Source: Government of Qatar
Doha| June 12, 2025
HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani received on Thursday a written message from HE President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, pertaining to bilateral relations and ways to support and develop them.
HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi received the message during his meeting on Thursday with HE Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Qatar Adish Mammadov.
The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) has approved a financing package of up to $184.1 million to support the development of the Obelisk 1-gigawatt solar photovoltaic project and 200MWh battery energy storage system in Egypt, which will be Africa’s largest solar power plant.
Located in Qena Governorate in southern Egypt, the project entails the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of a photovoltaic power plant with an integrated battery energy storage system. The Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company will be the sole off-taker under a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement.
The project’s total cost is estimated at more than $590 million. The Bank Group’s financing package includes $125.5 million of ordinary resources, as well as concessional funding from Bank Group-managed Special Funds the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA) worth $20 million, and the Canada-African Development Bank Climate Fund ($18.6 million), a partnership of the Bank Group and the Government of Canada. A further $20 million will come from the Climate Investment Funds’ Clean Technology Fund, with additional financing to be mobilized from a consortium of development finance institutions.
Under Egypt’s Nexus of Water, Food, and Energy (NWFE) platform, Obelisk has been granted a Golden License by the government, which recognizes it as a strategic initiative that will contribute to addressing Egypt’s energy constraints and advancing its energy transition.
Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Egypt’s Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, said “the Obelisk solar project is another important milestone for Egypt under the energy pillar of the NWFE program which has since its launch in November 2022 at COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh delivered 4.2 GW of privately financed renewable energy investments, worth about $4 billion, with the support of partners such as the Africa Development Bank. The goal of NWFE’s energy pillar is to add 10 GW of renewable energy capacity with investments of approximately $10 billion, and phase out 5 GW of fossil fuel power generation by 2030.”
The project, expected to be fully operational by the third quarter of 2026, will generate an estimated 2,772 gigawatt-hours of clean, reliable, and affordable energy annually to the national grid. The battery energy storage system will help meet peak evening demand with renewable power while also mitigating the variability of solar power generation. The project is expected to reduce annual carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by approximately one million tons and create about 4,000 jobs during construction and 50 permanent jobs during operation, with a special focus on women and youth employment.
“Obelisk is another landmark development under NWFE that leverages on Egypt’s and the African Development Bank’s leadership as well as commitment to harnessing the country’s renewable energy to enhance the resilience of the country’s energy supply to meet its fast-growing energy demand sustainably,” said Kevin Kariuki, African Development Bank Vice President for Power, Energy, Climate, and Green Growth. “This project also contributes to Egypt’s ambition of producing 42 percent of its power generation capacity from renewable energy sources by 2030 while spurring economic growth and reducing greenhouse gas emissions,”
Ambassador of Canada to the Arab Republic of Egypt Ulric Shannon said: “Canada is proud to support solar energy development in Egypt. This initiative is a meaningful step toward enhancing energy security and stability, with direct benefits for the Egyptian people. We are pleased to collaborate with the African Development Bank and other partners in supporting Egypt’s transition to a sustainable, low-carbon economy.”
The Obelisk Solar Project aligns with the African Development Bank’s Ten-Year Strategy, its New Deal on Energy for Africa, and its Country Strategy Paper for Egypt as well as SEFA’s strategic framework which aims to accelerate African countries energy transition by increasing the share of renewables and catalyzing commercial capital mobilization in the power sector. The project also advances Egypt’s commitment to achieve 42 percent generation capacity from renewable energy sources by 2030.
“This project exploits the abundant renewable energy potential in Africa and demonstrates how strong partnerships and innovative solutions contribute to balancing three core objectives in the energy sector, namely energy security, affordability, and sustainable economic development,” said Wale Shonibare, Director of Energy Financial Solutions, Policy, and Regulation at the African Development Bank. “It has high potential for replicability across the continent.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
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About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org
Le Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement (www.AfDB.org) a lancé vendredi la construction de son bureau pays permanent à Lusaka, marquant ainsi une étape transformatrice dans le partenariat de 54 ans entre l’institution et la Zambie.
Lorsqu’elle a ouvert son bureau temporaire en Zambie en 2007, la Banque africaine de développement ne comptait que quatre employés. Aujourd’hui, l’effectif permanent est passé à vingt personnes. L’investissement cumulé de la Banque en Zambie s’élève désormais à 2,7 milliards de dollars dans divers secteurs, avec un portefeuille actif de près d’un milliard de dollars.
La cérémonie de pose de la première pierre s’est déroulée en présence du ministre des Finances et de la Planification nationale, Situmbeko Musokotwane, de la vice-présidente du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement chargée du Développement régional, de l’Intégration et de la Prestation de services, Nnenna Nwabufo, de la directrice de la gestion immobilière, des achats et des services généraux de la Banque, Gail Meakin, ainsi que d’autres hauts représentants du gouvernement, de membres du corps diplomatique, de partenaires au développement et de dirigeants du secteur privé.
Le nouveau bureau intègre des caractéristiques de pointe en matière de durabilité et un design axé sur le bien-être. Il permettra d’accueillir des activités élargies tout en contribuant à la croissance économique de la Zambie grâce à la création d’emplois et à la stimulation des affaires, tant pendant la construction que pendant l’exploitation. Le bâtiment devrait être achevé d’ici 2027. Ce sera un bâtiment intelligent, doté de salles de conférence et d’espaces de bien-être pour le personnel, qui consommera peu d’énergie, disposera d’un système de recyclage des eaux usées et de grands espaces verts.
M. Musokotwane a souligné l’importance d’un bureau permanent. « Cet événement est plus qu’une simple cérémonie, c’est un vote de confiance envers notre pays, notre gouvernement et notre peuple. Il témoigne de l’engagement de la Zambie à forger un avenir meilleur pour l’Afrique », s’est-il félicité.
Il a remercié la Banque africaine de développement pour le soutien financier indispensable qu’elle a apporté à la Zambie tout au long de son parcours de développement et a transmis le soutien du président zambien à la décision de la Banque de construire un immeuble pour servir de bureaux permanents et ainsi poursuivre son travail de développement du pays.
« Le soutien de la Banque africaine de développement a produit de nombreux résultats positifs dans des secteurs tels que les transports, l’agriculture, l’eau et l’assainissement, ainsi que l’énergie. Cela montre l’engagement de la Banque à concrétiser sa vision pour le continent africain », a souligné le ministre ajoutant que « le soutien de la Banque à la Zambie a joué un rôle déterminant dans la réalisation des objectifs de développement du pays énoncés dans les plans nationaux de développement, qui mettent notamment l’accent sur la nécessité de construire des infrastructures résilientes, de promouvoir une industrialisation inclusive et durable et d’encourager l’innovation dans tous les secteurs de l’économie. »
M. Musokotwane a énuméré certaines des réalisations transformatrices de la Banque en Zambie, en soulignant tout particulièrement le projet du pont de Kazungula (https://apo-opa.co/4jORboP).
« Nous souhaitons également profiter de cette occasion pour saluer le soutien apporté par la Banque à l’Afrique. Grâce à la Banque, des projets majeurs ont été mis en œuvre tant à l’échelle nationale que continentale pour soutenir l’intégration régionale en Afrique. Parmi les projets phares mis en œuvre figurent le projet du pont de Kazungula, une initiative d’infrastructure majeure qui comprend la construction d’un pont routier et ferroviaire reliant la Zambie et le Botswana. Il revêt une importance particulière », a poursuivi le ministre.
Parmi les autres projets notables du Groupe de la Banque en Zambie, figurent le projet intégré d’approvisionnement en eau et d’assainissement dans les petites villes, le programme d’assainissement de Lusaka, le projet de développement des compétences et de l’entrepreneuriat et le projet de petits barrages polyvalents.
M. Musokotwane a exhorté la Banque à envisager un soutien accru aux efforts régionaux de relèvement après la sécheresse, en mettant l’accent sur la nécessité de renforcer la résilience économique dans toute la région. L’Afrique australe se remet encore des sécheresses dévastatrices de 2023-2024.
La vice-présidente de la Banque a remercié le gouvernement zambien pour l’octroi d’un terrain de premier choix à Lusaka pour la construction du bureau pays de la Banque.
« Ce nouveau bureau témoigne de notre engagement continu à renforcer notre partenariat avec la Zambie. Nous sommes là pour rester, après tout, la Banque africaine de développement est votre Banque », a déclaré Mme Nwabufo.
Elle a réaffirmé l’engagement de la Banque, en annonçant un engagement de 250 millions de dollars en faveur du projet transformateur de développement du corridor de Lobito (http://apo-opa.co/4kY4CU7). Ce corridor est une voie économique majeure qui doit relier le port de Lobito, en Angola, à la province du Katanga, en République démocratique du Congo, et à la Copperbelt, en Zambie. Il comprend la construction de la ligne ferroviaire Zambie-Angola, la réhabilitation du tronçon congolais avec la mise en place d’un partenariat public-privé, ainsi que la modernisation et la mise en service du chemin de fer angolais.
Les investissements de la Banque africaine de développement en Zambie continuent de produire des résultats remarquables :
Le Document de stratégie pays 2024-2029 pour la Zambie à la Banque africaine de développement met l’accent sur deux priorités clés : renforcer le développement du secteur privé grâce à des investissements dans les infrastructures et promouvoir les chaînes de valeur agricoles pour soutenir l’emploi des jeunes et des femmes. Ce document guidera les interventions de la Banque en Zambie pour la période indiquée.
Olaniyi Durowoju, chef du bureau pays pour la Zambie de la Banque africaine de développement, a noté que « le [nouveau] bureau servira d’espace de travail moderne et efficace, de phare de l’innovation et de centre dynamique pour les partenariats et la collaboration avec les parties prenantes de la Banque, nous permettant ainsi de mieux servir nos clients et le peuple zambien ».
Distribué par APO Group pour African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
Photos supplémentaires : https://apo-opa.co/4mYbuCR
Contact média :
Emeka Anuforo
Département de la communication et des relations extérieures
media@afdb.org
Source: South Africa News Agency
The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has warned the public to remain cautious when dealing with service providers claiming they are licensed, especially as cannabis dispensaries continue to expand.
“SAHPRA has learned that individuals and companies are operating unethically by presenting falsified SAHPRA licences to gain public trust and conduct business.
“SAHPRA stresses that the use of fake licences is not only unlawful but also poses serious risks to public health and safety,” it said in a statement.
According to the local drug regulatory authority, cannabis dispensaries are rapidly increasing in shopping malls, openly displaying copies of SAHPRA licences that were issued to authorise cannabis cultivation and the export of cannabis flowers.
SAHPRA said these licences do not authorise cannabis dispensaries, which is a concerning issue.
SAHPRA CEO, Dr Boitumelo Semete-Makokotlela, has strongly condemned these unethical practices.
“It is highly unethical and illegal for any individual or company to claim SAHPRA authorisation through forged documentation.
“We take this matter seriously, and we will work with law enforcement agencies to ensure that offenders are dealt with swiftly and decisively. The public must be protected from such deceptive behaviour,” she said.
The public is urged to verify the legitimacy of any SAHPRA-issued licence. They can do so by contacting SAHPRA directly through official channels or by checking the website, https://www.sahpra.org.za/, under “Databases and Registers”.
SAHPRA is in the process of sourcing a system that uses barcoding to authenticate these certificates. It will launch a public outreach campaign to raise awareness on how to verify the authenticity of licences.
“Your vigilance can help prevent harm and hold those responsible to account,” SAHPRA said, adding that it remains committed to safeguarding public health by regulating health products with integrity, transparency and accountability.
The public is encouraged to engage only with properly licensed and verified providers.
If you believe a provider is using a fraudulent SAHPRA licence, please report it immediately to SAHPRA at 0800 204 307 or visit the website at https://bit.ly/3nrku5t. – SAnews.gov.za
Source: South Africa News Agency
Cabinet has welcomed government’s recent engagement with leading members of the judiciary, including Chief Justice Mandisa Maya.
Last Friday’s engagement was led by President Cyril Ramaphosa and held at the President’s official residence in Pretoria.
“[The Constitutional Court] is an important instrument in the protection of our Constitutional democracy.
“It is in this spirit that Cabinet welcomed the engagement between government and the judiciary led by Chief Justice Mandisa Maya and heads of courts – hosted by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
“The engagement focused on discussing the implementation of outstanding administrative measures to give effect to the Constitutional provisions of ensuring the judiciary, like Parliament, operates as an independent arm of the state,” Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said at a media briefing on Thursday.
READ | President Ramaphosa to meet with the Judiciary
Currently, the budget of the Constitutional Court is administered by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development whereas Parliament administers its own budget.
“Both the Executive and the Judiciary reaffirmed the shared commitment to building a stronger, more effective justice system, firmly anchored in the values of our Constitution,” she said at the post Cabinet briefing held in Cape Town.
Repatriating heroes
Turning to the launch of the second phase of the South African government’s exile repatriation and reburial project, Ntshavheni highlighted the importance of bringing back the remains of loved ones who died in exile.
Government has already announced that 58 indigenous Khoi and San ancestral remains will be reburied in the Northern Cape.
READ | Government to bring back 58 Khoi and San ancestral remains for reburial in SA
“While tracing, exhuming and returning back home the remains of liberation fighters who died in exile remains a focus, the initiative to bring home and rebury the remains of the Khoi and San from outside the country is important in the accurate recording of the ancestry of this country.
“The process of the reburial of the 58 ancestral remains of the Khoi and San that originated from the Northern Cape is at an advanced stage and consultations with the affected communities are underway.
“This initiative builds on the success of the repatriation of 49 former freedom fighters in 2024 and it is a testament to government’s commitment to addressing historical injustices and fostering a sense of unity and healing within the nation,” she said.
A joint delegation is expected to embark on a technical mission to Southern African counterparts, Angola, Lesotho, Zambia and Zimbabwe to “conduct further research, cemetery record inspections and grave mapping.” – SAnews.gov.za
Source: South Africa News Agency
Thursday, June 12, 2025
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) Chief Executive Officer, Themba Matlou, has pledged maximum support to the families affected by the devastating floods that have wreaked havoc and claimed 57 lives in the OR Tambo District, Eastern Cape.
In a statement on Thursday, the agency said it has acted swiftly, through its Social Relief of Distress programme, to assist families whose homes were severely affected during the floods.
“To this end, SASSA is active at three established sites, where about 229 people are served with three nutritious meals a day, reinforcing the agency’s commitment to immediate food security. In addition, 229 vanity packs and five baby packs have been procured and distributed to meet essential personal and infant care needs,” SASSA said.
In anticipation of the transition phase, SASSA has developed a Disengagement Plan aimed at equipping beneficiaries with basic resources to support reintegration and restore stability. This package will include:
Recognising the profound impact of loss on families, SASSA will provide two vouchers in support of the grieving families with immediate needs.
Matlou said SASSA has a mandate, derived from the Social Assistance Act, to offer assistance to the affected families.
“Social Relief of Distress is temporary provision of assistance intended for persons in such a dire material need that they are unable to meet their families’ most basic needs. We also wish to offer our utmost condolences to the families of the deceased and wish a speedy recovery to those who are injured.
“We are working very closely with all the relevant stakeholders in the social cluster of the province to ensure that maximum support is given to the distressed families. We extend our gratitude to all stakeholders, partners, and community members, who continue to support this vital work,” Matlou said. – SAnews.gov.za
Source: South Africa News Agency
Thursday, June 12, 2025
The Department of Agriculture is currently assessing the possibility of implementing regionalisation for chicken imports from Brazil to ensure local demand is met without compromising biosecurity.
This follows South Africa’s suspension of imports of live poultry, eggs, and fresh (including frozen) poultry meat from Brazil after an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Brazil reported an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1 – clade 2.3.4.4b) in chickens, in a breeding establishment (parents), located in the municipality of Montenegro, state of Rio Grande do Sul, on 15 May 2025.
This necessitated South Africa to suspend trade of live poultry, eggs and fresh poultry meat, and revised its import permit process.
Agriculture Minister, John Steenhuisen, noted that while South Africa’s poultry industry has sufficient domestic slaughter chickens, concerns remain over the impact the suspension import of Brazilian poultry on the country’s food supply chain, particularly the affordability and accessibility of processed meats and pet foods.
He said the department is in constant engagement with the Brazilian authorities to determine if the outbreak has not spread to other States and a confirmation that there are no additional affected farms in other regions.
“This is a necessary procedure of ensuring that we don’t introduce the virus to South Africans and infect the poultry industry. We need to balance food security realities with biosecurity imperatives,” Steenhuisen explained.
The Minister added that the department has established that the reason for the delay in Brazil responding to South Africa’s enquiries is due to the number of similar enquiries Brazil is receiving and responding to, since Brazil exports poultry products to many other countries. – SAnews.gov.za
Source: South Africa News Agency
The South African government is determined to deal with crime despite media reports to the contrary.
This is the word from Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, who briefed the media in Cape Town on Thursday.
“Cabinet has noted the continuous debate about crime in South Africa and allegations that there is a lack of a concrete government plan to deal with crime in South Africa. This is despite that on the 23rd of May 2025, the Minister of Police released the 2024/25 fourth quarter [statistics].
“During this crime statistics release, the Minister of Police outlined the Seventh Administration’s policing priorities,” she said.
Those priorities are:
• Reducing the murder rate;
• reducing illegal firearms and tightening controls over legal firearms.
• Fighting gender-based violence and femicide (GBV+F) and
• dismantling organised crime, including drug trafficking syndicates, cash-in-transit heists, extortion and kidnappings, tackling gang violence and combating corruption both within the South African Police Service (SAPS) and across the country.
READ | Sexual offences and commercial crime remain a concern
“The…statistics showed progress of a general decline compared to the same period in the previous financial year. For example, of the 30 high crime police stations in terms of reporting, 13 have recorded lower counts [of crime reporting] and two recorded no change.
“On farm murders…whereas in principle, government does not categorise South Africans in terms of race, in light of recent misinformation, the following are the statistics; of the farm owners killed – both… were African. Of the farm workers killed, both…of them were Africans and of the five farm managers killed, one was African [thereby] dismantling the misinformation that there is a targeted attack on White commercial farmers or White farmers in general,” she explained.
READ | More farm murder victims are African, Police Minister
Furthermore, Operation Shanela continues to score gains against illegal firearms with 128 of those seized recently.
“The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations is also continuing its work which resulted in 656 suspects appearing in court, including 364 linked to serious organised crimes, 220 from serious commercial crimes and 72 from serious corruption.
“On GBVF, a roundtable led by [the] Inter-Ministerial Committee on GBVF will be held…tomorrow at the Atteridgeville Community Hall in Pretoria and this will focus on the National Strategic Plan implementation and progress thereof. It will also evaluate and reinforce the effectiveness and efficiencies of services provided to GBVF victims,” she said.
Political killings
Cabinet also welcomed the guilty plea entered into by Sibusiso Ngcengwa in the murder of former ANC Youth League Secretary General and municipal councilor, Sindiso Magaqa.
Magaqa was killed in 2017 in an apparent hit in KwaZulu-Natal.
“Cabinet takes political killings seriously more so because the victims of those are people who are committed to the fight against corruption in municipalities or in government.
“We are hopeful that this breakthrough will shed further light on other players involved in the murder of Mr Sindiso Magaqa,” Ntshavheni said. – SAnews.gov.za
Adriano Mongini, CEO of international energy company Azule Energy, will speak at this year’s Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) conference. Taking place on September 3-4 in Luanda, the event is the premier event for the country’s oil and gas industry, convening leaders, operators and financiers under one roof. At the helm of various impactful projects in Angola, Azule Energy is well-positioned to lead dialogue on Angola’s oil and gas industry – which continues to serve as a catalyst for development as the country celebrates 50 years of independence in 2025.
As the country’s largest independent equity producer of oil and gas, Azule Energy has set a bold target to reach 250,000 barrels per day (bpd). To achieve this, the company is advancing offshore oil projects while spearheading the country’s first non-associated gas development. Through innovative FPSO technologies, expanded production facilities and partnerships with international operators, the company is setting a strong benchmark for sustainable oil and gas production. At AOG 2025, Mongini is expected to outline ongoing projects.
AOG is the largest oil and gas event in Angola. Taking place with the full support of the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas; the National Oil, Gas and Biofuels Agency; the Petroleum Derivatives Regulatory Institute; national oil company Sonangol; and the African Energy Chamber; the event is a platform to sign deals and advance Angola’s oil and gas industry. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.
Azule Energy is preparing to start operations at two major oil and gas projects. The first project, featuring the development of the Agogo FPSO, aims to increase production capacity at the Agogo Integrated West Hub Development. Situated in Block 15/06, the project comprises the operational Ngoma FPSO, with the addition of the Agogo vessel expected to increase capacity by 120,000 bpd. The project is developed in partnership with Angola’s national oil company Sonangol E&P and Chinese firm Sinopec. As of May 2025, the Agogo FPSO arrived in Angolan waters, planning a H2, 2025 start.
In addition to the Agogo project, Azule Energy – as operator of the New Gas Consortium (NGC) – is developing the country’s first non-associated gas project. The project will harness gas resources from the Quiluma & Maboqueiro (Q&M) shallow water fields and features the construction of an onshore facility and a connection to the Angola LNG plant in Soyo. In February 2025, Azule Energy – alongside its NGC partners Cabinda Gulf Oil Company, Sonangol P&P and TotalEnergies – completed the offshore platforms for the project. Production is set to start in early-2026.
With 18 licenses – 11 of which are operated – and a combined production portfolio of 210,000 bpd, Azule Energy plays an instrumental part in monetizing Angola’s oil and gas resources. As the company expands its production portfolio, Azule Energy will continue to unlock value from the hydrocarbon market. Through his participation at AOG 2025, Mongini will offer insight into the company’s strategy in Angola, including non-associated gas opportunities, strategies for boosting production and future prospects.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.
Set to launch in June 2025 with an initial $5 billion in capital, the African Energy Bank (AEB) is positioned to catalyze a shift in Africa’s energy sector. Established by the African Petroleum Producers’ Organization (APPO) in partnership with multilateral financial institution Afreximbank, the AEB aims to mobilize capital for upstream, midstream and downstream energy projects, addressing a continent-wide investment shortfall estimated at up to $50 billion annually. By providing accessible, Africa-focused financing, the AEB is expected to reduce dependency on foreign capital and imports, especially in the downstream sector where over 80% of refined petroleum products are currently imported.
The AEB’s role in advancing refining capacity and downstream development will take center stage at this year’s African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025 conference – taking place from September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town. As Africa’s premier platform for energy dialogue and investment, AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 will spotlight the AEB’s potential to transform Africa’s energy landscape.
Driving Refining Capacity Through Local Investment
Despite holding over 125 billion barrels of oil and 620 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, Africa continues to struggle with insufficient refining capacity, forcing nations to export crude oil and re-import refined products at a premium. Institutions such as the African Refiners and Distributors Association (ARDA) have long-advocated for investment in modernizing and expanding Africa’s refining infrastructure. Current projections indicate that African petroleum demand will increase from 4.1 million barrels per day (bpd) to 5.3 million bpd by 2040 – a trend that underscores the urgency of building self-sufficient refining systems.
As such, the AEB – headquartered in Abuja, Nigeria and scheduled to begin operations in the second quarter of 2025 – is uniquely positioned to support strategic investment across Africa’s downstream and refining sectors. With an ambition to grow its asset base to $120 billion, the bank is positioned to unlock domestic value chains and catalyze large-scale projects that meet the continent’s rising demand for petroleum.
Momentum in Downstream Expansion
Recent developments across the continent reflect growing momentum to scale refining capacity. Angola expects phase one of the Cabinda refinery to begin operations in 2025, bringing 60,000 bpd to the market. The country has a goal to increase capacity to 445,000 bpd and is on track to reduce imports of derivatives by 14% by 2026. Nigeria’s 650,000-bpd Dangote Refinery began producing diesel and aviation fuel in 2024, marking a significant milestone for domestic processing. Similarly, upgrades to the Port Harcourt Refinery and ongoing expansion to Ghana’s Sentuo Oil Refinery highlight national efforts to meet growing demand.
Equatorial Guinea’s recent agreement with Shanghai SupeZet to build a new refinery and expand the Bata facility further illustrates the strategic push toward local processing. These efforts not only reduce import dependency but also create jobs, enhance energy security and promote regional trade in refined products.
Aligning Regional Integration and Investment
Africa’s refining and energy infrastructure ambitions are closely tied to broader goals of economic integration. The African Continental Free Trade Agreement, ratified by more than 48 countries, creates a platform for cross-border energy projects by removing trade barriers and harmonizing investment policies. It also supports the development of regional supply chains, enhancing the commercial viability of shared infrastructure.
The AEB will play a central role in supporting these regional ambitions by working with over 700 African financial institutions and APPO member states to channel funding into integrated, cross-border energy systems. By reducing the time, cost and risk associated with project development, the bank could accelerate the pace of infrastructure buildout across the continent.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
About African Energy Week:
AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.
