Two people lost their lives instantly while one person sustained injuries when a petrol-laden tanker exploded along the Ihiala axis of the Onitsha–Owerri Road in Anambra State, opposite the office of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), on Sunday.
According to reports, the explosion occurred at about 9:30 a.m. after the tanker collided with a car and rammed into a barricade, spilling its contents and triggering a massive fire.
Eyewitnesses said the tanker was travelling at high speed when it lost control and crashed into the barricade.
One witness said, “Immediately after the crash, the tanker exploded with a loud noise and caught fire, affecting a motorcycle that was coming behind.
“The tanker spilled its contents and then exploded. Two persons — the driver and his conductor — were burnt to death instantly, while the motorcycle rider sustained varying degrees of injuries and was rushed to the hospital.
“The collision caused panic due to the loud explosion. The fire quickly spread to adjoining roads, causing gridlock, before government officials arrived and battled to control it,” Punch reported, quoting an eyewitness.
The Sector Public Education Officer of the FRSC in Anambra State, Margaret Onabe, confirmed the incident, saying the crash involved two vehicles: a commercial tanker with no registration number and an unregistered motorcycle.
She stated, “A fatal road traffic crash was recorded today, 8th February 2026, opposite the FRSC office in Ihiala on the Ihiala–Onitsha Road.
“The probable cause of the crash was speeding and loss of control. Three male adults were involved — two died, and one was rescued with injuries and taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Ihiala.”
Onabe added that the FRSC rescue team from RS5.34 contacted the fire service, and both agencies worked together to fully extinguish the fire.
She also commiserated with the families of the victims and advised motorists to drive within recommended speed limits and remain observant while driving.
“Drive to stay alive; safety is everyone’s business,” she emphasised.
The Namibian government has stated that it does not recognize an asset acquisition deal involving TotalEnergies and Petrobras, saying the transaction did not follow the required procedures, according to Oilprice.com citing a Reuters report.
According to the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy, the two companies failed to notify the government of their intention to acquire 42.5% each in the PEL104 offshore license and therefore did not obtain the mandatory formal approval.
“The government makes it clear that in accordance with the law, any transfer, assignment, or acquisition of participating interests in petroleum licenses in Namibia must obtain prior approval of the minister,” the ministry said in a statement on Sunday.
TotalEnergies announced on Friday that it had signed agreements to acquire a 42.5% operated interest in the PEL104 exploration license offshore Namibia from Eight Offshore Investments Holdings and Maravilla Oil & Gas.
Upon completion of the transaction—pending government approval—TotalEnergies will become the operator of the license, located north of the PEL 83 block, where the giant Mopane discovery was made.
The French supermajor would hold a 42.5% interest alongside Petrobras (42.5%), Namcor (10%), and Eight (5%).
Earlier, TotalEnergies completed a stake-swap deal with Portugal’s Galp under which the French company would receive a 40% operating stake in the block containing the Mopane discovery—one of the most promising recent finds—while Galp would receive 10% in the block housing the Venus discovery and 9.39% in a third block, PEL91.
Namibia hopes to mirror the rapid oil boom seen in Guyana, but the country currently lacks the infrastructure to fast-track development of major discoveries, making them more costly and complex to commercialise.
Nevertheless, the oil industry appears prepared to invest heavily to secure future production and replace declining output from aging fields.
The President of The Gambia on Saturday night began the nationwide inauguration of electricity access projects by turning on the switch for one of the initiatives in Njongon, North Bank Region, where jubilant residents celebrated the long-awaited electrification of their community.
The ceremony marked a historic moment in the country’s ongoing efforts to expand reliable and inclusive electricity access nationwide.
The inauguration of the Njongon project set the tone for a series of events symbolizing progress, development, and improved livelihoods for communities across the country.
The projects are funded by multilateral development partners including the World Bank, the European Union, the European Investment Bank, and the African Development Bank Group through initiatives such as the Gambia Electricity Restoration and Modernisation Project (GERMP), the Gambia Electricity Access Project (GEAP), and the ECOWAS Regional Electricity Access Project (ECOREAP).
The inauguration ceremonies, which began on Saturday, 7 February 2026, are being held daily from 16:00 to 19:00 and will conclude on February 15, 2026.
They cover the North Bank Region, Central River Region–North, Upper River Region–North, and Upper River Region–South.
The Gambia has recorded steady progress in expanding electricity access—particularly in rural areas—with national electrification currently estimated at about 75%.
The newly completed projects support the country’s ambition to achieve universal electricity access by late 2026 and are expected to further stimulate socio-economic development.
In his remarks, President Barrow noted that many rural communities had lived for decades without electricity, a situation that placed heavy manual burdens on women and limited opportunities for entrepreneurs and businesses.
He emphasized that his government is committed to transforming the narrative of rural development.
While commending partners and stakeholders for their contributions, the President reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that no Gambian is left behind in the country’s progress.
Representatives of the African Development Bank also reiterated their support for inclusive development, highlighting improved access to education, expanded opportunities for women, and strengthened rural economies.
Through ongoing efforts and strong partnerships, 719 communities across The Gambia have now been electrified, including 209 in the North Bank Region — a remarkable milestone toward achieving universal electricity access by the end of 2026.
Malawi’s Minister for Energy and Mining, Hon. Dr. Jean Mathanga, has paid a working visit to a 10 MW biomass power plant in Chikangawa, Mzimba, operated by Raiply MW Ltd, underscoring the government’s commitment to strengthening Malawi’s energy sector and promoting local industrial production.
Raiply MW Ltd is generating 10 MW of electricity from biomass, of which 6 MW is used for its own operations, while a reliable 3 MW is supplied to the national grid through the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi Limited (ESCOM).
Speaking during the visit, Hon. Dr. Mathanga emphasised the government’s determination to support private-sector investments in the energy sector:
“Today’s visit is a reaffirmation of Government’s commitment to strengthening the performance, reliability and sustainability of our power sector. Power producers like Raiply MW Ltd are key partners in closing the gap between electricity supply and demand,” she said.
The Minister further assured the company of continued collaboration with ESCOM to improve grid stability, noting:
“Government is working to ensure a resilient grid and will continue working closely with ESCOM so that power producers operate without challenges.”
Beyond power generation, the Minister toured the company’s briquette and pellet production facilities, which support clean cooking initiatives.
The visit also highlighted Raiply’s local production of electricity transmission poles—an essential component of reducing Malawi’s dependence on imports and easing pressure on foreign exchange reserves.
The Chief Executive Officer of Raiply MW Ltd, Mr. Krishna Das, reaffirmed the company’s readiness to support national electrification initiatives, while calling for improved planning coordination:
“We have invested in planting over 200 hectares of bluegum trees for pole production. However, for us to plan efficiently, it is important that MAREP and ESCOM inform us in advance of the quantities of poles they will require,” said Das.
He also expressed concern about difficulties in accessing foreign currency needed to procure chemicals for treating electricity poles—an issue that directly affects production capacity. In response, Hon. Dr. Mathanga assured the company of the government’s support:
“We have heard your concerns on foreign exchange constraints. As Government, we will engage relevant authorities and lobby for forex allocations to ensure that local manufacturers like Raiply continue to operate effectively.”
The Minister further reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the Buy Malawi Strategy, stressing that supporting local producers safeguards jobs, conserves foreign exchange, and strengthens national self-reliance.
The visit underscored the importance of public–private partnerships in achieving Malawi’s energy ambitions under Malawi 2063, with renewable energy and local manufacturing positioned as key pillars for building a resilient and self-reliant economy.
The Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) in Ghana has held discussions with the Ghana LPG Operators Association (GLiPGOA), the umbrella body representing LPG station operators and owners across the country, to explore opportunities for collaboration between the two organisations.
According to COMAC, GLiPGOA is a critical stakeholder in the downstream petroleum sector, especially as Ghana advances its national agenda of transitioning to cleaner fuels.
This, the Chamber noted, underscores the need for stronger cooperation.
The engagement focused on potential areas where COMAC could offer strategic support to GLiPGOA to enhance its operations and overall effectiveness.
Following constructive deliberations, the COMAC Board of Governors pledged its support to the Association.
As part of its commitment to fostering industry partnerships and promoting growth within the LPG sector, both parties intend to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalise COMAC’s role in assisting GLiPGOA with operational and financial matters.
“We look forward to a strong and productive partnership that advances the interests of LPG operators in Ghana and contributes to the sustainable development of Ghana’s energy sector,” COMAC stated.
Zambia has been hit with a diesel supply shortage, but the country’s Minister for Energy, Chikote Makozo, says there is sufficient stock available.
According to the Minister, Zambia currently has 113,194,304.93 litres of diesel stored at the Ndola Fuel Depot and 32,130,574.54 litres of petrol held across various depots and retail sites nationwide as of Friday, 6 February 2026.
He explained that these volumes exceed the national minimum operating requirements of 5.4 million litres of diesel and 1.7 million litres of petrol per day, providing strong confidence in the sustained availability of fuel on the market.
The Minister attributed the diesel shortage to logistical constraints.
In a statement issued on Friday, Minister Chikote noted that these operational challenges temporarily slowed the loading and distribution of fuel to various depots and service stations, resulting in sporadic shortages in some areas.
He, however, reassured the public that the country continues to hold adequate national fuel stocks.
Additionally, the Minister confirmed that in the last 48 hours, 7.4 million litres of diesel had been uplifted from the Ndola Fuel Terminal by various Oil Marketing Companies and is currently being distributed nationwide to replenish service stations and critical facilities. This forms part of ongoing efforts to restore normal supply levels.
To prevent similar disruptions, Minister Chikote said remedial measures have been instituted, including prioritising fuel loading at the Ndola Fuel Terminal, improving the scheduling of delivery trucks, and enhancing coordination among key stakeholders in the petroleum supply chain.
The Minister apologised for the inconvenience experienced by members of the public, motorists, and businesses due to the temporary disruption in fuel supply.
“Government remains firmly committed to ensuring a stable, reliable, and efficient supply of petroleum products across the country,” he said.
Gridworks Group, a British development investment company, and the Government of Uganda have signed two landmark agreements that will enable the commencement of construction of the Amari Power Transmission Project in the coming weeks.
Amari has signed an Implementation Agreement with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development and a Transmission Services Agreement with the national transmission utility, Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL).
The Amari project will be the first Independent Transmission Project (ITP) on the continent to advance into the construction phase.
Valued at US$50 million, the ITP will upgrade the transformation capacity of four high-voltage electricity substations located at strategic points on Uganda’s grid. The upgrades will strengthen electricity supply to industrial users in line with the government’s plans to enhance the competitiveness of the manufacturing sector.
The project will also increase the grid’s ability to absorb more renewable energy and provide capacity to support future regional interconnections with neighboring countries. Upon completion, Amari will support Uganda’s growing electricity demand, facilitate the evacuation of existing and future generation, reduce system losses, and improve power quality across the transmission network. The construction phase is also expected to create job opportunities.
Gridworks’ Chief Executive Officer, Chris Flavin, welcomed the strong collaboration with the Government of Uganda, stating:“This is a decisive step that will allow the Amari Transmission Project to move into construction. We are particularly grateful for the leadership, foresight, and constructive engagement shown by the Government of Uganda in bringing this project to this stage. By prioritising strategic transmission infrastructure, the Government is laying the foundations for reliable power supply, industrial growth, and long-term economic development. We now look forward to starting construction in the coming weeks and to delivering this important project.”
Uganda’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa, emphasised the project’s strategic importance and the government’s commitment to expanding and strengthening the national grid: “The Amari Power Transmission Project is a strategic pillar within our long-term agenda to modernise and future-proof Uganda’s national electricity network.
By strengthening transmission infrastructure, we are enabling reliable power supply for industrial growth, regional power trade, and inclusive socio-economic transformation. Our partnership with Gridworks reflects our commitment to mobilising sustainable private capital and expertise to accelerate delivery of priority energy investments. We remain focused on ensuring timely implementation so that this infrastructure catalyses investment, enhances system resilience, and supports Uganda’s journey toward middle-income status.”
UETCL CEO Eng. Richard Matsiko added:“As UETCL, we view this partnership as strategic and transformative, and we look forward to effective implementation and tangible improvements to the national grid.”
Chris Chijiutomi, Managing Director and Head of Africa at BII, noted: “Transmission is a vital part of electrifying the African continent. Today’s announcement demonstrates the role that development capital can play in connecting millions of families and businesses to reliable and affordable power. I am delighted that Gridworks, a BII company, can play a pivotal role in achieving this key objective for Uganda.”
Gridworks also has a portfolio of additional ITPs under development, including the Chimuara–Nacala (Phase II & III) project— a US$450 million, 460 km high-voltage transmission line connecting central and northern Mozambique— and the Mbale–Bulambuli project, which involves constructing 80 km of high-voltage lines and two new substations in eastern Uganda.
The Tanzanian government has urged stakeholders in the financial sector to introduce services and products that will help advance the clean cooking energy agenda, particularly by empowering small entrepreneurs in rural and peri-urban areas, as well as innovators of clean cooking technologies.
The country’s Deputy Minister for Energy, Hon. Salome Makamba, made the call on February 4, 2026, while representing the Minister of Energy, Hon. Deogratius Ndejembi, at the launch of a clean cooking energy project at Bunge Girls Secondary School in Dodoma.
“Tanzania has made significant progress in the clean cooking energy agenda, with usage increasing from 6.9% in 2021 to 23.2% in 2025. However, about 77% of households still use unsustainable cooking energy sources. I urge the private sector to continue partnering with the government to drive this agenda by enabling access to clean cooking energy in rural and peri-urban areas,” she said.
Hon. Salome also emphasized the need for LPG distributors to expand distribution and refilling stations to make gas more accessible to users.
She encouraged innovators and youth in universities to conduct research and develop materials and technologies that will help expand the reach of clean cooking solutions.
The newly launched project forms part of the government’s broader efforts to ensure institutions serving more than 100 people adopt clean cooking energy to safeguard human health and the environment.
The system introduced under the project is expected to facilitate efficient, fast, and affordable cooking without harming the environment or posing health risks to cooks.
The government aims to ensure that 80% of Tanzanians use clean cooking energy by 2034, up from the current 23.2%. So far, more than 1,136 institutions serving over 100 people daily have transitioned to clean cooking energy.
Hon. Salome also inaugurated the Clean Cooking School Club, which will help raise awareness about clean cooking energy and promote innovation in related technologies.
The Head teacher of Bunge Girls Secondary School, Richard Msana, noted that the school has significantly reduced its cooking energy costs since switching from firewood to LPG.
The school now spends about TSh 1.3 million per month on LPG, compared to TSh 10.5 million every three months previously spent on firewood.
Chief Executive Officer of Ghana’s petroleum downstream regulator, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Mr. Godwin Kudzo Tameklo (Esq.), has highlighted the Authority’s disciplined regulatory regime during a panel discussion on “Driving Domestic Value: Transforming Downstream Markets and Refining” at the just-ended 2026 Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES) in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
He noted that disciplined regulation, fair pricing, and firm oversight by the NPA are shaping a downstream petroleum market that works for investors, operators, and consumers alike.
His contribution drew a clear connection between policy, practice, and impact—demonstrating how consistent regulation can strengthen refining capacity, improve distribution, safeguard supply security, and encourage responsible investment across the value chain.
The discussion also explored Africa’s broader downstream opportunities and the urgent need for the continent to refine, utilise and retain more of its petroleum value within its own economies.
NIES 2026 was held from February 2 to 5 in Abuja, under the theme: “Energy for Peace and Prosperity: Securing Our Shared Future.”
It is regarded as Africa’s premier energy gathering and attracts global leaders, policymakers, and industry experts who convene to drive investment, forge partnerships, and explore innovative solutions to the continent’s energy challenges.
The summit is endorsed by the Federal Government of Nigeria, making it a key platform for strategic policy dialogue and investment opportunities in the energy sector.
Godwin Edudzi Tameklo, Esq., in a group photograph with the NPA delegation.
TotalEnergies Marketing Nigeria Plc, a subsidiary of the French oil major, has warned that Nigeria’s deregulated downstream petroleum market will fail to deliver long-term value unless it is backed by firm regulatory discipline, consistent policies and strict safety enforcement.
The company made this known in a statement carried by local media, including Punchng.com.
According to the oil major, the absence of these fundamentals—rather than a lack of capital—has driven most multinational oil companies out of Nigeria’s downstream sector over the years.
The company’s position was contained in a statement issued on Thursday after its participation in a high-level panel session titled “Driving Domestic Value: Transforming Downstream Markets and Refining” at the 2026 Nigeria International Energy Summit in Abuja.
TotalEnergies also reaffirmed its long-term commitment to Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector, citing policy stability, deregulation, and improving supply infrastructure as key enablers of its sustained operations in the country.
General Manager for Retail and Cards, Abdullahi Umar, who represented the Managing Director of TotalEnergies, noted that the company remains the only multinational still operating in Nigeria’s downstream space, attributing this to its adherence to world-class operational, safety, and governance standards.
“Capital alone does not build a sustainable downstream market. No serious investor wants to operate in an environment where policies are inconsistent and safety standards are weak,” the company said.
According to TotalEnergies, past regulatory uncertainty and uneven enforcement of rules created an unbalanced playing field that discouraged long-term investment and forced several international operators to scale down or leave the market entirely.
The company noted that although Nigeria’s transition from a subsidy-driven regime to a private sector-led market is a welcome development, deregulation without discipline risks replacing inefficiency with instability.
“Deregulation must be matched with strong standards enforcement. Healthy competition can only exist when all players are held to the same safety, quality and operational benchmarks,” the statement added.
TotalEnergies said its continued presence in Nigeria’s downstream sector is anchored on its commitment to global best practices, stressing that it has consistently introduced innovations aimed at improving safety, efficiency and consumer confidence across its operations.
The company currently operates more than 500 retail service stations across Nigeria, making it one of the largest fuel retail networks in the country. It said the scale of its operations demonstrates Nigeria’s viability as a downstream market when the right policies and standards are in place.
“Our experience shows that Nigeria offers strong volumes and commercial margins, but only for operators prepared to invest in systems, safety and discipline. World-class standards are not optional; they are what keep the market functional and credible,” TotalEnergies stated.
The oil major also welcomed the gradual implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), saying predictable regulation is critical to restoring investor confidence and stabilising the market after years of distortions caused by fuel subsidies.
Nigeria officially removed petrol subsidies in 2023—a move that reshaped the downstream sector, transferred pricing responsibility to market forces and exposed longstanding inefficiencies in supply, logistics and regulation.
Since then, the downstream market has witnessed intense competition, pricing volatility and rising concerns over product quality and safety, especially among smaller operators.
The Gambia’s National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) has dismissed reports of a planned nationwide power outage purported to take place on Thursday, February 5, 2026.
The utility company described an audio message circulating on social media—claiming that electricity would be cut across the entire country—as false and without basis.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, NAWEC clarified that there is no scheduled activity, maintenance exercise, or technical operation that would necessitate a nationwide power disruption. The institution emphasised that its operations continue normally and that existing systems remain stable.
NAWEC noted that the country has recently seen improvements in power generation and distribution following ongoing investments in infrastructure, including upgrades to transmission lines and substations aimed at strengthening reliability.
The company reiterated that electricity supply will remain normal and uninterrupted, except in rare cases where unplanned maintenance becomes necessary due to unforeseen emergencies, such as equipment faults or severe weather conditions.
In such situations, NAWEC’s Public Relations and Digital Communications Team will promptly notify the public through official communication channels.
The utility company urged citizens to rely solely on verified and credible information from its official website and social media platforms, stressing that misinformation can cause unnecessary anxiety and disrupt public trust.
According to NAWEC, the circulating audio is misleading and appears intended to create unwarranted alarm while undermining the significant progress being made to enhance electricity supply nationwide.
NAWEC reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and timely communication in the delivery of essential services to the nation.
Petrosol Platinum Energy PLC, one of Ghana’s leading Oil Marketing Companies, has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to providing consumers with top-quality petroleum products that meet Original Equipment Manufacturers’ (OEM) specifications.
Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Bozumbil, gave the assurance when Mr. Liam Grealy, Managing Director of Mactex Oil of Ireland—PETROSOL’s lubricants formulation and blending partner—paid a courtesy call on him and his team in Accra.
He noted that despite the prevalence of substandard petroleum products on the market, PETROSOL remains determined to uphold its brand promise of delivering long-lasting and environmentally friendly fuels and lubricants that enhance the performance and lifespan of vehicles and industrial equipment.
The discussions focused on strengthening the partnership between the two companies and deepening collaboration to position PETROSOL’s high-performance lubricant brand as a dominant player in Ghana and the West African sub-region.
Mr. Grealy commended PETROSOL for its strong commitment to product quality and ethical business practices, despite the challenges within the Ghanaian market.
He assured PETROSOL of Mactex Oil’s continued support to help deliver premium-quality lubricants at competitive prices.
In 2019, PETROSOL successfully introduced its range of branded lubricants, specially formulated to perform optimally under Ghana’s climatic conditions and the broader African terrain. These products are suitable for both heavy-duty and light-duty vehicles and equipment.
The range includes mineral and fully synthetic oils such as engine oil, hydraulic oil, gear oil, and automatic transmission fluid.
Fresh attacks on the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, by Russia have left more than 1,100 apartment buildings without power, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Wednesday.
According to the president, over 200 repair crews have been deployed to work quickly to restore electricity to affected parts of the country.
“As of today, the toughest situation is in Kyiv and the region, Kharkiv and the region, Sumy region, and Poltava region,” Zelensky wrote on social media, according to a BBC report.
“It is also difficult in other parts of central Ukraine, including the Dnipro and Cherkasy regions.”
He added that more repair teams would be brought in to help restore power “to ensure proper rotation of crew members – people are exhausted.”
Residents have been forced to spend the night sheltering in Kyiv’s metro stations, with some pitching tents on the platforms to protect themselves from the freezing cold.
Authorities have set up warming centres across the city, and more generators are being imported to cope with prolonged blackouts as engineers work to repair the damaged infrastructure.
In the eastern city of Kharkiv, a power plant has reportedly been damaged beyond repair.
Ukraine’s Energy Minister, Denys Shmyhal, said the national energy system would take time to fix. This includes Kyiv’s Darnytsia Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plant, which he said had been “severely damaged.”
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described Russia’s attacks on Ukraine’s energy sector—carried out as temperatures plunged to -20°C (-4°F)—as “barbaric” and “particularly depraved.”
He made the remarks following a phone call with US President Donald Trump hours after Russia struck power plants and critical infrastructure in Kyiv and other regions.
Trump told reporters that President Vladimir Putin had “kept his word” on the week-long pause.
“The agreement was on Sunday, and Putin went from Sunday to Sunday,” Trump said when asked whether he was disappointed by Russia’s renewed attacks. “It’s a lot—you know, one week. We’ll take anything, because it’s really, really cold over there.”
The US president has been leading diplomatic efforts to end the war, but his Russian counterpart has rejected calls for a ceasefire.
The Ukrainian Air Force said it was targeted by more than 100 drones. While most were intercepted, drone strikes were reported in 14 locations, along with incidents of falling debris.
About seven people were killed and eight injured in the eastern Donetsk region, according to its governor, Vadym Filashkin.
He wrote on Telegram that Russian forces had hit the city with cluster munitions, including a busy market.
Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema has called for stronger regional cooperation and coordination in energy management to accelerate economic growth across Africa.
He stressed that energy security must be treated as a shared regional priority rather than an isolated national concern, noting that interconnected power systems, harmonised policies and joint planning would boost industrialisation, trade and investment across the continent.
Addressing participants at the Continental Energy and Infrastructure Investment Forum (CEIIF) in Zambia, President Hichilema said collaboration among neighbouring countries would help mitigate future energy shocks and build more resilient economies.
He outlined key reforms implemented by his administration in the energy sector, stating that these interventions had been crucial in addressing longstanding challenges in electricity supply and governance.
The President highlighted the adoption of Open Access to the national grid and the introduction of a single licensing framework as major milestones that have reduced bureaucratic bottlenecks and improved transparency.
According to him, the reforms have created a more predictable and investor-friendly environment while strengthening regulatory oversight and enhancing market efficiency.
President Hichilema (3rd right) poses for a photograph with dignitaries at the event.
He noted that, as a direct result of these regulatory changes, Zambia now has Independent Power Traders operating in the market alongside an expanding number of Independent Power Producers (IPPs).
President Hichilema explained that this evolving market structure has diversified power sources, promoted competition and improved supply reliability for both households and industries.
He acknowledged that his government had taken tough and sometimes unpopular decisions to address the recent energy crisis, emphasising that failure to act would have posed serious risks to Zambia’s economic stability.
Looking ahead, the President revealed Zambia’s ambition to expand national power generation capacity to 10,000 megawatts, including 3,000 megawatts from coal.
He described this as a balanced energy strategy that combines renewable sources with baseload power to support industrial growth and economic transformation.
He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to regional partnership, innovation and sustainable energy development as pillars for long-term prosperity.
She stated, “A fatal road traffic crash was recorded today, 8th February 2026, opposite the FRSC office in Ihiala on the Ihiala–Onitsha Road.
“The probable cause of the crash was speeding and loss of control. Three male adults were involved — two died, and one was rescued with injuries and taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Ihiala.”
Onabe added that the FRSC rescue team from RS5.34 contacted the fire service, and both agencies worked together to fully extinguish the fire.
She also commiserated with the families of the victims and advised motorists to drive within recommended speed limits and remain observant while driving.
“Drive to stay alive; safety is everyone’s business,” she emphasised. 
The discussion also explored Africa’s broader downstream opportunities and the urgent need for the continent to refine, utilise and retain more of its petroleum value within its own economies.
NIES 2026 was held from February 2 to 5 in Abuja, under the theme: “Energy for Peace and Prosperity: Securing Our Shared Future.”
It is regarded as Africa’s premier energy gathering and attracts global leaders, policymakers, and industry experts who convene to drive investment, forge partnerships, and explore innovative solutions to the continent’s energy challenges.
The summit is endorsed by the Federal Government of Nigeria, making it a key platform for strategic policy dialogue and investment opportunities in the energy sector.
He assured PETROSOL of Mactex Oil’s continued support to help deliver premium-quality lubricants at competitive prices.
In 2019, PETROSOL successfully introduced its range of branded lubricants, specially formulated to perform optimally under Ghana’s climatic conditions and the broader African terrain. These products are suitable for both heavy-duty and light-duty vehicles and equipment.
The range includes mineral and fully synthetic oils such as engine oil, hydraulic oil, gear oil, and automatic transmission fluid. 
