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Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and Team Europe Launch Landmark Report Showing Health Research and Development (R&D) Could Generate $668 Billion for African Economies

Source: APO – Report:

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A new report by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) (www.AfricaCDC.org) and Team Europe demonstrates that investing in health research and development (R&D) could generate $668 billion in additional GDP across Africa over the next 20 years.

The report, Investing in Health R&D: Africa’s Next Economic Growth Frontier (https://apo-opa.co/3Pttk4U), was launched at an official side event of the World Health Assembly in Geneva.

The analysis, developed under the AU-EU Health Partnership with leadership from Africa CDC, financial support from Belgium and Germany, and technical support from Global Health Ecosystems, Enabel, and GIZ, models the macroeconomic impact of increased African investment in health R&D across GDP growth, employment, private investment, trade balances and scientific capacity.

The findings show that if African countries achieve the African Union goal of investing 1% of GDP in research and development, with 15% allocated to health R&D:

  • Africa would generate $668 billion in additional GDP over 20 years
  • Every $1 invested would return $137 in economic value
  • Investments would break even within four years
  • 4.56 million jobs would be created by 2044
  • Public investment would crowd in billions in private capital ($5 for every $1 invested)

The report positions health R&D not simply as a health expenditure, but as a strategic pillar of economic sovereignty, industrial development and regional competitiveness.

“Africa cannot continue importing the technologies that determine the health and economic future of its people,” said Dr Raji Tajudeen, Ag. Deputy Director General, Africa CDC. “This report shows that investing in African health R&D is not only a health priority – it is a pathway to economic sovereignty, industrial growth and resilience. If we do not own Africa’s health, we do not own Africa’s destiny.”

Annelies Verstichel, Belgian Ambassador to Ethiopia and Djibouti, Permanent Representative to the African Union, IGAD and UNECA, said: “The future of health security, economic resilience and innovation will depend on stronger regional capabilities and trusted international partnerships. This report demonstrates the significant economic and societal returns that can be generated through long-term investment in African-led health research and innovation and provides an important evidence base for deeper AU-EU cooperation to support Africa-led research, manufacturing and innovation ecosystems.”

The report highlights several African success stories that demonstrate the continent’s growing strength in health R&D and innovation. These include South Africa’s Afrigen mRNA programme, Rwanda’s partnership with BioNTech on vaccine manufacturing, Egypt’s expansion of domestic pharmaceutical production and exports, and Kenya’s growing clinical trials and research ecosystem.

The report further shows that investing in health R&D can help African economies build high-value manufacturing industries, reduce import dependency, strengthen health security, attract private investment, create skilled jobs, and retain scientific talent.

The findings were welcomed by the Hon. Dr Musenero Monica Masanza, Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, Uganda, who said: “Health R&D should be viewed as economic infrastructure. Countries that invest in innovation build more competitive economies, create higher-skilled jobs and retain more value domestically. Africa has the scientific talent and market opportunity – now we must match that with long-term investment.”

Africa carries 25% of the world’s disease burden but captures only a fraction of the economic value created by global health innovation, the report notes, asserting that this is the moment to move from importing solutions to building them.

The report also warns of the cost of inaction. If African health R&D investment falls below current levels, the continent risks losing more than $1 trillion in GDP over the next two decades, while remaining dependent on external supply chains and imported technologies.

Alongside the economic modelling, the report highlights how blended finance structures are already attracting large-scale public and private investment into African health innovation systems, including Rwanda’s BioNTech partnership, which has mobilised more than $500 million in combined financing.

The report argues that scaling African health R&D will require deeper coordination between governments, regional institutions, development finance institutions and international partners to build sustainable innovation and manufacturing ecosystems.

The report calls on African governments to commit to the African Union goal of investing 1% of GDP in research and development, with 15% allocated to health R&D, while using procurement, incentives and regulatory reform to actively build African health innovation markets.

It also positions Africa CDC and partners to develop a continental investment blueprint that aggregates investable opportunities, aligns governments and investors, and mobilises blended finance for clinical trials, manufacturing, translational research and shared innovation infrastructure.

The launch forms part of Africa CDC’s broader agenda to advance health sovereignty and economic transformation through African-led innovation systems.

Africa-led. Africa-financed. Africa-delivered.

– on behalf of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

Media enquiries:
Africa CDC
Wilson Johwa
Senior Communications Officer, Directorate of Communication & Public Information  
JohwaW@africacdc.org

Global Health Ecosystems
Harriet Bell 
Director Strategy & Engagement 
hbell@ghecosystems.org
+44 (0)7799658182

About Africa CDC:
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is the public health agency of the African Union. As an autonomous institution, Africa CDC supports AU Member States to strengthen health systems, improve disease surveillance, and enhance emergency preparedness and response. For more information, visit: http://www.AfricaCDC.org and follow Africa CDC on LinkedIn (https://apo-opa.co/4nCOqdA), X (https://apo-opa.co/4uqwp4W), Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4fxYDWF), and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4tFlX8h). 

About the AU-EU Health Partnership:
The AU-EU Health Partnership (https://apo-opa.co/49asNeJ) is a broad coalition from Africa and Europe working together to strengthen health systems, improve health security, and increase access to pharmaceuticals in Africa. Encompassing myriad projects and partners at the continental, regional, and country levels, the initiative is making critical contributions to ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages (SDG 3). Health is also one of the pillars of the European Union’s Global Gateway strategy, which aims to boost smart, clean and secure connections in digital, energy and transport sectors, and to strengthen health, education and research systems across the world. 

The partnership benefits from coordinated implementation and focuses on five interconnected themes:

  • Manufacturing and access to vaccines, medicines and health technologies (MAV+)
  • Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR)
  • Sustainable health security using a “One Health” approach (HSOH)
  • Digital health for health systems strengthening and universal health coverage (DH)
  • Support for public health institutes (PHI) 

Team Europe actors include the European Commission, the European Investment Bank, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, as well as EU Member States, including Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden.

About DGD:
The Directorate-General for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid (DGD) looks after the various aspects of Belgian Development Cooperation. DGD falls under the jurisdiction of the Minister of Foreign Affairs since 2025. The DGD is integrated into the Federal Public Service (FPS) Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation which is organising and elaborating development cooperation in accordance with the legal and regulatory framework. More info (https://apo-opa.co/4dnA3GJ).

About BMZ:

About Global Health Ecosystems:
Global Health Ecosystems (GHE) is a not-for-profit accelerator and market shaping organisation helping countries and partners turn health priorities into investable opportunities. GHE works across strategy, financing, leadership and partnership design to support more sustainable, country-led approaches to global health. It bridges governments, funders, researchers and the private sector to mobilise investment, strengthen health innovation ecosystems and accelerate impact.

https://www.GlobalHealthEcosystems.org

About the Africa Union goal of investing 1% of GDP in research and development:
In 2007, the African Union called upon member states to invest at least 1% of GDP in research and development (United Nations Economic Commission for Africa 2018). Nearly two decades later, the continent’s average sits at 0.45%, well below the global average of 1.7% (World Bank 2025).

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Social grants remain central as Social Development tables R302bn budget

Source: Government of South Africa

Social grants remain central as Social Development tables R302bn budget

The Department of Social Development has tabled a R302 billion Budget Vote for the 2026/27 financial year, with government reaffirming its commitment to strengthening South Africa’s social protection system amid rising global economic pressures and persistent inequality.

Acting Social Development Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga told the National Assembly on Tuesday that the budget comes at a time when households continue to face high food, fuel and cost-of-living pressures due to the current geopolitical tensions. 

The bulk of the allocation will go toward direct social grants, while government also moves to accelerate the modernisation at the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), expand interventions against poverty, and strengthen responses to gender-based violence.

Of the total budget, R293 billion is allocated to monthly social assistance grants for children, older persons and persons with disabilities.

Government also confirmed continued funding for the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, which has been extended until March 2027 and will support approximately 8 million working-age individuals who are unable to support themselves.

An additional R36.4 billion has been allocated for the continuation of the SRD grant, alongside funds to cover administrative and staffing adjustments within SASSA and the department.

“We welcome the grant increases announced by the Minister of Finance, while acknowledging that the Child Support Grant remains below the food poverty line. However, the Child Support Grant remains one of the most significant tools to combat child poverty and facilitate transitions to sustainable livelihoods,” the Minister said. 

SRD extension and pathway toward basic income support

The department said work is underway on the broader basic income support policy, with costing models already finalised following the Cabinet submission of the draft framework.

Officials are also exploring linkages between social protection and employment pathways, including pilot programmes that connect Child Support Grant recipients to sustainable livelihood opportunities in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State.

“We intend to expand this initiative to all other provinces in the current financial year and beyond,” Chikunga said. 

SASSA modernisation delivers R1 billion in savings

A key highlight of the budget speech was progress in modernising SASSA systems and tightening grant administration controls.

The department reported that intensified grant reviews have already saved over R1 billion, which has been redirected to other priorities.

Key reforms include:

  • Full rollout of a biometric beneficiary system across all 432 SASSA offices;
  • Registration of approximately 1 million new beneficiaries on the system; 
  • Expansion of the queue management system to 378 offices; and
  • Ongoing rollout of remaining offices in the current financial year.

“As the agency expands this digital footprint, we are strengthening cybersecurity to protect beneficiary information and safeguard system integrity. 

“We will also expedite lifestyle audits for SASSA employees, beginning with officials in high-risk areas, including grant administration, finance, Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and procurement,” Chikunga said.

Improved education outcomes

The Minister highlighted the positive outcomes linked to social grants, particularly the Child Support Grant. 

Of the 729 650 learners who wrote matric in 2025, 84.2% were recipients of the grant. The matric pass rate among grant beneficiaries rose from 74% in 2021 to 84.9% in 2025, while bachelor’s passes improved from 33.2% to 41.9%.

The department said these outcomes demonstrate the broader developmental impact of social protection, with many beneficiaries progressing to tertiary education through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and entering the labour market.

Gender-based violence

The department also placed strong emphasis on tackling gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), which has been classified as a national disaster.

Government currently supports 142 shelters nationwide, with 47 districts covered. 

Five districts remain without shelter access, which the department said will be prioritised in the current financial year.

The Gender-Based Violence Command Centre has received more than 39 000 calls since the start of the year.

Chikunga condemned recent violent incidents, including alleged mob justice cases, and called for stronger law enforcement response and increased public reporting of abuse through the toll-free line. – SAnews.gov.za 

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Calls for swift arrest of suspects in murder of NW community activist

Source: Government of South Africa

Calls for swift arrest of suspects in murder of NW community activist

The North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety and Transport Management has urged police to intensify investigations into the murder of community activist Thato Molosankwe, who was allegedly shot dead by unknown assailants in Mahikeng in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

The committee said law enforcement agencies must “leave no stone unturned” in tracking down those responsible for the killing.

Molosankwe was widely recognised in the North West for his outspoken community activism and advocacy on social justice issues. 

He gained national attention several years ago when he cycled from Johannesburg to Mahikeng to raise awareness about Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

He was also known for staging peaceful demonstrations outside the North West Legislature during sittings and for using social media platforms to highlight community concerns and hold public officials accountable.

Chairperson of the committee, Freddy Sonakile, described Molosankwe’s death as a significant loss to activism and civic engagement in the province.

“Thato was no stranger to the committee. Whenever he came across information affecting communities, he would share it with me directly and often requested intervention on matters of public concern,” Sonakile said.

The committee extended condolences to Molosankwe’s family, friends and supporters, while calling on members of the public with information about the shooting to cooperate with police investigations.

The committee also expressed concern about threats faced by activists and whistle-blowers, warning that violence should not be allowed to silence community voices.

“In a time where whistle-blowers and activists continue to face threats, intimidation, and even death, such acts cannot be allowed to become a tool for fearmongering or silencing voices within our communities,” Sonakile said.

He added that Molosankwe’s commitment to ordinary citizens and community struggles should be remembered as part of his legacy.

“May his death not be in vain, and may it strengthen the resolve to continue the fight for justice, accountability, and the emancipation of our communities,” Sonakile said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

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South Africa and Botswana deepen cooperation

Source: Government of South Africa

South Africa and Botswana deepen cooperation

International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola has called for deeper and more practical cooperation between South Africa and Botswana, as the two countries convened the Ministerial Session of the Sixth Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Gaborone on Wednesday.

Delivering opening remarks, Lamola emphasised that the identification of new and impactful areas of cooperation remains critical. 

“Both our countries must continue to explore further opportunities and establish practical avenues for joint development in the mutual interest of our nations,” he said. 

Lamola said stronger implementation of agreements and improved coordination would be central to the success of the bilateral relationship.

“As natural partners and reliable allies, South Africa and Botswana must continue to use the Bi-National Commission as an instrument through which we assess progress, resolve challenges and deepen cooperation,” he said.

Lamola expressed gratitude to the government of Botswana for its hospitality and reaffirmed the historic and fraternal ties between the two neighbouring countries.

“We also express our deep appreciation to the government and the people of Botswana for the warm hospitality extended to us since our arrival in this beautiful and historic city of Gaborone,” Lamola said.

He said the meeting took place at a time when both countries were expected to move beyond commitments and accelerate the implementation of existing agreements.

“This meeting takes place in a context where the people of our two countries expect us to work more closely and to achieve even higher levels of cooperation,” he said.

Strong trade ties, but a need for expanded investment

The Minister highlighted the strong economic relationship between the two countries, noting that South Africa remains Botswana’s largest trading partner.

According to the latest figures, total bilateral trade reached approximately R82 billion in 2025, with South Africa exporting R73.5 billion worth of goods to Botswana.

Botswana exported R7.7 billion worth of goods to South Africa, resulting in a significant trade surplus in South Africa’s favour.

Lamola said more than 100 South African companies currently operate in Botswana across banking, retail, mining, logistics and tourism.

He added that trade relations were “deeply integrated and mutually beneficial” but said both countries must expand cooperation in industrialisation and value chains to create more jobs.

Energy, minerals and infrastructure cooperation in focus

Lamola said energy security, mining and infrastructure development remain key pillars of cooperation between the two countries.

He emphasised the importance of collaboration on critical minerals, noting rising global demand and the need for African countries to ensure beneficiation and value addition.

“There is also a clear imperative to deepen cooperation in telecommunications, digital technology, financial services, tourism, hospitality, education and scientific cooperation,” he said.

South African development finance institutions such as the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) are already engaging Botswana on infrastructure and development projects, including transport corridors and water resource management.

Lamola also welcomed Botswana’s plans to establish a One-Stop Border Post at Tlokweng/Kopfontein, saying it would improve trade efficiency and reduce congestion.

Migration and regional stability

Turning to migration, Lamola said regional discussions must address both opportunities and challenges, including irregular migration and security concerns.

“Migration itself is not a problem. The challenge facing South Africa is irregular migration and a high influx of illegal foreign nationals or migrants,” he said.

He called for collective regional solutions, including burden-sharing among countries of origin, transit and destination.

South Africa, he added, continues to align itself with SADC and African Union protocols on the free movement of persons.

Four agreements set for signing

The BNC is expected to conclude several agreements, including four key instruments focused on water management, biodiversity, energy cooperation and correctional services.

Among them is a Memorandum of Agreement on joint management of water quality in the Limpopo River, aimed at improving human health protection, pollution detection and ecosystem preservation.

South Africa and Botswana are also working on a revised Search and Rescue Agreement, MoU on cooperation in energy, agreements on biodiversity management and tourism cooperation and multiple science, technology and innovation partnerships, including SANSA–BIUST and SARAO–BIUST collaborations.  

Trade and integration agenda

The two countries are also advancing broader trade facilitation measures, including 24-hour border operations and improved sanitary and phytosanitary cooperation to ease agricultural trade.

South Africa supplies roughly two-thirds of Botswana’s imports, with agricultural exports alone accounting for about R14 billion of Botswana’s R15 billion agricultural import bill in 2025.

The Ministerial Session forms part of the Sixth Session of the Botswana and South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC), which will culminate in a Summit co-chaired by President Cyril Ramaphosa and President Gideon Duma Boko in Gaborone following preparatory meetings of Senior Officials and Ministers. – SAnews.gov.za

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Le Dr Omar Farouk Ibrahim rejoint l’African Energy Week 2026 alors que la demande de financements menés par l’Afrique s’intensifie

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Le Dr Omar Farouk Ibrahim, vétéran du secteur et ancien secrétaire général de l’Organisation des producteurs de pétrole africains (APPO), se joint à l’édition 2026 de la conférence et du salon African Energy Week (AEW) en tant qu’intervenant. Sa participation intervient dans le cadre d’une initiative continentale plus large visant à accélérer les projets en amont et à renforcer les systèmes énergétiques en aval, ouvrant la voie à des discussions sur le financement de l’énergie et le développement de projets menés par l’Afrique.

Le Dr Ibrahim rejoint la conférence à un moment décisif pour le secteur énergétique africain, alors que les gouvernements, les bailleurs de fonds et les opérateurs s’efforcent de combler le déficit de financement en amont du continent – estimé entre 30 et 45 milliards de dollars de financement annuel – et de renforcer l’intégration énergétique. Le Dr Ibrahim plaide depuis longtemps en faveur de l’utilisation de mécanismes de financement menés par l’Afrique pour combler ce déficit, soulignant que les priorités africaines doivent être placées au premier plan des programmes d’investissement.

L’un des piliers de cette stratégie a été la création de la Banque africaine de l’énergie (AEB), menée par l’APPO aux côtés d’Afreximbank. En tant que l’une des figures centrales à l’origine de la création de la banque, le Dr Ibrahim a joué un rôle stratégique dans la concrétisation de cette institution. Conçue pour combler le vide créé par le déclin des capitaux étrangers destinés aux projets pétroliers et gaziers africains, la banque vise à mobiliser des fonds africains afin d’accélérer le développement de projets stratégiques dans le secteur des hydrocarbures à travers le continent. Cette initiative intervient alors que plus de 150 projets restent au point mort à travers l’Afrique en raison de déficits de capitaux.

Dotée d’un capital initial de 5 milliards de dollars, l’AEB vise 10 milliards de dollars de déploiements lors de la première phase, avec plus de 15 milliards de dollars prévus d’ici 2030. La dynamique autour de cette institution s’est accélérée en février 2026 lorsque le Nigeria a officiellement remis le siège de la banque à Abuja à l’APPO et à Afreximbank, marquant ainsi une étape cruciale vers sa mise en service. La présence du Dr Ibrahim à la conférence souligne la dynamique croissante des mécanismes de financement dirigés par l’Afrique et conçus pour soutenir les investissements dans le pétrole et le gaz à travers le continent.

Au-delà du financement, le Dr Ibrahim a également toujours défendu le développement de systèmes énergétiques régionaux plus solides à travers l’Afrique, arguant que le déséquilibre énergétique structurel du continent ne peut être résolu par la seule croissance de la production. Bien qu’elle détienne environ 125 milliards de barils de réserves de pétrole brut et environ 620 000 milliards de pieds cubes de gaz naturel, l’Afrique continue d’exporter la majorité de ses hydrocarbures tout en important de grands volumes de produits pétroliers raffinés en raison d’infrastructures de raffinage et de distribution insuffisantes.

Ce déséquilibre est devenu de plus en plus coûteux dans un contexte de volatilité géopolitique accrue, de perturbations de la chaîne d’approvisionnement et de hausse de la demande énergétique mondiale. Le Dr Ibrahim a souligné à maintes reprises la nécessité d’étendre les réseaux de pipelines, les infrastructures de stockage, les capacités de raffinage et les réseaux de distribution transfrontaliers capables de renforcer le commerce énergétique intra-africain et de réduire la dépendance vis-à-vis des importations.

« Le Dr Omar Farouk Ibrahim a joué un rôle déterminant dans l’orientation de l’Afrique vers l’indépendance en matière de financement énergétique et vers des systèmes énergétiques régionaux plus solides. Son leadership au sein de la Banque africaine de l’énergie reflète une évolution plus large qui s’opère à travers le continent, où les institutions africaines prennent les devants pour financer et développer l’avenir énergétique de l’Afrique selon les conditions fixées par l’Afrique », a déclaré NJ Ayuk, président exécutif de la Chambre africaine de l’énergie.

Alors que l’Afrique s’efforce d’attirer les investissements, de renforcer ses capacités industrielles et d’élargir l’accès à une énergie fiable, les discussions sur la souveraineté en matière de financement, le développement des infrastructures et l’intégration régionale devraient dominer l’ordre du jour de l’AEW 2026. Se tenant du 12 au 16 octobre au Cap, la conférence réunira des leaders africains du secteur de l’énergie, des investisseurs internationaux, des décideurs politiques et des fournisseurs de technologies afin de définir la prochaine phase de la trajectoire de croissance énergétique du continent.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Energy Chamber.

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O Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim junta-se à African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 num momento em que cresce a procura por financiamento liderado por África

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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O Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim — um veterano do setor e antigo Secretário-Geral da Organização Africana de Produtores de Petróleo (APPO) — juntou-se à edição de 2026 da Conferência e Exposição da African Energy Week (AEW) como orador. A sua participação surge no âmbito de um esforço continental mais amplo para acelerar projetos a montante e reforçar os sistemas energéticos a jusante, abrindo a porta a discussões em torno do financiamento energético e do desenvolvimento de projetos liderados por África.

O Dr. Ibrahim junta-se à conferência num momento decisivo para o setor energético africano, à medida que governos, financiadores e operadores avançam para colmatar o crescente défice de financiamento a montante do continente — estimado entre 30 e 45 mil milhões de dólares em financiamento anual — e reforçar a integração energética. O Dr. Ibrahim defende há muito a utilização de mecanismos de financiamento liderados por África para colmatar este défice, sublinhando que as prioridades africanas devem estar na vanguarda das agendas de investimento.

Uma pedra angular desta estratégia tem sido a criação do Banco Africano de Energia (AEB) — liderada pela APPO em conjunto com o Afreximbank. Como uma das figuras centrais por trás da criação do banco, o Dr. Ibrahim desempenhou um papel estratégico na concretização desta instituição. Concebido para preencher o vazio criado pelo declínio do capital estrangeiro para projetos africanos de petróleo e gás, o banco visa mobilizar fundos africanos para acelerar o desenvolvimento de projetos estratégicos de hidrocarbonetos em todo o continente. Isto acontece num momento em que mais de 150 projetos permanecem paralisados em toda a África devido à falta de capital.

Criado com uma capitalização inicial de 5 mil milhões de dólares, o AEB tem como meta 10 mil milhões de dólares na primeira fase de implementação, com mais de 15 mil milhões de dólares previstos até 2030. O impulso por trás da instituição acelerou-se em fevereiro de 2026, quando a Nigéria entregou oficialmente a sede do banco em Abuja à APPO e ao Afreximbank, marcando um passo crucial para a sua operacionalização. A presença do Dr. Ibrahim na conferência sublinha o crescente impulso por trás dos mecanismos de financiamento liderados por África, concebidos para sustentar o investimento em petróleo e gás em todo o continente.

Para além do financiamento, o Dr. Ibrahim tem também defendido consistentemente o desenvolvimento de sistemas energéticos regionais mais fortes em toda a África, argumentando que o desequilíbrio energético estrutural do continente não pode ser resolvido apenas através do crescimento da produção. Apesar de possuir aproximadamente 125 mil milhões de barris de reservas de petróleo bruto e cerca de 620 biliões de pés cúbicos de gás natural, a África continua a exportar a maioria dos seus hidrocarbonetos, importando simultaneamente grandes volumes de produtos petrolíferos refinados devido à insuficiência de infraestruturas de refinação e distribuição.

Este desequilíbrio tem-se tornado cada vez mais oneroso num contexto de crescente volatilidade geopolítica, perturbações na cadeia de abastecimento e aumento da procura global de energia. O Dr. Ibrahim tem repetidamente enfatizado a necessidade de expandir os sistemas de oleodutos, as infraestruturas de armazenamento, a capacidade de refinação e as redes de distribuição transfronteiriças, capazes de fortalecer o comércio intra-africano de energia e reduzir a dependência das importações.

«O Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim tem sido fundamental na definição do impulso de África rumo à independência no financiamento energético e a sistemas energéticos regionais mais fortes. A sua liderança em torno do Banco Africano de Energia reflete uma mudança mais ampla que está a ocorrer em todo o continente, onde as instituições africanas estão a dar um passo em frente para financiar e desenvolver o futuro energético de África nos termos africanos», afirmou NJ Ayuk, Presidente Executivo da Câmara Africana de Energia.

À medida que África trabalha para garantir investimento, reforçar a capacidade industrial e expandir o acesso a energia fiável, espera-se que as discussões em torno da soberania financeira, do desenvolvimento de infraestruturas e da integração regional dominem a agenda da AEW 2026. A decorrer de 12 a 16 de outubro na Cidade do Cabo, a conferência reunirá líderes africanos do setor energético, investidores globais, decisores políticos e fornecedores de tecnologia para moldar a próxima fase da trajetória de crescimento energético do continente.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Energy Chamber.

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Qatar Urges Greater Humanitarian Diplomacy to Protect Civilians at UN Event

Source: Government of Qatar

New York, May 20, 2026
The State of Qatar has renewed its call for stronger humanitarian diplomacy as a critical tool for safeguarding civilians in conflict zones during a high-level United Nation event in New York.

The event, organized on the sidelines of the Protection of Civilians Week 2026, was hosted by the State of Qatar’s permanent mission to the UN in partnership with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and several international partners, including the permanent missions of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Kingdom of Norway, the Kingdom of Sweden, the European Union, the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Center for Civilians in Conflict, the Qatar Red Crescent Society, the International Humanitarian Law Center, Geneva Call and Save the Children. 

It brought together diplomats and humanitarian organizations to discuss ways of improving civilian protection amid growing global crises.

In a recorded address, HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad said humanitarian diplomacy remained central to Doha’s foreign policy, which she said was based on dialogue, peaceful conflict resolution and respect for international law.

Her Excellency described mediation as a cornerstone of Qatar’s approach, highlighting what she called an “integrated model” combining mediation efforts with rapid humanitarian response to improve aid access and support protection initiatives in complex conflict environments.

Dr Al Misnad said challenges facing civilian protection were no longer purely operational, but increasingly political, particularly regarding respect for international humanitarian law and the delivery of aid to affected populations.

Opening the event, HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani said humanitarian assistance was often obstructed while civilians continued to face attacks and violations of international humanitarian law.

Her Excellency warned that decisions concerning humanitarian corridors and aid delivery were frequently made far from realities on the ground, stressing the need for stronger political and diplomatic engagement at the highest levels.

Sheikha Alya said humanitarian diplomacy had become an essential tool for mobilizing political will and integrating humanitarian concerns into political and multilateral processes.

She also reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to mediation and humanitarian efforts in several regions, including joint initiatives in Gaza and support for peace efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

HE Tom Fletcher, the UN’s Emergency Relief Coordinator, urged the international community to use its political influence and diplomatic leverage to protect civilians, praising the State of Qatar’s partnership with OCHA. 

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Qatar and Italy Discuss Regional Security and Efforts to Reduce Escalation

Source: Government of Qatar

Rome, May 20, 2026
The State of Qatar and the Italian Republic have held high-level talks focusing on bilateral cooperation and regional security, including efforts to maintain the ceasefire between the United States and Iran and reduce tensions across the Middle East.
HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi met on Wednesday in Rome with senior Italian officials, including HE Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Maria Tripodi, HE Chairman of the Foreign Affairs and European Union Committee in the Chamber of Deputies, Giulio Tremonti, and HE Head of the Parliamentary Friendship Inter-group for the Gulf Countries at the Italian Parliament, Salvatore Caiata.
The meetings reviewed relations between the two countries and explored ways to strengthen cooperation across a range of areas.
Discussions also focused on developments in the region, particularly the ceasefire between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran, as well as diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation and reinforcing regional stability.
During the meetings, HE Dr Al Khulaifi reiterated the State of Qatar’s support for resolving conflicts through peaceful means and reaffirmed Doha’s commitment to promoting peace and stability at both regional and international levels. 

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Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 as Demand for African-Led Financing Grows

Source: APO – Report:

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Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim – an industry veteran and former Secretary General of the African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO) – has joined the 2026 edition of the African Energy Week (AEW) Conference and Exhibition as a speaker. His participation comes amid a broader continental drive to accelerate upstream projects and strengthen downstream energy systems, opening the door for discussions surrounding energy financing and African-led project development.

Dr. Ibrahim’s joins the conference at a defining moment for Africa’s energy sector, as governments, financiers and operators move to close the continent’s widening upstream financing gap – estimated between $30 billion and $45 billion in annual financing – and strengthen energy integration. Dr. Ibrahim has long-advocated for the use of African-led financing mechanisms to address this gap, emphasizing that African priorities must be positioned at the forefront of investment agendas.

A cornerstone of this strategy has been the establishment of the African Energy Bank (AEB) – spearheaded by APPO alongside Afreximbank. As one of the central figures behind the creation of the bank, Dr. Ibrahim played a strategic role in bringing this institution to reality. Designed to fill the vacuum created by the decline in foreign capital for African oil and gas projects, the bank aims to mobilize African funds to accelerate the development of strategic hydrocarbon projects across the continent. This comes as over 150 projects remain stalled across Africa due to capital shortfalls.

Established with an initial capitalization of $5 billion, the AEB targets $10 billion in phase one deployments, with over $15 billion planned by 2030. Momentum behind the institution accelerated in February 2026 when Nigeria officially handed over the bank’s Abuja headquarters to APPO and Afreximbank, marking a critical step toward operationalization. Dr. Ibrahim’s presence at the conference underscores the growing momentum behind African-led financing mechanisms designed to sustain oil and gas investment across the continent.

Beyond financing, Dr. Ibrahim has also consistently championed the development of stronger regional energy systems across Africa, arguing that the continent’s structural energy imbalance cannot be solved through production growth alone. Despite holding approximately 125 billion barrels of crude oil reserves and an estimated 620 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, Africa continues to export the majority of its hydrocarbons while importing large volumes of refined petroleum products due to insufficient refining and distribution infrastructure.

This imbalance has become increasingly costly amid heightened geopolitical volatility, supply chain disruptions and rising global energy demand. Dr. Ibrahim has repeatedly emphasized the need for expanded pipeline systems, storage infrastructure, refining capacity and cross-border distribution networks capable of strengthening intra-African energy trade and reducing import dependency.

“Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim has been instrumental in shaping Africa’s push toward energy financing independence and stronger regional energy systems. His leadership around the African Energy Bank reflects a broader shift taking place across the continent, where African institutions are stepping forward to finance and develop Africa’s energy future on African terms,” stated NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber.

As Africa works to secure investment, strengthen industrial capacity and expand access to reliable energy, discussions around financing sovereignty, infrastructure development and regional integration are expected to dominate the agenda at AEW 2026. Taking place from October 12-16 in Cape Town, the conference will convene African energy leaders, global investors, policymakers and technology providers to shape the next phase of the continent’s energy growth trajectory.

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority (LPRA) Director General Marilyn Teta Logan Selected for Prestigious 2026 Amujae Initiative

Source: APO – Report:

Marilyn Teta Logan, Director General of the Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority (LPRA), has been selected as a member of the fifth cohort of Amujae Leaders by the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center for Women and Development. Logan joins a distinguished group of African women leaders shaping governance, business and public policy across the continent. Her inclusion represents not only a significant personal achievement, but also international recognition of the governance reforms, institutional professionalism and transparent regulatory standards being advanced within Liberia’s petroleum sector under her leadership.

Founded by former Liberian President and Nobel Peace Laureate Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the Amujae Initiative supports high-potential African women leaders through executive mentorship, strategic leadership development and access to an influential network of global policymakers and business leaders. With the fifth cohort – considered the most geographically and sectorally diverse selection in the initiative’s history – the network now spans 70 women leaders from across 29 countries in Africa.

Selected out of hundreds of applicants across the continent, Logan is one of only 15 women chosen for the 2026 cohort. As a member, Logan will receive mentorship from former President Sirleaf and other internationally recognized leaders committed to strengthening women’s leadership across Africa.

Logan’s selection is a testament to both her professional accolades and leadership at the LPRA. As the first woman to lead the LPRA, Logan has overseen a transformative period for Liberia’s oil and gas sector. Her tenure has been marked by a strong emphasis on institutional accountability, regulatory clarity and investor engagement at a time when African frontier markets are increasingly competing for global upstream capital.

Among the most notable milestones under her leadership was the conclusion of the country’s first petroleum Production Sharing Contracts in over a decade. Signed in 2025 with international oil company TotalEnergies, the agreements pave the way for investment in Blocks LB 6, LB 11, LB 17 and LB 29. The move not only represents a critical step toward advancing deepwater exploration in Liberia but signals renewed international confidence in the country’s hydrocarbon potential and operating environment.

Logan has also played a defining role in advancing governance reform within Liberia’s petroleum industry. She served as Officer-in-Charge of the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL) in 2018 and co-chaired the initiative that operationalized the separation of commercial (NOCAL) and regulatory (LPRA) functions in the hydrocarbon sector. This move helped establish the foundation for a more modern, transparent and investor-oriented petroleum governance model in Liberia, positioning the country as an increasingly credible destination for long-term energy investment.

Logan’s selection as a member of the fifth Amujae cohort reflects these efforts as well as her broader commitment to empowering women across the continent’s energy sector. Beyond her primary role at the LPRA, Logan actively mentors rising women professionals and champions women-focused initiatives across Liberia, providing in-roads for women across the largely male-dominated sector. Her selection also demonstrates the close alignment between the LPRA’s broader values of leveraging Liberia’s natural resources to empower people with the Amujae’s goal of moving from ‘tokenism to true value’ – supporting women and the institutions and communities that surround them.

As such, the announcement sends an important signal to global investors and international oil companies evaluating opportunities in Liberia and the broader West African market. With an Amujae leader at the helm of the LPRA, Liberia’s regulatory environment is increasingly associated with strategic clarity, ethical leadership and internationally recognized governance standards.

At a time when capital allocation decisions are increasingly influenced by governance quality, institutional stability and ESG considerations, Logan’s recognition further enhances Liberia’s standing within the global energy investment community.

Energy Capital & Power serves as the media representative for the Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority. 

– on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

For all enquiries, please contact communications@energycapitalandpower.com

About LPRA:
The Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority (LPRA) is the premier regulatory body for the petroleum sector in Liberia, dedicated to overseeing, regulating, and licensing petroleum operations. We create a transparent, accountable, and investor-friendly environment that fosters responsible exploration and production activities

About Energy Capital & Power: 
Energy Capital & Power works with governments and private industry leaders to drive investment into energy and mining markets. Through world-class events, strategic communications, market intelligence and global stakeholder engagement, we create opportunities, connect investors with projects and strengthen the international visibility of resource sectors. Our work is focused on helping our core markets attract capital, driving project execution and building partnerships that underpin long-term resource development.

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