AOW: Africa Needs $100bn Investment In Renewable Energy To Boost Green Industrial Growth – AfCFTA Boss
The Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), His Excellency Wamkele Mene, has said Africa will require as much as $100 billion to fast-track the development of renewable energy and expand electricity access across the continent.
He noted that although Africa possesses 60% of the world’s renewable energy resources, it still lacks the necessary capital to fully harness these resources to transform its energy and industrial sectors.
H.E. Mene made these remarks while delivering the opening keynote address on the theme “Energy and Sustainable Forum” during the final day of the 2025 Africa Oil Week (AOW) on Thursday, September 18, 2025, in Accra.
As the champion of AfCFTA, he highlighted that 49 out of Africa’s 54 countries have ratified the agreement to undertake intra-African trade activities. This, he said, provides an opportunity to leverage the continent’s vast population to drive investment in energy development and industrial growth.
According to him, if Africa can tap into its abundant solar, geothermal, and other renewable resources, the continent could soon close the wide electricity gap that continues to hinder its people.
The AfCFTA boss lamented that Africa still imports finished products, energy experts, and other commodities in this century.
He urged African leaders, business drivers, and the few experts in the energy sector to design a practical action plan to transform the sector in the foreseeable future.
The theme for Africa Oil Week (AOW) 2025 in Ghana is “Sustainable Energy Transition and Investment in African Resources.” The event focuses on co-creating Africa’s energy future—particularly its gas resources—through partnerships, deal-making, innovation, and strong governance.
The gathering has brought together key stakeholders in oil and gas to bridge gaps between governments, the private sector, and investors, with the goal of shaping the future of Africa’s energy landscape. Discussions also addressed the complexities of the energy transition, including carbon management and energy access.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
AOW: Experts Call For Dedicated Funds To Build African Capacities To Secure The Future Of Upstream Oil And Gas Resources
The Chief Technical Officer for Aradel Holdings Dr. Ebenezer Ageh, has urged Africans to dedicate funds towards building local capacities to produce homegrown experts in the upstream oil and gas value chain.
He gave this piece of advice during the 2025 edition of Africa Oil Week held in Accra, Ghana’s capital, on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at a panel discussion under the Leadership Dialogue Series: ‘Shaping the Future of Upstream’.
The session, moderated by Olawale Noikoi, a partner at Deloitte, sought solutions from industry leaders on addressing the expertise and financial gaps that have slowed Africa’s drive toward accelerated development in the sector.
“If we, as a continent, decide to engage our universities and fund research to produce experts and advance technology within the sector, it will significantly improve our future,” Dr Ageh asserted.
On her part, Emily Watt, the Vice President for Refining and Product Trading, Europe and Africa, at bp, called for an enhanced technological training.
According to her, if Africa can build business trust and strengthen partnerships in developing the sector, the continent will reap long-term benefits from such investments.
She, therefore, urged African stakeholders to leverage these key areas to fast-track socioeconomic development.
The Africa Oil Week is taking place in Accra for the first-time after being hosted in Cape Town, South Africa, for thirty years.
The premier event was relocated to Ghana in 2024 and, just like in Cape Town, it has continued to attract global participation.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
South Africa: Eskom Leases Five Steam Locomotives To New Cape Central Railway Ltd For Five Years
South Africa’s power utility, Eskom, has announced the leasing of five steam locomotives located at Rosherville in Gauteng to New Cape Central Railway Ltd. for a period of five years, following a rigorous open tender process in May 2024.
According to Eskom, the process was conducted in close consultation with the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) and the Heritage Railway Association of South Africa (HRASA), which provided guidance to ensure compliance with national heritage standards.
In a statement issued on Monday, Eskom said that while its core mandate is to deliver quality and reliable electricity, it also has a responsibility to safeguard the valuable heritage assets entrusted to it.
“By opting for a lease arrangement rather than a sale, Eskom retains custodianship of these assets, affirming its commitment to heritage preservation as a proudly South African company,” Eskom Group Chief Executive Dan Marokane said.
Originally intended for restoration and public exhibition, the locomotives were retrieved from the now-defunct museum.
Commenting on the development, Chief Executive Officer of Eskom Rotek Industries, Hector Danisa, said:
“These iconic locomotives have powered the energy industry for more than a century. This milestone demonstrates our shared commitment to preserving them and making them accessible through structured partnerships, ensuring their legacy endures for many years to come. They form a vital part of South Africa’s industrial and cultural heritage.”
Eskom, which turned 102 years old on March 1 this year, supplies around 90% of South Africa’s electricity and 30% of Africa’s total power.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.comAfrica Is The Biggest Investment Hub Now; Invest Before It’s Too Late – Ghana’s Energy Minister Tells Investors
Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, has made a strong case for Africa as the world’s most promising investment hub, urging global investors to seize opportunities on the continent before it is too late.
Africa is home to over 125 billion barrels of crude oil reserves and 620 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves, accounting for approximately 7% of the world’s total.
Besides oil and gas reserves, the continent is rich in minerals including gold, copper, uranium, bauxite and lithium.
Speaking during a panel discussion at the Gastech Conference in Milan, Italy, which concluded on September 12, 2025, Minister Jinapor emphasised that Africa is no longer just a source of raw materials but a continent in the midst of transformation, with industrialisation, financial sector reforms and economic restructuring creating an attractive environment for investment.
“Africa is the next source of investment. We are proving that we are the resource. Industrialisation is picking up and we are building stronger and more predictable economies,” he said.
“These are the key ingredients investors want to see before committing their resources, and they are happening in Africa now.”
He highlighted Ghana’s progress in boosting investor confidence, citing increased interest in the country’s energy and financial sectors.
According to him, Africa offers reliable returns and abundant opportunities that investors cannot afford to ignore.
Jinapor, however, cautioned that Africa must avoid a model of mere resource exploitation and instead focus on harnessing its natural wealth to promote inclusive growth.
He stressed that not only do investments drive GDP growth but also improve livelihoods across the continent.
“When growth is inclusive, it brings peace, cohesion and stability. That is the kind of development Africa is looking for,” he added.
Concluding his remarks, the Minister reaffirmed Africa’s position as the final frontier for global investments: “My message is simple: Africa is the next investment destination. The earlier you invest in Africa, the better it will be for you.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
“These are the key ingredients investors want to see before committing their resources, and they are happening in Africa now.”
He highlighted Ghana’s progress in boosting investor confidence, citing increased interest in the country’s energy and financial sectors.
According to him, Africa offers reliable returns and abundant opportunities that investors cannot afford to ignore.
Jinapor, however, cautioned that Africa must avoid a model of mere resource exploitation and instead focus on harnessing its natural wealth to promote inclusive growth.
He stressed that not only do investments drive GDP growth but also improve livelihoods across the continent.
“When growth is inclusive, it brings peace, cohesion and stability. That is the kind of development Africa is looking for,” he added.
Concluding his remarks, the Minister reaffirmed Africa’s position as the final frontier for global investments: “My message is simple: Africa is the next investment destination. The earlier you invest in Africa, the better it will be for you.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Zambia, Botswana Sign MoU On Energy Cooperation
Zambia and Botswana have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), to commit to advancing regional energy development through mutual cooperation.
The agreement was signed in Lusaka during the Energy Forum for Africa Conference by Zambia’s Acting Minister of Energy, Mr. Elvis Nkandu, and Botswana’s Minister of Minerals and Energy, Hon. Bogolo Joy Kenewendo.
The signing was witnessed by Zambia’s Permanent Secretary for Electricity, Eng. Arnold Simwaba, and Botswana’s Assistant Deputy Permanent Secretary for Energy, Tunso Matshameki.
The MoU is aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation in the energy sector, promoting knowledge exchange, and fostering energy development in the region.
It also emphasizes the importance of exploring alternative energy sources beyond hydropower to strengthen energy security and sustainability in the face of climate change and growing demand.
Speaking at the ceremony, the ministers underscored that the MoU represents a milestone in deepening collaboration between the two countries, paving the way for joint initiatives, investments, and policy harmonisation toward building a resilient energy future.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Kenya, Korea Sign MoU On Nuclear Energy Research Cooperation
Kenya and South Korea have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen technical cooperation in nuclear energy research and development.
The agreement was signed on September 15, 2025, in Vienna, Austria, on the sidelines of the 69th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
It was signed by the Kenya Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA) CEO, Justus Wabuyabo, and Han Gyu Joo, President of the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI).
The signing was witnessed by Prof. Abdulrazak Shaukat, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Science, Research, and Innovation.
NuPEA described the MoU as a “major milestone” in Kenya’s pursuit of a robust nuclear energy framework.
“It serves as a testament to the country’s commitment to developing a technically sound, safe, and sustainable nuclear programme,” the agency stated.
According to NuPEA, the Kenya Nuclear Research Reactor (KNRR) will be central to building local capacity in nuclear science, while also advancing the country’s participation in the global nuclear energy agenda.
“The KNRR is envisioned to be instrumental in advancing national priorities outlined in Kenya Vision 2030 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA),” NuPEA added.
The new MoU builds on earlier collaboration between NuPEA and KAERI, including a comprehensive feasibility study for the KNRR project.
In preparation, NuPEA has undertaken stakeholder consultations, policy and strategy formulation, economic viability assessments, and detailed site investigations.
Officials said the agreement will deepen bilateral cooperation, particularly in advancing Kenya’s nuclear power and research reactor programmes.
NuPEA and KAERI also reaffirmed their commitment to the peaceful use of nuclear science and technology, underscoring the principles of transparency, accountability, and mutual benefit.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Chevron And Israel To Build Gas Pipeline To Egypt
Chevron and state-owned Israel Natural Gas Lines Ltd have signed an agreement to build a natural gas pipeline from Israel’s giant Leviathan gas field to Egypt, Leviathan project participant NewMed Energy has said.
Chevron’s unit Chevron Mediterranean Limited, the operator of the Leviathan Project, agreed with Israel Natural Gas Lines to provide transmission services for the flow of natural gas from the Leviathan reservoir to Egypt through the Nitzana Project.
The project is for onshore connection between the Israeli transmission system and the Egyptian transmission system in the Nitzana area, said NewMed Energy, which leads a partnership with a 45.34% in Leviathan.
The project includes the construction of a pipeline and a compressor station in the Ramat Hovav area in southern Israel and about 65 km of pipeline (40 miles) to the Nitzana border crossing.
The new pipeline will enable up to 600 million cubic feet per day to flow toward Egypt once the project comes on stream.
Chevron plans to raise Israeli pipeline gas deliveries and add more U.S. LNG into Egypt to cover surging demand, even as regional tensions persist.
“Egypt needs all the gas it can get,” said Freeman Shaheen, Chevron’s president for global gas, at the Gastech conference in Milan last week, per Bloomberg.
Egypt flipped back to LNG importing last year after domestic output fell, tightening its power balance and pushing it to tap more spot and term cargoes.
New floating import terminals have come online, and 2025 LNG receipts have already doubled versus 2018 levels. Piped volumes from Israel have become a core pillar of supply.
Chevron operates Israel’s Leviathan and another offshore field that feed gas to Egypt. Leviathan was briefly shut during the Israel-Iran conflict for security reasons, but flows have resumed.
In August, Israel and Egypt unveiled a long-term gas agreement worth roughly $35 billion—Israel’s largest to date—reinforcing Cairo’s import strategy.
Source: Oilprice.com
IAEA Raises Nuclear Power Projections For Fifth Consecutive Year
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has revised upwards its projections for the expansion of nuclear power, as global momentum continues to build behind this clean and secure source of energy.
According to the IAEA, global nuclear operational capacity will more than double by 2050 – reaching 2.6 times the 2024 level – with small modular reactors (SMRs) expected to play a pivotal role in this expansion.
IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi announced the new projections, contained in the annual report Energy, Electricity and Nuclear Power Estimates for the Period up to 2050, at the 69th IAEA General Conference in Vienna.
At the end of 2024, 417 nuclear power reactors were operational, with a global capacity of 377 gigawatts electric (GW(e).
In the high case projection, nuclear electrical generating capacity is projected to increase to 992 GW(e) by 2050. In the low case projection, capacity rises 50% to 561 GW(e), compared with 2024.
SMRs are projected to account for 24% of the new capacity added in the high case and for 5% in the low case.
In 2021, the IAEA revised upwards its annual projections for the first time since Japan’s Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station accident in 2011.
Since then, the projection for the high case has increased by 25%, from 792 GW(e) in 2021.
“The IAEA’s steadily rising annual projections underscore a growing global consensus: nuclear power is indispensable for achieving clean, reliable and sustainable energy for all,” Director General Grossi said.
Assumptions and considerations
All operating reactors, possible licence renewals, planned shutdowns, power uprates to increase output levels, and plausible and ongoing construction projects foreseen for the next few decades were considered in the projections.
The assumptions of the low case projections are that current market, technology and resource trends continue and that there are few changes in laws, policies and regulations affecting nuclear power.
In the high case, national intentions for expanding the use of nuclear power were considered.
The report states that the high case projection remains both plausible and technically feasible and notes the possibility for capacity to exceed this estimate.
The report states that enabling factors, such as national policies, supporting investment and workforce development, would be necessary to help facilitate reaching – or exceeding – the high case.
While SMRs continue to attract a lot of interest from both embarking and expanding nuclear power countries, harmonized regulatory and industrial approaches will also be necessary for their successful and timely deployment.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
In 2021, the IAEA revised upwards its annual projections for the first time since Japan’s Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station accident in 2011.
Since then, the projection for the high case has increased by 25%, from 792 GW(e) in 2021.
“The IAEA’s steadily rising annual projections underscore a growing global consensus: nuclear power is indispensable for achieving clean, reliable and sustainable energy for all,” Director General Grossi said.
Assumptions and considerations
All operating reactors, possible licence renewals, planned shutdowns, power uprates to increase output levels, and plausible and ongoing construction projects foreseen for the next few decades were considered in the projections.
The assumptions of the low case projections are that current market, technology and resource trends continue and that there are few changes in laws, policies and regulations affecting nuclear power.
In the high case, national intentions for expanding the use of nuclear power were considered.
The report states that the high case projection remains both plausible and technically feasible and notes the possibility for capacity to exceed this estimate.
The report states that enabling factors, such as national policies, supporting investment and workforce development, would be necessary to help facilitate reaching – or exceeding – the high case.
While SMRs continue to attract a lot of interest from both embarking and expanding nuclear power countries, harmonized regulatory and industrial approaches will also be necessary for their successful and timely deployment.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com US Approves $130 Million Project To Build Power Line In Moldova
The U.S. has approved a $130 million project to construct a high voltage transmission line to ensure a reliable electricity supply to Moldova from European markets, the U.S. embassy in Moldova said on Wednesday.
Moldova depends on electricity produced in the separatist region of Transdniestria, which uses Russian gas for its production.
After Ukraine refused to extend the contract for the transit of Russian gas to Europe, Transdniestria sharply reduced its energy production and only resumed it after alternative supplies from Europe began.
The embassy said the project would create significant opportunities for U.S. firms by enabling Moldova to adopt and utilize U.S. technologies.
“It will unlock potential across multiple sectors, including transmission infrastructure, grid optimization technologies, information and communication technologies, nuclear power, and battery storage,” it said on Facebook.
Source: Reuters
Ghana Hosts Africa Oil Week As President Mahama Opens 2025 Edition
Ghana’s President, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, on Tuesday officially opened the Africa Oil Week (AOW) 2025 in Accra, pledging the government’s full support to make the event grow even bigger.
The premier annual oil and gas gathering, which was previously hosted in Cape Town, South Africa, has now been permanently relocated to Accra after 30 years in South Africa, where it all began.
Like Cape Town, Accra’s edition has attracted CEOs of National Oil Companies (NOCs), International Oil Companies (IOCs), ministers, policymakers, energy professionals, bankers, and other stakeholders.
The four-day event is being held at the Kempinski Gold Coast Hotel.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Nigeria: We Need Stronger African Collaboration To Achieve Energy Security, Says NNPC CEO
The Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria’s National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to partnering with other African nations to achieve sustainable energy security across the continent.
Engr. Ojulari made this call while addressing industry leaders at the 7th African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation (APPO) National Oil Companies CEOs Forum in Accra, Ghana’s capital. He stressed the urgency for Africa to accelerate its energy transition and secure its energy future.
He highlighted the decline of European investments in fossil fuel refineries, with most set to phase out by 2030, noting that this makes it imperative for Africa to take decisive action in harnessing its abundant resources for the benefit of its people.
“Africa must take ownership of its resources and policies. Our policies should be designed by us. With our vast resource base and improved governance structures, I am confident the continent can secure its energy destiny,” Ojulari said.
The GCEO outlined strategic infrastructure projects spearheaded by NNPC Ltd, including the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline project, designed to strengthen connectivity across Nigeria’s energy network.
He also emphasised progress on the Nigeria–Morocco Gas Pipeline Project, an expansion of the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP), which will enhance regional integration and cross-border energy trade.
“When we started, we faced challenges with alignment, payments, and collaboration, but today the framework is working. The plan is to extend the pipeline to Côte d’Ivoire as the first phase, and ultimately to Morocco,” he explained.
Engr. Ojulari further highlighted the enabling investment environment created by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which continues to open new opportunities for investors across the oil and gas value chain.
On security, he disclosed that through strengthened partnerships with host communities and security agencies, Nigeria has achieved 100% pipeline availability for the first time in two decades — a milestone that has restored confidence in the resilience of the country’s energy infrastructure.
Benchmarking with global energy leaders such as Petrobras, Petronas, and Saudi Aramco, the GCEO reiterated NNPC Ltd’s readiness to collaborate, share knowledge, and drive collective progress with African peers to unlock the continent’s full energy potential.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
First Nigerian Gasoline Cargo Arrives In U.S.
The first cargo of Nigerian gasoline produced at the Dangote refinery has reportedly arrived at its destination in the United States.
Reuters, citing unnamed sources in the know and ship-tracking data, said the gasoline cargo was arranged by Sunoco and commodity trader Vitol.
VesselFinder reported that Gemini Pearl, a Panama-flagged oil product carrier, was currently located in the Port of New York, arriving there on Sunday.
Most of the cargo, which stands at 320,000 barrels, was sold to Sunoco, with Vitol set to keep the rest for itself.
Reuters further reported that another cargo of gasoline produced at the Dangote refinery had been sold by Glencore to Shell and was set to be delivered in New York on September 19.
The publication noted in its report that the two cargoes were evidence that the Dangote refinery had met the strict U.S. requirements for the quality of fuels that can be marketed in the United States. According to Reuters, it was a major milestone for the Nigerian refinery.
The 650,000-barrels-daily refinery is the first in Nigeria, property of Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, whose ambition is to both secure fuel supply for the domestic market in Africa’s top crude oil exporter, and turn the country into a fuel exporter as well. The refinery’s capacity should allow it to satisfy domestic demand in full and export the excess.
The first fuel cargo out of Nigeria was reported in June, with the destination said to be in Asia. Then, earlier this month, the Dangote facility had to suspend gasoline production because of a problem with its catalytic cracking unit.
Meanwhile, Nigerian media reported the refinery had exported a total of .1 billion liters of gasoline in the three months from June and the first week of September, hitting a major export milestone.
Source: Oilprice.com
Ghana, Eni Seal $1.5 Billion Oil Investment Deal
Italian oil and gas supermajor Eni, together with its partner Vitol, has signed a Memorandum of Intent (MoI) with Ghana’s national oil company, GNPC, to invest $1.5 billion in the upstream sector.
The agreement was signed on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, during the opening of Africa Oil Week (AEW) 2025 in Accra, the capital of Ghana.
The agreement was signed by Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor; Minister for Justice and Attorney General, Dr. Dominic Ayine; Acting Chief Executive of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation, Mr. Kwame Ntow Amoah; and senior officials of Eni.
It was witnessed by the President of the Republic of Ghana, H.E. John Dramani Mahama.
Eni has operated in Ghana since 2009 and manages the Sankofa Gye Nyame and Offshore Cape Three Points (OCTP) block.
Eni holds a 44.4% stake in the OCTP project, while Vitol holds 35.6% and the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) 20%.
In recent years, however, the oil giant slowed investment in Ghana and shifted its focus to Côte d’Ivoire, possibly due to the controversial directive issued by the Ministry of Energy under the previous administration, which sought to unitize the Afina Discovery oil block operated by Springfield E&P—a wholly Ghanaian-owned upstream player—and the Sankofa Cenomanian oilfield operated by Eni and Vitol.
That directive was withdrawn by the current administration in February 2025 through a statement issued by the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition.
The move was aimed at restoring investor confidence and stimulating investment in Ghana’s upstream petroleum sector.
Commenting on the agreement, Minister Jinapor described the deal as “a strategic investment designed to increase oil and gas production and optimize oil output, which will support Ghana’s energy sector growth.”
“This is not just a figure on paper; it is a vote of confidence in Ghana’s upstream petroleum sector, our economy, a commitment to job creation, and a catalyst for the infrastructure that will power our nation forward,” he said.
“As indicated by President John Dramani Mahama, Ghana is building a business environment that meets investor expectations while safeguarding our national interests,” he added.
The government has adopted the Gas-to-Power policy, a strategic initiative aimed at utilizing the country’s natural gas resources to generate electricity, thereby enhancing energy security, reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels, and supporting sustainable development.
He assured the public of government’s commitment to continue resetting the upstream petroleum sector to address the decline in oil production witnessed in recent years.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Trump’s EPA Moves To End Emissions Reporting Program For U.S. Oil, Gas And Industrial Polluters
The EPA under U.S. President Trump plans to end the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program, halting emissions tracking from power plants, industrial facilities, oil refineries and other major polluters.
The move could obscure 2.6 billion metric tons of emissions annually while saving businesses $2.4 billion in regulatory costs.
Ending the agency’s long-standing Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program, which tracks pollution from some 8,000 sites, would make it harder for the public and policymakers to track greenhouse-gas emissions from large swaths of the economy.
In all, polluters on the inventory reported some 2.6 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2023.
The move to end the program, which was announced Friday and still needs to be finalized, comes as the agency moves to unwind scores of Biden-era environmental regulations.
“The Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program is nothing more than bureaucratic red tape that does nothing to improve air quality,” EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said in a statement.
Ending the program would save businesses up to $2.4 billion in regulatory costs, said the agency.
Source: Worldoil.com