Development Banks Commit $50 Billion To Power Africa, Electrify 300 Million Homes
African Development Bank Group, the World Bank Group, and other development partners have made a landmark commitment to allocate nearly $50 billion in financing to make electricity accessible to 300 million people across Africa by 2030.
The AfDB and World Bank Group have announced a total of $48 billion in support, while other partners have also made significant commitments:
Agence Française de Dévelopment (AFD) pledged €1 billion while Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) committed $1 billion to $1.5 billion to support Mission 300.
Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group pledged $2.65 billion in support of Mission 300 and energy access in Africa from 2025-2030.
The OPEC Fund for International Development also announced an initial commitment of $1 billion in support of Mission 300, with additional financing to follow.
These pledges were made at the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit hosted by the United Republic of Tanzania in Dar es Salaam.
Twelve countries presented detailed National Energy Compacts, which set targets to scale up electricity access, increase renewable energy use, and attract private capital.
These country-specific plans are time-bound, rooted in data, endorsed at the highest level and focus on affordable power generation, expanding connections, and regional integration.
They aim to boost utility efficiency and expand clean cooking solutions.
Deploying satellite and electronic mapping technologies, these compacts identify the most cost-effective solutions to bring electricity to underserved areas.
“Access to electricity is a fundamental human right. Without it, countries and people cannot thrive,” said Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank Group.
“Our mission to provide electricity to half of the 600 million people in Africa without access is a critical first step. To succeed, we must embrace a simple truth: no one can do it alone. Governments, businesses, philanthropies, and development banks each have a role—and only through collaboration can we achieve our goal.”
Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, President of the African Development Bank Group, emphasized the need for decisive action to accelerate electrification across the continent. “Critical reforms will be needed to expand the share of renewables, improve utility performance, ensure transparency in licensing and power purchase agreements, and establish predictable tariff regimes that reflect production costs.
“Our collective effort is to support you, heads of state and government, in developing and implementing clear, country-led national energy compacts to deliver on your visions for electricity in your respective countries.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: GNPC, ENI Commit To Greater Partnerships For Energy Sector Growth
Ghana’s national oil company, GNPC, and Italian oil and gas firm, Eni, have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their partnership to drive growth in Ghana’s energy sector.
This commitment was made during a high-level meeting between GNPC’s CEO, Edward Abambire Bawa, and Eni Ghana’s Managing Director, Maurizio Pinna, at the GNPC office in Accra.
The meeting was part of Hon. Bawa’s early engagements with key industry partners and yielded fruitful discussions on areas of opportunity for greater collaboration and synergy.
The discussions focused on improving relationships between GNPC and ENI, as well as identifying opportunities for joint initiatives, optimization of existing assets, and future exploration prospects.
Bawa emphasized the importance of strengthening partnerships to advance GNPC’s vision of maximizing oil and gas production while ensuring environmental sustainability.
He reaffirmed the Corporation’s commitment to leveraging strategic alliances to enhance efficiency and create value across the petroleum value chain Eni executives expressed confidence in GNPC’s leadership and reiterated their commitment to deepening engagement with the Corporation.
This renewed commitment aligns with GNPC’s vision for Ghana’s energy security and economic development.
The partnership between GNPC and Eni is expected to drive growth in Ghana’s energy sector, creating value across the petroleum value chain while ensuring environmental sustainability.
GNPC and Eni have a history of collaboration, having worked together on the Offshore Cape Three Points (OCTP) project, which provides domestic gas supply to Ghana’s thermal power plants.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
He reaffirmed the Corporation’s commitment to leveraging strategic alliances to enhance efficiency and create value across the petroleum value chain Eni executives expressed confidence in GNPC’s leadership and reiterated their commitment to deepening engagement with the Corporation.
This renewed commitment aligns with GNPC’s vision for Ghana’s energy security and economic development.
The partnership between GNPC and Eni is expected to drive growth in Ghana’s energy sector, creating value across the petroleum value chain while ensuring environmental sustainability.
GNPC and Eni have a history of collaboration, having worked together on the Offshore Cape Three Points (OCTP) project, which provides domestic gas supply to Ghana’s thermal power plants.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Ghana: Fuel Export To Sahel Region Soars By 23% In 2023
Ghana’s crude oil and refined petroleum product imports rose to 5,145,000 metric tonnes in 2023 from 4,199,000 metric tonnes in 2022, data by the Chamber of Bulk Oil Distribution Companies has revealed.
This represents a significant 23% increment of the 2022 imports figure.
Specifically, crude oil import accounted for 424,773 metric tonnes, representing 8%, while refined petroleum accounted for 4,720,227 metric tonnes, representing 92% of the total imports.
In view of the increase in import, export of petroleum products from Ghana to Sahel countries also rose to 314,234 metric tonnes in 2023, representing 8% rise from the 2022 figure.
The export products comprise 180,641 metric tonnes of gasoline, 67,186 metric tonnes of LPG, 65,112 metric tonnes of gasoil and 1,262 metric tonnes of ATK.
Per the destination of the products, Burkina Faso accounts for 97.7% while Mali, Niger and Togo account for 2.3%.
Sonabhly, a Burkinabe BDC, transited 97% of the total product to Burkina Faso, while Ghanaian-owned BDCs exported the remaining 3%.
In terms of volumes, Sonabhly transited 180,674 metric tonnes of gasoline, 61,419 metric tonnes of gasoil, 62,737 metric tonnes of LPG, while Fueltrade exported 380 metric tonnes of gasoil and 3,368 metric tonnes of LPG.
State-owned Bulk Energy Storage and Transportation Company Limited, formerly BOST, exported 1,830 metric tonnes of gasoil.
Go Energy, a subsidiary of GOIL PLC, exported 456 metric tonnes of gasoil, while Sage and Juwel Energy exported 1,081 metric tonnes of ATK and 1,027 metric tonnes of gasoil respectively.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Nigeria Energy 2025
Date: 28 – 30 October 2025
Location: Landmark Centre, Lagos
Nigeria Energy, now in its 11th edition, stands as West Africa’s leading energy event because of our dedication to bringing together a comprehensive array of industry leaders, innovators, and game-changing technologies.
We believe in showcasing the entire energy value chain, from cutting-edge generation and transmission advancements to groundbreaking solutions in renewables and energy efficiency.
Nigeria Energy ignites thought leadership through high-level conferences featuring expert speakers at the forefront of the industry.
We create a platform for invaluable insights, critical discussions, and fostering meaningful connections that collectively chart the course for a brighter energy future for West Africa.
Africa Energy Forum 2025
Date: 17 – 20 June 2025
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
We were delighted to host in Barcelona, Spain at the Fira de Montjuic for the 26th edition of the Africa Energy Forum (aef).
We are truly grateful for the diverse group of experts, stakeholders, and visionaries from across the energy sector globally that came together, creating a platform for meaningful dialogue and collaboration.
This year we brought together over 2,100 people, including H.E. Honourable Jeremiah Kpan Koung, Vice President of Liberia, 21 Honourable Ministers and over 100 participants from across Africa’s public sector and government organisations. We want to extend our sincere thanks to Sun Africa, AKSA, IFC & MIGA, Globeleq & Nedbank, and to all our sponsors, exhibitors and partners who supported the forum this year.
“Running under the theme of Energy Systems of the Future – Balancing Africa’s Needs with Global Goals, we were particularly impressed by the engaging discussions and the spirit of cooperation that permeated the forum across sessions, meetings and networking. The commitment to advancing energy solutions that answer the continent’s pressing needs and the continent’s energy challenges are truly inspiring.” – Georgia Ermilios
Tanzania: Heads Of State Commit To Concrete Plans To Transform Africa’s Energy Sector
Thirty African Heads of State and governments have committed to concrete reforms and actions to expand access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity to power economic growth, improve quality of life, and drive job creation across the continent.
The Dar es Salaam Energy Declaration, endorsed at the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit, represents a key milestone in addressing the energy gap in Africa, where more than 600 million people currently live without electricity.
The commitments in the Declaration are a critical piece of the Mission 300 initiative, which unites governments, development banks, partners, philanthropies, and the private sector to connect 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030.
At the summit, Mission 300 partners pledged more than $50 billion in support of increasing energy access across Africa. The Declaration will now be submitted to the African Union Summit in February for adoption.
By addressing the fundamental challenge of energy access, Mission 300 serves as the cornerstone of the jobs agenda for Africa’s growing youth population and the foundation for future development.
Twelve countries—Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, and Zambia—presented detailed National Energy Compacts that set targets to scale up electricity access, increase the use of renewable energy and attract additional private capital.
These country-specific plans are time-bound, rooted in data, endorsed at the highest level and focus on affordable power generation, expanding connections, and regional integration.
They aim to boost utility efficiency and expand clean cooking solutions. Deploying satellite and electronic mapping technologies, these compacts identify the most cost-effective solutions to bring electricity to underserved areas.
“Tanzania is honored to have hosted such a monumental summit to discuss how, as leaders, we will be able to deliver on our promise to our citizens to provide power and clean cooking solutions that will transform lives and economies,” said H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the Republic of Tanzania.
Implementing the National Energy Compacts will require political will, long-term vision and the full support of Mission 300 partners. Governments are paving the way through comprehensive reforms, complemented by increased concessional financing and strategic partnerships with philanthropies and development banks to catalyze increased private sector investment.
“Access to electricity is a fundamental human right. Without it, countries and people cannot thrive,” said Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank Group. “Our mission to provide electricity to half of the 600 million people in Africa without access is a critical first step. To succeed, we must embrace a simple truth: no one can do it alone. Governments, businesses, philanthropies, and development banks each have a role—and only through collaboration can we achieve our goal.”
Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, President of the African Development Bank Group, emphasized the need for decisive action to accelerate electrification across the continent. “Critical reforms will be needed to expand the share of renewables, improve utility performance, ensure transparency in licensing and power purchase agreements, and establish predictable tariff regimes that reflect production costs. Our collective effort is to support you, heads of state and government, in developing and implementing clear, country-led national energy compacts to deliver on your visions for electricity in your respective countries.”
During the summit, partners announced a series of commitments:
African Development Bank Group and the World Bank Group plan to allocate $48 billion in financing for Mission 300 through 2030, which may evolve to fit implementation needs
Agence Française de Dévelopment (AFD): €1 billion to support energy access in Africa
Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB): $1 billion to $1.5 billion to support Mission 300
Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group: $2.65 billion in support of Mission 300 and energy access in Africa from 2025-2030 OPEC Fund: $1 billion in support of Mission 300 and energy access in Africa
The World Bank Group and the African Development Bank Group launched Zafiri, an investment company that supports private sector-led solutions, such as renewable mini-grids and solar home systems. Zafiri anchor partners will invest up to $300 million in the first phase and mobilize up to $1 billion to address the persistent equity gap in Africa.
The firm commitments made by governments and partners at the summit demonstrate the unique power of the Mission 300 partnership. By combining government reforms, increased financing, and public-private partnerships, African countries are positioned to turn plans into action, delivering tangible benefits to millions of people.
The Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit was hosted by the United Republic of Tanzania, the African Union, the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), and the World Bank Group (WBG), with support from the Rockefeller Foundation, Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP), Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) and the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Implementing the National Energy Compacts will require political will, long-term vision and the full support of Mission 300 partners. Governments are paving the way through comprehensive reforms, complemented by increased concessional financing and strategic partnerships with philanthropies and development banks to catalyze increased private sector investment.
“Access to electricity is a fundamental human right. Without it, countries and people cannot thrive,” said Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank Group. “Our mission to provide electricity to half of the 600 million people in Africa without access is a critical first step. To succeed, we must embrace a simple truth: no one can do it alone. Governments, businesses, philanthropies, and development banks each have a role—and only through collaboration can we achieve our goal.”
Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, President of the African Development Bank Group, emphasized the need for decisive action to accelerate electrification across the continent. “Critical reforms will be needed to expand the share of renewables, improve utility performance, ensure transparency in licensing and power purchase agreements, and establish predictable tariff regimes that reflect production costs. Our collective effort is to support you, heads of state and government, in developing and implementing clear, country-led national energy compacts to deliver on your visions for electricity in your respective countries.”
During the summit, partners announced a series of commitments:
African Development Bank Group and the World Bank Group plan to allocate $48 billion in financing for Mission 300 through 2030, which may evolve to fit implementation needs
Agence Française de Dévelopment (AFD): €1 billion to support energy access in Africa
Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB): $1 billion to $1.5 billion to support Mission 300
Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group: $2.65 billion in support of Mission 300 and energy access in Africa from 2025-2030 OPEC Fund: $1 billion in support of Mission 300 and energy access in Africa
The World Bank Group and the African Development Bank Group launched Zafiri, an investment company that supports private sector-led solutions, such as renewable mini-grids and solar home systems. Zafiri anchor partners will invest up to $300 million in the first phase and mobilize up to $1 billion to address the persistent equity gap in Africa.
The firm commitments made by governments and partners at the summit demonstrate the unique power of the Mission 300 partnership. By combining government reforms, increased financing, and public-private partnerships, African countries are positioned to turn plans into action, delivering tangible benefits to millions of people.
The Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit was hosted by the United Republic of Tanzania, the African Union, the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), and the World Bank Group (WBG), with support from the Rockefeller Foundation, Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP), Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) and the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Ghana: Newly Appointed CEO Of Petroleum Commission Faces Probe
President John Dramani Mahama’s appointee for Petroleum Commission, Ghana, the regulator for upstream petroleum sector, Emeafa Hardcastle, is in trouble for making uncomplimentary comments about the Nsawam-Adoagyiri Member of Parliament, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, during the Appointment Committee’s vetting of some Ministerial nominees on Tuesday, January 28.
Emeafa Hardcastle, in a video widely circulated on social media, is seen engaging in alterations with the legislator, after the latter took offence for referring to the minority group in Parliament as a “micro minority’.
Her public outburst has sparked condemnation from some Ghanaians on social media and some lawmakers, including the Education Minister, Haruna Iddrisu, who demanded an apology and retraction from Hardcastle.
Raising the issue on the floor of Parliament, Annoh-Dompreh appealed to Speaker Alban Bagbin, requesting a probe and formation of the Privileges Committee to deal with the matter.
In response, Speaker Bagbin announced plans to summon Hardcastle on Thursday, January 30, to investigate the incident.
Bagbin assured the House that he would provide updates on the matter by Friday.
However, Comfort Doyoe, Leader of the Women’s Caucus, appealed for calm, urging the Minority Chief Whip to withdraw his application to the Speaker while she worked to address the issue.
This portal cannot tell whether the issue can affect her appointment.
Emeafa Hardcastle would replace Egbert Faibille Jnr who served as the CEO of the Petroleum Commission for the past eight years under the immediate past administration of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Nigeria To Ban Movement Of Inflammable Products During Day Time
Nigeria is considering a ban on movement of inflammable products on its road during day time.
This move is aimed at preventing further loss of lives due to recent fuel tanker explosions which claimed several lives in different parts of the country.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, NSCDC, Ebonyi Command, which is pushing for the ban, believes it is time such decisive action was taken to prevent loss of lives and properties.
The Corps Commandant, Francis Nnadi, is worried about crashes involving articulated vehicles with such inflammable products.
He further called on other security agencies in the country to collaborate and end the incessant gas explosion.
The Commandant recalled the incident in Niger State where many lives were lost and the recent event in Ugwu-Onyeama in the Enugu State.
“Let us stop these tanker ladden with inflammable materials plying the road at day time when the roads are choked.
“We recommend this to governments to enforce it. All filling station owners, gas owners, if you have to move in your products here, let it be when the roads are less busy, especially at night.
“We have to stop these tanker drivers from operating in the day time and call for a meeting with the association because this incidents don’t happen at night.
“My take is, let’s have a holistic approach to it by educating these tanker drivers,” he said.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Oil Revenue Hits $517 Million In Second Half 2024
Ghana has generated an impressive $517 million in crude oil revenues during the second half of 2024, according to the Bank of Ghana’s latest report.
This significant influx of revenue is a testament to the country’s thriving oil industry and its crucial role in driving economic growth.
The report reveals that $369 million of the total revenue accrued from crude oil liftings at the Jubilee, TEN, and Sankofa Gye Nyame oil and gas fields, with the liftings occuring between July and October.
Additionally, the upstream petroleum sector contributed $144 million in corporate taxes, while Planet One Oil and Gas Limited paid $74,000 in surface rental fees.
The Ghana Petroleum Funds also received a substantial allocation of $454 million, with the Ghana Heritage Fund getting $136.2 million and the Ghana Stabilization Fund receiving $317.8 million.
These funds play a vital role in ensuring the sustainability of Ghana’s petroleum revenue management framework.
The steady flow of oil revenue has been instrumental in supporting key sectors such as energy, transportation, and education.
Moreover, the Ghana Stabilization Fund provides a crucial buffer against external shocks, shielding the economy from volatile global oil prices.
As Ghana continues to reap the benefits of its oil industry, this significant revenue boost is expected to contribute to the country’s economic growth and fiscal resilience.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: ECG Denies Responsibility For Koforidua Fire Outbreak At Private Property
The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has denied responsibility for a fire that gutted a residential property in Two-Streams, a suburb of Koforidua in the Eastern Region.
This follows media reports alleging that an ECG disconnection exercise sparked a fire at a residential facility in Two-Streams.
According to ECG, the said customer who is indebted to ECG to the tune of GHC 6,519.38 customer resisted the disconnection and further threatened the ECG staff with a machete.
Sensing danger, the ECG staff called for Police assistance, and in the presence of the Police, the ECG team disconnected the facility directly from the pole outside the facility
A statement issued by ECG on Monday (27 January) said the fire incident in question happened later after the disconnection.
”The attention of the Electricity Company of Ghana Limited (ECG) has been drawn to online publications accusing ECG staff of causing fire to a residential facility at Two-Streams in Koforidua, after a disconnection exercise. ECG wishes to state clearly that the allegations are completely false and must be ignored.
”The ECG post-paid customer in question owes ECG to the tune of GHC6,519.38 since September 2024 and has been disconnected for non-payment of bills. On 24th January 2025, as part of the ongoing revenue mobilization exercise (Operation Keep the Lights On), the ECG team visited the customer’s facility and discovered an illegal self-reconnection by the customer, and the team decided to disconnect the customer for the illegality.”
”The customer resisted the disconnection, and threatened the ECG staff with a machete. Sensing danger, the ECG staff called for Police assistance, and in the presence of the Police, the ECG team disconnected the facility directly from the pole outside the facility. The fire outbreak, per the reports, occurred later in the day, hours after our team had left the area of the incident,” the statement said.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
African Energy Ministers, Nocs And Regulators Stand Out Among AEC’s 2025 Movers And Shakers
Key African energy ministers, national oil companies (NOCs) and regulators have been recognized for their contributions to advancing hydrocarbon exploration, LNG megaprojects and policy reforms in the African Energy Chamber’s Top 40 Movers and Shakers to Watch in 2025 list.
Namibia’s Tom Alweendo, Minister of Mines and Energy, is at the forefront of the country’s emerging oil industry. With first oil expected by 2029 and a pioneering local content policy in place, Minister Alweendo is focused on translating Orange Basin discoveries into tangible development, while balancing investor and community needs.
In the Republic of Congo, Bruno Jean-Richard Itoua, Minister of Hydrocarbons, has led milestones including the country’s first LNG exports and the Banga Kayo gas project.
As Congo prepares for a 2025 licensing round and implements its Gas Master Plan, Minister Itoua’s leadership will be critical in positioning the country as a leading energy hub.
Equatorial Guinea’s Antonio Oburu Ondo, Minister of Mines and Hydrocarbons, is driving efforts to reverse declining oil and gas production.
Minister Ondo is tasked with securing investment, implementing the Gulf of Guinea gas pipeline project with Nigeria, and advancing the Yoyo-Yolanda gas project to revitalize the country’s energy sector.
Africa’s leading NOCs and regulators were also recognized for their pivotal role in driving energy sector developments in 2025. Godfrey Moagi, CEO of South Africa’s National Petroleum Company (SANPC), is spearheading efforts to develop the Brulpadda and Luiperd discoveries, while advancing gas-to-power projects at Saldanha Bay, Richards Bay and Coega LNG terminals. Moagi’s leadership will determine SANPC’s ability to establish itself as a key player in the country’s energy transition.
In Angola, Sebastião Gaspar Martins, CEO of Sonangol, is driving a sweeping transformation to restore the company’s profitability. With strategic partnerships, operational streamlining and the sale of non-core assets, Sonangol is poised to emerge as a more efficient and competitive entity under his guidance.
Maxient Raoul Ominga, Managing Director of SNPC, is spearheading initiatives in the Republic of Congo to boost oil production to 500,000 barrels per day. Through the development of key fields and implementation of the Gas Master Plan, Ominga is positioning Congo as a competitive gas player while reducing flaring and diversifying revenue streams.
In Ivory Coast, Fatoumata Sanogo, CEO of PETROCI, is driving hydrocarbon development through strategic partnerships with TotalEnergies and Eni. With the Baleine field development on track to significantly boost production by 2025, PETROCI is cementing the country’s position as a regional energy hub.
Sylvia dos Anjos, Head of E&P at Petrobras, is leading the Brazilian NOC’s ambitious re-entry into Africa, targeting markets in Namibia, South Africa and Angola. Her vision focuses on leveraging untapped reserves to establish Petrobras as a competitive player and strengthen Brazil’s partnership with Africa.
In Sierra Leone, Foday Mansaray, Director General of the Petroleum Directorate, is fostering investment in offshore oil and gas exploration. Following the successful conclusion of Sierra Leone’s fifth licensing round, Mansaray is focused on turning interest into tangible exploration and production gains.
As Africa’s energy future continues to unfold, the AEC remains committed to recognizing and supporting the leaders who are making transformative impacts in the sector.
Source: Energy Chamber
Tanzania: Mission 300 Energy Summit Gathers Africa’s Leaders And Partners To Transform The Energy Sector
African heads of state, business leaders, and development partners have converge in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, for the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit where they will commit to ambitious reforms and actions to expand access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity to 300 million people in Africa by 2030.
Mission 300 is an unprecedented collaboration between the African Development Bank, the World Bank Group, and global partners to address Africa’s electricity access gap using new technology and innovative financing.
Nearly 600 million Africans lack electricity, which is crucial for development and job creation.
Several heads of state and government from Africa will join more than 1,000 other participants—with strong representation from the private sector—at the January 27-28 summit.
Together, they will chart Africa’s course toward universal access to energy.
This week’s summit is expected to yield two significant outcomes: the Dar es Salaam Energy Declaration, outlining commitments and practical actions from African governments to reform the energy sector, and the first set of National Energy Compacts, which will serve as blueprints with country-specific targets and timelines for implementation of critical reforms.
In the first phase, 12 countries will present their energy compacts: Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, and Zambia.
Other African countries are expected to develop their compacts in subsequent phases.
The partnerships forged and commitments made by the continent’s leaders and changemakers will shape the continent’s journey toward achieving universal energy access, transforming millions of lives, and driving sustainable development and job creation.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Poland Warns Against Restarting Russia Gas Supplies
Poland’s president has said that gas flows from Russia to Western Europe should never be restored, even if Russia and Ukraine reach a peace deal.
Andrzej Duda told the BBC that the Nord Stream gas pipelines, which have not been used since 2022, “should be dismantled”.
This, he said, would mean the likes of Germany would not be tempted to restore Russian supplies to boost its own struggling economy.
“I can only hope that European leaders will learn lessons from Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and that they will push through a decision to never restore the pumping of gas through this pipeline,” he said.
The Polish president, speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, insisted that economic sanctions against Russia were working and European countries should resist pressure from companies to re-establish business links.
The Nord Stream gas pipelines were built by Russia’s gas giant Gazprom and run between Russia and northern Germany.
Nord Stream 1 was shut down in 2022 and Nord Stream 2 was never used, following the invasion of Ukraine. Both were damaged by explosions in 2022.
Gas prices in Europe surged after the shutdown and, in recent months, politicians from Germany’s far right AfD party have suggested the Nord Stream gas pipes should resume operations.
Germany will hold federal elections at the end of February.
“I believe the Nord Stream pipelines should be dismantled,” Duda said. “This pipeline causes a very big threat to Ukraine, to Poland, to Slovakia but also to other Central European countries.”
He added: “It is a threat from the point of view of energy, from the point of view of the military but also it is a huge economic threat because it means a domination of Russia over Europe in the economic sense.”
On the prospect of a deal between Ukraine and Russia now that US President Donald Trump has taken office, Duda insisted that no peace talks could take place without the participation of Ukraine.
“I’m saying that in my capacity as president of the Republic of Poland, as a neighbour to Ukraine and also as president of a country who has had very hard historic experiences itself,” he said.
“I’m speaking here and referring to World War Two and to Yalta where we were not included in those talks, where certain agreements were made beyond our heads and then we found ourselves behind the Iron Curtain, where, for almost 50 years, we were part of the Soviet sphere of influence,” he said.
Trump had previously said he would negotiate a settlement to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine launched in February 2022 in 24 hours – he has since acknowledged it could take some time.
Duda said it would be “a violation of international law” for Russia to be allowed to hold on to territory it has occupied in Ukraine.
President Vladimir Putin has said he is prepared to negotiate an end to the war, which first began in 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea, but Ukraine would have to accept the reality of Russian territorial gains, which are currently about 20% of its land.
Putin also refuses to accept Ukraine joining Nato, the military alliance of Western countries.
Duda said: “The international community cannot agree, and it is unacceptable that Russia would take certain territories of Ukraine and keep them by force. This is unacceptable.
“We must not let Russia win this war.”
Duda said Trump “understands the region” and US involvement would be key.
“President Donald Trump – as the leader of the most powerful country within Nato, as the leader of the most powerful economy – will be of key importance,” said Duda.
“I am waiting peacefully for the first steps which will be taken by Donald Trump.”
Source: BBC
Burkina Faso Makes History With Unveiling Of Its First Locally Made Electric Car
Burkina Faso has made history with the unveiling of its first locally made electric car, designed and manufactured entirely by local company ITAOUA.
The unveiling ceremony, held at the Ouaga Mall on Tuesday, 21st January 2025, was attended by Serge Gnaniodem PODA, Minister of Industry, Trade and Crafts, custom authorities, prominent public figures, as well as Burkinabe artists and celebrities.
This groundbreaking achievement showcases the country’s growing industrial and technological capabilities and is set to transform transportation in Burkina Faso and beyond.
The electric car boasts impressive features, including a 30-minute charging time and a range of 330 kilometers. Its efficiency makes it an ideal choice for both urban and rural settings, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and cutting the country’s carbon footprint.
ITAOUA’s achievement highlights the determination and ingenuity of Burkinabe engineers, designers, and workers, representing a significant step towards industrial independence.
This innovation is expected to generate thousands of jobs in manufacturing, sales, maintenance, and renewable energy sectors, paving the way for further economic development.
As the car gains traction, it has the potential to become a valuable export, boosting the nation’s economy.
Burkina Faso’s commitment to sustainability and reducing dependence on imported cars and fossil fuels is underscored by this innovation, inspiring not only the nation but also other countries to invest in local talent and embrace sustainability.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
ITAOUA’s achievement highlights the determination and ingenuity of Burkinabe engineers, designers, and workers, representing a significant step towards industrial independence.
This innovation is expected to generate thousands of jobs in manufacturing, sales, maintenance, and renewable energy sectors, paving the way for further economic development.
As the car gains traction, it has the potential to become a valuable export, boosting the nation’s economy.
Burkina Faso’s commitment to sustainability and reducing dependence on imported cars and fossil fuels is underscored by this innovation, inspiring not only the nation but also other countries to invest in local talent and embrace sustainability.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com