South Africa: Nigeria’s President Ahmed Tinubu To Bring Bold Energy Reforms To AEW 2025 Stage In Cape Town
The African Energy Chamber, the organizers of the African Energy Week (AEW) 2025, has announced that Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will address delegates at Africa’s premier energy event in Cape Town.
President Tinubu’s participation comes as Nigeria undergoes one of the most ambitious reform drives in its oil, gas and broader energy sectors – a drive that is reshaping the country’s investment climate and unlocking multi-billion-dollar opportunities across the value chain.
Since assuming office, President Tinubu has spearheaded a wide-ranging program to reposition Nigeria as a top-tier destination for energy investment.
In May 2025, he signed an Executive Order on Oil & Gas Reforms, aimed at overhauling project delivery frameworks and significantly reducing costs across the industry.
The Order introduces streamlined contracting processes, tax incentives and the removal of regulatory and local content compliance bottlenecks, with a target of cutting upstream project costs by up to 40%.
Such reforms are designed to make Nigeria’s operating environment globally competitive and unlock billions of dollars in new investments.
In the past year, Nigeria has secured over $8 billion in deepwater oil and gas final investment decisions, signalling a renewed appetite among international investors.
ExxonMobil, for example, has committed $1.5 billion to new deepwater field developments.
Shell is also strengthening its position in deepwater and integrated gas – recently increasing its stake in OML 118, which includes the prolific deepwater Bonga field – while Chevron is expanding operations at the Agbami field, one of Nigeria’s largest deepwater discoveries.
Meanwhile, Petrobras has declared its interest in returning to deepwater exploration in Nigeria, seeking frontier acreage because of improved regulatory clarity and investor-friendly reforms.
The country has also unveiled major new initiatives to promote local content and industrial growth, with multi-billion-dollar investments directed at building domestic capacity in fabrication, engineering and services.
This includes the “Naira for Crude” initiative, which aims to promote local refining, enhance energy security and reduce reliance on foreign currency in the domestic oil market.
Beyond upstream developments, Nigeria is advancing its gas monetization strategy and reviving refining capacity to enhance energy security and drive industrialization.
The ongoing operational ramp-up of the 650,000-bpd Dangote refinery – the largest on the continent – is set to begin nationwide distribution of petrol and diesel later this year.
The refinery, along with new investments in petrochemical plants, storage facilities and pipeline infrastructure, is expected to help end Nigeria’s decades-long reliance on gasoline imports, a trade valued at $17 billion.
The U.S., European and global investor community is increasingly engaging with Nigeria as a strategic partner for energy supply diversification and clean energy integration, further solidifying the country’s position as a leading force in Africa’s energy landscape.
“Nigeria under President Tinubu is showing the world how decisive policy reforms can directly translate into investor confidence and tangible project commitments,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.
“What’s happening in Nigeria today is a case study for other African producers: it demonstrates that by cutting red tape, streamlining processes and providing fiscal certainty, countries can attract capital on a large scale while creating real value for their people. We are honored to welcome President Tinubu to AEW 2025 to share this important success story.”
President Tinubu’s address at AEW 2025: Invest in African Energies will provide a unique opportunity for African and global stakeholders to gain insights into Nigeria’s evolving oil and gas sector, the government’s strategy for long-term energy security and the country’s vision for sustainable industrial development.
His leadership is setting a benchmark for how resource-rich nations can balance competitiveness, local value creation and inclusive growth.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
EU Aims To Cut All Russian Gas Imports By 2027
As the European Union seeks to end its dependency on Russian energy, the European Commission is set to propose this week a ban on new contracts for natural gas supply with Russia on the basis of trade law, which needs a majority vote approval instead of a unanimous EU call.
EU companies will be banned from signing new contracts for Russian gas, based on trade law, which is aimed at sidestepping vetoes from Hungary and Slovakia, the Financial Times reported on Monday, quoting a summary of the proposals it had seen.
Hungary and Slovakia, which continue to receive Russian gas via a pipeline through Balkans, have pledged to veto an outright ban in a sanctions package.
Passing sanctions needs unanimous approval from all EU member states, but the use of trade law would require only an approval from the majority of the countries.
Yet, the EU will grant exemptions to Hungary and Slovakia to phase out current Russian gas contracts by 2027, officials familiar with the Commission’s plan told FT.
The phase-out of Russian energy imports is part of the EU’s roadmap to end dependency on Russian energy unveiled last month.
The roadmap calls for the EU to stop all imports of Russian gas by the end of 2027 by improving the transparency, monitoring, and traceability of Russian gas across the EU markets. New contracts with suppliers of Russian gas will be prevented and spot contracts (for immediate payment) will be stopped by the end of 2025, the European Commission said last month.
As part of the EU’s efforts to halt imports of Russian natural gas, the bloc will require EU companies to disclose details of their contracts to buy Russian gas, according to an internal European Commission document seen by Reuters last week.
The EU will demand from EU companies to disclose many details of the deals, including duration, annual contracted volumes, date of conclusion of the contracts, and destination clauses, per the internal documents seen by Reuters.
Source: oilprice.com
Nigeria: Dangote Petroleum Refinery Deploys 4000 CNG Powered Trucks To Distribute Petrol And Diesel Nationwide
Nigeria-based Dangote Petroleum Refinery began a nationwide distribution of premium motor spirit (popularly known as petrol) and diesel on Sunday to marketers, petrol dealers, manufacturers, telecoms firms, aviation, and other large users.
The company is using its newly procured 4000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered tankers for the exercise.
The refinery is also investing in CNG stations, commonly referred to as daughter booster stations, supported by a fleet of over 100 CNG tankers across the country to ensure seamless product distribution, a statement issued by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery said.
“This strategic programme is part of our broader commitment to eliminating logistics costs, enhancing energy efficiency, promoting sustainability and supporting Nigeria’s economic development.
“It affirms our dedication to improving the availability and affordability of fuel, in support of broader efforts to strengthen the economy and improve the well-being of all Nigerians,” the company explained.
Under this initiative, all petrol stations purchasing PMS and diesel from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery will benefit from this enhanced logistics support.
The company explained that key sectors such as manufacturing, telecommunications, and others will also gain from this transformative initiative, as reduced fuel costs will contribute to lower production costs, reduced inflation, and foster economic growth.
According to the company, players in the industry can purchase directly from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
In addition, the refinery will offer a credit facility to those purchasing a minimum of 500,000 litres—allowing them to obtain an additional 500,000 litres on credit for two weeks, under bank guarantee.
The move is expected to revitalise previously inactive petrol stations, thereby driving job creation, stimulating small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), increasing government revenue, improving fuel access in rural and underserved communities, and strengthening investor confidence in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.
This initiative is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, reflecting our shared commitment to economic progress, stability, and inclusive development.
“We sincerely thank the Federal Government for its continued support, especially through the Naira-for-Crude scheme, which has helped stabilise fuel supply amid global price volatility,” Dangote Petroleum Refinery said.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Kenya: Petrol Prices Shoot Up; Diesel, Kerosene Prices Reduced
Kenya’s Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has reviewed fuel prices for the next month, effective Sunday, June 15, 2025, to Monday, July 14, 2025.
The review saw the petrol price going up by KShs 2.69 per litre, while diesel and kerosene decreased by KShs 1.95 and KShs 2.06 per litre, respectively.
As a result, a litre of petrol now retails at KShs 177.32, while diesel and kerosene sell at KShs 162.91 and KShs 146.93, respectively, in Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya.
In other towns like Mombasa and Nakuru, a litre of petrol now retails at KShs 174.01 and KShs 176.47 respectively, while diesel sells at KShs 159.62 and KShs 162.41, respectively.
The regulator attributed its decision to a decrease in the average landed cost of imported fuel products.
According to EPRA, the average landed cost of imported Super Petrol increased by 0.35% from $588.16 per cubic meter in April 2025 to $590.24 per cubic meter in May 2025.
Diesel decreased by 2.42% from $594.60 per cubic meter to $580.23 per cubic meter, while kerosene decreased by 5.14% from $599.84 per cubic meter to $569.00 per cubic meter over the same period.
The prices include the 16% Value Added Tax (VAT) in line with the provisions of the Finance Act 2023, the Tax Laws (Amendment) Act 2024, and the revised excise duty rates adjusted for inflation as per Legal Notice No. 194 of 2020.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
In other towns like Mombasa and Nakuru, a litre of petrol now retails at KShs 174.01 and KShs 176.47 respectively, while diesel sells at KShs 159.62 and KShs 162.41, respectively.
The regulator attributed its decision to a decrease in the average landed cost of imported fuel products.
According to EPRA, the average landed cost of imported Super Petrol increased by 0.35% from $588.16 per cubic meter in April 2025 to $590.24 per cubic meter in May 2025.
Diesel decreased by 2.42% from $594.60 per cubic meter to $580.23 per cubic meter, while kerosene decreased by 5.14% from $599.84 per cubic meter to $569.00 per cubic meter over the same period.
The prices include the 16% Value Added Tax (VAT) in line with the provisions of the Finance Act 2023, the Tax Laws (Amendment) Act 2024, and the revised excise duty rates adjusted for inflation as per Legal Notice No. 194 of 2020.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Israel Bombards Tehran, Setting Two Major Oil Facilities Ablaze
Israel’s latest wave of attacks on Iran took out Tehran’s main gas depot and its central oil refinery in separate parts of the capital, engulfing its sky in smoke and flame early Sunday.
The Shahran fuel and gasoline depot, which has at least 11 storage tanks, was hit and set afire during the Israeli attack that began on Saturday night, Iran’s oil ministry said in a statement.
Shahran is in an affluent neighborhood of luxury high rises.
“The fire is terrifying, it’s massive; there is a lot of commotion here,” said Mostafa Shams, a resident of the area. “It’s the gasoline depots that are exploding one after another, it’s loud and scary.”
Separately in the city’s south, Shahr Rey, one of the country’s largest oil refineries, was also struck, according to Iranian state news media. Emergency crews were trying to contain the fire, and a resident of Tehran, Reza Salehi, said he could see the flames from miles away.
Israel’s targeting of Iran’s energy facilities, a crucial source of export cash for the country as well as of domestic energy, represented a significant escalation in its military campaign against Tehran.
Earlier on Saturday, Israel had struck two key Iranian energy sites, including a section of the South Pars Gas Field, which is one of the world’s largest and critical to Iran’s energy production.
“We have entered the second phase of the war, which is extremely dangerous and destructive,” Abdollah Babakhani, an expert on Iran’s energy sector based in Germany, said on Saturday.
However, the multiple massive explosions targeting energy and fuel facilities in and around the capital spread fear among residents.
Israeli warplanes also struck sites in Tehran related to Iran’s nuclear program, including experimental laboratories, according to two Israeli defense officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity to share sensitive operational details.
A woman named Shirin, who lives near the gasoline depot in northern Tehran and asked that only her first name be used out of fear for her safety, said neighbors were frantically calling each other asking what to do. She said the explosion was so loud that her mother fainted. Shirin’s husband was worried about fuel and gasoline shortage following the attack.
“Israel is attacking left and right; it’s not just military targets, this is our livelihood and our lives,” Shirin said in a phone interview from Tehran. She was also angry at the government in Iran, she said, for not providing any guidance or shelter for civilians caught in the crossfire.
Hamid Hosseini, a member of the energy committee of Iran’s Chamber of Commerce, said Iran’s municipality had been discussing moving the Shahran fuel depot from the residential area in northern Tehran for years, fearing an attack or an accident could be catastrophic.
The attack on the depot set off massive explosions, according to an official at the oil ministry, who said the depots were exploding one after another and threatened to significantly damage residential neighborhoods in the area.
The depot has about 8 million liters per day of gasoline entering its storage tanks and has a capacity to hold about three full days of fuel needs for Tehran, according to the ministry official.
Source:New York Times
Ghana: Gov’t Indefinitely Suspends Implementation Of New Fuel Levy
The Government of Ghana has suspended indefinitely the new fuel levy which was scheduled for implementation on Monday, June 16, 2025.
The new levy imposed Gh¢1 on every litre of petroleum products namely petrol, diesel, LPG and Marine Gas Oil.
The aim was to generate about Gh¢450 million every month to settle nearly US$3 million debt in the energy sector.
The levy received opposition from a section of Ghanaians including the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies and the Minority Caucus in Parliament, citing lack of stakeholder consultation.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner of GRA, Anthony Sarpong, it said his outfit had been instructed by the Minister for Finance to put the implementation on hold.
The statement said a new effective date would be announced in due course.
The suspension provides a temporary relief to consumers amid concerns over the rising fuel prices and cost of living pressures.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: New Fuel Levy: Presidential Advisor Joyce Bawah Mogtari Sends Message To Ghanaians
Presidential Advisor and Aide to Ghana’s President, Joyce Bawah Mogtari, has waded into the controversy surrounding the GH¢1 levy imposed on every litre of petroleum products by the government, suggesting that the levy is intended to address key issues aimed at restoring Ghana’s economy to a sound footing.
According to her, the levy aims to achieve macroeconomic stability, fix the energy crisis, safeguard jobs, and drive development and progress.
The new levy, passed by Parliament on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, under the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025, aims to raise revenue to settle over $3 billion debt in the country’s power sector.
The Ghana Revenue Authority initially set Monday, June 9, 2025, to implement it but later pushed the date to Monday, June 16, 2025, following concerns raised by the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC).
Sharing her opinion on the new fuel levy, Joyce Bawah Mogtari, in an article posted on Facebook, highlighted the importance of the new levy.
“This is not just any tax; it is an investment in national stability, energy security and long-term development,” she pointed out.
For her, the levy is timely, stating, “As Ghanaians, we have weathered many difficult storms. We now have the opportunity to build lasting solutions. By contributing a small, manageable amount per litre today, we will together ensure a more secure, reliable energy future for all as we #reset Ghana.
“And let us not lose sight of the broader picture. With responsible governance, active citizen engagement and strategic policy decisions, Ghana can move decisively beyond recovery to true transformation,” she said.
She gave an assurance that accountability mechanisms would be instituted to ensure that the levy is utilised wisely for its intended purpose.
Below is the full article
A Step Toward Energy Security: Understanding the New Energy Sector Levy
Ghana’s energy sector is at the turning point. After eight years of mismanagement and corruption, it has been burdened with significant debt and inefficiencies. The consequences of prolonged economic decline and ballooning public debt have been deeply felt.
But change is now underway. Following years of economic decline and ballooning public debt, the arrival of a new leader and a change in government are beginning to yield the fruits of disciplined fiscal management.
Inflation is on a steady decline. The cedi is strengthening and making consistent gains. Investor confidence is returning. And for the first time in years, there is a renewed sense of optimism across the country.
At such a time, difficult but necessary policy decisions become both feasible and impactful. One such decision is the introduction of a GHC1 per litre levy on petroleum products, under the Energy Sector Levy Amendment Bill.
We understand that Ghanaians have carried a heavy burden in recent years, and no new levy is ever easy to accept.
However, despite this levy’s introduction, fuel prices remain lower than they were in previous months. In practical terms, consumers will continue to benefit from reduced costs. More importantly, this levy is different. It is targeted, transparent and purposeful.
Why Now?
- Macroeconomic Stability Creates Policy Space: Ghana’s improving fiscal outlook provides the government with room to introduce targeted levies with clear benefits without further destabilizing inflation or worsening the cost of living. This policy is therefore designed not to punish, but to protect.
- Fixing the Energy Crisis for Good: For far too long, Ghana’s energy sector has been riddled with debt, inefficiencies and inadequate infrastructure financing. This levy is ring-fenced, meaning every cedi collected will go directly toward settling sector debts, stabilizing electricity generation and ensuring reliable power supply for households, businesses and industries.
- Protecting Jobs, Power and Progress: Load shedding, fuel shortages and energy debt have real human costs in lost jobs, rising production costs and missed opportunities. In this respect, this levy is a preventative measure to avoid future disruptions and safeguard Ghana’s economic future.
- Publishing regular reports on how the revenue is used.
- Auditing the levy’s implementation through independent mechanisms.
- Engaging civil society to monitor its impact and provide feedback.
Zambia: Zesco Board Tours Critical Electricity Installations In Copperbelt
Zambia’s power supply company, Zesco Limited’s Board of Directors, has visited some critical electricity installations in Ndola.
The Board and executive leadership team toured the Skyways Substation, Elsewedy, Ndola Energy, and Monkey Fountain—the recreation and sports facility for the ZESCO United Football Club currently under development.
The Board learned about the criticality of the 66/33/11kV Skyways Substation, a shared resource between ZESCO and CEC and a hub of electricity supply on the Copperbelt.
The ZESCO team also paid a courtesy call on Copperbelt Permanent Secretary Mr. Lawrence Mwanza, who echoed the importance of ZESCO to the Copperbelt Province, the country’s mining engine.
Mr. Banda commended ZESCO for its efforts in promoting diversification of its energy mix amid climate-induced electricity insufficiency.
He lamented the high levels of vandalism on the Copperbelt, adding that this vice is detrimental and retrogressive to the Corporation, and implored ZESCO to intensify its engagements with civic leaders as part of mitigation measures and anti-vandalism sensitization campaigns.
The Board was accompanied by Chief Operating Officer Eng. Peter Chamfya, Director of Corporate Support Services Ms. Chama Nsabika, Director of Transmission, Operations, and Trade Eng. Lioko Sitali, and Deputy Director of Treasury and Investment Mr. Garry Monga.
Also present were hosts Divisional Manager for North Eng. Kennedy Muchanga and Senior Regional Manager for the Ndola Region Eng. Simon Nyirongo.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
The ZESCO team also paid a courtesy call on Copperbelt Permanent Secretary Mr. Lawrence Mwanza, who echoed the importance of ZESCO to the Copperbelt Province, the country’s mining engine.
Mr. Banda commended ZESCO for its efforts in promoting diversification of its energy mix amid climate-induced electricity insufficiency.
He lamented the high levels of vandalism on the Copperbelt, adding that this vice is detrimental and retrogressive to the Corporation, and implored ZESCO to intensify its engagements with civic leaders as part of mitigation measures and anti-vandalism sensitization campaigns.
The Board was accompanied by Chief Operating Officer Eng. Peter Chamfya, Director of Corporate Support Services Ms. Chama Nsabika, Director of Transmission, Operations, and Trade Eng. Lioko Sitali, and Deputy Director of Treasury and Investment Mr. Garry Monga.
Also present were hosts Divisional Manager for North Eng. Kennedy Muchanga and Senior Regional Manager for the Ndola Region Eng. Simon Nyirongo.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com IAEA Sounds Alarm As Israel Launches Military Operation Against Iranian Nuclear Facilities
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has expressed deep concern over a military operation launched by Israel against nuclear facilities in Iran.
The operation, which occurred early Friday, June 13, 2025, has impacted the Natanz enrichment site, although Iranian authorities have confirmed that no elevated radiation levels have been detected.
According to the IAEA, Iranian nuclear safety authorities reported that the Esfahan and Fordow sites have not been affected. However, the Agency is working closely with the Iranian authorities to assess the situation and ensure nuclear safety and security.
IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi has strongly condemned the attack, emphasizing that nuclear facilities must never be targeted, regardless of the context or circumstances.
“Such attacks have serious implications for nuclear safety, security, and safeguards, as well as regional and international peace and security,” Mr Rafael Grossi said in a statement issued on Friday.
The IAEA has recalled previous General Conference resolutions, including GC(XXIX)/RES/444 and GC(XXXIV)/RES/533, which stress that any armed attack on nuclear facilities devoted to peaceful purposes constitutes a violation of the principles of the United Nations Charter, international law, and the Statute of the Agency.
The Director-General has called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid further escalation, warning that any military action that jeopardizes the safety and security of nuclear facilities risks grave consequences for the people of Iran, the region, and beyond.
According to IAEA, it is committed to its nuclear safety, security, and safeguards mandate and stands ready to provide technical assistance.
The Director-General has offered to deploy Agency nuclear security and safety experts to ensure that nuclear installations are fully protected and continue to be used exclusively for peaceful purposes.
The Director-General reiterated the Agency’s readiness to facilitate technical discussions and support efforts that promote transparency, safety, security, and the peaceful resolution of nuclear-related issues in Iran.
“Despite the current military actions and heightened tensions, it is clear that the only sustainable path forward—for Iran, for Israel, the entire region, and the international community—is one grounded in dialogue and diplomacy to ensure peace, stability, and cooperation,” Rafael Grossi said.
The IAEA said it will continue to monitor the situation closely and work with all relevant parties to ensure the protection of nuclear facilities and the continued peaceful use of nuclear technology.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Sierra Leone: We’ve Paid $320M To Karpowership; We Owe Only $70M-Ing. Nonie
The Government of Sierra Leone has revealed that it has paid a whopping sum of $320 million to Turkish power firm Karpowership between 2018 and 2025 for the supply of power in the country.
According to Ing. Edmond Nonie, Deputy Minister 1 of the Ministry of Energy, Sierra Leone has paid a greater part of its debt to Karpowership, with only $70 million being outstanding.
Last night, Karpowership drastically cut the amount of power supply to Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone, from 50 MW to only 6 MW in a bid to keep critical facilities such as hospitals, schools, and water facilities operational due to the Government’s failure to settle the outstanding debt.
A statement issued by Karpowership prior to the reduction in power supply highlighted several attempts earlier this year to get the Government to settle the outstanding debt, but yielded no positive result.
Commenting on the issue, Deputy Energy Minister Ing. Nonie emphasized the scale of the government’s financial commitment to maintaining energy supply through Karpowership. He noted that despite the substantial payments made over the years, the Government of Sierra Leone still owes Karpowership $70 million.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Israel Shuts Leviathan Gas Field Amid Iran Conflict, Choking Supply To Egypt
Israel has ordered the shutdown of its massive Leviathan gas field, cutting off a critical supply line to Egypt just as regional tensions with Iran erupt into open conflict.
Chevron, the operator of Leviathan, confirmed the halt on Friday after Israel’s Energy Ministry issued the order, citing escalating security threats. Energean Plc also suspended output from its Israeli assets.
The Leviathan shutdown is already impacting gas flows to Egypt, according to Bloomberg sources close to the pipeline network.
Egypt, facing peak summer demand and a widening domestic gas shortfall, now faces the prospect of emergency LNG purchases ahead of schedule—tightening an already brittle global gas market. European gas prices spiked as much as 6.6% Friday on the news.
The Leviathan field, located in the Levant Basin, is Israel’s largest energy asset with 22.9 trillion cubic feet of recoverable gas and had been exporting record volumes to Egypt—981 million cubic feet per day in 2024, an 18% year-over-year surge. Egypt, with declining domestic production and LNG export ambitions, had increasingly leaned on Israeli imports to fill the gap.
Chevron’s Tamar field remains operational, and Energean’s Karish field continues to serve domestic Israeli demand. But if shutdowns persist, Egypt’s LNG export capacity—and its own power grid—could be strained, and Jordan’s access to gas also stands at risk.
The timing is striking. Just months ago, Leviathan’s operators announced plans to expand capacity from 12 to 21 billion cubic meters, with eyes on Europe as a key customer. Now, the field is offline as Israel braces for retaliation after launching strikes on Iranian nuclear infrastructure.
For Egypt, the implications are immediate. For global gas traders, the situation underscores the fragility of East Med supply routes in a geopolitical flashpoint.
Chevron stated its personnel and infrastructure remain safe. But the gas isn’t flowing—and the regional energy balance just shifted overnight.
Source: oilprice.com
Israel’s Iran Strikes Kill Top Nuclear Scientists And Top Generals As Netanyahu Risks WW3
Israel has killed three top generals, including the leader of the powerful Revolutionary Guard Corps, and a number of nuclear scientists in strikes on Iran. The Israeli military said more than 200 fighter jets were involved in the attacks which struck around 100 targets across Iran, with Tehran launching 100 drones in retaliation.
The Israel Defence Force (IDF) says Iran’s three most senior military commanders were killed in the attacks, codenamed ‘Operation Rising Lion’, which focused on the “heart” of the country’s nuclear programme, as well as ballistic missile facilities and senior military leaders. It said Major General Hossein Salami; Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps paramilitary force, Major General Mohammad Bagheri; Chief of Staff of Iran’s armed forces and Major General Gholamali Rashid; Commander of Khatam-al Anbiya Central Headquarters were all killed. Iranian state media confirmed the deaths of the chiefs and said six nuclear scientists had also died.
So far, five of the six scientists have been named as Mohammad Mahdi Tehranchi, Abdulhamid Minouchehr, Ahmad Reza Zolfaghari, Amirhossein Feqhi and Fereydoon Abbasi, former head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organisation.
Iranian state media claims civilians, including children in Tehran, have also been killed.
Israel launched the strikes in the early hours on Friday, describing them as “pre-emptive”.
Source: Express.co.uk
South Africa: Soweto Residents Stage A Three-Day Protest Over Power Outages
Residents of Meadowlands, in Soweto, South Africa, took to the streets for the third consecutive day on Thursday to protest power outages in the area, which are making life unbearable for them.
The angry residents blocked the streets with rocks and set car tires ablaze to express their displeasure over the poor power supply to the community.
According to reports, the area is already facing “load reduction” on a daily basis with scheduled power cuts, but for the past three weeks, there have been power outages sometimes lasting days at a time, according to the protesters.
In some parts of Meadowlands, electricity was out for four days last week, said resident Tshidiso Makamu. In other parts, there was no electricity for two days.
“There is no communication. We just find ourselves with no electricity without knowing what the issue is,” said Makamu. Community leaders say they were told the power outages were due to stolen cables.
Eskom Gauteng Spokesperson Amanda Qithi had not responded to questions at the time of publication. However, Eskom posted on X on Thursday afternoon that their technicians were unable to work in the area due to the protest.
“We urgently appeal to the community to allow our employees safe access to continue their work. Restoring electricity is in everyone’s best interest, but we will not compromise the safety of our staff,” the post read.
Protesters told newsmen that on Thursday morning, Eskom said power would be restored by 4 pm, but only if they stopped protesting. The protesters removed the debris blocking the streets to make way for Eskom’s teams.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
In some parts of Meadowlands, electricity was out for four days last week, said resident Tshidiso Makamu. In other parts, there was no electricity for two days.
“There is no communication. We just find ourselves with no electricity without knowing what the issue is,” said Makamu. Community leaders say they were told the power outages were due to stolen cables.
Eskom Gauteng Spokesperson Amanda Qithi had not responded to questions at the time of publication. However, Eskom posted on X on Thursday afternoon that their technicians were unable to work in the area due to the protest.
“We urgently appeal to the community to allow our employees safe access to continue their work. Restoring electricity is in everyone’s best interest, but we will not compromise the safety of our staff,” the post read.
Protesters told newsmen that on Thursday morning, Eskom said power would be restored by 4 pm, but only if they stopped protesting. The protesters removed the debris blocking the streets to make way for Eskom’s teams.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com Burkina Faso: IAEA And FAO Conduct First Atoms4Food Assessment Mission
In a critical step toward addressing food insecurity in West Africa, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations have launched their first joint Atoms4Food Initiative Assessment Mission in Burkina Faso.
This mission aims to identify key gaps and opportunities for delivering targeted technical support to Burkina Faso for food and agriculture in a country where an estimated 3.5 million people—nearly 20% of the population—are facing food insecurity.
By leveraging nuclear science and technology, Atoms4Food seeks to bolster agricultural resilience and agrifood systems in one of the region’s most vulnerable nations.
The mission, conducted from 26 May to 1 June, assessed how nuclear and related technologies are being used in Burkina Faso to address challenges in enhancing crop production, improving soil quality and in animal production and health, as well as human nutrition.
The Atoms4Food Initiative was launched jointly by IAEA and FAO in 2023 to help boost food security and tackle growing hunger around the world. Atoms4Food will support countries to use innovative nuclear techniques such as sterile insect technique and plant mutation breeding to enhance agricultural productivity, ensure food safety, improve nutrition and adapt agrifood systems to the challenges of climate change. Almost €9 million has been pledged by IAEA donor countries and private companies to the initiative so far.
As part of the Atoms4Food initiative, Assessment Missions are used to evaluate the specific needs and priorities of participating countries and identify critical gaps and opportunities where nuclear science and technology can offer impactful solutions. Based on the findings, tailored and country-specific solutions will be offered.
Burkina Faso is one of 29 countries who have so far requested to receive support under Atoms4Food, with more expected this year. Alongside Benin, Pakistan, Peru and Türkiye, Burkina Faso was among the first countries to request an Atoms4Food Assessment Mission in 2025.
In addition, currently, 50% of rice consumed in Burkina Faso is imported. The government aims to achieve food sovereignty by producing sufficient rice domestically to reduce reliance on imports.
“Hunger and malnutrition are on the rise globally, and Burkina Faso is particularly vulnerable to this growing challenge,” said IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi.
“This first Atoms4Food assessment mission marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to harness the power of nuclear science to enhance food security. As the Atoms4Food Initiative expands worldwide, we are committed to delivering tangible, sustainable solutions to reduce hunger and malnutrition.”
The mission was conducted by a team of ten international experts in the areas of crop production, soil and water management, animal production and health and human nutrition.
During the mission, the team held high-level meetings with the Burkina Faso Ministries of Agriculture, Health and Environment and conducted site visits to laboratories including the animal health laboratory and crop breeding facility at the Institute of Environment and Agricultural Research, the crop genetics and nutrition laboratories at the University Joseph Ki-Zerbo, and the bull station of the Ministry of Agriculture in Loumbila.
“The Government of Burkina Faso is striving to achieve food security and sovereignty, to supply the country’s population with sufficient, affordable, nutritious and safe food, while strengthening the sustainability of the agrifood systems value-chain,” said Dongxin Feng, Director of the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre for Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture and head of the mission to Burkina Faso.
“Though much needs to be done, our mission found strong dedication and commitment from the Government in developing climate-resilient strategies for crops, such as rice, potato, sorghum and mango, strengthening sustainable livestock production of cattle, small ruminants and local poultry, as well as reducing malnutrition among infants and children, while considering the linkages with food safety.”
The Assessment Mission will deliver an integrated Assessment Report with concrete recommendations on areas for intervention under the Atoms4Food Initiative. This will help develop a National Action Plan in order to scale up the joint efforts made by the two organizations in the past decades, which will include expanding partnership and resource mobilization.
“Our priority now is to deliver a concrete mission report with actionable recommendations that will support the development of the National Action Plan aimed at improving the country’s long term food security,” Feng added.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
In addition, currently, 50% of rice consumed in Burkina Faso is imported. The government aims to achieve food sovereignty by producing sufficient rice domestically to reduce reliance on imports.
“Hunger and malnutrition are on the rise globally, and Burkina Faso is particularly vulnerable to this growing challenge,” said IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi.
“This first Atoms4Food assessment mission marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to harness the power of nuclear science to enhance food security. As the Atoms4Food Initiative expands worldwide, we are committed to delivering tangible, sustainable solutions to reduce hunger and malnutrition.”
The mission was conducted by a team of ten international experts in the areas of crop production, soil and water management, animal production and health and human nutrition.
During the mission, the team held high-level meetings with the Burkina Faso Ministries of Agriculture, Health and Environment and conducted site visits to laboratories including the animal health laboratory and crop breeding facility at the Institute of Environment and Agricultural Research, the crop genetics and nutrition laboratories at the University Joseph Ki-Zerbo, and the bull station of the Ministry of Agriculture in Loumbila.
“The Government of Burkina Faso is striving to achieve food security and sovereignty, to supply the country’s population with sufficient, affordable, nutritious and safe food, while strengthening the sustainability of the agrifood systems value-chain,” said Dongxin Feng, Director of the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre for Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture and head of the mission to Burkina Faso.
“Though much needs to be done, our mission found strong dedication and commitment from the Government in developing climate-resilient strategies for crops, such as rice, potato, sorghum and mango, strengthening sustainable livestock production of cattle, small ruminants and local poultry, as well as reducing malnutrition among infants and children, while considering the linkages with food safety.”
The Assessment Mission will deliver an integrated Assessment Report with concrete recommendations on areas for intervention under the Atoms4Food Initiative. This will help develop a National Action Plan in order to scale up the joint efforts made by the two organizations in the past decades, which will include expanding partnership and resource mobilization.
“Our priority now is to deliver a concrete mission report with actionable recommendations that will support the development of the National Action Plan aimed at improving the country’s long term food security,” Feng added.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com