has transformed a homegrown petroleum trading company into one of the continent’s largest indigenous energy firms, navigating complex markets, strategic acquisitions and an expanding portfolio that now stretches beyond Nigeria.

A Vision Beyond Trading

Peters began his career in Nigeria’s energy sector with Ocean and Oil Services (now Oando) and MRS Oil & Gas, rising to Managing Director. These early roles provided him with hands-on experience across petroleum supply chains and operational management, laying the groundwork for his entrepreneurial leap. In 1999, he founded Sigmund Communecci, initially focused on petroleum products supply and trading. Over the next decade, the company grew into one of Nigeria’s largest operators of tank farms and storage infrastructure, with more than 250 million liters of capacity.

In 2008, Sigmund Communecci was rebranded as Aiteo Group, signaling a shift toward a fully integrated energy company with upstream ambitions.  Under Peters’ leadership, Aiteo now operates across the energy value chain – from production and transportation to distribution and power generation. Its most prominent asset is the NNPC-Aiteo Oil Mining Lease (OML) 29, which includes 11 oil and gas fields in Nigeria’s Niger Delta, including the historic Oloibiri field. After acquiring OML 29 and the Nembe Creek Trunk Line (NCTL) from Shell in 2015, Aiteo increased production from around 25,000 barrels per day (bpd) to roughly 90,000 bpd within a year, despite challenges from infrastructure damage and oil theft.

From Petroleum Marketing to Core Production

Aiteo’s marketing operations remain a cornerstone of the business. The company distributes gasoline, diesel, aviation fuel, kerosene and LPG through an extensive network of service stations and independent partners. This segment ensures steady revenue and maintains the company’s presence across Nigeria.

The company’s ambitions soon expanded beyond trading. The acquisition of OML 29 and the NCTL gave Aiteo control over significant upstream assets, forming the backbone of its production operations. Over subsequent years, production increased steadily, contributing nearly 100,000 bpd to Nigeria’s total crude output, or roughly five percent of national production.

Nembe Crude: A New Grade on the Global Stage

Under Peters’ guidance, Aiteo introduced Nembe crude, a low-sulfur, high-API gravity grade developed with the NNPC. Launched in 2023–2024, Nembe crude has been exported to refiners in Europe, marking the first time a crude grade developed and marketed primarily by Nigerian entities entered the global market.

The introduction of Nembe crude highlights Aiteo’s strategic focus: optimizing production assets for both domestic use and export, and demonstrating the commercial viability of indigenous Nigerian energy companies on the global stage.

Operational Resilience in the Niger Delta

Operating in the Niger Delta presents significant challenges. Aiteo has faced infrastructure disruptions, oil theft and security-related production losses. In mid-2024, production resumed at the Nembe field following a major leak, reflecting the company’s focus on operational continuity, safety and infrastructure maintenance. These episodes underline the complexity of upstream operations in Nigeria and Aiteo’s approach to mitigating risk through infrastructure upgrades, security protocols and contingency planning.

Expanding Across Africa

While Nigeria remains central to Aiteo’s operations, Peters has pursued a pan-African strategy. The company acquired a stake in the Mazenga gas block in Mozambique, one of sub-Saharan Africa’s largest onshore gas reserves, estimated at 19 trillion cubic feet. Geological surveys and field evaluations are underway, reflecting a measured approach to developing new regional energy assets.

In July 2025, Aiteo signed a deal with the Government of Mozambique and state-owned Petromoc to develop a large-scale refinery capable of processing 240,000 bpd. The project aims to reduce Mozambique’s reliance on imported refined products and support regional energy distribution, representing a strategic expansion into downstream infrastructure.

Gas and Power Initiatives

Complementing its upstream and midstream operations, Aiteo is investing in gas processing and power generation. Through Aiteo Power, the company is developing gas-fed power plants in resource-rich regions of Nigeria, aiming to increase electricity supply for industrial and residential use. These initiatives reflect a broader strategy to diversify energy assets and support local economic development.

Recognition and Continental Ambitions

Peters’ leadership has earned international recognition, including being named Africa’s Oil and Gas Leader of the Year at the Forbes Best of Africa Gala in 2018, a testament to his role in building indigenous capacity within the energy sector. Under his guidance, Aiteo has followed a deliberate, strategic approach to becoming a fully integrated African energy company, balancing upstream production, downstream distribution, gas development and power generation. Today, the company produces nearly 100,000 barrels per day from its core Nigerian assets, while its Mozambican gas and downstream initiatives reflect its broader continental ambitions. Peters continues to prioritize measured expansion, infrastructure reliability, and long-term sector development, demonstrating that indigenous African enterprise can compete effectively with global majors.

“Benedict Peters is all in on African energy development and prosperity for Africans. For him and Aiteo, empowering the continent through sustainable energy development has been a lifelong commitment,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber, adding “A true representation of Rudyard Kipling’s ‘If,’ Benedict Peters underscores the idea that even in positions of power, he does not lose touch with his common roots. He is a leader who can walk with kings without losing the common touch.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.