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Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) Service Medal Awarded to Djiboutian Maritime Authorities

Source: APO

On July 13, at the Ministry of Defence in Djibouti, following authorization by EU High Representative Kaja Kallas, Rear Admiral Vasileios Gryparis (EL N), Commander of EUNAVFOR ASPIDES, presented the CSDP Service Medal for Planning and Support.

The medal was presented to Colonel Wais Omar Bogoreh, Chief of the Djiboutian Coast Guard, and Commander Ahmed Daher Djama, Chief of the Djiboutian Navy, in recognition of their commitment to strengthening cooperation with the EU and supporting maritime security in the region.​

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of European Union External Action: The Diplomatic Service of the European Union.

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Kora Highlights Africa’s Growing Role in Global Payments Conversations at iFX Expo International

Source: APO

Africa’s growth potential was a recurring theme at iFX Expo International 2026, with brokers, payment service providers and fintech companies increasingly looking to the continent as a strategic expansion market. Businesses operating across multiple regions increasingly require solutions that can support local collections, cross-border payouts and settlements through a single platform.

This was a recurring theme at iFX Expo International 2026 in Cyprus, where brokers, payment service providers and fintech companies gathered to discuss the future of trading, payments and customer acquisition.

Africa remains a priority growth market

Through conversations with industry players including B2Broker, Zotapay, Virtual Pay, Equals, Verify Africa, and Exness, Africa emerged as one of the most discussed growth markets. Participants highlighted the increasing demand for unified infrastructure that can simplify payment operations across multiple African countries.

Speaking during the panel session, “Who Will Power the Future of Global Payments’’ Kora’s Chief Financial Officer, Ayodeji Osisami highlighted why local expertise is essential to building payment infrastructure for Africa.“You can’t serve a growing market by making assumptions. You have to be on the ground, understand what customers actually need, and build infrastructure that reflects the realities of each market.”

His remarks reinforced the importance of combining local market knowledge with scalable infrastructure to help global businesses expand confidently across the continent.

Building the infrastructure behind growth

At the event, Kora shared how businesses can access Pay-ins, Payouts and settlement across multiple African markets through a single integration. These conversations reflected a growing need for payment infrastructure that can support expansion without adding operational complexity.

As demand for cross-border financial services continues to grow, Kora remains focused on helping global businesses access African markets through reliable, connected payment infrastructure that enables seamless money movement across the continent.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kora.

Contact | Lagos:
Olawale Akinola
Marketing Lead
olawale@korapay.com

About Kora:
Kora is a payment infrastructure platform enabling pay-ins, payouts, and settlements across Africa and beyond. Built for the complexity of African markets, Kora provides the reliability, local compliance, and settlement infrastructure that enterprises and financial institutions depend on. Learn more at Korahq.com.

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African Petroleum Producers’ Organization (APPO) National Oil Companies (NOC)-Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Forum Set to Chart Africa’s Next Phase of Energy Growth in Cape Town this October

Source: APO


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Africa’s push to retain domestic value from its oil and gas resources has become a defining strategic priority. This agenda, which spans regional refining expansion, cross-border trade and local capital mobilization will drive the 8th APPO NOC-CEO Forum in Cape Town on October 12, held alongside African Energy Week (AEW) 2026. 

Hosted by the South African National Petroleum Company (SANPC), the Forum brings together the chief executives of the African Petroleum Producers’ Organization’s (APPO) member national oil companies (NOCs) to advance one primary goal: building a more integrated African energy industry. From financing billion-dollar projects and expanding refining capacity to strengthening regional gas markets and harmonizing petroleum regulations, the meeting has become one of the continent’s most influential executive platforms for turning shared priorities into coordinated action. 

The Forum comes at a defining moment for APPO, where, since its establishment in 1987, the organization has largely served as a platform for policy coordination among Africa’s petroleum-producing nations. Under Secretary General Farid Ghezali, the organization is evolving into a commercially focused alliance that seeks to mobilize investment, strengthen regional infrastructure and position Africa as a more integrated energy market. 

That shift has accelerated throughout 2026. APPO has advanced an African refining model, promoted cross-border energy corridors and strengthened cooperation between NOCs. Most significantly, the launch of the Africa Energy Bank marks a major step toward giving African energy projects access to financing sourced on the continent, reducing reliance on international lenders that have increasingly withdrawn support for oil and gas developments.  

Against this backdrop, this year’s NOC-CEO Forum moves beyond dialogue towards identifying projects, strengthening partnerships and aligning the continent’s NOCs around practical initiatives that can be delivered over the coming year. 

As such, a central theme of this year’s meeting is ensuring Africa captures more value from the resources it already produces. 

Delegates will examine proposals for regional financing and petrochemical hubs capable of processing African crude closer to home, reducing dependence on imported fuels while creating new industrial opportunities. The discussions support APPO’s broader objective of replacing fragmented national markets with an integrated regional value chain that keeps investment, jobs and expertise within Africa. 

The Forum will also advance plans for an African petroleum products market through a proposed products exchange platform, alongside efforts to harmonize fuel specifications and simplify cross-border trade. Together, these initiatives are designed to make it easier for African countries to trade energy with one another while strengthening supply security across the continent. 

Natural gas will feature prominently throughout the program as executive explore regional LNG cooperation, long-term supply agreements, gas-to-power initiatives and projects that expand LPG access while reducing routine flaring. As governments look to improve electricity access and support industrial growth, gas continues to play a central role in APPO’s long-term energy strategy. 

Financing will remain high on the agenda following the operational launch of the Africa Energy Bank, one of APPO’s flagship initiatives. 

Forum discussions will focus on how the Bank, working alongside Afreximbank, can help accelerate upstream, midstream and downstream developments through African-backed financing structures. Delegates will also identify bankable projects for 2027 and examine commercial frameworks that reduce investment risk while supporting long-term infrastructure development. 

Beyond financing, executives will review progress on existing cooperation agreements and identify new opportunities for joint investments, technical collaboration and shared infrastructure between member NOCs.  

Meanwhile, reflecting APPO’s ambition to institutionalize cooperation, delegates will also explore digital platforms designed to connect suppliers, investors, researchers and training institutions across member countries. New tools covering supplier certification, procurement, research collaboration, financing access, training and business intelligence aim to create a more connected energy ecosystem while strengthening local content across Africa’s oil and gas value chain.  

The program also includes discussions on legal harmonization, methane reduction, carbon capture, asset integrity and APPO’s revised Long-Term Strategy for Sustainable and Inclusive African Energy Sovereignty by 2050, ensuring that commercial growth is supported by stronger governance and common industry standards. 

The meeting will conclude with the adoption of resolutions, a roadmap and key performance indicators for 2027, reinforcing the Forum’s role as an execution platform rather than simply a venue for discussion. 

The momentum behind these efforts was evident during the previous APPO NOC-CEO Forum, held in Accra in September 2025. Hosted by the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), the meeting focused on advancing regional cooperation while supporting the operationalization of the Africa Energy Bank. Executives also explored opportunities for greater cross-border infrastructure collaboration and visited the 40,000-barrel-per-day Sentuo Oil Refinery, highlighting the growing importance of domestic refining capacity and value addition as African countries seek to strengthen energy security and reduce reliance on imported petroleum products. 

The lineup during this year’s meeting features an impressive roster of NOCs including: Nour Eddine Daoudi, CEO of Algeria’s Sonatrach, Sebastião Gaspar Martins, CEO and Chairman of Angola’s Sonangol, Issifou Moussa Yari, CEO and President of Benin’s SNH-Benin, Adolphe Moudiki, CEO of Cameroon’s SNH-Cameroon, Augustin Nkuba Kasanza, Managing Director of the DRC’s SONAHYDROC, Maixent Raoul Ominga, Director General of the Republic of Congo’s SNPC, Fatoumata Mbalou Sanogo, CEO of Ivory Coast’s Petroci, Salah EL-Din A/Kareem, CEO of Egypt’s EGPC and Bienvenido Nguema Envo, CEO of Equatorial Guinea’s GEPetrol.  

Additional participants include: Marcellin Simba Ngabi, CEO of Gabon’s GOC, Kwame Ntow Amoah, CEO of Ghana’s GNPC, Masoud Suleman Mousa Mahmoud, CEO of Libya’s National Oil Corporation, Victoria Sibeya, Managing Director of Namibia’s Namcor, Colonel Ali Seibou Hassane, Director General of Niger’s Sonidep, Bashir Bayo Ojulari, Group CEO of Nigeria’s NNPC, Alioune Guèye, CEO of Senegal’s Petrosen, Godfrey Moagi, CEO of South Africa’s SANPC and Djalila Abdourahim, Director General of Chad’s SHT.  

As Africa seeks to finance more of its own projects, process more of its own resources and build a truly integrated energy market, the APPO NOCs CEOs’ Forum has become one of the continent’s most consequential gatherings of energy leaders. This October’s meeting will help determine how those ambitions translate into investment, partnerships and projects that strengthen Africa’s energy future.  ​

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Le forum des PDG des compagnies pétrolières nationales de l’APPO se tiendra au Cap en octobre prochain pour tracer les grandes lignes de la prochaine phase de croissance énergétique de l’Afrique

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


La volonté de l’Afrique de conserver la valeur ajoutée de ses ressources pétrolières et gazières sur son territoire est devenue une priorité stratégique majeure. Cet agenda, qui couvre l’expansion régionale du raffinage, le commerce transfrontalier et la mobilisation de capitaux locaux, sera au cœur du 8e Forum des PDG des compagnies pétrolières nationales de l’APPO, qui se tiendra au Cap le 12 octobre, en marge de l’African Energy Week (AEW) 2026. 

Organisé par la Société nationale pétrolière sud-africaine (SANPC), le Forum rassemble les PDG des compagnies pétrolières nationales (CPN) membres de l’Organisation des producteurs de pétrole africains (APPO) afin de faire progresser un objectif principal : construire un secteur énergétique africain plus intégré. Qu’il s’agisse de financer des projets de plusieurs milliards de dollars, d’accroître les capacités de raffinage, de renforcer les marchés régionaux du gaz ou d’harmoniser les réglementations pétrolières, cette réunion est devenue l’une des plateformes de dirigeants les plus influentes du continent pour transformer des priorités communes en actions coordonnées. 

Ce forum intervient à un moment décisif pour l’APPO qui, depuis sa création en 1987, a principalement servi de plateforme de coordination des politiques entre les pays africains producteurs de pétrole. Sous la direction du secrétaire général Farid Ghezali, l’organisation évolue vers une alliance à vocation commerciale qui cherche à mobiliser des investissements, à renforcer les infrastructures régionales et à positionner l’Afrique comme un marché énergétique plus intégré. 

Cette évolution s’est accélérée tout au long de l’année 2026. L’APPO a mis en avant un modèle africain de raffinage, encouragé la création de corridors énergétiques transfrontaliers et renforcé la coopération entre les compagnies pétrolières nationales (CPN). Plus important encore, le lancement de la Banque africaine de l’énergie marque une étape majeure vers l’accès des projets énergétiques africains à des financements provenant du continent, réduisant ainsi la dépendance vis-à-vis des prêteurs internationaux qui ont progressivement retiré leur soutien aux projets de développement pétroliers et gaziers.  

Dans ce contexte, le Forum des PDG des SNP de cette année va au-delà du simple dialogue pour s’attacher à identifier des projets, à renforcer les partenariats et à aligner les SNP du continent autour d’initiatives concrètes pouvant être mises en œuvre au cours de l’année à venir. 

À ce titre, l’un des thèmes centraux de la réunion de cette année consiste à veiller à ce que l’Afrique tire davantage de valeur des ressources qu’elle produit déjà. 

Les délégués examineront des propositions visant à créer des pôles régionaux de financement et de pétrochimie capables de traiter le brut africain plus près de chez eux, réduisant ainsi la dépendance vis-à-vis des carburants importés tout en créant de nouvelles opportunités industrielles. Ces discussions s’inscrivent dans l’objectif plus large de l’APPO, qui consiste à remplacer les marchés nationaux fragmentés par une chaîne de valeur régionale intégrée permettant de conserver les investissements, les emplois et l’expertise au sein de l’Afrique. 

Le Forum fera également avancer les projets visant à créer un marché africain des produits pétroliers grâce à une plateforme d’échange de produits proposée, parallèlement aux efforts visant à harmoniser les spécifications des carburants et à simplifier le commerce transfrontalier. Ensemble, ces initiatives sont conçues pour faciliter les échanges énergétiques entre les pays africains tout en renforçant la sécurité d’approvisionnement à l’échelle du continent. 

Le gaz naturel occupera une place prépondérante tout au long du programme, les dirigeants explorant la coopération régionale en matière de GNL, les accords d’approvisionnement à long terme, les initiatives de conversion du gaz en électricité et les projets visant à élargir l’accès au GPL tout en réduisant le torchage systématique. Alors que les gouvernements cherchent à améliorer l’accès à l’électricité et à soutenir la croissance industrielle, le gaz continue de jouer un rôle central dans la stratégie énergétique à long terme de l’APPO. 

Le financement restera une priorité à l’ordre du jour suite au lancement opérationnel de la Banque africaine de l’énergie, l’une des initiatives phares de l’APPO. 

Les discussions du forum porteront sur la manière dont la Banque, en collaboration avec Afreximbank, peut contribuer à accélérer les développements en amont, en milieu de chaîne et en aval grâce à des structures de financement soutenues par l’Afrique. Les délégués identifieront également des projets bancables pour 2027 et examineront des cadres commerciaux permettant de réduire les risques d’investissement tout en soutenant le développement des infrastructures à long terme. 

Au-delà du financement, les dirigeants feront le point sur les progrès réalisés dans le cadre des accords de coopération existants et identifieront de nouvelles opportunités d’investissements conjoints, de collaboration technique et de partage d’infrastructures entre les sociétés nationales pétrolières (SNP) membres.  

Par ailleurs, reflétant l’ambition de l’APPO d’institutionnaliser la coopération, les délégués exploreront également des plateformes numériques conçues pour mettre en relation les fournisseurs, les investisseurs, les chercheurs et les organismes de formation à travers les pays membres. De nouveaux outils couvrant la certification des fournisseurs, les marchés publics, la collaboration en matière de recherche, l’accès au financement, la formation et l’intelligence économique visent à créer un écosystème énergétique plus connecté tout en renforçant le contenu local à travers la chaîne de valeur du pétrole et du gaz en Afrique.  

Le programme comprend également des discussions sur l’harmonisation juridique, la réduction des émissions de méthane, le captage du carbone, l’intégrité des actifs et la stratégie révisée à long terme de l’APPO pour une souveraineté énergétique africaine durable et inclusive d’ici 2050, garantissant que la croissance commerciale s’appuie sur une gouvernance renforcée et des normes industrielles communes. 

La réunion s’achèvera par l’adoption de résolutions, d’une feuille de route et d’indicateurs clés de performance pour 2027, renforçant ainsi le rôle du Forum en tant que plateforme d’action plutôt que simple lieu de discussion. 

La dynamique sous-tendant ces efforts était déjà manifeste lors du précédent Forum des PDG des sociétés nationales pétrolières de l’APPO, qui s’est tenu à Accra en septembre 2025. Organisée par la Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), cette réunion s’est concentrée sur le renforcement de la coopération régionale tout en soutenant la mise en œuvre de la Banque africaine de l’énergie. Les dirigeants ont également exploré les possibilités d’une collaboration transfrontalière accrue en matière d’infrastructures et ont visité la raffinerie de pétrole de Sentuo, d’une capacité de 40 000 barils par jour, soulignant ainsi l’importance croissante des capacités de raffinage nationales et de la création de valeur ajoutée, alors que les pays africains cherchent à renforcer leur sécurité énergétique et à réduire leur dépendance vis-à-vis des produits pétroliers importés. 

La liste des participants à la réunion de cette année comprend un impressionnant panel de sociétés pétrolières nationales (SPN), notamment : Nour Eddine Daoudi, PDG de la Sonatrach algérienne, Sebastião Gaspar Martins, PDG et président de la Sonangol angolaise, Issifou Moussa Yari, PDG et président de la SNH-Bénin, Adolphe Moudiki, PDG de la SNH-Cameroun, Augustin Nkuba Kasanza, directeur général de la SONAHYDROC (RDC), Maixent Raoul Ominga, directeur général de la SNPC de la République du Congo, Fatoumata Mbalou Sanogo, PDG de Petroci (Côte d’Ivoire), Salah EL-Din A/Kareem, PDG de l’EGPC (Égypte) et Bienvenido Nguema Envo, PDG de GEPetrol (Guinée équatoriale).  

Parmi les autres participants figuraient : Marcellin Simba Ngabi, PDG de la GOC du Gabon, Kwame Ntow Amoah, PDG de la GNPC du Ghana, Masoud Suleman Mousa Mahmoud, PDG de la National Oil Corporation de Libye, Victoria Sibeya, directrice générale de la Namcor de Namibie, le colonel Ali Seibou Hassane, directeur général de la Sonidep du Niger, Bashir Bayo Ojulari, PDG du groupe NNPC du Nigeria, Alioune Guèye, PDG de Petrosen au Sénégal, Godfrey Moagi, PDG de la SANPC d’Afrique du Sud, et Djalila Abdourahim, directrice générale de la SHT du Tchad.  

Alors que l’Afrique cherche à financer davantage ses propres projets, à valoriser davantage ses propres ressources et à construire un marché énergétique véritablement intégré, le Forum des PDG des compagnies pétrolières nationales de l’APPO est devenu l’un des rassemblements les plus importants du continent pour les dirigeants du secteur de l’énergie. La réunion d’octobre prochain permettra de déterminer comment ces ambitions se traduiront par des investissements, des partenariats et des projets qui renforceront l’avenir énergétique de l’Afrique.  ​

Distribué par APO Group pour African Energy Chamber.

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Restitution de 35 nouveaux biens culturels et des archives béninoises : Cotonou mobilise ses compétences scientifiques et ses ressources intellectuelles

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Après la modernisation du cadre juridique de protection du patrimoine et l’ouverture des chantiers de construction de musées répondant aux meilleurs standards internationaux, le Bénin ne se contente pas des premiers résultats de sa politique de restitution, devenue une référence en Afrique. Ce pays, où la tradition et la modernité se conjuguent, a décidé d’aborder une nouvelle étape de la réparation des fractures de son histoire. Le Bénin a choisi de renforcer et de pérenniser sa coopération avec la France, une coopération davantage fondée sur la confiance, le respect mutuel et l’excellence scientifique à travers la création d’une Commission scientifique conjointe. 

En effet, le Gouvernement béninois a sollicité une nouvelle restitution de ses biens culturels conservés en France. Au total, trente-cinq (35) nouveaux biens culturels ainsi que des archives conservés dans les collections publiques françaises sont concernés. Une requête solidement étayée sur les plans historique, scientifique, patrimonial et juridique, qui a reçu un accueil favorable de la partie française. 

Pour y parvenir, l’Exécutif béninois mise sur son expertise nationale d’excellence, ses compétences scientifiques et la mobilisation de ses meilleures ressources intellectuelles. Elles sont désormais réunies au sein d’un Comité scientifique national officiellement installé à Cotonou, le 14 juillet 2026, date marquant la célébration de la fête nationale de son partenaire, la République française. 

En installant les six (06) membres du Comité, Monsieur Yassine LATOUNDJI, ministre de la Culture, des Arts et du Patrimoine, a souligné l’importance de la responsabilité qui leur incombe. « Votre responsabilité (…) exige de vous la rigueur intellectuelle, l’indépendance d’esprit, la collégialité, le sens de l’intérêt général et la fidélité constante à la vérité scientifique. » 

Sous la conduite d’Alain GODONOU, ces spécialistes du patrimoine culturel, historiens de l’art et experts de la restitution et de la circulation des biens culturels ont plusieurs échéances importantes à respecter : élaborer la feuille de route du Comité, accompagner la mise en place de la Commission scientifique conjointe franco-béninoise, consolider le dossier national relatif aux trente-cinq (35) biens culturels sollicités et contribuer à l’élaboration des avis qui éclaireront les futures décisions de restitution. 

Pour le Ministre, la restitution des biens culturels est bien plus qu’une question patrimoniale. Elle constitue une œuvre de justice, de mémoire et de souveraineté.

Distribué par APO Group pour Gouvernement de la République du Bénin.

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Fórum da APPO com os CEOs das NOCs prepara-se para traçar a próxima fase do crescimento energético de África, na Cidade do Cabo, em outubro

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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O esforço de África para reter o valor interno dos seus recursos de petróleo e gás tornou-se uma prioridade estratégica determinante. Esta agenda, que abrange a expansão regional da refinação, o comércio transfronteiriço e a mobilização de capital local, será o fio condutor do 8.º Fórum APPO NOC-CEO, a realizar-se na Cidade do Cabo a 12 de outubro, em paralelo com a Semana Africana da Energia (AEW) 2026. 

Organizado pela Companhia Nacional de Petróleo da África do Sul (SANPC), o Fórum reúne os diretores executivos das empresas petrolíferas nacionais (NOC) membros da Organização Africana de Produtores de Petróleo (APPO) para promover um objetivo principal: construir uma indústria energética africana mais integrada. Desde o financiamento de projetos de milhares de milhões de dólares e a expansão da capacidade de refinação até ao reforço dos mercados regionais de gás e à harmonização da regulamentação petrolífera, o encontro tornou-se uma das plataformas executivas mais influentes do continente para transformar prioridades comuns em ações coordenadas. 

O Fórum surge num momento decisivo para a APPO, onde, desde a sua criação em 1987, a organização tem servido, em grande medida, como plataforma de coordenação de políticas entre as nações produtoras de petróleo de África. Sob a liderança do Secretário-Geral Farid Ghezali, a organização está a evoluir para uma aliança com foco comercial que procura mobilizar investimento, reforçar as infraestruturas regionais e posicionar África como um mercado energético mais integrado. 

Essa mudança acelerou-se ao longo de 2026. A APPO promoveu um modelo africano de refinação, impulsionou corredores energéticos transfronteiriços e reforçou a cooperação entre as empresas petrolíferas nacionais (NOCs). Mais importante ainda, o lançamento do Banco Africano de Energia marca um passo significativo no sentido de proporcionar aos projetos energéticos africanos acesso a financiamento proveniente do próprio continente, reduzindo a dependência de credores internacionais que têm vindo a retirar cada vez mais o apoio aos projetos de petróleo e gás.  

Neste contexto, o Fórum de CEOs das NOC deste ano vai além do diá., visando identificar projetos, reforçar parcerias e alinhar as NOC do continente em torno de iniciativas práticas que possam ser concretizadas ao longo do próximo ano. 

Como tal, um tema central da reunião deste ano é garantir que África obtenha mais valor dos recursos que já produz. 

Os delegados irão analisar propostas para financiamento regional e centros petroquímicos capazes de processar o crude africano mais perto de casa, reduzindo a dependência de combustíveis importados e criando, ao mesmo tempo, novas oportunidades industriais. As discussões apoiam o objetivo mais amplo da APPO de substituir mercados nacionais fragmentados por uma cadeia de valor regional integrada que mantenha o investimento, os postos de trabalho e os conhecimentos especializados em África. 

O Fórum irá também avançar com planos para um mercado africano de produtos petrolíferos através de uma plataforma de intercâmbio de produtos proposta, a par de esforços para harmonizar as especificações dos combustíveis e simplificar o comércio transfronteiriço. Em conjunto, estas iniciativas destinam-se a facilitar o comércio de energia entre os países africanos, reforçando simultaneamente a segurança do abastecimento em todo o continente. 

O gás natural terá um papel de destaque ao longo de todo o programa, à medida que os executivos exploram a cooperação regional em matéria de GNL, acordos de abastecimento a longo prazo, iniciativas de conversão de gás em energia e projetos que ampliem o acesso ao GPL, reduzindo simultaneamente a queima rotineira. À medida que os governos procuram melhorar o acesso à eletricidade e apoiar o crescimento industrial, o gás continua a desempenhar um papel central na estratégia energética a longo prazo da APPO. 

O financiamento continuará a ser uma prioridade na agenda, na sequência do lançamento operacional do Banco Africano de Energia, uma das iniciativas emblemáticas da APPO. 

Os debates do fórum centrar-se-ão na forma como o Banco, em colaboração com o Afreximbank, pode ajudar a acelerar os desenvolvimentos a montante, a meio do cadeia e a jusante através de estruturas de financiamento apoiadas por África. Os delegados identificarão também projetos financiáveis para 2027 e analisarão quadros comerciais que reduzam o risco de investimento, apoiando simultaneamente o desenvolvimento de infraestruturas a longo prazo. 

Para além do financiamento, os executivos analisarão os progressos realizados nos acordos de cooperação existentes e identificarão novas oportunidades de investimentos conjuntos, colaboração técnica e infraestruturas partilhadas entre as empresas petrolíferas nacionais (NOC) membros.  

Entretanto, refletindo a ambição da APPO de institucionalizar a cooperação, os delegados irão também explorar plataformas digitais concebidas para ligar fornecedores, investidores, investigadores e instituições de formação em todos os países membros. Novas ferramentas que abrangem a certificação de fornecedores, a contratação pública, a colaboração em investigação, o acesso ao financiamento, a formação e a inteligência empresarial visam criar um ecossistema energético mais interligado, reforçando simultaneamente o conteúdo local em toda a cadeia de valor do petróleo e do gás em África.  

O programa inclui ainda debates sobre harmonização jurídica, redução de metano, captura de carbono, integridade dos ativos e a Estratégia de Longo Prazo revista da APPO para a Soberania Energética Africana Sustentável e Inclusiva até 2050, garantindo que o crescimento comercial seja apoiado por uma governação mais forte e por normas comuns do setor. 

A reunião concluirá com a adoção de resoluções, um roteiro e indicadores-chave de desempenho para 2027, reforçando o papel do Fórum como uma plataforma de execução, em vez de ser simplesmente um espaço de discussão. 

O impulso por trás destes esforços ficou evidente durante o anterior Fórum de CEOs das NOC da APPO, realizado em Acra, em setembro de 2025. Organizada pela Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), a reunião centrou-se no avanço da cooperação regional, apoiando simultaneamente a operacionalização do Banco Africano de Energia. Os executivos exploraram também oportunidades para uma maior colaboração transfronteiriça em matéria de infraestruturas e visitaram a Refinaria de Petróleo de Sentuo, com uma capacidade de 40 000 barris por dia, destacando a crescente importância da capacidade de refinação interna e da valorização, à medida que os países africanos procuram reforçar a segurança energética e reduzir a dependência de produtos petrolíferos importados. 

A lista de participantes na reunião deste ano inclui um impressionante leque de empresas petrolíferas nacionais (NOC), nomeadamente: Nour Eddine Daoudi, CEO da Sonatrach da Argélia, Sebastião Gaspar Martins, CEO e presidente da Sonangol de Angola, Issifou Moussa Yari, CEO e presidente da SNH-Benim, de Benim; Adolphe Moudiki, CEO da SNH-Camarões, dos Camarões; Augustin Nkuba Kasanza, diretor-geral da SONAHYDROC, da RDC; Maixent Raoul Ominga, diretor-geral da SNPC da República do Congo, Fatoumata Mbalou Sanogo, CEO da Petroci da Costa do Marfim, Salah EL-Din A/Kareem, CEO da EGPC do Egito, e Bienvenido Nguema Envo, CEO da GEPetrol da Guiné Equatorial.  

Entre os participantes adicionais contam-se: Marcellin Simba Ngabi, CEO da GOC do Gabão; Kwame Ntow Amoah, CEO da GNPC do Gana; Masoud Suleman Mousa Mahmoud, CEO da National Oil Corporation da Líbia; Victoria Sibeya, diretora-geral da Namcor da Namíbia; o coronel Ali Seibou Hassane, diretor-geral da Sonidep do Níger; Bashir Bayo Ojulari, CEO do Grupo da NNPC da Nigéria, Alioune Guèye, CEO da Petrosen do Senegal, Godfrey Moagi, CEO da SANPC da África do Sul, e Djalila Abdourahim, diretora-geral da SHT do Chade.  

À medida que África procura financiar mais dos seus próprios projetos, processar mais dos seus próprios recursos e construir um mercado energético verdadeiramente integrado, o Fórum de CEOs das NOCs da APPO tornou-se um dos encontros mais importantes do continente entre líderes do setor energético. A reunião deste mês de outubro ajudará a determinar como essas ambições se traduzem em investimentos, parcerias e projetos que reforçam o futuro energético de África.  ​

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Energy Chamber.

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Rand Water, Eskom embark on Phase 2 planned infrastructure maintenance

Source: Government of South Africa

Rand Water, Eskom embark on Phase 2 planned infrastructure maintenance

Rand Water and Eskom will proceed with the second phase of planned infrastructure maintenance this weekend, with reduced pumping capacity expected to cause low water pressure and intermittent water supply in parts of Gauteng, Mpumalanga and North West.

Rand Water announced that the maintenance programme is scheduled to commence at 7am on Friday until 7pm on Sunday.  

The planned infrastructure maintenance follows the successful completion of the first phase between 29 May and 2 June, when Eskom carried out planned maintenance on critical electrical infrastructure to enhance the reliability and stability of the bulk water supply system and ensure its continued efficient operation.

Phase two work includes Eskom’s planned maintenance on electrical infrastructure at Rand Water’s Zuikerbosch Purification Plant, as well as the completion of cross-connections from old to new pipelines.

During the maintenance period, Rand Water said pumping capacity across its systems will be reduced, with the Palmiet system operating at 78% capacity, the Zwartkopjes system at 50%, and the Eikenhof system at 55%.

Pumping at the Mapleton system will be suspended for 12 hours during the maintenance.

The utility warned that the reduced pumping capacity may result in low water pressure or intermittent water supply in some municipal systems, depending on reservoir levels and water consumption patterns.

“Municipal customers are encouraged to implement appropriate water management interventions and communicate proactively with their consumers,” Rand Water said in a statement.

Areas expected to be affected include the Cities of Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni, as well as the local municipalities of Midvaal, Victor Khanye, Govan Mbeki, Lesedi, Thembisile Hani, Mogale City, Rand West, Merafong, Rustenburg and Madibeng, together with the Royal Bafokeng Administration.

“Various industries, mines and direct customers, including Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), may also be affected.”

Rand Water said it had issued a 21-day notice to affected municipalities, industries and direct customers to allow sufficient time to implement contingency planning and minimise potential water supply disruptions.

The utility also confirmed that the City of Ekurhuleni will use the maintenance window to carry out its own electrical maintenance at the Mapleton Booster Pumping Station on Friday between 8am and 6pm.

According to Rand Water, aligning the maintenance schedules will reduce operational disruptions, improve coordination between the utility and the municipality, and allow the required work to be completed more efficiently.

The utility said it will provide regular updates before and during the maintenance through its official communication channels.

“Rand Water once again thanks all customers and stakeholders for their continued understanding, cooperation and support as it undertakes these critical infrastructure maintenance activities. These investments are essential to strengthening the long-term reliability, resilience and sustainability of the bulk water supply system for the benefit of all customers,” the utility said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

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Deputy President Mashatile to deliver the keynote address at the 2nd International Special Economic Zones Infrastructure & Investment Conference

Source: President of South Africa –

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will, on Friday, 17 July 2026, deliver the keynote address at the 2nd International Special Economic Zones (SEZ) Infrastructure & Investment Conference, to be held at Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC) in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal Province.

The SEZ are geographically designated areas that provide world-class infrastructure, streamlined administrative processes and a range of fiscal and non-fiscal incentives designed to attract investment and support industrial development.

The conference, which is held under the theme ‘Reigniting Industrialisation Through World Class SEZs’, takes place as Government advances the implementation of the Spatial Industrial Development Strategy to strengthen manufacturing-led industrialisation and inclusive economic growth.

Discussions during the Conference are expected to focus on strengthening the governance and performance of SEZs, mobilising investment in industrial infrastructure, and unlocking opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The conference will also reflect on the outcomes of the inaugural SEZ Conference held in 2019 and consider practical interventions to improve the ease of doing business, enhance coordination across government institutions, increase the participation of Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in SEZ value chains, as well as strengthen public-private partnerships, and improve energy security to enhance South Africa’s competitiveness as an investment destination.

Hosted by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the DTIC), the conference will bring together Government, business, organised labour, investors, development finance institutions, academia and international experts to discuss the role of SEZs in driving industrialisation, attracting investment, expanding exports and creating sustainable jobs.

In his keynote address, the Deputy President is expected to reaffirm Government’s commitment to working with all stakeholders to accelerate industrial development, promote investment, support economic growth and job creation.

Details of the Conference are as follows:
Date: Friday, 17 July 2026
Time: 09:00
Online platform: A link to be provided

Members of the media interested in covering the conference are kindly requested to submit their details (Full Name, Media House, ID/Passport Number and Role) to Ms Linah Ledwaba on 066 240 7635.

Media enquiries: Mr Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President on 066 195 8840

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

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Majodina secures UN support for South Africa’s water security agenda

Source: Government of South Africa

Majodina secures UN support for South Africa’s water security agenda

Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina has reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and strengthening global partnerships on water security.

Majodina was speaking at a bilateral meeting with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) President, Lok Bahadur Thapa, on Tuesday.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, where South Africa highlighted its efforts to accelerate progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6). The goal seeks to ensure universal access to clean water and sanitation by 2030, while strengthening partnerships that will support investment, innovation and collaborative solutions to the country’s water challenges.

Majodina told Thapa that water security remains a strategic national priority. She outlined government’s interventions to address ongoing water supply challenges.

South Africa has established the National Water Crisis Committee (WATERCOM), chaired by President Cyril Ramaphosa, to coordinate efforts to tackle persistent water supply disruptions, ageing infrastructure and service delivery challenges.

The committee brings together all spheres of government to fast-track interventions, remove bureaucratic bottlenecks and mobilise resources to municipalities experiencing water crises.

Majodina said the establishment of WATERCOM demonstrates South Africa’s political commitment to accelerating the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, and ensuring that water security remains central to the country’s economic growth, social development and climate resilience agenda.

“Water is a cross-cutting development issue that impacts every aspect of society. Our government’s decision to elevate water governance to Presidential level reflects the importance we attach to ensuring sustainable water security for all South Africans, while accelerating the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals,” the Minister said.

The Minister said that while South Africa has sufficient bulk water resources, key challenges remain, including ageing infrastructure, non-revenue water, rapid population growth and increasing demand for reliable water services.

She emphasised that addressing these challenges require sustained investment, innovation, coordinated leadership and strengthened international cooperation.

Thapa welcomed South Africa’s active participation in the High-Level Political Forum and commended the country’s growing contribution to global discussions on water security and sustainable development. He acknowledged South Africa’s contribution to multilateral cooperation and its role in promoting practical solutions to achieving the 2030 Agenda.

Thapa also encouraged South Africa to participate in the next cycle of Voluntary National Reviews, saying the country’s experience and leadership could contribute to advancing implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Majodina welcomed the recommendation and committed to convey it to government as part of South Africa’s continued commitment to transparency, accountability, and global cooperation.

She highlighted South Africa’s interventions aimed at expanding access to water in underserved communities through groundwater development and borehole projects, while also sharing the country’s commitment to innovation, including collaboration with African partners on desalination technologies and sustainable water infrastructure.

The Minister further called for greater participation by women and young people in global water governance, noting that women remain disproportionately affected by inadequate access to water and sanitation and that youth should play a greater role in shaping sustainable water solutions.

Concluding the engagement, both leaders reaffirmed that access to universal access to safe water and sanitation remains central to achieving sustainable development and improving quality of life.

The meeting further strengthened South Africa’s partnership with ECOSOC and reinforced the country’s determination to mobilise global cooperation, investment and innovation to accelerate the delivery of SDG 6 and the broader Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. – SAnews.gov.za

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PIC Board welcomes FSCA probe

Source: Government of South Africa

PIC Board welcomes FSCA probe

The Board of the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) has welcomed the Financial Sector Conduct Authority’s (FSCA) investigation following a whistleblower report alleging unethical practices within the organisation.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Board said it had provided the Authority with the requested information and documentation relating to the whistleblower report and the associated governance processes.

The FSCA has expressed concern about recent developments at the PIC, particularly those relating to governance, leadership stability, transparency and the potential impact on the integrity of, and confidence in, one of South Africa’s key financial institutions.

Consequently, the Authority has decided to investigate these developments at the PIC in terms of section 135 of the Financial Sector Regulation Act.

“The PIC occupies a unique and critically important position within South Africa’s financial system. As the country’s largest asset manager and custodian of substantial public sector savings, it bears heightened responsibilities to maintain the highest standards of governance, integrity, accountability and conduct. 

“Events over recent months raise serious questions as to whether these standards are being consistently upheld,” the FSCA said.

The Board has placed Chief Executive, Patrick Dlamini, on precautionary suspension following allegations of impropriety contained in a whistleblower report submitted last month.

“The Board believes that strong regulatory oversight is a hallmark of a healthy democracy and resilient financial system. Institutions such as the FSCA and the PIC have a shared responsibility to safeguard the retirement savings of millions of South Africans through sound governance, accountability and transparency.”

The Board also resolved that Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF) Acting Chief Investment Officer August Van Heerden will cease serving in the position.

It has appointed Leon Smit, the current Head of Fixed Income in Listed Investments at the PIC, as Acting Chief Investment Officer to ensure stability and the optimum management of PIC investment decisions.

While challenges remain, the Board said the PIC has made significant progress in strengthening the corporation’s governance framework and oversight processes.

“The Board remains fully committed to cooperating with all regulators and ensuring that governance matters are addressed through independent, credible and transparent processes.

“The Board appreciates the FSCA’s continued vigilance and looks forward to working constructively with the Authority in the interests of maintaining confidence in South Africa’s financial sector and protecting the interests of pensioners.” – SAnews.gov.za

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