MIL Africa Engine

Source: APO

iXAfrica Data Centre Limited (iXAfrica) (https://iXAfrica.co.ke), East and Central Africa’s largest hyperscale, carrier-neutral, AI-ready facility, will collaborate with Oracle as the host partner for the Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) (http://apo-opa.co/4rlwfdb) region in Nairobi, Kenya. Announced by H.E. President William Ruto in January 2024, this new public cloud region will help meet strong demand for OCI services in Kenya.

OCI’s selection of iXAfrica as its colocation partner reflects its unique position as Kenya’s most execution-ready hyperscale data centre facility. Purpose-built to global cloud standards, iXAfrica combines carrier neutrality, high-density AI capability, resilient power architecture, and proximity to critical connectivity infrastructure. This makes it the only facility currently in the market capable of supporting immediate public cloud deployments at scale.

“We are delighted to be in execution mode to bring OCI to Kenya,” said Snehar Shah, CEO, iXAfrica. “With this collaboration, iXAfrica is leveraging the renewable energy, talent, and abundant submarine and national connectivity available in our market.”

By hosting OCI locally, iXAfrica enables organizations in the region to accelerate digital transformation, deploy latency-sensitive applications, and build AI-powered services closer to end users. This collaboration lays the foundation for a more resilient, sovereign, and globally competitive digital economy anchored on world-class infrastructure within Kenya.

“Around the world, governments and enterprises rely on OCI for its security, scalability, and ability to run mission-critical workloads that enable innovation at scale,” said David Bunei, country leader Kenya, Oracle. “These unique capabilities and our collaboration with iXAfrica will further support the growth of the country’s digital economy.”

With construction, power, and connectivity infrastructure already in advanced stages of deployment, iXAfrica is operating in full execution mode to support hyperscale cloud platforms. This readiness underscores iXAfrica’s commitment to delivering resilient, scalable digital infrastructure that meets the stringent operational requirements of global cloud providers.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of iXAfrica Data Centre.

Media inquiries contact:
Murage Gichuki
Marketing Manager
info@ixafrica.co.ke
+254 793 973 584

About iXAfrica:
iXAfrica Data Centre Limited in Nairobi, Kenya is East Africa’s first Hyper-scale Carrier-neutral, AI-ready Data Centre. iXAfrica’s 22 MW campus provides world-class and highly resilient Data Centre infrastructure to create a vital part of the internet backbone of East Africa. iXAfrica is also able to power the high-density AI workloads as high as 50 kW per rack using its free-air cooling technology and over 90% of Kenya’s electricity is generated from renewable energy sources. 

www.iXAfrica.co.ke

www.Oracle.com

Source: APO

Following his appointment by President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema on January 1, 2026, the newly appointed Minister of Mines and Geological Resources, Sosthène Nguema Nguema, has embarked on an aggressive pro-investment agenda designed to grow mining into a major engine of Gabon’s economic future.

The leadership transition comes at a pivotal moment. Armed with a higher budget for 2026 than previous years, a sign of President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema’s commitment to grow the sector, new minister is tasked with managing this increasingly strategic sector and to pivot the nation away from historical oil dependency toward a more diversified economy.

“Gabon is no longer just a destination for extraction; we are becoming a hub for industrial value creation,” stated Minister Sosthène Nguema Nguema. “Our 2026 roadmap is built on transparency, regulatory speed, and a firm commitment to local transformation and very strong value creation for investors as well as local communities. We are open for business, and we are ready to partner with those who share our vision for sustainable industrialization.”

A Sector in Transformation

Currently, mining contributes approximately 6% to Gabon’s GDP, dominated by its status as the world’s second-largest producer of high-grade manganese. However, the government’s Transformation Acceleration Plan (PAT) aims to increase this contribution to 25% by 2030.

To achieve this, the Ministry is focusing on three priorities:

• Manganese Value Addition: Advancing toward the 2029 raw ore export ban by incentivizing the domestic production of silicomanganese.
• Iron Ore Scalability: Accelerating the world-class Belinga and Baniaka projects, supported by a massive upgrade to the Trans-Gabonese railway.
• Gold Formalization: Prioritizing exploration and formalizing artisanal sectors in Koumba, Eteke, and Minkébé to ensure international traceability and refining standards.

To achive the above goals, the state-owned mining (holding company) Société Équatoriale des Mines (SEM) intends to affect a dramatic shift from its historical role as a passive state shareholder to an aggressive industrial operator, a key tenet of its 2026–2030 strategy. SEM will move from a “partner operator” into a “reference African industrial mining company.” Revenue targets are set reach USD 1 billion by 2030. SEM intends to achieve this target by focusing on

• SEM-led exploration and industrial-scale extraction of primary gold. Gold mining hotspots such as Minkié and Mitzic are expected to play major roles.
• Gold refining in country is also expected to grow significantly with the Gabonese Gold Refinery (RGO) which has a processing capacity of up to 10 tonnes of gold annually expected to play a central role. The refinery is strategically located in the Nkok Special Economic Zone near Libreville
• Providing technical oversight for massive projects like Belinga (Iron) and ensuring downstream processing compliance
• Increasing manganese processing and value creation in country
• Lastly, accelerating exploration and data acquisition to commercialise the huge mining potential that Gabon offers Upgrading the Investor Operating Environment

Minister Nguema Nguema, an environmental engineer and former Minister of Oil and Gas is expected to bring a pragmatic approach to the sector with investor attraction a core focus. The ministry is expected to cut lead times for exploration and mining permits. Several ministerial decrees are also expected in coming weeks, that will clarify and ease the implementation of the existing 2019 Mining Code.

Mining Indaba

Minister Nguema Nguema will be at Indaba where he will be addressing investors in different fora. The Ministry of Mines and Geological Resources invites international investors, exploration firms, and infrastructure partners to reach out to the ministerial party to discuss potential opportunities in Gabon.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Mines and Geological Resources of Gabon.

For inquiries or to schedule a meeting, please contact:
Ms Gaelle OUEDRAOGO
gaelle.ouedraogo@melvilleenergy.com

Source: APO – Report:

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The third and final day of the Libya Energy & Economic Summit (LEES) 2026 – organized by Energy Capital & Power (https://EnergyCapitalPower.com) – shifted focus from scale and investment momentum to the foundations that will sustain Libya’s long-term energy transformation: people, infrastructure, technology and responsible energy integration. Across a series of panels and presentations, discussions emphasized how workforce development, gas expansion, renewables, digital systems and pragmatic decarbonization are converging to shape Libya’s next phase of growth.

Energy JEEL Initiative: Building Libya’s Energy Workforce

Youth development took center stage during the Energy JEEL Initiative panel, highlighting how Libya is positioning human capital as a strategic asset. Launched by the Ministry of Oil and Gas with the National Oil Company (NOC) and Renewable Energy Authority of Libya, the initiative now includes more than 900 ambassadors aged 15-35. Speakers emphasized that Energy JEEL is bridging skills gaps by combining technical training, policy exposure and community engagement, ensuring Libya’s next generation is equipped to navigate digitalization, sustainability and global energy transition pressures.

Libya’s Gas Sector: Infrastructure and Low-Carbon Growth

Libya’s gas strategy was framed as both an economic and energy security priority. NOC representatives stressed the need to expand production capacity, modernize pipelines and reduce transmission costs to meet domestic demand and export commitments. Alongside infrastructure investment, speakers underscored the importance of governance, partnerships and low-carbon practices to attract long-term capital and ensure project execution at scale.

Downstream Development: Refining and Petrochemicals

Downstream discussions focused on Libya’s widening fuel supply gap and the need for new refining capacity. The NOC outlined opportunities for international investors in the Southern Refinery project near Ubari and a planned 220,000-barrel-per-day grassroots refinery at Ras Lanuf, alongside upgrades to existing petrochemical facilities. With strong domestic demand and government backing, the downstream sector was positioned as a key pillar of value addition and energy security.

Integrating Renewable Applications

Renewables integration emerged as a practical, near-term solution for operational efficiency. The NOC confirmed plans to commission the Zallaf Pilot Solar Plant by Q3 2026, while outlining larger off-grid projects planned with subsidiaries including Harogue and AGOCO. These initiatives aim to cut diesel consumption, reduce emissions and create training hubs for new graduates, reinforcing renewables as an enabler of both sustainability and cost efficiency.

Digital Infrastructure: From Data to Decisions

Digital transformation discussions brought together perspective from the NOC, SLB, Halliburton and Libyan AI startup Hiesab. Speakers emphasized that while AI, automation and advanced analytics are increasingly available, the primary challenges lie in field infrastructure, connectivity and power supply. Service companies outlined how AI-enabled workflows and robotics can support high-stakes operational decisions, while Libyan tech firms highlighted the growing role of local innovation in adapting digital solutions to the realities of remote oilfield environments.

Beyond Carbon: Pragmatic Decarbonization

Decarbonization was addressed through a presentation by Oilinvest Group, which framed Libya’s energy transition around practical, deployable solutions rather than theoretical targets. The company highlighted large-scale nature-based initiatives, including land restoration, tree planting and water infrastructure, as cost-effective methods of carbon sequestration that also deliver social and economic benefits. Speakers emphasized that responsible decarbonization does not mean limiting energy production, but rather managing environmental impact in a way that strengthens long-term credibility and sustainability.

A Strategic Mediterranean Hub

Libya’s re-emergence as a competitive Mediterranean energy hub was reinforced through strong international participation. Libya’s Oil and Gas Minister Dr. Khalifa Abdulsadek reaffirmed Libya’s openness to investment, targeting 1.6 million barrels per day of oil by year-end and a doubling of gas output within three years, supported by flaring reduction, renewables integration and full utilization of the Greenstream pipeline. European ambassadors from Italy and Spain highlighted Libya’s strategic role in regional energy security, as officials confirmed licensing round awards are expected within weeks, reflecting strong on- and offshore interest.

– on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Source: APO – Report:

Bromsgrove School Franco-Gabonese student-athlete Nelson Pompigne-Mognard (www.NelsonPM.co) is proud to announce the creation of the Bromsgrove Black Students Association (BBSA) (www.Bromsgrove-School.co.uk), a pioneering student-led initiative dedicated to celebrating African and Black cultures, fostering unity, and promoting cultural awareness within the school community. Founded by Nelson, the BBSA will serve as a dynamic platform for students to connect, celebrate their heritage, and participate in meaningful initiatives.

Watch the announcement speech video: https://apo-opa.co/4r7Ef1g

The BBSA aims to build a strong, inclusive community by providing students with opportunities for personal growth, leadership development, and meaningful engagement. Through a variety of educational, cultural, and social programs, the association will host seminars, panel discussions, and cultural showcases featuring prominent Black figures from various industries. Additionally, the BBSA will launch mentorship programs, advocate for diversity and inclusion, and empower students to develop leadership skills through organizing events and campaigns.

Key Initiatives of the BBSA Include:

• Hosting seminars and panel discussions with inspiring Black professionals and industry leaders.
• Organizing cultural showcases featuring music, art, and more to highlight the richness of African cultures.
• Launching mentorship programs to connect students with accomplished professionals.
• Advocating for diversity and inclusion initiatives within the school.
• Providing leadership opportunities through impactful events and campaigns.

Nelson Pompigne-Mognard, Founder & President of the Bromsgrove Black Students Association (BBSA), shared his vision for the association: “We strive to establish a dynamic and inclusive community that brings together individuals of African descent. The BBSA is not a club—it’s a platform for students to make a lasting impact. Whether through organizing events, contributing to marketing efforts, or securing partnerships, students are encouraged to get involved and help shape the future of this initiative. All students, regardless of background, are welcome to attend BBSA sessions and events.”

Nelson Pompigne-Mognard is a driven and forward-thinking Franco-Gabonese student-athlete with a strong passion for computer science, artificial intelligence and high-performance sport. He is motivated by a desire to create real-world impact through technology, leadership and disciplined execution, and consistently seeks environments that challenge him to grow intellectually, physically and personally.

Trilingual in English, French and Portuguese, Nelson has lived in four countries — France, Malta, Portugal and England — and has travelled extensively across eleven countries, including Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, Poland, Spain, Ireland, Italy, Iceland, Finland, Serbia and the United States. These experiences have given him broad exposure to diverse cultures, environments and ways of life.

He is currently a boarder in Year 13 (Senior Year) at Bromsgrove School in England, one of the UK’s highest-ranked boarding schools. Since 2024, he has played primarily at Number Eight for the school’s 1st XV rugby team. In December 2025, I was officially called up by the French Rugby Federation (FFR) to join its prestigious “Générations Bleues” U18 elite programme, identifying him as a high-potential U18 player and marking his entry into France’s national performance pathway (see: https://apo-opa.co/4q21AQS).

Beyond academics and sport, he founded the Bromsgrove Black Students Association (BBSA) to celebrate African cultures, foster unity, and promote cultural awareness through educational initiatives, cultural events, and professional networking.

His long-term goal is to study at a top university in the United States, where he plans to continue combining elite sport, academic excellence, entrepreneurship, and leadership to build a career at the intersection of technology, innovation, and global impact.

More information about Nelson Pompigne-Mognard: www.NelsonPM.co

IG: https://apo-opa.co/4pZKD9S

LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/4qJAkrG

– on behalf of Bromsgrove Black Students Association (BBSA).

Media Contact:
For more information, please contact:
me@nelsonpm.co

About the Bromsgrove Black Students Association (BBSA):
The Bromsgrove Black Students Association (BBSA) is a student-led initiative dedicated to celebrating African and Black cultures, fostering unity, and promoting cultural awareness within the Bromsgrove School community. Through seminars, cultural showcases, mentorship programs, and advocacy efforts, the BBSA provides a platform for intellectual engagement, leadership development, and meaningful connections.

Founded in 1553, Bromsgrove School (www.Bromsgrove-School.co.uk) is one of Britain’s oldest and most distinguished co-educational boarding and day schools. Located in Worcestershire, the school is renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, character development, and fostering an inclusive community. As one of the 14 founding members of the Headmasters’ Conference, Bromsgrove School continues to uphold its tradition of excellence while embracing innovation and diversity.

Source: APO – Report:

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Long treated as a byproduct of oil production, natural gas is increasingly viewed by policymakers as a strategic asset capable of underpinning exports, power generation and industrialization. Insights from the African Energy Chamber’s (https://EnergyChamber.org) State of African Energy 2026 Outlook highlight how Angola is moving beyond its historical reliance on associated gas, while grappling with the infrastructure and commercial challenges that will shape the next stage of its gas market.

For decades, Angola utilized large volumes of associated gas primarily for reinjection, enhancing oil recovery and supporting offshore operations. While this approach helped sustain crude output, it left significant gas value untapped. The turning point came with the construction of Angola LNG in 2008, which marked the country’s entry into global LNG markets and materially reduced upstream emissions. Initially supplied by associated gas from Blocks 15, 17 and 18 – operated by ExxonMobil, TotalEnergies and Eni/bp – the plant later expanded feedstock sourcing to include Chevron-operated Blocks 0 and 14, as well as Eni/BP’s Block 31 and TotalEnergies’ Block 32.

Yet even today, around half of Angola’s associated gas production continues to be reinjected, largely for pressure maintenance. New developments are expected to follow a similar pattern, underscoring why non-associated gas has become central to Angola’s forward strategy. In December 2024, Chevron achieved first gas from the Sanha Lean Gas project in Block 0, adding new supply to Angola LNG and demonstrating how late-life assets can be repurposed to sustain exports. The New Gas Consortium – led by Azule Energy alongside Sonangol, Equinor and Acrep – is targeting non-associated gas fields in the Lower Congo Basin, with early Quiluma and Maboqueiro developments expected to help fill Angola LNG capacity by 2026.

Exploration momentum is also building. Azule announced a gas discovery at the Gajajeira-01 well in Block 1/14 in July 2025 and plans further exploration in the Congo Fan (Block 47) and Namibe Basin (Block 28) in 2026. These efforts reflect renewed confidence in Angola’s gas prospectivity, particularly following earlier Atlantic Margin successes. However, not all discoveries are equally advantaged. In the Kwanza Basin, several gas-dominated pre-salt finds remain stranded due to deepwater development costs and the absence of nearby gas evacuation infrastructure.

The notable exception is TotalEnergies’ Kaminho project in Block 20. The Cameia and Golfinho gas-condensate fields – Angola’s first production from this block – are being developed primarily for condensate recovery via the Kaminho FPSO, with gas reinjection forming part of the initial concept. While no gas commercialization plans have been announced, ongoing appraisal at nearby fields such as Lontra and Zalophus could gradually build a resource base capable of supporting future gas supply – provided midstream constraints are addressed.

Infrastructure remains the central bottleneck, says the Chamber. Potential gas evacuation from Kwanza developments would require pipelines to shore near Caboledo, onward connections to Luanda for domestic use, and potentially extensions to Soyo to access Angola LNG. High capital costs, transportation tariffs and fiscal burdens have so far delayed investment decisions. According to the AEC Outlook, meaningful progress will likely require a combination of upstream participation, institutional capital and targeted fiscal incentives to make midstream projects bankable.

At the same time, Angola is looking beyond exports. Domestic gas demand is set to grow, anchored by power generation and industrial projects outlined in the Angola Gas Master Plan. The 750 MW Soyo combined-cycle gas turbine already plays a balancing role during dry seasons, while planned expansions – including Soyo 2 CCGT – will drive further demand. Industrially, a proposed 2,300-ton-per-day ammonia plant in Soyo could consume up to 80 MMcf/d of gas by 2035, with EPC contracts awarded and construction expected to begin in 2025.

“Gas gives Angola the opportunity to industrialize, stabilize power supply and monetize resources that were previously wasted,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC. “The countries that win are those that build infrastructure and pricing frameworks early, so gas can serve both export markets and domestic growth.”

Ultimately, Angola LNG will remain the cornerstone of gas commercialization in the near term. But the Outlook makes clear that exports and domestic markets are not mutually exclusive. If coordinated effectively, LNG revenues can anchor a broader gas value chain – supporting power, fertilizers and petrochemicals – while positioning Angola as one of Africa’s most diversified gas economies in the decades ahead.

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.