UK: Net-Zero ‘Not A Platitude’ For Oil And Gas Sector – Regulator
The head of the oil and gas regulator says cutting the sector’s carbon emissions is not “a platitude or a soundbite” but presents significant commercial benefits.
Stuart Payne, who leads the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA), told BBC Scotland News the energy transition was “well underway” and has been “for decades”.
His remarks follow a pledge by UK Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch to rid the NSTA of the net-zero “burden” and task it with the sole job of maximising oil and gas production.
Mr Payne said about half of the £100bn expected to be invested in the North Sea over the next few years will be in alternative energies like carbon capture and storage (CCS) and floating wind.
The leader of the Conservatives is due to address the huge Offshore Europe conference in Aberdeen later, where around 35,000 delegates will gather for the next four days.
It’s a showcase for the sector where multi-million pound deals are agreed between the supply chain and operators.
Over recent years, the event has pivoted towards alternative energies.
Stuart Payne said the NSTA’s focus on green technologies has already delivered a 34% cut in emissions from producing oil and gas.
However he said there was “much more to do.”
He added: “The words we use matter. How we talk about this industry, whether that’s in the wind side, whether that’s in CCS, in oil and gas, in decommissioning, it matters.
“And it’s vital that we do everything we can to ensure that we’re attracting and retaining investment in all of those things.”
He said it was “not a good thing” for his organisation to be treated like a political football and that “how we talk about this industry” is important.
“The net zero opportunity for the UK is not something that is a platitude or a soundbite,” he added.
“There are real, very significant, commercial benefits for the UK from the projects around net-zero.”
‘Energy independence’
Originally called the Oil and Gas Authority, the regulatory body was renamed by the UK Conservative government in 2022 to reflect its growing role in the wider North Sea energy industry.
The NSTA’s job is to “regulate and influence the oil and gas, offshore hydrogen, and carbon storage industries” as well as holding the sector to account on reducing its operational emissions.
But Kemi Badenoch says she would rename it the “North Sea Authority” with a mandate to “maximise the extraction of our oil and gas.”
She will also promise later to scrap the ban on new oil and gas exploration licences and allow the UK government to finance promotional support for the fossil fuel sector overseas, which was scrapped by the previous Tory government.
In a speech to the conference, she will add: “The Conservatives are focused on securing jobs, investment, and energy independence.
“The foundation of economic growth is cheap, abundant energy – and that must be our priority.
“That’s why it is time to overturn the absurd anti-prosperity, anti-business, anti-oil and gas, anti-British ban on supporting UK companies who export their world-leading technologies overseas.”
Oil and gas production in the North Sea has been in decline for more than 25 years since it peaked in 1999.
Three years ago, an energy profits levy – or windfall tax – was introduced when prices spiked, taking the headline rate of tax on profits to 78%.
The industry has been lobbying for the tax to be cut and says up to a thousand jobs a month are being lost because of the pressures it is under.
It also wants a more “pragmatic” approach to exploration licensing than the UK Labour government’s blanket ban introduced last year.
A government consultation is currently examining the future shape of the North Sea.
Tessa Khan from the environmental campaign group Uplift said the UK has already burned most of its oil and gas.
She added: “The idea we can unleash a golden age of oil and gas is a tired gimmick that’s been tried by Badenoch’s predecessors and flopped.
“The North Sea is a mature basin with dwindling oil and gas reserves.
“It’s like a piñata at the end of a kids party – it doesn’t matter how many times you hit it, you’re not going to get much more out of it.
Source: BBC News
South Africa: Eskom Supplier Jailed For 12 Years With 5-Year Suspension; Ordered To Pay R2,595,000.00 To Eskom
A South African court in Middelburg has sentenced Eskom supplier, Ms Jessie Phindile Kubheka, to 12 years’ imprisonment for fraud. Five years of the sentence were suspended under strict conditions.
She was also handed a four-year sentence for money laundering, which was similarly suspended for five years. Additionally, the court ordered her to repay Eskom a total of R2,595,000.00.
The sentencing relates to a 2020 case in which Eskom investigations uncovered a syndicate that was paid to deliver three containers to Tutuka Power Station.
Eskom’s investigation confirmed that only one container was delivered—and it failed to meet the utility’s specifications.
Although each container was valued at R60,000, the invoiced amount was grossly inflated. Through the use of overpriced invoices, the scheme defrauded Eskom of R2,595,000.00.
“Our commitment to eliminating corruption remains unwavering, and these developments send a clear message: fraud and corruption will not be tolerated. The vast majority of Eskom employees act with integrity and dedication. We will pursue those who betray the organisation and the country, in partnership with law enforcement, and seek prosecutions wherever possible,” said Eskom Group Chief Executive, Dan Marokane.
To strengthen governance and accelerate investigations, Eskom has consolidated its forensic, security, and investigative functions into the Group Investigations and Security (GIS) Division, which reports directly to the Group Chief Executive.
Working closely with the NATJOINTS Energy Safety and Security Committee, GIS ensures swift action against fraud and corruption—protecting Eskom’s assets and maintaining public trust.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Zambia: Transport Minister Dissolves ZACL Board
Zambia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics, Hon. Museba Frank Tayali, MP, has announced the immediate dissolution of the Zambia Airports Corporation Limited (ZACL) Board of Directors.
According to the Minister, the move is a strategic step toward ensuring that the governance of ZACL aligns fully with the government’s objectives for the transport and logistics sector—particularly the aviation subsector.
In a statement issued on Monday, Hon. Tayali said, “We are in a new era of transport infrastructure development, and it is imperative that all our institutions are guided by a board that can fully support and execute the government’s vision.”
The Minister expressed gratitude to the outgoing board for their service and wished them success in their future endeavors.
He also noted that the process to reconstitute the board is already underway, stating, “We expect to announce the new members in due course.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Congo: TotalEnergies, QatarEnergy, And SNPC Awarded Nzombo Offshore Oil Block
TotalEnergies, together with its partners QatarEnergy and Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo (SNPC), has been awarded an exploration license for the Nzombo offshore block in the Republic of the Congo.
Under the terms of the Production Sharing Agreement signed with the Congolese Government, TotalEnergies, as the operator, will hold a 50% stake, while QatarEnergy and SNPC will hold 30% and 15%, respectively.
The Nzombo permit, which spans 1,000 square kilometers, is located approximately 100 kilometers off the coast of Pointe-Noire, near the Moho production facilities operated by TotalEnergies EP Congo.
The work program includes the drilling of one exploration well, which is expected to be spudded before the end of 2025.
Commenting on the contract, Kevin McLachlan, Senior Vice President of Exploration at TotalEnergies, said: “This award of a promising exploration permit, with the material Nzombo prospect, reflects our continued strategy of expanding our exploration portfolio with high-impact prospects that can be developed by leveraging our existing facilities. It also confirms our longstanding partnership with the Republic of the Congo.”
His Excellency Mr. Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, the President and CEO of QatarEnergy, added: “We are pleased to be awarded this promising offshore block in the Republic of the Congo and to work alongside our valued partners and the Congolese Government.”
He continued: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Government of the Republic of the Congo for their valuable cooperation. We look forward to a successful exploration campaign in collaboration with our partners and stakeholders.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Sierra Leone Signs MoU With China For 1,000 Electric Vehicles
Sierra Leone has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China for the delivery of 1,000 electric buses to boost the local transportation industry and ease pressure on public servants.
The MoU was signed between the Ministry of Public Administration and Political Affairs (MoPAPA) of Sierra Leone and the Economic and Commercial Counseling Center of Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China (ECCE-G).
It was signed by Hon. Amara Kallon, Minister of MoPAPA, and Mr. Ho Jun Long, Vice Representative of ECCE-G.
In his remarks, Minister Amara Kallon expressed gratitude for the initiative, describing it as a transformational housing and electric vehicle project that will provide incentives and improve the welfare of civil servants.
He further disclosed plans to collaborate with the Ministry of Transport and Aviation, the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning, and other relevant ministries to finalize arrangements.
He also stated that a dedicated team will travel to China in due course to sign the main agreement for the project’s implementation.
The electric vehicle project is expected to cost USD 200 million, with the vehicles to be delivered over a six-year period.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: TOR Partners With National Ambulance Service To Enhance Safety During Maintenance
Ghana’s premier oil refinery, Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), has partnered with the National Ambulance Service (NAS) to enhance emergency medical support as part of the refinery’s ongoing turnaround maintenance operations.
Given the high-risk and non-routine nature of turnaround activities, the collaboration is aimed at ensuring the proactive protection of employee health, safety, and overall wellbeing.
Last Tuesday, a five-member Emergency Medical Team (EMT) from the National Ambulance Service officially commenced duty at the TOR site.
The team was tasked with providing first-line medical care, advanced first aid, patient stabilization, and overseeing referrals and emergency evacuations throughout the maintenance exercise.
In addition to immediate medical response, the EMT will also conduct training sessions for selected TOR staff in basic first aid and emergency response, fostering a long-term culture of safety and preparedness beyond the current maintenance period.
TOR emphasised that safety remains a core value of the organization, stating that management continues to invest in proactive arrangements and comprehensive risk management strategies to protect lives while maintaining operational resilience.
The refinery is currently undergoing a maintenance work to restart crude oil refining operations by October 2025, according to TOR leadership.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Zambia: ERB Adjusts Fuel Prices Upward
Zambia’s Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has announced an upward adjustment in fuel prices, effective September 1, 2025.
According to the Energy Regulation Board (ERB), the price of petrol has increased to K29.18 per litre from K28.00 per litre, diesel to K25.05 per litre from K23.13 per litre, kerosene to K23.64 per litre from K21.98 per litre, and Jet A-1 to K25.83 per litre from K23.94 per litre.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the ERB attributed the increase in pump prices to developments on both the local and international fronts.
The ERB noted that since July 31, 2025, the Zambian Kwacha has depreciated against the United States Dollar by 2.50%, from K23.23/US$ to K23.81/US$.
During the same period, premiums for petrol increased by 17.27%, from US$132.45/MT to US$155.33/MT, while premiums for kerosene and Jet A-1 rose by 3.16%, from US$190.00/MT to US$196.00/MT under the Tanzanian Bulk Procurement System (BPS).
However, the ERB emphasised that diesel premiums remained stable under the TAMA Open Access framework.
The ERB also noted that international petroleum prices declined marginally. Petrol prices dropped by 0.35%, from US$74.58/bbl to US$74.32/bbl; diesel declined by 2.81%, from US$86.70/bbl to US$84.26/bbl; and kerosene/Jet A-1 prices decreased by 1.48%, from US$83.27/bbl to US$82.04/bbl.
“The combined effect of the depreciation of the Kwacha against the United States Dollar and the increase in petroleum product premiums outweighed the impact of the decline in international oil prices, thereby affecting the September 2025 domestic price review,” the statement read.
Based on the foregoing, the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has revised the pump prices of petrol, diesel, kerosene, and Jet A-1 for the month of September 2025.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Chevron CEO Rejects Predictions Of An Oil Demand Collapse
Crude oil will continue to be in demand for a very long time yet, the chief executive of Chevron, Mike Wirth, told the New York Times in an interview.
Asked about his take on International Energy Agency predictions of peak oil demand, Wirth said that “First of all, the I.E.A. has not always been right, historically, on things, and it wouldn’t be surprising if the I.E.A. is not right about this.”
“Even if they are, once oil demand reaches a level where it’s no longer growing, it’s unlikely to drop off quickly. It’s more likely to stay at a plateau,” the executive added.
Wirth then went on to explain that oil and gas production is “a depletion business”, meaning that once a barrel of oil is produced, it cannot be produced again. This, in turn, means that investment in new supply is necessary even when demand is not growing—as suggested by the IEA itself more than once, when the global oil market balance threatened to tip into a shortage.
In response to a question on whether Chevron could one day stop producing oil and gas altogether and become a “renewable energy sources” producer, Wirth said “One day, I’m sure it will make sense to do that. Probably a long time from now. When the world stops using oil and gas, we’ll stop looking for it.”
However, Wirth noted, “to stop beforehand runs the risk of creating a lot of adverse consequences in terms of the world not having the energy that it needs.” In that, the Chevron CEO echoes a concern also expressed by other oil industry executives and OPEC officials.
Chevron also put its money where its mouth is with regard to future demand for oil, with its acquisition of Hess Corp and its stake in the Stabroek Block in Guyana, which has turned into the rising star of the global oil stage.
Source: Oilprice.com
Angola: President João Inaugurates $473 Million Cabinda Oil Refinery
Angolan President João Lourenço has commissioned the Cabinda Refinery, marking a major milestone in the country’s ongoing efforts toward energy independence and economic diversification.
The refinery, a joint venture between Angola’s state-owned oil company Sonangol and private investment firm Gemcorp, was developed at a total cost of $473 million.
Of this amount, $138 million was provided in equity by the project sponsors, while a $335 million debt facility was arranged by the Africa Finance Corporation, the African Export-Import Bank, and a consortium of international and local financial institutions.
Designed to eventually reach a total processing capacity of 60,000 barrels of oil per day, the refinery will initially operate at 30,000 barrels per day.
Key products to be refined include diesel, aviation fuel, and other petroleum derivatives.
The refinery is expected to significantly increase the availability of refined fuels in the domestic market and reduce Angola’s reliance on costly fuel imports.
The government also aims to position the country as a regional hub for refined petroleum exports, especially to neighboring countries.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas described the Cabinda Refinery as a strategic asset that strengthens national energy security, creates jobs, enhances the value of the Cabinda Province, and demonstrates that the Angolan State continues to guide, with a firm hand, the management of mineral resources in the service of all Angolans.
Diamantino Azevedo clarified that Gemcorp does not control the crude oil or the refined derivatives. Instead, it provides a refining service under a processing fee model. In this arrangement, Sonangol supplies the crude oil — which remains its property — and the refinery processes it and returns the refined products to Sonangol, charging only a processing fee.
“What matters is not the shareholder photograph, but the contract that governs this project. Everyone must be certain that there is no loss of sovereignty. The oil and refined products always remain under the control of the Angolan State. True sovereignty is not measured in shareholder percentages; it is measured in the capacity for political decision-making and regulation — and that is firmly ensured,” the minister emphasized.
In turn, the Governor of Cabinda, Suzana de Abreu, described the commissioning as “a unique and historic moment — a dream come true — that will ensure natural resources are transformed locally, generating jobs, income, technology, and opportunities for growth for all.”
Gemcorp Director Marcus Weyll added, “As the Cabinda Refinery rises, so too do knowledge, skills, and opportunities for future generations. These values are integral to the pillars of our company.”
To date, the Cabinda Refinery has created 3,300 direct jobs and led to the training of 700 national executives.
More than 5,000 qualified technicians are expected to be trained, further reinforcing the socio-economic impact of the project on both the province and the country.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Diamantino Azevedo clarified that Gemcorp does not control the crude oil or the refined derivatives. Instead, it provides a refining service under a processing fee model. In this arrangement, Sonangol supplies the crude oil — which remains its property — and the refinery processes it and returns the refined products to Sonangol, charging only a processing fee.
“What matters is not the shareholder photograph, but the contract that governs this project. Everyone must be certain that there is no loss of sovereignty. The oil and refined products always remain under the control of the Angolan State. True sovereignty is not measured in shareholder percentages; it is measured in the capacity for political decision-making and regulation — and that is firmly ensured,” the minister emphasized.
In turn, the Governor of Cabinda, Suzana de Abreu, described the commissioning as “a unique and historic moment — a dream come true — that will ensure natural resources are transformed locally, generating jobs, income, technology, and opportunities for growth for all.”
Gemcorp Director Marcus Weyll added, “As the Cabinda Refinery rises, so too do knowledge, skills, and opportunities for future generations. These values are integral to the pillars of our company.”
To date, the Cabinda Refinery has created 3,300 direct jobs and led to the training of 700 national executives.
More than 5,000 qualified technicians are expected to be trained, further reinforcing the socio-economic impact of the project on both the province and the country.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Ghana: BPA Aims To Expand Renewable Energy Footprint – Says CEO
Ghana’s state-owned second-largest power generation company, Bui Power Authority (BPA), remains focused on deepening its strategic efforts to consolidate operational efficiency, expand renewable generation capacity, and strengthen financial sustainability, according to Acting Chief Executive Officer Ing. Kow Eduakwa Sam.
BPA operates the 404 MW Bui Generation Station, the Tsatsadu micro-hydro plant, a 5 MWp floating solar installation on the Bui Dam reservoir, and a 50 MWp solar plant, which is the first phase of a 250 MW solar project.
Speaking at the company’s Annual General Meeting on Friday, August 29, 2025, Ing. Kow Sam highlighted several significant projects underway during the year under review.
He mentioned the development of a 100 MWp Solar PV project, which reached 62% completion by the end of December 2024, a 15 MWh Battery Energy Storage System designed to mitigate intermittency and stabilize output, and a signed contract with Tractebel Engineering S.A./SRC Consulting Engineering for feasibility studies on run-of-the-river hydropower projects on the Tano, Pra, and Ankobra rivers in the Western Region.
Ing. Eduakwa Sam added that the Authority had also acquired land in Sawla, Buipe, Gbane, and Adubiliyili for the development of solar PV plants.
According to him, the years ahead present opportunities for the company to build on its hydro-solar strategy, diversify revenue streams, and accelerate project development in alignment with national energy objectives.
He stated that the Authority remains guided by its vision, mission, and core values as it pursues its corporate objectives.
“We are confident that with continued commitment and collective effort, we will not only overcome emerging challenges but also seize new opportunities for sustainable growth,” he concluded.
Deputy Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. Richard Gyan Mensah, who represented the Sector Minister, Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, commended the Bui Power Authority (BPA) for its achievements in the renewable energy space.
He, however, advised the Authority to be mindful of the government’s policy on renewable energy and ensure that all renewable energy projects go through a competitive procurement process. This, he noted, is essential to securing fair tariffs and avoiding unnecessary burdens on consumers.
“As you expand your generation portfolio, be guided by the government policy for competitive procurement of power, which is crucial to ensuring affordability for consumers and financial sustainability for the sector,” he said.
He added that the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, recognizes the financial constraints facing the BPA and is committed to assisting in addressing them.
The Deputy Minister also urged the Authority to invest in battery storage systems to enhance the reliability and stability of their renewable energy developments.
Additionally, he called on the Authority to collaborate with the private sector to attract the necessary investments and build local capacity for the installation of solar panels.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
He, however, advised the Authority to be mindful of the government’s policy on renewable energy and ensure that all renewable energy projects go through a competitive procurement process. This, he noted, is essential to securing fair tariffs and avoiding unnecessary burdens on consumers.
“As you expand your generation portfolio, be guided by the government policy for competitive procurement of power, which is crucial to ensuring affordability for consumers and financial sustainability for the sector,” he said.
He added that the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, recognizes the financial constraints facing the BPA and is committed to assisting in addressing them.
The Deputy Minister also urged the Authority to invest in battery storage systems to enhance the reliability and stability of their renewable energy developments.
Additionally, he called on the Authority to collaborate with the private sector to attract the necessary investments and build local capacity for the installation of solar panels.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Ghana: Bui Power Authority Posts $64 Million Net Profit In 2024
The Bui Power Authority, the state-owned second-largest power generation company, recorded a net profit of $64.5 million (equivalent to GH¢732 million) in 2024, despite global and domestic economic challenges. However, this profit was lower than the $80.6 million recorded in the previous year.
In the 2024 fiscal year, the company generated 1,348 GWh of power and recorded a revenue of $139.68 million, down from $157.11 million in 2023.
The reduction in revenue for the fiscal year under review, according to the authority, was mainly due to reduced power generation resulting from lower inflows into the dam reservoir.
The company’s asset value grew from $1.64 billion in 2023 to $1.87 billion in 2024, while its total equity and liabilities increased to $1.88 billion in 2024, up from $1.64 billion in 2023.
In a speech read on his behalf at the Annual General Meeting of Bui Power Authority in Accra on Friday, Board Chairman Ambassador Kwadwo Nyamekye-Marfo noted that the company’s generating facilities were overall remarkable despite challenges.
According to him, BPA faced significant liquidity challenges stemming from substantial outstanding debt owed by its primary offtaker, the Electricity Company of Ghana.
He stated that this severely constrained its ability to procure essential spare parts, undertake planned capital projects, and service loans associated with its hydroelectric project.
In addition to the debt, the company was also confronted with environmental issues, including illegal mining, bush burning, and farming practices along the Bui reservoir.
Ambassador Kwadwo Nyamekye-Marfo commended the immediate past board, management, and staff of BPA for their relentless efforts, unwavering commitment, and professionalism in advancing the Authority’s mission and vision.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Sustainable Energy Key To Africa’s Prosperity, Says Rukaiya El-Rufai
The Special Advisor to Nigeria’s President in charge of the National Economic Council, Ms. Rukaiya El-Rufai, has emphasized that Africa must rise to the challenge of finding sustainable solutions to the continent’s energy inefficiencies.
According to her, Africa should work diligently to maximize access to affordable, efficient, and sustainable energy for the millions of people who lack reliable energy, in order to accelerate the continent’s socioeconomic development.
Speaking as the guest at the just ended Future of Energy Conference in Accra, she explained that if Africa is able to meet this challenge, the continent could see a “30% growth in GDP by 2030,” and 30 million jobs could be created during that period.
Ms. El-Rufai noted that solving the energy inefficiency challenge would trigger a 3% growth in enterprises and improve productive energy use.
“It will also result in higher household incomes, reduce reliance on imports, and help fast-track Africa’s socioeconomic development,” she added.
Ms. El-Rufai, who also leads Nigeria’s Ministerial Committee on Marketing their Carbon Activation Plan, stated that Africa is truly blessed with resources but, sadly, the continent accounts for only 1% of the world’s solar capacity.
She therefore called on Africa to work tirelessly to tap into these resources to dramatically change the dynamics of goods production, evolve industries, enhance agricultural output, and improve social infrastructure.
In his address, the Minister of Energy and Green Transitions, Hon. John Jinapor, urged participants to adopt competitive and sustainable mechanisms through markets, carbon trading, and green funds.
He called for de-risking energy investments through sovereign guarantees, predictability, and transparent regulation in the sector.
“Scale up innovation and research, especially in clean policies, to align with Africa’s realities,” he stressed.
Hon. Jinapor, who is also the Member of Parliament for Yapei, called for a collaborative effort between both the public and private sectors to leverage each other’s strengths for the greater good of the continent.
“Let us remember that the future of Africa’s energy belongs to Africa itself. By making our energy systems sustainable, we must enforce economic resilience by making them inclusive. We must uplift millions from poverty by making them competitive, thus positioning Africa as the voice of the global energy transition,” he urged.
“I challenge all of us—governments, businesses, investors, and civil society—to leave this conference committed to collaborating and innovating,” he concluded.
The global push toward net-zero emissions by 2050 has intensified the urgency for cleaner energy sources.
Africa continues to grapple with energy poverty, with over 600 million people lacking access to electricity, and one billion relying on traditional biomass for cooking.
Participants included government officials, energy experts, and civil society groups from across the energy value chain in countries such as India, Kenya, Nigeria, and Ghana, the host nation, among others.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
“It will also result in higher household incomes, reduce reliance on imports, and help fast-track Africa’s socioeconomic development,” she added.
Ms. El-Rufai, who also leads Nigeria’s Ministerial Committee on Marketing their Carbon Activation Plan, stated that Africa is truly blessed with resources but, sadly, the continent accounts for only 1% of the world’s solar capacity.
She therefore called on Africa to work tirelessly to tap into these resources to dramatically change the dynamics of goods production, evolve industries, enhance agricultural output, and improve social infrastructure.
In his address, the Minister of Energy and Green Transitions, Hon. John Jinapor, urged participants to adopt competitive and sustainable mechanisms through markets, carbon trading, and green funds.
He called for de-risking energy investments through sovereign guarantees, predictability, and transparent regulation in the sector.
“Scale up innovation and research, especially in clean policies, to align with Africa’s realities,” he stressed.
Hon. Jinapor, who is also the Member of Parliament for Yapei, called for a collaborative effort between both the public and private sectors to leverage each other’s strengths for the greater good of the continent.
“Let us remember that the future of Africa’s energy belongs to Africa itself. By making our energy systems sustainable, we must enforce economic resilience by making them inclusive. We must uplift millions from poverty by making them competitive, thus positioning Africa as the voice of the global energy transition,” he urged.
“I challenge all of us—governments, businesses, investors, and civil society—to leave this conference committed to collaborating and innovating,” he concluded.
The global push toward net-zero emissions by 2050 has intensified the urgency for cleaner energy sources.
Africa continues to grapple with energy poverty, with over 600 million people lacking access to electricity, and one billion relying on traditional biomass for cooking.
Participants included government officials, energy experts, and civil society groups from across the energy value chain in countries such as India, Kenya, Nigeria, and Ghana, the host nation, among others.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Togo Launches “Café-Lumière” Solar Project To Connect Rural Communities With Electricity
Togo has launched a renewable energy project called “Café-Lumière,” with plans to pilot the deployment of mini-grids in six villages in the Haho Prefecture, located about 90 kilometers north of Lomé, the country’s capital.
The project is being spearheaded by Electriciens sans frontières, in partnership with the Togolese Ministry of Renewable Energies, and is financed by the French Development Agency (AFD).
The pilot will cover the villages of Guèdèglèlè, Agoto, and Hounon Copé, as well as Agbédougbé, Somoné Copé, and Aboudikpé, along with schools in Haho 1, 2, and 3.
The program focuses on the installation of photovoltaic mini-grids capable of powering households, income-generating activities, and community infrastructure.
“Café-Lumière is an innovative, autonomous, and sustainable model, complementary to traditional electrification plans, with the ambition to improve living conditions and support economic development in rural communities,” said Sérena Barès, program coordinator at Electriciens sans frontières, as reported by Togo First.
Powered by solar energy, the facilities provide services ranging from home lighting to power supply for health centers and schools, as well as workshops and artisan spaces.
They also include commercial services such as refrigeration, office equipment, device charging, and hairdressing. The aim is to meet household, community, and productive needs while stimulating local economic activity.
Previously tested in Benin and Madagascar, the “Café-Lumière” concept seeks to bridge electricity access gaps in isolated areas and advance energy inclusion across Africa.
In Togo, it will play a central role in the government’s policy to achieve universal energy access.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: BEST Rebrands As BOST Energies
The Bulk Energy Storage and Transportation (BEST) Company Limited has rebranded as BOST Energies, a move that aligns with the company’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s energy transition agenda.
Previously known as Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation (BOST) Company Limited, the board approved the name change in 2024 to enable the company to venture into alternative and renewable sources of energy.
According to current leadership, the rebrand reflects the need for broader action and strategic transformation.
In a statement issued on Friday, August 29, 2025, the company said it will build on its legacy while expanding its focus to include sustainable and cleaner operations.
Since its establishment in 1993, BOST has played a central role in securing Ghana’s strategic petroleum reserves and developing one of West Africa’s largest energy logistics networks.
Speaking on the rebrand, Afetsi Awoonor, Managing Director of BOST Energies, said: “Our world is changing, and so is Ghana’s energy landscape. At BOST Energies, we are not turning away from our petroleum mandate but are preparing for a future of energy diversity.
This rebrand signals our readiness to continue delivering reliable traditional logistics while investing in cleaner, more innovative operational solutions.”
To drive this ambition, the company has established a Green Transition and Alternative Fuels Department, dedicated to exploring opportunities in biofuels, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), and hydrogen.
Additionally, BOST Energies is implementing several initiatives to reduce its environmental footprint, including Solar integration at depots to reduce emissions and dependence on the national grid, piloting storage and distribution solutions for hybrid and electric vehicles to enable clean and smart fuel distribution and waste reduction measures through digital and operational efficiencies.
The rebrand aligns directly with the Government of Ghana’s National Energy Transition Framework, underscoring the company’s commitment to supporting both national and regional sustainability goals.
Afetsi Awoonor added: “This is more than a name change; it is a commitment to growth, sustainability, innovation, and operational excellence. BOST Energies is the bridge between Ghana’s energy heritage and its energy future.”
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com