Nigeria: Gas Pipeline Attack Disrupts Electricity Supply Nationwide
The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has announced a significant drop in electricity generation on the National Grid, citing gas supply constraints arising from an incident of gas pipeline vandalism within the upstream gas supply network.
The system operator, in a statement issued on Tuesday, noted that the incident affected gas availability to a number of power generation facilities.
It added that the unfortunate incident caused several gas-fired power stations to record low output, resulting in reduced available generation capacity on the National Grid.
NISO, however, said it promptly activated established contingency measures to maintain system stability and reliability.
These measures included increased dispatch from available hydroelectric power stations, continuous generation re-dispatch, voltage control interventions, and other necessary operational actions to balance electricity supply with system demand.
NISO assured Nigerians that it is closely monitoring the system and working with relevant stakeholders to mitigate the impact of the gas supply constraints.
“We are closely monitoring grid conditions, including system frequency and voltage profiles, while working with relevant stakeholders to mitigate the impact of the gas supply constraints.
“The situation highlights the importance of coordinated efforts to address gas supply disruptions, particularly as we approach the festive season, which is traditionally sensitive for grid operations,” the statement said.
NISO further assured the public of its commitment to proactive grid management and the application of appropriate operational standards to ensure a secure, stable, and reliable electricity supply nationwide.
The incident has reignited debate over whether Nigeria will soon see an end to pipeline vandalism and the destruction of transmission infrastructure.
The country has continued to struggle with providing reliable and efficient electricity supply due to several factors, including pipeline vandalism and the destruction of transmission towers by saboteurs.
Zambia: Energy Minister Charges REA Board To Drive Rural Electrification And Strategic Growth
Zambia’s Minister for Energy, Makozo Chikote, has tasked the newly inducted Rural Electrification Authority (REA) Board, chaired by Mr. Charles Matomola Mboma, to demonstrate decisive yet strategic leadership by accelerating energy access, strengthening governance, and positioning rural electrification as a key driver of economic growth.
He delivered the charge during the Board’s induction ceremony in Lusaka today.
Mr. Chikote congratulated members on their appointment and thanked them for accepting to serve the nation.
He emphasised that the Board’s mandate lies at the heart of Zambia’s national development agenda and must translate into tangible outcomes that deliver reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity to rural communities throughout their tenure.
The Minister observed that the Board assumes office at a defining moment for the energy sector, as the Government implements far-reaching reforms aimed at repositioning the private sector as the engine of economic growth.
In this context, he stressed that rural electrification should no longer be viewed solely as a social intervention, but as a catalyst for productive enterprise, value addition, job creation, and inclusive development.
He urged the Board, under the leadership of Mr. Mboma, to provide strategic direction that actively supports private sector participation, innovative financing models, and partnerships to accelerate energy access in rural and peri-urban areas.
Mr. Chikote advised Board members to familiarise themselves with the REA Act, describing it as their principal guide in engagements with management.
He further emphasised that the Authority, like other public institutions, has ambitious targets, and that Board members will be required to sign performance contracts against which their performance will be assessed over their tenure.
The Minister identified the strengthening of procurement and project delivery systems as a critical priority for the Board’s term of office.
He stated that expeditious procurement processes, timely implementation, cost reflectivity, and uncompromising quality standards are imperative.
He warned that delays and cost overruns undermine public confidence and constrain the country’s ability to scale up rural electrification, urging the Board to exercise firm oversight to ensure projects are delivered efficiently, transparently, and in a manner that maximises value for money.
He further informed the Board that REA has several pending activities requiring approval, including the launch of the Rural Electrification Master Plan and the Rural Electrification Fund operating guidelines.
Mr. Chikote also directed the Board to begin preparations for the development of a new strategic plan, noting that the current plan will expire in 2026 and that continuity across Board tenures is essential.
The newly appointed REA Board brings together expertise and representation from key professional bodies and public institutions, including the Economic Association of Zambia, the Engineering Institute of Zambia, local government, the Attorney General’s Office, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), the Ministry of Energy, as well as sector experts—a composition expected to enhance balanced decision-making and strengthen institutional oversight.
Trump Orders ‘Blockade’ Of Sanctioned Oil Tankers Leaving, Entering Venezuela
U.S. President Donald Trump ordered on Tuesday a “blockade” of all sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela, in Washington’s latest move to increase pressure on Nicolas Maduro’s government, targeting its main source of income.
It is unclear how Trump will impose the move against the sanctioned vessels, and whether he will turn to the Coast Guard to interdict vessels like he did last week.
The administration has moved thousands of troops and nearly a dozen warships – including an aircraft carrier – to the region.
“For the theft of our Assets, and many other reasons, including Terrorism, Drug Smuggling, and Human Trafficking, the Venezuelan Regime has been designated a foreign terrorist organization,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“Therefore, today, I am ordering a total and complete blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers going into, and out of, Venezuela.”
In a statement, Venezuela’s government said it rejected Trump’s “grotesque threat.”
Oil prices rose more than 1% in Asian trade on Wednesday.
Brent crude futures LCOc1 were up 70 cents, or 1.2%, at $59.62 a barrel at 0245 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude CLc1 rose 73 cents, or 1.3%, to $56.00 a barrel.
U.S. crude futures climbed over 1% to $55.96 a barrel in Asian trading after Trump’s announcement.
Oil prices settled at $55.27 a barrel on Tuesday, the lowest close since February 2021.
Oil market participants said prices were rising in anticipation of a potential reduction in Venezuelan exports, although they were still waiting to see how Trump’s blockade would be enforced and whether it would extend to include non-sanctioned vessels.
American presidents have broad discretion to deploy U.S. forces abroad, but Trump’s asserted blockade marks a new test of presidential authority, said international law scholar Elena Chachko of UC Berkeley Law School.
Blockades have traditionally been treated as permissible “instruments of war,” but only under strict conditions, Chachko said.
“There are serious questions on both the domestic law front and international law front,” she added.
U.S. Representative Joaquin Castro, a Texas Democrat, called the blockade “unquestionably an act of war.”
“A war that the Congress never authorized and the American people do not want,” Castro added on X.
There has been an effective embargo in place after the U.S. seized a sanctioned oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela last week, with loaded vessels carrying millions of barrels of oil staying in Venezuelan waters rather than risk seizure.
Since the seizure, Venezuelan crude exports have fallen sharply, a situation worsened by a cyberattack that knocked down state-run PDVSA’s administrative systems this week.
While many vessels picking up oil in Venezuela are under sanctions, others transporting the country’s oil and crude from Iran and Russia have not been sanctioned, and some companies, particularly the U.S.’ Chevron (CVX.N), transport Venezuelan oil in their own authorized ships.
Nigeria: Aliko Dangote Petitions Anti-Graft Agency To Probe Petroleum Midstream And Downstream Regulator Over Alleged Corruption
The founder of Africa’s largest petroleum refinery, Aliko Dangote, has escalated a high-profile dispute within Nigeria’s petroleum sector by submitting a formal petition to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), seeking an investigation into the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Mr Farouk Ahmed, over alleged corruption.
The petition accuses the regulator of corruption, financial impropriety, and abuse of office.
The petition, filed on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, through Dangote’s lawyer, Mr. Ogwu James Onoja (SAN), was formally received by the ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN).
It called for the immediate arrest, investigation, and prosecution of Mr. Ahmed.
Dangote alleged that the NMDPRA boss has been living far beyond his legitimate earnings as a public servant, citing alleged expenditures exceeding $5 million paid upfront for the six-year education of his four children at elite secondary schools in Switzerland.
According to the petition, the children and their respective schools were named to enable verification by the ICPC. Dangote contends that Mr. Ahmed’s cumulative public sector earnings could not reasonably support such spending, accusing him of embezzlement and diversion of public funds through his position at the NMDPRA for personal benefit.
The petition further claims that the alleged actions have fuelled public discontent, sparked protests, and undermined confidence in the downstream petroleum sector.
Dangote has indicated his willingness to appear in person before the ICPC to present evidence in support of his claims of corrupt enrichment, abuse of office, and impunity. He argued that swift action by the anti-graft agency would promote accountability and protect the integrity of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The petition follows Dangote’s public allegations made during a press briefing at the Dangote Refinery in Lagos on December 14, where he claimed that Mr. Ahmed spent between $5 million and $7 million on his children’s secondary education abroad—an amount he described as inconsistent with the earnings of a public officer.
Similar allegations surfaced earlier in 2025, triggering protests and calls for investigations by civil society groups, including the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP).
As of the time of filing this report, neither the ICPC nor the NMDPRA had issued an official response to the petition. Mr. Ahmed has previously dismissed related allegations as baseless and described them as smear campaigns.
The dispute has also attracted parliamentary attention, with the House of Representatives summoning both parties to address wider regulatory tensions within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Ghana: Energy Ministry Unveils Guiding Framework For Private Sector Participation In Electricity Distribution Sector
Ghana’s Ministry of Energy and Green Transition on Monday unveiled the Guiding Framework for Private Sector Participation (PSP) in the operations of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo).
Addressing sections of the media at the Ministry on behalf of the sector minister, the Chief Director of the Ministry, Mr. Solomon Adjetey Sowah, noted that the Guiding Framework sets out the processes, roles, and responsibilities that will guide the work of the Technical Advisor and the PSP Implementation Unit, in close collaboration with ECG, NEDCo, and relevant regulatory institutions.
“Today’s occasion marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to strengthen electricity service delivery, improve operational efficiency, and secure a resilient and sustainable energy future for our country,” he stressed.
He added that the Guiding Framework reflects the Government’s firm resolve to transform the electricity distribution landscape through innovation, strategic collaboration, and responsible engagement with the private sector in the national interest.
While acknowledging Ghana’s notable progress in expanding electricity access, increasing generation capacity, and strengthening transmission reliability, Mr. Sowah indicated that longstanding challenges within the distribution subsector—including technical and commercial losses, inadequate investment, revenue shortfalls, and operational inefficiencies—continue to undermine overall sector performance and must be addressed decisively.
He explained that it is against this backdrop that Government initiated a structured process to explore and design a viable PSP arrangement for ECG and NEDCo.
“The objective is clear: to attract technical expertise, operational efficiency, and capital investment, while safeguarding the national interest and ensuring value for money,” he added.
Mr. Sowah revealed that Government established a PSP Steering Committee, supported by Financial, Technical, and Communications sub-groups, to lead a transparent and evidence-driven process following Cabinet’s approval on April 17, 2025, for the reintroduction of Private Sector Participation in electricity distribution across the country.
“Since then, the Committee has undertaken extensive work, including:
- detailed diagnostic assessments of ECG and NEDCo;
- evaluation of global PSP models and lessons from comparable utilities;
- benchmarking from international study tours to Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, India, and the United States;
- financial modelling and legal analysis of potential partnership structures; and
- the design of a Ghana-specific approach that reflects our unique context, needs, and constraints,” Mr. Sowah stated.
Ghana: Ackah, Gatete’s New Book Energy Regulation In Africa Unveiled In Accra
Former Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Grid Company LTD. and Board Chairman of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Ing. Dr. William Amuna, has officially unveiled a new book examining the evolving landscape of energy regulation across Africa.
The book was authored by Dr. Ishmael Ackah, a Ghanaian and former Executive Secretary of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), and Dr. Charly Gatete, an energy economist from Burkina Faso.
Titled Energy Regulation in Africa: Dynamics, Challenges and Opportunities, the book was launched at the British Council in Accra and attracted key industry stakeholders, including Hon. Richard Gyan-Mensah, Deputy Minister for Energy and Green Transition; Mrs. Eunice Biritwum, Acting Executive Secretary of the Energy Commission; Mr. Benjamin Boakye, Executive Director of the Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP); Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, former Minister for Finance; and Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, former Minister for Energy.
The publication features contributions from 71 experts across 40 African countries, making it one of the most comprehensive works on energy regulation on the continent.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Amuna noted that Ghana’s installed power generation capacity has exceeded 5,000 megawatts, underscoring the need for robust regulation within the power sector.
He described the book as an excellent publication and urged energy professionals and policymakers to acquire and study it.
Former Energy Minister Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, in his remarks, emphasised the importance of a clearer understanding of regulatory independence. He cautioned that public expectations of independence must be balanced with accountability.
“We often call for independent regulators. That is right, but independence is not autonomy,” he said. “Autonomy suggests acting without accountability. Independence is more demanding—requiring fairness, consistency, and the courage to stand firm in the face of competing pressures.”
He stressed that while regulators should engage stakeholders, they must avoid regulatory capture and ensure their mandate serves the public interest. He added that governments must provide clear mandates, stable financing, and respect for due process to enable regulators to function effectively.
Dr. Prempeh also warned against transplanting foreign regulatory models wholesale into African systems, arguing that the continent’s unique economic and infrastructural realities require tailored solutions.
“Africa does not have the luxury of copying and pasting foreign regulatory models,” he said. “We need innovative regulators who embrace digital tools, regional power markets, off-grid solutions, and technologies that support the transition to cleaner energy.”
Lead author Dr. Ishmael Ackah said the book seeks to bridge the gap between research and policy by documenting both progress and persistent challenges in energy regulation across Africa. While acknowledging improvements since the 1990s, he highlighted ongoing concerns around political autonomy, tariff setting, and balancing investor interests with consumer protection.
“We are doing better than in the 90s, but we are still not there yet,” he said. “The book documents successes but also highlights challenges—especially the relationship between regulation and politics, and how to balance competing interests to ensure utilities recover costs while protecting consumers.”
Dr. Ackah added that the publication offers comparative lessons drawn from multiple countries, moving beyond earlier works that focused narrowly on individual national systems.
Energy Regulation in Africa examines policy reforms, institutional development, governance, and regulatory practice, providing a valuable resource for policymakers, regulators, researchers, and investors seeking evidence-based guidance to strengthen energy governance across the continent.
Nigeria: Aliko Dangote Questions NMDPRA CEO Over Source Of $5 Million Spent On Children’s Education In Switzerland
Billionaire industrialist and founder of Africa’s largest refinery, Aliko Dangote, has questioned the source of an estimated $5 million allegedly spent by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed, on his children’s secondary education in Switzerland.
Dangote claimed that the amount was paid for the education of four of Ahmed’s children over a six-year period.
On Monday, Dangote alleged that Ahmed “paid $5 million” to Swiss secondary schools for his children’s education, describing the expenditure as “economic sabotage and corruption.”
In a newspaper advertisement detailing his allegations, Dangote listed the children as Faisal Farouk, Farouk Jr., Ashraf Farouk, and Farhana Farouk.
He named the schools they reportedly attended over the six-year period as Montreux School, Aiglon College, Institut Le Rosey, and La Garenne International School.
Dangote also presented estimated annual tuition fees, living expenses, air travel, and upkeep, calculated across four children and several years of study. He claimed that the annual cost of tuition, airfare, and upkeep per child amounted to about $200,000, bringing the total to approximately $800,000 per year for all four children.
According to him, total living expenses and air travel per child over six years amounted to about $1.2 million, or $4.8 million for the four children combined. Overall, Dangote estimated that the total cost of tuition and upkeep reached $5 million.
He further listed alleged tertiary education expenses for the children, stating that tuition, upkeep, airfare, and related costs average approximately $125,000 per year over a four-year period. This, he claimed, amounts to $500,000 per child and a total of $2 million for all four.
“Faisal just finished a 2025 Harvard MBA at $150,000, with an additional $60,000 for upkeep, tickets, and other incidentals. Total expenditure for Faisal’s MBA in 2025 was $210,000,” Dangote added.
Dangote said Nigerians deserve to know the source of funds allegedly paid by a public officer, especially at a time when, according to him, many parents in Ahmed’s home state of Sokoto struggle to afford school fees as low as ₦10,000 for their children and wards.
Kenya: KETRACO Signs Sh40.4bn Deal With Consortium To Expand And Modernise Power Transmission Network
The Kenya Electricity Transmission Company Limited (KETRACO) on Monday signed a Sh40.4 billion (US$311 million) Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement with a consortium comprising Africa50 and Power Grid Corporation of India to expand and modernise Kenya’s power transmission network, local media outlets have reported.
The project will be fully financed, implemented, operated, and maintained by the private sector, with no public funds committed. It covers the design, construction, financing, operation, and maintenance of two high-voltage transmission lines and associated substations aimed at improving grid reliability, integrating renewable energy, and strengthening power supply across Western and Northern Kenya.
The consortium brings together Africa50, a pan-African infrastructure investment platform backed by 33 African governments, the African Development Bank Group, and other institutions, and Power Grid Corporation of India, one of the world’s largest transmission utilities, responsible for transmitting about 50 per cent of India’s electricity.
The project was initiated as a Privately Initiated Proposal (PIP) and approved under Section 61 of the PPP Act, 2021.
The PPP covers two major transmission lines. The 400kV Lessos–Loosuk line will pass through Nandi, Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, and Samburu counties, providing an alternative evacuation route for up to 300MW of geothermal power from the Baringo–Silali fields.
The 220kV Kibos–Kakamega–Musaga line will serve Kisumu, Vihiga, and Kakamega counties, extending the high-voltage grid into Western Kenya for the first time and reducing voltage instability and technical losses.
“This partnership demonstrates the strength of Kenya’s investment environment and the confidence of global partners in our energy agenda. We are accelerating access to reliable and affordable electricity while laying the foundation for industrialisation, job creation, and inclusive economic growth,” Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi said during the signing ceremony.
National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi said the project reflects strong fiscal discipline, noting that the full cost will be borne by the private partner. He added that cost recovery will be through an availability-based tariff payable only after independent certification of completed works, with the concession period capped at 30 years.
Under the agreement, Africa50 and Power Grid will establish a project company to manage the infrastructure over the concession period. KETRACO will make performance-based availability payments, while an independent expert jointly appointed by both parties will oversee project delivery.
At the end of the concession period, all assets will revert to KETRACO in good condition and free of encumbrances.
KETRACO Acting Managing Director, Eng. Kipkemoi Kibias, said the company plans to develop an additional 8,000 kilometres of transmission lines over the next 20 years, requiring about US$5 billion in investment.
However, limited public funding has necessitated increased private sector participation. “This PPP reflects our commitment to innovative financing solutions to bridge the transmission financing gap and deliver critical infrastructure,” he said.
The project aligns with Kenya’s Least Cost Power Development Plan and KETRACO’s Transmission Master Plan, and will support the integration of geothermal and wind power, including from the Baringo–Silali fields and the Lake Turkana Wind Power Project, helping to reduce reliance on costly thermal generation.
Africa50 Chief Executive Officer, Alain Ebobisse, said the deal represents an Africa-first Independent Power Transmission model that can be replicated across the continent, while Power Grid Corporation of India Chairman and Managing Director, Dr. R.K. Tyagi, said the partnership combines global technical expertise with innovative project structuring to unlock Africa’s energy potential.
U.S. Treasury Blocks Bid For Lukoil’s Foreign Assets
The U.S. Treasury Department has rejected a bid by a group of companies led by investment bank Xtellus Partners to buy the foreign assets of Russia’s Lukoil, Reuters has reported, citing several unnamed sources.
The assets, valued at some $22 billion, were put on the market after the United States imposed sanctions on Lukoil and Rosneft.
The first bidder was Swiss commodity major Gunvor, which President Trump called a Russian “puppet”.
Since then, Chevron, Exxon, Hungarian MOL, Emirati International Holding Company, and private equity major Carlyle have come forward as potential suitors for Lukoil’s foreign business, among others.
According to the Reuters sources, the Russian energy major had liked the Xtellus bid, which involved a stipulation that the proceeds from the sale would be used to compensate U.S. investors in the Russian company that lost their money after the stock freeze following the Ukraine war.
Essentially, the deal was going to be a cashless sale back to Lukoil securities held by U.S. investors in exchange for the company’s global assets.
The deal, as proposed, however, had been seen as too difficult to execute, Reuters said, citing its sources.
The Treasury Department had reportedly rejected the deal because the buyers’ group had no permission to use sanctioned securities in a transaction.
The group is not giving up, however, planning to go higher in the Treasury Department and get the initial decision reversed.
Lukoil has faced escalating restrictions on its global operations since the onset of Western sanctions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The company holds a range of international upstream and downstream assets across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, including refineries in Italy and the Netherlands, and upstream stakes in Iraq, Uzbekistan, and West Africa.
The company operates a network of more than 2,000 fuel stations across the world.
Kenyan Women’s Agro-Processing Gets a Boost Through ICRISAT Training And Energy-Efficient Ovens
The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), through the World Bank–funded AICCRA project, has intensified efforts to strengthen climate resilience and improve livelihoods in Kenya’s drylands by delivering practical value-added training and distributing modern, energy-saving ovens to organized women’s groups.
This initiative aims to rapidly increase the adoption of drought-tolerant crops, create new income opportunities for rural women, and enhance household nutrition, particularly for women and children, through more diverse and fortified diets.
Dr Himanshu Pathak, Director General of ICRISAT, underscored the initiative’s importance, noting that as a key partner to government, communities, and development agencies, the Institute is focused on strengthening climate resilience in the drylands with solutions that are practical, scalable, and centered on the people who sustain local food systems.
“By equipping women with skills in value addition and access to energy-efficient technologies, we are supporting real economic opportunity while improving nutrition for households across Kenya’s drylands.
“Under AICCRA, this work is helping communities adapt today while building a more secure and resilient food future for tomorrow,” Dr Pathak said.
Value addition lies at the heart of this initiative. Through the training, women learned new techniques for processing traditional crops such as sorghum, millets, pigeon pea, and groundnuts, turning them into nutritious flours, snacks, baked foods, and market-ready products.
The introduction of energy-saving ovens will reduce fuel consumption, cut household costs, and make small agro-processing enterprises more viable.
With better equipment and improved skills, women’s groups are expected to earn higher incomes, build stronger community-based enterprises, and supply households with healthier food options.
This work comes at a time when drought-tolerant crops are gaining importance across Africa’s drylands.
Their rich protein, fibre, and micronutrient content make these crops essential in tackling hunger, malnutrition, and the growing threat of climate-driven crop failures.
By strengthening value addition, AICCRA is boosting food security and rapidly creating new agribusiness opportunities for women and youth.
Reflecting on the broader vision of ICRISAT’s work in Africa, Dr. Rebbie Harawa, Global Research Program Director (RFFS) & Director – Africa, said the organisation’s mission is to strengthen African food systems through science, innovation, and inclusive partnerships.
“With AICCRA, we are closing the gap between research and real-life impact, ensuring that climate-smart technologies reach those who need them most, especially women and youth” said Dr. Harawa.
Beyond value addition, AICCRA integrates several other components that collectively enhance resilience and productivity in dryland farming systems.
The project’s seed systems component ensures the availability of high-quality certified seeds of drought-tolerant crops through partnerships with seed companies, community seed banks, farmer producer groups, and national partners.
By improving the last-mile distribution of seeds, more farmers can access varieties that thrive in harsh climatic conditions.
The conservation agriculture and climate-smart practices component promotes sustainable land management techniques, including minimum tillage, crop rotation, mulching, and integrated soil fertility management.
These practices improve soil health, increase water use efficiency, and stabilize yields, even in seasons of unpredictable rainfall.
Through on-farm demonstrations and training, farmers learn how to transition from traditional methods to more resilient farming systems.
AICCRA also strengthens climate information services, ensuring that farmers receive timely advisories on weather, pests, diseases, and agronomic decisions.
By combining scientific data with local knowledge, the project helps communities make informed decisions that reduce risk and increase productivity.
The significance of these interventions is evident in the enthusiasm of the women beneficiaries, who now see new possibilities in entrepreneurship, food processing, and community nutrition.
Dr. Henry Ojulong, Project Lead at ICRISAT, said AICCRA’s success is measured by the smiles and confidence we see in farmers who adopt climate-smart innovations.
“By equipping women with energy-saving technologies and value addition skills, we are investing in the next generation of rural entrepreneurs and nutrition champions” said Dr Ojulong.
As climate challenges intensify, strengthening the role of women in food systems is critical. Through AICCRA, ICRISAT is helping communities apply proven scientific solutions that improve livelihoods and build a more resilient, food-secure future for Africa.
Ghana: Gov’t To Appoint Transaction Advisor For ECG, NEDCo PSP Before Christmas
The Government of Ghana is expected to appoint a transaction advisor for private sector participation (PSP) in the operations of the country’s two major electricity distribution companies—the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo)—before the Christmas festivities.
This was disclosed by the Chairman of the Technical Committee for Private Sector Participation, Ing. Jabesh Amissah-Arthur, during the official unveiling of the Guiding Framework for the PSP by the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition on Monday, December 15, 2025.
According to him, the government cannot delay the process beyond Christmas, as it has already suffered setbacks.
The Technical Steering Committee was inaugurated in May this year to, among other responsibilities, provide strategic direction for the PSP rollout; gather baseline data, including auditing the PSP deal; coordinate with ECG, NEDCo, regulatory bodies, and transaction advisors; and monitor progress across key milestones.
The Committee was also tasked with reviewing and advising on transaction documents, procurement frameworks, draft agreements, risk-mitigation strategies, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder communication.
Additionally, the Committee was expected to ensure that the procurement of technical, financial, and legal transaction advisors was completed by May 31, 2025, to facilitate the commencement of detailed implementation.
“By September 2025, we anticipated issuing the first phase of the competitive bidding documents for private concessionaires,” Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, said at the time.
Providing details of the work undertaken that culminated in the drafting of the Guiding Framework for the PSP, Ing. Amissah-Arthur noted that the Committee engaged various stakeholders and visited several countries to study their private sector participation models.
He added that the Committee will roll out a nationwide stakeholder engagement exercise to solicit public input and fine-tune the Guiding Framework, ensuring that the most suitable option is adopted.
Ghana: NPA Hosts Petroleum Downstream CEOs Ahead Of GhIPCon 2026
Ghana’s petroleum downstream regulator, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), has engaged Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of key public and private institutions within the petroleum downstream industry at a breakfast meeting held in Accra.
The meeting formed part of preparations toward the 2026 Ghana International Petroleum Conference (GhIPCon), scheduled for July 2026.
Welcoming participants, the Chief Executive of the NPA, Mr. Godwin Kudzo Tameklo, Esq., noted that the engagement provided an opportunity to officially launch the theme for GhIPCon 2026 and to gather industry perspectives ahead of the Conference, which will take place at the Accra International Conference Centre.
GhIPCon is Ghana’s flagship downstream petroleum conference, bringing together over 1,500 participants from more than 25 countries to exchange insights on policy and regulatory developments, operational strategies, innovation, and investment opportunities.
The biennial event is organized by the NPA in partnership with the Ghana Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors (CBOD) and the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC), under the auspices of the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition.
The 2026 theme, “Building a Resilient Downstream: Policy, Innovation and Investment for Growth,” was officially unveiled by the NPA Chief Executive, who explained that it reflects the core pillars required to secure the future of the downstream industry. A Technical Committee was also inaugurated to steer the organization of GhIPCon 2026.
Delivering the keynote address, the Deputy Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. Richard Gyan-Mensah (MP), commended the NPA and its partners for their leadership in strengthening the sector.
He emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement in shaping responsive policies and reaffirmed the Ministry’s support for GhIPCon.
During an open forum, industry stakeholders expressed satisfaction with the progress GhIPCon has made over the years and encouraged the NPA to work closely with partners to implement key recommendations from previous Conferences.
They pledged their full support for GhIPCon 2026.
Ghana: PUWU Congratulates ECG MD On Winning Power Sector CEO Of The Year Award
The Public Utility Workers’ Union (PUWU) of TUC-Ghana, in conjunction with the National Divisional Union, Senior Staff and Junior Staff Association of ECG, has congratulated the Managing Director of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) Limited for being adjudged Power Sector CEO of the Year at the recently held Ghana Energy Awards 2025.
In a statement issued by its General Secretary, Timothy Nyame, PUWU emphasised that the recognition is not merely a personal accolade but a powerful testament to Ing. Kwame Kpekpena’s exceptional leadership skills, commitment to operational excellence, and strategic vision in navigating the challenging energy sector he inherited.
“Your dedication and efforts as the Acting Managing Director have significantly contributed to the ongoing stability and efficiency of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG). This award reflects positively on the hard work and resilience of management and workers alike who operate under your guidance,” PUWU said.
According to the union, it highly values the cordial and productive industrial relations prevailing under his tenure.
The union further acknowledged that strong leadership is essential to the success and reputation of the power distribution sector.
“We are proud of you and wish you continued success as you lead ECG through its transformation phase into a stronger and more resilient company,” the statement concluded.
Ghana: PETROSOL Wins Marketing Campaign Of The Year At 12th Oil & Gas Awards 2025
PETROSOL Platinum Energy Limited, one of Ghana’s leading Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), has been honoured with the Marketing Campaign of the Year award at the recently held 12th Oil & Gas Awards 2025.
The award recognises the company’s customer-centric approach and innovative marketing strategies implemented nationwide.
Through tailored campaigns executed across all 16 regions of the country, PETROSOL ensured that customers derive maximum value from initiatives designed to strengthen brand loyalty and enhance service delivery.
Speaking on the achievement, the company reaffirmed its commitment to delivering value where it matters most, noting that its marketing efforts continue to position PETROSOL as a proud indigenous brand dedicated to “energising dreams.”
According to the company, the recognition is a testament to its unwavering focus on innovation, excellence, and customer satisfaction.
PETROSOL Platinum Energy expressed gratitude to its customers, partners, and dedicated staff for their continued support, which made the achievement possible.
According to the company, the recognition is a testament to its unwavering focus on innovation, excellence, and customer satisfaction.
PETROSOL Platinum Energy expressed gratitude to its customers, partners, and dedicated staff for their continued support, which made the achievement possible.