Kenyan Women’s Agro-Processing Gets a Boost Through ICRISAT Training And Energy-Efficient Ovens

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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.  

Zambia: Amsons Group, Exergy Africa Sign MoU To Deliver 1300 MW Of Power

Amsons Group and Exergy Africa have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deliver 1,300 megawatts of power from solar and coal in Zambia. Speaking at the signing ceremony in Lusaka, Energy Minister Makozo Chikote said the partnership will help stabilize Zambia’s power deficit, which has slowed economic growth. He emphasized that the investment comes at a critical time as the country works to address its energy crisis. Exergy Africa Shareholders Representative Monica Musonda described the project as a significant leap toward energy sustainability for Zambia and the wider region. Amsons Group Managing Director Edha Nahdi said the MoU represents a new era in solar power while incorporating coal into Africa’s energy mix. Africa Power Generation Director Ismail Hemed added that the agreement demonstrates how Africans can unite to make a difference through collaborative projects.

Ghana: Fuel Prices Set For A Drop This Christmas, Says COMAC

Fuel prices are set to record a significant drop ahead of the Christmas festivities, the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) has said. The Chairman of the chamber, Gabriel Kumi, noted that current market indicators point to clear reductions in petrol, diesel, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), with consumers expected to feel the relief from mid-December. Speaking on Accra-based Joy News’ PM Express Business Edition, Mr. Kumi said, “Fortunately, Ghanaians are going to have a very good Christmas in terms of petroleum prices, because indications already show that the prices of finished petroleum products are coming down.” He explained that diesel “has seen about a 10% decrease,” while petrol “has already recorded about a 6% decrease.” Mr. Kumi added that LPG “has also declined by about 1–1.5%.” According to the COMAC Chairman, the key determining factor remains the stability of the cedi. He noted, “If the cedi is held in check, then we can be sure that from the 16th of December, prices of petroleum products will generally go down.” Mr. Kumi said the anticipated reduction will “carry us through Christmas,” adding that the second pricing window, which covers the festive period, is likely to bring further reductions. He stressed that Ghana is therefore “likely to see further decreases in the prices of petroleum products.”

Nigeria Seeks $2bn In Investments, 100,000 Jobs As 28 Companies Receive Permits To Access Flared Gas

Nigeria has approved permits for 28 companies to purchase natural gas currently being flared at oil fields, marking a significant shift from environmental liability to economic opportunity in the country’s upstream petroleum sector. The permits, issued under the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme (NGFCP), are expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about six million tonnes annually, attract up to $2 billion in investments, and create more than 100,000 jobs. In total, 42 companies applied to capture gas from 49 flare sites across the Niger Delta. Fourteen bidders failed to meet the requirements and were not approved. “A total of 49 flare sites have been auctioned. Forty-two (42) bidders have been awarded the sites. Between 250 and 300 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd) of currently flared gas will be captured and commercialised, eliminating approximately six million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO₂) annually,” Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, revealed on Friday, December 12, 2025.
Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, Chief Executive Officer of NUPRC
Nigeria’s gas losses are well documented. The country holds larger gas reserves than oil, yet continues to flare a significant share due to inadequate or unreliable gas gathering and transportation infrastructure. In October, Nigeria produced approximately 221 billion standard cubic feet of gas, of which about 7.6% was flared, according to regulatory data. .                    

Nigeria: Aliko Dangote Assures Prospective Shareholders Of Dollar-Denominated Dividends Ahead Of 2026 Refinery IPO

President of the Nigeria-based Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has unveiled plans to introduce an innovative dividend structure for his $20 billion oil refinery when it lists on the Nigerian Exchange in 2026, allowing shareholders to receive returns in US dollars despite purchasing shares in naira. He made the announcement on Thursday at the Eko Hotel in Lagos, stating that the company is working closely with the NGX and the Securities and Exchange Commission to finalise the framework ahead of the Initial Public Offering (IPO). “You buy in naira, but you get dividends in dollars,” Dangote said, describing the model as a hedge against currency volatility for Nigerian investors. He explained that the dollar-denominated payouts would be backed by $6.4 billion in projected revenue from petrochemical exports, particularly polypropylene and fertiliser. The plan forms part of a broader growth strategy for the Dangote Group, which aims to increase revenues from the current $18 billion to $100 billion by 2030—potentially positioning the conglomerate among the world’s top 100 companies and targeting a market capitalisation of more than $200 billion. Dangote also highlighted the company’s financial performance over the past five years, noting that revenues have risen from $3.3 billion to $18 billion, while earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) have increased from $1.8 billion to $2.8 billion. The industrialist confirmed that a 10% stake in the refinery and petrochemicals complex will be offered to the public through the NGX. He added that while international secondary listings are possible, the Nigerian market remains the priority. “We want the Dangote Refinery to be the golden stock of the exchange,” he said. The 650,000-barrel-per-day facility, which began producing diesel and aviation fuel in January and added petrol output in September, is considered central to Nigeria’s goal of achieving fuel self-sufficiency. Dangote also announced plans to expand the refinery’s capacity to 1.4 million barrels per day within three years, more than doubling current output.

Malawi: Gov’t To Import 50 MW Of Power From Mozambique In February 2026 To Ease Load Shedding

Malawi will, from February 2026, import 50 MW of power from neighboring Mozambique to ease the crippling load shedding that has battered households and businesses, Minister for Natural Resources, Energy and Mining, Hon. Dr. Jean Mathanga, has announced. The minister revealed this during an inspection tour of the Phombeya Substation in Balaka, where she confirmed that the Mozambique–Malawi Interconnector Project (MOMA) is now in its final stages of completion. According to her, the project is now firmly backed financially, following strong assurances from the Minister of Finance and the Reserve Bank of Malawi that the required monthly payments will be prioritized. “This 50 MW will go a long for a long way in easing the burden of load shedding that Malawians are experiencing. I have also received firm guarantees that the US$5 million monthly obligation needed to access this power will be honored without disruption,” said Dr. Mathanga. She emphasized that energy is the backbone of economic growth, and the government is treating the MOMA project as a national economic lifeline, not just an electricity deal. The importation of the 50 MW is expected to stabilize Malawi’s power grid, support industries, revive struggling businesses, and restore productivity lost due to persistent blackouts. ESCOM Acting Chief Executive Officer, Engineer Sinosi Maliano, confirmed that the 50 MW supply has already been secured under an existing Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Mozambique. “This is an immediate and realistic gain. While discussions for higher imports have taken place, the current 50 MW is guaranteed and will make a tangible difference in reducing load shedding nationwide,” said Maliano. The MOMA project connects the Matambo Substation in Mozambique to the Phombeya Substation in Malawi through 218 kilometers of high-voltage transmission lines, marking one of the most strategic power investments in Malawi’s history. Once operational, the interconnector is expected to boost national energy security, strengthen investor confidence, and accelerate industrial growth, especially in manufacturing, tourism, and mining. The project also signals renewed momentum in Malawi’s regional energy integration and long-term power stability strategy, bringing fresh hope to citizens who have endured years of unreliable electricity supply. As February 2026 draws closer, all eyes are now on ESCOM, the Ministry of Energy, the Treasury, and the Reserve Bank to translate these assurances into uninterrupted power — and finally turn the page on Malawi’s long-standing load shedding crisis.

Morocco: British Firm Pushes First Gas Through Tendrara Project System

British company Sound Energy PLC has announced that the Tendrara gas project in Morocco’s Oriental region has reached a significant milestone, with first gas entering the field’s gas gathering system. This marks the start of commissioning activities for the TE-5 Horst development, the project’s production concession, in preparation for long-term gas supply to the micro-LNG plant. Sound Energy, which holds a 20% stake in the Tendrara production concession, said the final component of the gas gathering system was completed on November 28. The concession is operated by Mana Energy Ltd, which owns a 55% stake. “After installation, gas was safely and successfully flowed from the TE-6 production well to commence the commissioning of the GGS,” the company said, referring to the gas gathering system. The company noted that the micro-LNG plant, designed by Italfluid Geoenergy, will operate and maintain the facility and ensure LNG delivery to Moroccan distributor Afriquia Gaz under a 10-year gas sales agreement. The contract guarantees the purchase of 100 million cubic meters of gas per year at a price indexed to European and U.S. benchmarks. Sound Energy thanked all project partners, including the National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines (ONHYM) and key contractors, for their support. Earlier this year, the company reaffirmed its growing interest in Morocco’s gas sector and suggested that potential undiscovered reserves in the east could exceed 20 trillion cubic feet. Sound Energy CEO Majid Shafiq described the development as an important step toward supplying gas to Moroccan industrial consumers. “I look forward to the full commissioning of the micro-LNG facility and delivery of sales gas in the coming months,” he said, calling it an “exciting period” for the company. Morocco has been partnering with international energy firms to diversify its supply sources and strengthen its energy sovereignty. Earlier this month, the Ministry of Energy launched major international tenders to develop the country’s first LNG infrastructure phase.

US President Reopens Alaska’s Arctic To Oil Drilling

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United States President Donald Trump has removed legislative protections introduced during the Biden administration that restricted oil and gas exploration in Alaska, including in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and on federal lands across the state, Oilprice.com reported, citing Bloomberg. The changes, made through several congressional measures under the Congressional Review Act, quickly drew criticism from environmental groups. The president’s move was “a direct attack on public input, science, and responsible stewardship of public lands, wildlife, water, Indigenous communities, and rural economies,” the National Wildlife Federation said. The Brooks Range Coalition added that the measures “leave Alaska’s rural communities, hunters, and Tribal governments with fewer protections at a time when climate change and resource pressures are rapidly intensifying.” Trump’s actions follow an earlier administration decision to reopen more of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for oil and gas drilling. In October, the Interior Department announced it would restore the full 1.5-million-acre Coastal Plain to leasing and reinstate previously canceled leases held by the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority. The move represents the most aggressive push to expand exploration in Alaska’s far north since the original Trump-era lease sale in 2021. Alaska remains one of the United States’ major legacy oil-producing regions. Production peaked at 2 million barrels per day in 1988 but now accounts for barely 3% of national output. High costs, aging fields, and limited leasing opportunities have slowed investment for decades. However, with the U.S. prioritizing energy security and Asian buyers showing renewed interest in long-term crude and LNG supply, Washington appears poised to place a new bet on Alaska’s North Slope. Earlier this year, the Trump administration also moved to boost crude oil production from the National Petroleum Reserve by removing restrictions and opening 82% of the area to new drilling.

Nigeria: Consumer Protection Commission Seals Ikeja Headquarters For Violating Consumers’ Rights

Nigeria’s Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) on Thursday sealed the headquarters of Ikeja Electric (IE) for continuous violations of consumer rights, specifically for failing to comply with directives issued by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the FCCPC. NERC had issued a binding decision directing Ikeja Electric to unbundle a Maximum Demand account into twenty non-Maximum Demand accounts to recognise each of the nineteen residential units—and a service point owned by a complainant—as separate customer units and to provide the required metering and connection. However, Ikeja Electric refused to carry out the decision. As a result of this non-compliance, the complainant has been without electricity supply for more than two and a half years, despite paying all charges requested by Ikeja Electric and meeting every obligation. The prolonged outage has prevented the complainant from putting the nineteen residential units to use. According to the Commission, it engaged Ikeja Electric several times and notified the company of the complaint and the outstanding NERC decision. “In April 2025, we issued a directive that set out the steps required and the timelines for compliance. No action was taken. “On 2 October 2025, the Commission issued a Compliance Notice requiring full compliance within seven business days. The company still did not comply,” the FCCPC said in a statement. Providing the legal basis for its action, the FCCPC cited Section 17 of its establishing Act, which sets out the Commission’s functions, including resolving complaints, issuing directives, and taking enforcement action where breaches persist. Section 18 empowers the Commission to ensure compliance with the Act, including taking enforcement steps such as sealing premises where an undertaking’s conduct has created or prolonged consumer harm. Section 124 prohibits harassment, coercion, undue influence, or unfair tactics in the supply of goods or services. Withholding or frustrating access to a service in ways that cause avoidable hardship falls under this prohibition. Section 150 allows the Commission to issue a Compliance Notice specifying the steps an undertaking must take to remedy a contravention and to escalate action where the undertaking ignores the notice. Section 155 makes it an offence for an undertaking to infringe consumer rights. Together, these provisions provide the statutory basis for Thursday’s action. Ikeja Electric’s sustained refusal to carry out a lawful regulatory decision—combined with the prolonged deprivation of electricity to nineteen residential units—meets the threshold for intervention. “Sealing this facility is a proportionate enforcement measure taken only after repeated engagement and several opportunities for voluntary compliance. The seal will remain in place until Ikeja Electric complies fully with the directives issued by both NERC and the FCCPC and provides written evidence of that compliance,” the FCCPC said. The Commission reaffirmed that consumers are entitled to fair treatment and timely access to essential services, and it will continue to enforce the law to protect these rights and ensure service providers meet their obligations.  

First International Symposium On Artificial Intelligence And Nuclear Energy Held In Vienna

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has hosted the first International Symposium on Artificial Intelligence and Nuclear Energy in Vienna, Austria. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in the development and application of AI technologies. Delivering remarks at the opening session, Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev noted that AI development is of paramount importance as a key driver of technological progress in Russia. He outlined Rosatom’s extensive experience in the systematic and integrated deployment of AI technologies across the nuclear industry. These experiences, best practices, and achievements were showcased at the Russian exhibition booth, organised on the sidelines of the symposium. Rosatom’s Director of Information and Digital Technologies, Evgeny Abakumov, speaking at the booth, emphasised that the corporation’s work spans predictive analytics, machine vision, large language models, and other AI tools used to address complex technical challenges. “Today, AI-driven data centres are concentrated in a limited number of hubs. However, the rapid global response to AI development is reshaping this landscape. New digital corridors are expected to emerge in new regions, including Africa,” he said. Africa’s digital adoption is increasing rapidly, outpacing the global average, yet the continent’s data-centre capacity remains below one percent of global capacity. Kenya, Nigeria, Egypt, and South Africa are becoming key digital hubs, with South Africa already accounting for more than half of Africa’s capacity. The growth of AI-driven data centres in Africa will require reliable and sustainable energy sources. By expanding dependable energy supply, African nations can build the digital infrastructure needed to support their rapidly growing economies and populations.