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South Africa, Namibia urged to accelerate energy, mining cooperation to drive regional growth

Source: Government of South Africa

South Africa, Namibia urged to accelerate energy, mining cooperation to drive regional growth

South Africa and Namibia have been urged to accelerate cooperation in the energy and mining sectors to unlock the economic potential of recent oil and gas discoveries and deepen regional integration.

Delivering opening remarks at the Senior Officials’ Meeting of the Fourth Session of the South Africa–Namibia Bi-National Commission in Pretoria on Tuesday, South African Co-Chair Ambassador Tebogo Seokolo said the two countries must place greater emphasis on strengthening the economic dimension of their bilateral relationship.

“Our principals have made clear the need for greater emphasis on strengthening the economic dimension of our bilateral relations. In this regard, our deliberations should seek to identify a focused set of high-impact priority projects capable of advancing trade, investment, industrial development and shared prosperity,” Seokolo said.

The meeting brings together senior officials from both countries to assess progress made since the Third Session of the Bi-National Commission, held in Namibia in October 2023, and prepare for the fourth session.

Seokolo said the meeting follows a successful Midterm Review held in South Africa in November 2025, which confirmed that while considerable progress had been made in implementing bilateral commitments, more work was needed.

“We must therefore use this meeting to build on the progress achieved, address areas where implementation has been slower than anticipated, and inject greater momentum into our bilateral programme of cooperation,” he said.

He said officials are also expected to identify new and emerging areas of cooperation that could further strengthen the partnership between the two neighbouring countries.

Among the priority areas is cooperation in mineral, petroleum and gas resources, with Seokolo highlighting the vast economic potential of the Orange Basin, which stretches offshore between South Africa and Namibia.

He congratulated Namibia on its recent oil and gas discoveries, noting the country’s exceptional exploration success.

“We congratulate Namibia for its recent oil and gas discoveries. We understand that the exploration of Namibian Orange Basin is among the highest ever recorded in a deepwater frontier basin,” he said.

According to Seokolo, 15 of the 17 wells drilled in Namibia’s Orange Basin between February 2022 and mid-2026 resulted in commercial discoveries, representing a success rate of approximately 88%.

He said the geological formations associated with Namibia’s discoveries extend into South African waters, presenting an opportunity for the two countries to establish a regional energy corridor.

Seokolo also highlighted opportunities for collaboration in the mining sector, noting that the two countries share significant deposits of critical minerals, including rare earth minerals, uranium, copper, lithium, graphite and manganese.

He said finalising a memorandum of understanding on geology and mining would provide a framework for technical cooperation, data sharing and investment promotion.

Seokolo called for accelerated efforts to maximise the potential of the Trans-Kalahari Corridor as a strategic trade and transport route that would improve connectivity, facilitate the movement of goods and services, and expand intra-regional trade.

He said he was confident that the discussions would lay the foundation for a successful Fourth Session of the South Africa–Namibia Bi-National Commission and an even stronger partnership between the two countries. – SAnews.gov.za

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Macpherson pledges action to strengthen building safety

Source: Government of South Africa

Macpherson pledges action to strengthen building safety

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has pledged to work with the Nazareth Baptist Church and built-environment stakeholders to strengthen construction practices, improve building safety and help prevent future building collapses following Monday’s wall collapse at the church’s Inanda complex in KwaZulu-Natal.

The Minister made the commitment during a visit to the site on Tuesday, where he also extended his sympathies to those injured in the incident.

Twelve people were injured when a wall at the Nazareth Baptist Church complex collapsed on Monday afternoon. Four of the injured remain in hospital.

Following a meeting with church elders, Macpherson said the church had welcomed a further investigation by the Council for the Built Environment (CBE) into the circumstances surrounding the collapse before construction resumes at the site.

He added that the engagement formed part of ongoing stakeholder consultations on the recently announced Integrated Social Facilitation Framework, which aims to prevent future building collapses in South Africa.

“Having visited the site of the collapse today, I share the belief of the Shembe Church that it is by the grace of God that no lives were lost when the wall collapsed. I am sincerely grateful to the church for welcoming me to the complex this morning.

“I extend my heartfelt thoughts and prayers to those injured in the collapse and will visit them in hospital personally to wish them well in their recovery,” Macpherson said.

The Minister said he had also committed to working with the church, through the Council for the Built Environment, to improve construction practices at the complex and help prevent similar incidents in future.

“This morning, I also committed to the church elders that we would work with the church, through the Council for the Built Environment, to strengthen building practices, prevent future collapses and ensure the safety of buildings at the church and across the country.

“As the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, we are committed to working with all stakeholders to prevent building collapses and improve regulations to ensure that we protect the lives of all South Africans. By working together, we can build a better South Africa,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Seychelles: President Herminie holds bilateral talks with the President of the Regional Council of La Réunion

Source: APO

President Patrick Herminie today held bilateral talks with the President of the Regional Council of La Réunion, Ms Huguette Bello. The two agreed to modernise the framework cooperation agreement between the two islands. During the talks held at the Hotel de Region, in St Denis, they concurred that direct air link between Seychelles and Réunion was crucial as it could combine the two destinations.

The two leaders reaffirmed their commmitment to further developing a partnership rooted in shared history, a common Creole language and culture, and forming a common front in braving challenges facing the region. Discussions between the two leaders ranged from climate resilience and health to food security and air connectivity through youth and cultural exchange. They agreed that Seychelles and La Réunion have much to learn from one another and much to gain by deepening cooperation as neighbours in the Indian Ocean.

President Herminie thanked Ms Bello for attending his inauguration last year and noted that the longstanding friendship between Seychelles and La Réunion should morph into a stronger strategic partnership. To that end, he proposed reviewing and modernising the Framework Cooperation Agreement, originally signed in 2003, to incorporate new areas of cooperation and include the establishment of a Joint Commission to strengthen coordination, political dialogue and follow-up on projects, including those undertaken under the aegis of Interreg Indian Ocean Programme.

On climate and energy, the President underlined the shared challenges facing small island states and called for continued joint advocacy, including support for operationalising the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index to improve access to climate financing. He noted that Seychelles’ medium-term targets of 15% renewable energy generation by 2030 and 30% by 2043 called for greater cooperation in energy transition.

On youth, sport and culture, the leaders noted their countries’ active participation in regional games, like the Indian Ocean Island Games. President Herminie proposed renewing youth exchange programmes, including having a Memorandum of Understanding between the Seychelles National Youth Council and the Chambre de Métiers et de l’Artisanat de La Réunion.

President Herminie reaffirmed Seychelles’ commitment to its friendship with La Réunion and France, expressed confidence that his visit would mark the beginning of an even stronger partnership built on shared values, mutual respect and a common vision for the future. He is the second Seychellois Head of State to visit La Réunion.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

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Spiro Kenya Partners with Gor Mahia Football Club (FC) to Drive Electric Mobility Adoption in Kenya

Source: APO

  • The partnership brings Kenya’s largest electric mobility company and Kenya’s most successful football club in a collaboration that seeks to leverage the reach and influence of football to engage communities, strengthen connections with supporters and increase awareness of electric mobility solutions across Kenya.
  • Throughout the season, Spiro Kenya and Gor Mahia will collaborate on a range of supporter engagement and public awareness initiatives delivered through matchday activations, and digital engagement campaigns.

Spiro Kenya (www.Spironet.com) has signed a one-year partnership agreement with Gor Mahia Football Club, becoming the club’s Official Electric Mobility Partner for the 2026/27 season.

The partnership brings together Kenya’s largest electric mobility company and Kenya’s most successful football club in a collaboration that seeks to leverage the reach and influence of football to engage communities, strengthen connections with supporters and increase awareness of electric mobility solutions across Kenya.

The partnership was formed on the shared recognition that football remains one of the most effective platforms for reaching and engaging communities. By combining Gor Mahia’s extensive supporter base and national reach with Spiro Kenya’s commitment to advancing electric mobility, the two organisations aim to create meaningful opportunities for public engagement while promoting greater awareness of sustainable transportation and its contribution to Kenya’s economic and environmental future.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Vishal Mittal, Country Head, Spiro Kenya, said the partnership reflects the company’s commitment to engaging Kenyans through platforms that have a strong and lasting presence in communities across the country.

“Football has an unmatched ability to connect people, communities and ideas. Gor Mahia’s reach and influence make the club an ideal partner as we continue expanding conversations around electric mobility in Kenya. As Gor Mahia’s Official Electric Mobility Partner, we look forward to engaging supporters across the country, increasing awareness of electric mobility solutions and demonstrating how electric mobility can support everyday livelihoods and economic growth.”

The partnership is expected to create value for both organisations. For Spiro Kenya, it provides an opportunity to engage one of the largest football audiences in East Africa while increasing awareness of electric mobility solutions. For Gor Mahia, the collaboration strengthens the club’s commercial partnerships and supports its efforts to enhance supporter engagement, broaden its connection with communities and create new avenues for interaction with its supporters.

Throughout the season, Spiro Kenya and Gor Mahia will collaborate on a range of supporter engagement and public awareness initiatives delivered through matchday activations, and digital engagement campaigns. These activities will provide opportunities to engage supporters across the club’s platforms while increasing awareness of electric mobility and sustainable transportation solutions. The partnership will also leverage Gor Mahia’s matchday and digital platforms to foster deeper engagement with supporters and communities throughout the season.

Ambrose Rachier, Chairman – Gor Mahia Football Club, said the partnership represents an important step in the club’s efforts to strengthen its commercial partnerships while creating new opportunities to engage supporters throughout the season.

“Football clubs today need strong partnerships to remain competitive and deliver value to their supporters. We are pleased to welcome Spiro Kenya as our Official Electric Mobility Partner and look forward to a relationship that supports the club’s ambitions while bringing supporters closer to the team through a range of engagement initiatives during the season.”

Eliud Owano, Patron of Gor Mahia Football Club, said the partnership reflects the growing role of football as a platform for community engagement and innovation.

“Gor Mahia has always been more than a football club. For generations, the club has connected communities, inspired young people and brought supporters together through a shared passion for football. We are pleased to welcome Spiro Kenya into the Gor Mahia family and look forward to a partnership that not only supports the club but also helps create greater awareness of electric mobility and its potential to positively impact communities across Kenya.”

As Official Electric Mobility Partner, Spiro Kenya will work with the club across matchday, digital and supporter engagement platforms throughout the season, creating opportunities to increase awareness of electric mobility solutions while strengthening connections with supporters and communities.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Spiro.

Media Contacts:
Emmanuel Ngema
Communications Officer
Spiro Kenya
emmanuel.ngema@spironet.com

Gor Mahia FC
Communications
mediateam@gormahia.com

About Spiro Kenya:
Spiro Kenya is the largest electric mobility company, operating the country’s most extensive and fastest growing network of battery-swapping for electric two-wheel vehicles. With more than 28,000 electric motorcycles, over 450 battery swapping stations across over 37 counties and more than 6 million battery swaps to date, Spiro Kenya has achieved over 200 million kilometres of low-carbon emissions travel, transforming mobility and economies through substituting expensive imported fossil fuel-based transportation with affordable, accessible and sustainable solutions.

About Gor Mahia Football Club:
Founded in 1968, Gor Mahia Football Club is Kenya’s most successful football club and one of East Africa’s most iconic sporting institutions. Popularly known as K’Ogalo, the club has a rich history of achievement and commands one of the largest and most passionate supporter bases in the region.

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South Sudan: UNMISS strengthens social workers’ capacity to protect civilians through human rights reporting

Source: APO


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Protecting civilians begins with ensuring human rights abuses are detected, verified and addressed.

By strengthening the skills of frontline social workers, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan is helping improve early warning, accountability and support for vulnerable communities across Jonglei.

A three-day workshop was held with 20 social workers from nine counties, including five women, alongside Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare representatives, sexual and gender-based violence survivors, and other key stakeholders.

Sessions focused on the protection and promotion of human rights during conflict, including the importance of timely documentation of abuses to safeguard civilians, support survivors and ensure accountability.

“Many cases go unreported because some county case workers are not well trained. I hope this initiative can be extended to include them to ensure they properly document and report cases,” explained Susan Aluel Gabriel.

A social worker with the State Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare, Nathanial Gum Gop, called for greater financial and technical support so frontline workers can better serve vulnerable communities.

“There are many violations and atrocities taking place, but social workers have not been able to do as much as expected. This workshop will strengthen our protection efforts.”

As conflict persists across the State, sexual and gender-based violence remains a major threat.

“More than 10 cases have been recorded recently, with three under investigation and seven still pending follow-up,” confirmed Jonglei State Survivors’ Coordinator, Road Yar Wut. “While some have been referred to court, others have not progressed because survivors or their families were unable or unwilling to pursue them.”

Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare Director-General, Gatluak David Kueth, said the workshop addresses important gaps.

“Although social workers are deployed across all counties, case reporting remains low because many are not fully aware of how to identify and document violations. This workshop will strengthen the reporting system and improve responses across the State.”

“UNMISS is committed to building the capacity of social workers,” explained UNMISS Human Rights Officer, Sharon Lowery. “Equipping them with new skills helps create stronger systems to protect civilians.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

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Building a Capable State: South Africa’s Collective Fight Against Corruption

Source: Government of South Africa

Building a Capable State: South Africa’s Collective Fight Against Corruption

By Mava Scott

The fight against corruption remains one of the major priorities of the Seventh Administration. Law enforcement agencies are acting swiftly to arrest, suspend or otherwise hold accountable those suspected of involvement in corruption. This commitment is re-enforced through a range of measures, including the ongoing judicial commission to investigate serious allegations of corruption, criminality and the infiltration of law enforcement agencies.

The Commission, now commonly known as the Madlanga Commission, began public hearings on 17 September 2025 and has since submitted two interim reports to President Cyril Ramaphosa. The revelations emerging from the Commission show that corruption remains one of the greatest challenges facing the country and a serious threat to building a South Africa that works for everyone. Corruption undermines the rule of law and has the potential to reverse the gains being made to build a capable, ethical and developmental state as well as to efficiently use limited public resources to improve people’s lives.

These revelations would not have been possible without the courage of active citizens who chose to report acts of corruption and abuse of power. Their actions remind us that the fight against corruption cannot be left to government alone.

The recommendations and referrals of the Madlanga Commission are being implemented through the SAPS Special Task Team which has already produced tangible results. Working with the National Prosecuting Authority, the Task Team is holding accountable those against whom there is prima facie evidence of wrongdoing.

To date, 16 people, including 12 senior police officials and a company director linked to a health and wellness services tender, have been arrested. In addition, 18 senior SAPS officials, including members of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, have either been suspended or served with notices of suspension. Some officials, including Brigadier Rachel Matjeng and Major General Richard Shibiri, have been dismissed.

The State Security Agency has also been tasked with carrying out security screening and lifestyle reviews across the South African Police Service (SAPS), with particular focus on senior officials in the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations, Crime Intelligence, Forensic Services and Supply Chain Management.

These swift and decisive actions show that government is committed to holding those involved in corruption accountable and that no one is above the law. The arrests, suspensions and dismissals also strengthen efforts to rebuild, protect and restore confidence in the criminal justice system, which is essential to the proper functioning of South Africa’s constitutional democracy.

Government’s commitment to fighting corruption and strengthening accountability is also reflected in the continued implementation of the recommendations of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, popularly known as the State Capture Commission. 

In March this year, former Member of Parliament Vincent Smith was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment on charges including fraud and corruption linked to state capture. His conviction was the sixth State Capture-related case to be concluded with a guilty verdict, while several other high-profile matters are scheduled for trial, including cases related to the Free State asbestos removal project, SA Express and Transnet contracts.

Further progress has been recorded through the recovery of more than R17.1 billion in assets gained from criminal activities, while 62% of the 60 recommended actions from the State Capture Commission have been addressed. These decisive actions demonstrate that the fight against corruption extends beyond investigations and prosecutions; it also includes recovering stolen public resources.

This anti-corruption drive has also extended to other areas of government. In January 2026, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, known as the Hawks, arrested the Director-General and two other senior officials from the National Department of Health in connection with allegations involving more than R1 million in unauthorised expenditure during the 2023–2024 financial year.

Similarly, the Border Management Authority dismissed more than 50 immigration officials implicated in corrupt activities in March this year.

These actions demonstrate that while progress is being made in addressing corruption, the fight requires sustained vigilance and continuous strengthening of interventions across all spheres of government.

Rooting out corruption requires more than responding to wrongdoing after it occurs; it requires stronger prevention measures, improved oversight, ethical leadership and systems that detect and address vulnerabilities before they are exploited. Government will continue to strengthen accountability mechanisms, enhance institutional integrity and work with all sectors of society to ensure that public resources are protected and used for their intended purpose.

All South Africans have a role to play in blowing the whistle on corruption. We encourage anyone who is aware of wrongdoing to report it to the National Anti-Corruption Hotline on 0800 701 701.

*Scott is Chief Director at Government Communication and Information System: Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster

 

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Wale Tinubu junta-se à African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 à medida que a Oando expande o seu portfólio energético africano

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

Wale Tinubu, CEO do grupo da empresa nigeriana de energia Oando PLC, foi confirmado como orador na Conferência e Exposição da African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, trazendo um dos líderes energéticos locais mais proeminentes de África para a principal plataforma de investimento do continente. A participação de Tinubu surge num momento em que o setor a montante africano entra numa nova fase de crescimento, impulsionado por um portfólio crescente de operadores locais.  

A AEW 2026 — que decorrerá de 12 a 16 de outubro na Cidade do Cabo, África do Sul — constitui o maior encontro do continente no setor energético, reunindo líderes governamentais, operadores, financiadores, prestadores de serviços e inovadores tecnológicos para impulsionar o desenvolvimento de projetos nos setores do petróleo, gás e energia em toda a África. 

A participação da Tinubu surge num momento em que a empresa avança com um dos programas de expansão mais ambiciosos de uma empresa de energia de capital africano dos últimos anos. Na sequência da aquisição, em 2024, dos ativos onshore da Nigerian Agip Oil Company, a empresa expandiu significativamente a sua carteira de produção, reforçando a sua posição como uma das maiores operadoras locais do setor de upstream da Nigéria. 

A empresa planeia angariar até 750 milhões de dólares para um programa de perfuração de 100 poços, na sequência da aquisição, em 2024, das operações terrestres da NAOC da Eni na Nigéria, um negócio que expandiu a base de ativos de produção da Oando e posicionou a empresa como uma das maiores operadoras nacionais de upstream do continente. A campanha poderá aumentar a produção da Oando em até 300%. 

A próxima campanha de perfuração complementa os esforços em curso para reforçar a produção em todos os seus ativos nigerianos, a par de projetos regionais. Através da sua subsidiária de upstream, a Oando Energy Resources, a empresa detém participações em mais de 14 licenças de petróleo e gás na Nigéria e em São Tomé e Príncipe e gere mais de 22 400 km² de área bruta, apoiada por uma rede de gasodutos de 1 255 km, 14 estações de fluxo e uma capacidade de processamento de gás superior a 3,6 mil milhões de pés cúbicos padrão por dia. 

 Expandindo ainda mais o seu portfólio regional, a Oando assinou um Contrato de Partilha de Produção para o Bloco KON-13 na Bacia do Cuanza, em terra firme, em Angola, em março de 2026, sinalizando um passo no sentido de levar a sua experiência aos mercados regionais. O bloco tem recursos prospectivos estimados entre 770 milhões e 1,1 mil milhões de barris e insere-se numa estratégia mais ampla de diversificação do seu portfólio para além da Nigéria.  

Na AEW 2026, espera-se que Tinubu aborde as prioridades estratégicas que moldam a próxima fase de crescimento da Oando, bem como a abordagem da empresa para mobilizar capital de propriedade africana para investimento a grande escala no setor a montante. Espera-se também que ele se pronuncie sobre a necessidade de os fundos de pensões africanos e as instituições financeiras de desenvolvimento aprofundarem o seu papel no financiamento de projetos energéticos, um debate que ganhou urgência à medida que os bancos internacionais se afastam da exposição aos hidrocarbonetos.  

«Wale Tinubu é exatamente o tipo de voz de que a AEW 2026 precisa no seu palco», afirmou NJ Ayuk, presidente executivo da Câmara Africana de Energia. «Ele construiu uma gigante africana do setor energético a partir do zero, superou todos os ciclos que esta indústria lhe impôs e continua a expandir as fronteiras. A sua mensagem sobre o capital africano, a propriedade africana e a ambição africana é algo que todos os investidores, ministros e operadores presentes na AEW precisam de ouvir.» ​

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Energy Chamber.

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Wale Tinubu Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 as Oando Expands African Energy Portfolio

Source: APO

Wale Tinubu, Group CEO of Nigerian energy company Oando PLC, has been confirmed as a speaker at the African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 Conference and Exhibition, bringing one of Africa’s most prominent indigenous energy leaders to the continent’s premier investment platform. Tinubu’s participation comes as Africa’s upstream sector enters a new phase of growth, driven by a growing portfolio of indigenous operators.  

AEW 2026 – taking place from October 12-16 in Cape Town, South Africa – serves as the continent’s biggest energy gathering, bringing together government leaders, operators, financiers, service providers and technology innovators to advance project development across Africa’s oil, gas and energy sectors. 

Tinubu’s participation comes as the company advances one of the most ambitious expansion programs by an African-owned energy company in recent years. Following its 2024 acquisition of Nigerian Agip Oil Company’s onshore assets, the company significantly expanded its producing portfolio, strengthening its position as one of Nigeria’s largest indigenous upstream operators. 

The company plans to raise up to $750 million for a 100-well drilling program following its 2024 acquisition of Eni’s NAOC onshore operations in Nigeria, a deal that expanded Oando’s producing asset base and positioned the company as one of the largest indigenous upstream operators on the continent. The campaign could increase Oando’s production by as much as 300%. 

The upcoming drilling campaign complements ongoing efforts to bolster production across its Nigerian assets alongside regional projects. Through its upstream subsidiary Oando Energy Resources, the company has interests in more than 14 oil and gas licenses across Nigeria and São Tomé and Príncipe and manages over 22,400 km² of gross acreage, supported by a pipeline network of 1,255 km, 14 flow stations and gas processing capacity in excess of 3.6 billion standard cubic feet per day. 

Further expanding its regional portfolio, Oando signed a Production Sharing Contract for Block KON-13 in Angola’s onshore Kwanza Basin in March 2026, signaling a step towards taking its experience to regional markets. The block has estimated prospective resources of between 770 million and 1.1 billion barrels, and aligns with a broader strategy to diversify its portfolio beyond Nigeria.  

At AEW 2026, Tinubu is expected to address the strategic priorities shaping Oando’s next phase of growth, as well as the company’s approach to mobilizing African-owned capital for large-scale upstream investment. He is also expected to weigh in on the case for African pension funds and development finance institutions to deepen their role in energy project funding, a debate that has gained urgency as international banks retreat from hydrocarbon exposure.  

“Wale Tinubu is exactly the kind of voice AEW 2026 needs on its stage,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber. “He has built an African energy giant from the ground up, navigated every cycle this industry has thrown at him, and he is still pushing the frontier. His message on African capital, African ownership and African ambition is one every investor, minister and operator at AEW needs to hear.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Wale Tinubu participe à l’African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 alors qu’Oando élargit son portefeuille énergétique africain

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Wale Tinubu, PDG du groupe énergétique nigérian Oando PLC, a été confirmé comme intervenant à la conférence et au salon African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, permettant ainsi à l’un des leaders africains les plus éminents du secteur énergétique local de participer à la principale plateforme d’investissement du continent. La participation de M. Tinubu intervient alors que le secteur en amont africain entre dans une nouvelle phase de croissance, portée par un portefeuille croissant d’opérateurs locaux.  

L’AEW 2026 – qui se tiendra du 12 au 16 octobre au Cap, en Afrique du Sud – constitue le plus grand rassemblement du continent dans le domaine de l’énergie, réunissant des responsables gouvernementaux, des opérateurs, des financiers, des prestataires de services et des innovateurs technologiques afin de faire progresser le développement de projets dans les secteurs africains du pétrole, du gaz et de l’énergie. 

La participation de Tinubu intervient alors que la société met en œuvre l’un des programmes d’expansion les plus ambitieux menés par une entreprise énergétique africaine ces dernières années. Suite à l’acquisition en 2024 des actifs terrestres de la Nigerian Agip Oil Company, la société a considérablement élargi son portefeuille de production, renforçant ainsi sa position parmi les plus grands opérateurs en amont locaux du Nigeria. 

La société prévoit de lever jusqu’à 750 millions de dollars pour un programme de forage de 100 puits, à la suite de son acquisition en 2024 des activités terrestres de la NAOC d’Eni au Nigeria, une opération qui a élargi le portefeuille d’actifs en production d’Oando et positionné la société comme l’un des plus grands opérateurs en amont locaux du continent. Cette campagne pourrait augmenter la production d’Oando de près de 300 %. 

La campagne de forage à venir vient compléter les efforts en cours visant à renforcer la production sur l’ensemble de ses actifs nigérians, parallèlement à des projets régionaux. Par l’intermédiaire de sa filiale en amont, Oando Energy Resources, la société détient des participations dans plus de 14 licences pétrolières et gazières au Nigeria et à São Tomé-et-Príncipe, et gère une superficie brute de plus de 22 400 km², soutenue par un réseau de gazoducs de 1 255 km, 14 stations de régulation et une capacité de traitement du gaz supérieure à 3,6 milliards de pieds cubes standard par jour. 

 Afin d’élargir encore son portefeuille régional, Oando a signé en mars 2026 un contrat de partage de production pour le bloc KON-13, situé dans le bassin terrestre de Kwanza en Angola, marquant ainsi une étape vers l’exportation de son expertise vers les marchés régionaux. Ce bloc dispose de ressources prospectives estimées entre 770 millions et 1,1 milliard de barils, et s’inscrit dans une stratégie plus large visant à diversifier son portefeuille au-delà du Nigeria.  

Lors de l’AEW 2026, M. Tinubu devrait aborder les priorités stratégiques qui façonneront la prochaine phase de croissance d’Oando, ainsi que l’approche de l’entreprise visant à mobiliser des capitaux africains pour des investissements en amont à grande échelle. Il devrait également s’exprimer sur la nécessité pour les fonds de pension africains et les institutions de financement du développement de renforcer leur rôle dans le financement des projets énergétiques, un débat qui a pris un caractère d’urgence à mesure que les banques internationales se retirent du secteur des hydrocarbures.  

« Wale Tinubu est exactement le genre de voix dont l’AEW 2026 a besoin sur sa scène », a déclaré NJ Ayuk, président exécutif de l’African Energy Chamber. « Il a bâti de toutes pièces un géant africain de l’énergie, a su naviguer à travers tous les cycles que ce secteur lui a imposés, et continue de repousser les limites. Son message sur le capital africain, la propriété africaine et l’ambition africaine est un message que chaque investisseur, ministre et opérateur présent à l’AEW doit entendre. »

Distribué par APO Group pour African Energy Chamber.

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ExxonMobil Advances Dual-Track Angola Strategy as Brian Unietis Joins Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) 2026

Source: APO

ExxonMobil’s evolving upstream strategy in Angola will take center stage at the Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) 2026 conference and exhibition as Brian Unietis, Lead Country Manager of ExxonMobil Angola, joins the event as a featured speaker. His participation comes as the company advances a dual-track strategy centered on maximizing production from existing assets while unlocking new offshore exploration opportunities. 

Having assumed leadership of ExxonMobil Angola in late 2025, Unietis now oversees a portfolio entering a period of rapid execution. Under his leadership, ExxonMobil has shifted from primarily managing mature offshore assets toward delivering new production, extending field life and opening entirely new exploration provinces designed to support Angola’s ambition of sustaining crude output above one million barrels per day (bpd). 

One of the company’s most significant recent milestones came in April 2026 when ExxonMobil awarded a major EPCI contract to Subsea7 for the Likembe Redevelopment 2.0 Project. The redevelopment will connect additional reservoirs back to existing Block 15 facilities through subsea tiebacks, illustrating the company’s increasing focus on infrastructure-led developments that shorten timelines while improving capital efficiency. 

Alongside redevelopment activity, ExxonMobil continues to expand beyond its established producing assets. Earlier this year, the company partnered with TotalEnergies and Angola’s National Agency for Petroleum, Gas and Biofuels to secure exploration rights across multiple blocks in the Benguela and Namibe Basins, two frontier regions expected to underpin Angola’s next generation of offshore discoveries. Geological evaluation also continues following ExxonMobil’s first exploration drilling campaign in the Namibe Basin, while additional subsurface assessments are underway across the Free Areas of Blocks 17/06 and 32/21. 

The operational momentum follows a series of major strategic decisions taken shortly after Unietis assumed leadership. ExxonMobil and its Block 15 partners reached a final investment decision last year to extend production from the Mondo and Saxi-Batuque fields. The investment followed the extension of Block 15’s production license through 2037, providing the fiscal certainty needed to unlock further redevelopment opportunities across one of Angola’s most productive offshore assets. 

Beyond upstream developments, ExxonMobil continues investing across the wider offshore value chain. The company recently secured a long-term charter agreement with Bourbon Mobility for a new fleet of fuel-efficient crew transfer vessels scheduled to enter service in 2027, while specialized management programs are being deployed to safely manage naturally occurring radioactive material generated from mature offshore operations. 

These initiatives form part of ExxonMobil’s broader investment program, centered on maximizing production from existing infrastructure while opening new offshore basins capable of sustaining the country’s production base well into the next decade. 

As Angola advances policies designed to attract fresh upstream capital and accelerate offshore development, AOG 2026 – taking place in Luanda from September 9‒10, with a pre-conference day on September 8 – will provide a key forum for government leaders, operators and investors to discuss the sector’s next phase of growth.  

Unietis’ participation underscores ExxonMobil’s long-term commitment to Angola and positions the company at the forefront of the country’s strategy to combine mature asset redevelopment, frontier exploration and sustained investment to secure its future as one of Africa’s premier oil producers.  ​

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

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