Ghana: NPA Hosts Stakeholder Forum On Draft NPA Bill

Stakeholders in Ghana’s petroleum downstream sector convened on Monday to review the draft National Petroleum Authority (NPA) Bill, 2024, with the goal of finalizing it for submission to Cabinet before it proceeds to Parliament for deliberation and approval. The stakeholder meeting, held at the National Petroleum Authority’s conference room, was facilitated by the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition. Participants included representatives from the Energy Commission (technical regulator for electricity and natural gas), the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC), the Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors (CBOD), the Civil Society Platform on Oil and Gas, the Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP), the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers Ghana (COPEC), the Institute for Energy Policies and Research (INSTEPR), the Centre for Environmental Management and Sustainable Energy (CEMSE), the Tanker Owners Association, among others. Delivering the welcome address, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the NPA, Lawyer Godwin Kudzo Tameklo, noted that the current NPA Act (Act 691), which was enacted in 2005, no longer adequately addresses the evolving needs and challenges of the rapidly growing downstream petroleum sector. This, he said, makes the creation of a new comprehensive legal framework imperative. He called on participants to contribute objectively and constructively to the reshaping of the bill, which aims to enhance local content participation in the downstream petroleum sector. “We have some of the finest minds in the petroleum downstream industry gathered here — experts, practitioners, and regulators — to help shape the sector’s regulations for the next 20 years,” he stated. Mr. Tameklo urged attendees to set aside personal or sectional interests and work together to craft legislation that will improve regulation across the sector.
Godwin Edudzi Tameklo Esq., Chief Executive Officer of National Petroleum Authority,NPA.
“This is the main reason we are here today — to address today’s issues while shaping the future of the NPA’s regulatory framework,” he added. Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, emphasized that the stakeholder forum reflects the government’s commitment to transparency, reform, and inclusiveness, as the nation moves toward a more robust and efficient petroleum downstream sector.
Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Republic of Ghana.
According to him, the review of the NPA Act (Act 691) has come at a crucial time, in response to increasing global calls for energy sustainability and security. He stressed the need to enhance the regulatory framework of Ghana’s downstream petroleum industry, positioning it to thrive in a competitive and sustainable environment. Hon. Jinapor further emphasized that this exercise is not only about strengthening regulations but also about ensuring alignment with Ghana’s broader energy transition agenda. “The revised Act must incorporate the integration of cleaner and alternative fuels, as well as mechanisms that encourage private investment in low-carbon solutions,” he concluded.         Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Nigeria: NNPC, Others Sign 20-Year Gas Supply Deal With NLNG

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and five other upstream gas suppliers have signed 20-year Gas Supply Agreements (GSAs) with Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) for the delivery of 1.29 billion standard cubic feet of feed gas per day. The agreements, which include options for extension, were signed last Friday at the NNPC Towers in Abuja. Parties to the agreements include NLNG, NNPC, and partners from the SNEPCo-Sunlink HI Project, TEPNG-AMNI JV IMA Project, NNPCL-First E&P JV, SNG-NGML, Oando-NNPC E&P, and the TEPNG JV Ubeta. The 1.29 billion standard cubic feet per day (bscf/d) of feedgas will be gradually scaled up over time. According to NNPC, the agreements were signed by NLNG and the following entities: Amni International Petroleum Development Company Limited, Sunlink Energies and Resources Limited, First Exploration & Petroleum Development Company Limited, SNEPCo, NNPC Gas Marketing Limited, NNPC E&P Limited, Shell Nigeria Gas Solutions Limited, Oando Group, and Aradel Holdings. NLNG stated that these agreements mark a significant boost in feed gas availability, strengthening its capacity to fulfill commercial obligations and aligning with the Federal Government’s Decade of Gas initiative. This initiative places natural gas at the heart of Nigeria’s industrialisation and energy transition agenda. NLNG’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Philip Mshelbila, described the development as the result of sustained efforts by shareholders and stakeholders to address persistent gas supply challenges. He noted that NLNG’s operations in recent years have been hampered by pipeline disruptions, including vandalism and sabotage, which have affected upstream gas availability. “NLNG recognises the challenges that the consequent insufficiency of gas supply has caused to its long-term buyers, customers, shareholders, and the wider Nigerian economy. With the new GSAs, NLNG is optimistic about a sustainable gas supply for the future. We remain grateful for the continued support of our buyers and stakeholders, and we look forward to a successful future together,” Mshelbila said. “We could not have achieved this without the deliberate and concerted efforts of our shareholders and stakeholders in Nigeria’s energy sector. These agreements are a turning point in NLNG’s journey, restoring supply reliability and ensuring we remain firmly on the path of growth and expansion.” The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Bayo Ojulari, commended NLNG’s shareholders and the Federal Government for their long-term commitment to value delivery despite industry challenges over the years. He described the agreements as a significant step toward value creation and sustainable gas supply. “These GSAs have opened up opportunities for industry growth both locally and internationally. They are built on collaboration, synergies, and shared opportunities. We must leverage economies of scale and share both risks and opportunities to achieve the goals of Mr. President’s Decade of Gas vision,” Ojulari stated. He also praised the enabling environment and private sector support promoted by President Bola Tinubu. “It is important to commend the President’s tremendous efforts, including the issuance of Executive Orders aimed at promoting gas development and easing the business environment,” he added. Ojulari reaffirmed NNPC Ltd’s commitment to implementing the Presidential Executive Orders and pledged to work with partners to unlock industry opportunities and achieve national gas development targets for increased production.         Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Ghana: COMAC, Tamale Technical University Explore Partnership To Enhance Petroleum Marketing Education

The Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) and Tamale Technical University (TTU) have held discussions on a potential collaboration between industry and academia to enhance petroleum marketing education in Ghana. A representative of TTU, Abdul-Fatahi Abubakar, recently met with the COMAC team, led by Dr. Riverson Oppong (CEO/Industry Coordinator), alongside M. Issah (Head of Policy & Regulation) and Samuel Wristberg (Head of Research & Development), in Accra. The discussions centered on TTU’s newly launched Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Marketing program, which combines academic training with practical experience in fuel marketing, pricing, supply chain logistics, compliance, and customer service. It aims to equip graduates with the knowledge and skills required to meet the growing demand for professionals in Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector. Dr. Oppong said the partnership could create opportunities such as student internships and industry attachments, guest lectures and workshops, joint research and case studies, curriculum development support, and staff training, seminars, and marketing competitions. He noted that the collaboration aligns with COMAC’s mission to promote local content and industry excellence. “This partnership will help prepare the next generation of professionals for Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector,” Dr. Oppong stated. TTU introduced the Petroleum Marketing program to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in the country’s energy sector.     Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Marina Starovoitova Becomes World’s First Female Captain Of Nuclear Icebreaker

The Russian Yamal nuclear icebreaker was recently captained for the first time by a woman, Marina Starovoitova. Marina, who was appointed by Alexander Barinov, President Emeritus of the Murmansk Atomflot veteran organization, took command at a brief but colourful ceremony. She captained the nuclear icebreaker on an expedition that carried approximately sixty-six schoolchildren from twenty-one countries across the world, including Ghana. The voyage followed a route from Murmansk, through the North Pole, to Franz Josef Land, and back to Murmansk. “To be a captain is to carry on the nuclear fleet traditions, to cherish the crew and the icebreaker. That’s where I see my biggest mission. I’ll undertake it every day. And I very much hope that I will succeed and justify your trust and the trust of my colleagues,” said Marina Starovoitova. Marina Starovoitova, a graduate of Bryansk State University, was teaching Russian language and literature in the middle classes of a rural school when her acquaintances from the Arctic region told her that the Murmansk Shipping Company was recruiting women to join a ship’s crew. Marina graduated from the Admiral S.O. Makarov State Maritime Academy, specializing as a navigation engineer. By now, she has been working at sea for more than 20 years, six of them in the nuclear fleet. She rose through the ranks from a sailor to Senior Assistant Captain. She is a holder of a Certificate of Merit of Rosatom State Corporation, letter of gratitude of the Russian President and other professional awards. In 2025, the Russian nuclear industry celebrates its 80th anniversary. On August 20, 1945, the Special Committee on the Utilization of Atomic Energy was established — this date is considered the birthday of the industry. The anniversary year is defined by three words: pride, inspiration, dreaming. This motto reflects the key values of the nuclear industry: pride for the feat of the founding scientists and engineers, inspiration from the achievements and top performance of the past decades, dreaming as a reference point for the future, aspiration for new discoveries and technologies. On August 20, 2025, a large-scale gala event Era of Dreamers was held at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium. The festive evening brought together about 30,000 spectators, including more than 20,000 employees of Rosatom enterprises. Icebreaker escort is organized to ensure safe navigation along the Northern Sea Route. Russia is the only country in the world with a nuclear icebreaker fleet.     Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Russian Oil Refineries, Terminals Burn As Ukraine Hits Putin’s War Economy

Ukraine has stepped up drone attacks on Russian oil refineries and exporting infrastructure, striking the most important sector of President Vladimir Putin’s economy to show it can fight back as the United States seeks to broker a peace deal. The attacks disrupted Moscow’s oil processing and exports, created gasoline shortages in some parts of Russia and came in response to Moscow’s advances on the front lines and its pounding of Ukraine’s gas and power facilities. Kyiv’s move is an attempt to raise the stakes in possible peace talks and challenge the idea that Ukraine has already lost the war after U.S. President Donald Trump and Putin met in Alaska this month, analysts have said. Ukrainian attacks on 10 plants disrupted at least 17% of Russia’s refinery capacity, or 1.1 million barrels per day, according to Reuters calculations. The drone war has pushed more crude towards exports from the world’s No.2 oil exporter at a time Washington is pressing China and India to reduce purchases of Russian oil. The refinery hits come as Russia’s seasonal demand for gasoline from tourists and farmers peaks. Russia had tightened its gasoline export ban in July to deal with a spike in domestic demand even before the attacks. There were shortages of gasoline in some areas of Russian-controlled Ukraine, southern Russia and even the Far East, forcing motorists to switch to more expensive petrol due to shortages of the regular A-95 grade. “We will endure, but this is a big hit to our family budget, a big hit. It’s really noticeable,” said Svetlana Bazhanova, a resident of Sevastopol, the largest city in Crimea which Russia annexed in 2014. Russia’s far eastern port of Vladivostok saw long car queues at gasoline stations, according to a Reuters reporter. The shortages are due to a seasonal influx of tourists, local authorities said. The affected refineries have lost only part of their capacity but this could still create problems with domestic fuel supplies, said Sergei Vakulenko, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, who previously worked at Russian oil major Gazprom Neft. Russia relies on oil and gas exports for a quarter of its budget revenues, which are funding a 25% rise in defence spending this year to the highest levels since the Cold War. Western sanctions have forced Moscow to sell oil at discounts and stop gas sales in most of Europe. This has not deterred Moscow from producing record numbers of artillery and weapons, according to U.S. military generals. The war in Ukraine has become a battle of attrition with both Russia and Ukraine using drones and missiles to strike far behind the front lines to damage each other’s economies.     Source: Reuters

Ghana: GhIE Inducts 125 Professional Engineers In Accra

The Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE) has inducted 125 Professional Engineers into the Institution at the Engineering Centre, Roman Ridge, Accra. Of the 125 Professional Engineers inducted, 45 were Civil Engineers; 27 were Mechanical/Agric/Marine Engineers; 24 were Chemical/Mining Engineers; and 29 were Electrical/Electronic Engineers. Speaking at the induction ceremony, the President of GhIE, Ing. Ludwig Annang Hesse, stated that becoming a full member of the Institution grants the right to vote and to be voted for in any of the constitutionally sanctioned positions within the Institution. He added, “You can also participate fully, with a vote, at all AGMs [Annual General Meetings] of the Institution.” He continued, “The Institution will also certify to the Engineering Council of Ghana that you have met all the requirements for registration under the Engineering Council Act, 2011 (Act 819), to enable you to receive your license to practice as a Professional Engineer.” Ing. Hesse further noted that, in order to remain in good standing with the Institution—and for the Institution to forward one’s name for the annual renewal of registration with the Engineering Council—members have the responsibility to: a. Meet the CPD requirements annually, in accordance with the Institution’s CPD guidelines. This includes obtaining annual CPD certification by participating in the Annual Ethics Lecture organized by the Institution (the next edition is slated for 26th October 2026 at the Engineering Centre); b. Complete the Scenario-Based Learning programme offered by GhIE, accessible via the Institution’s website; or c. Undertake other ethics-based activities acceptable to the Institution. These requirements also include payment of the annual subscription fee for the following year by 30th November of the preceding year, in accordance with Article 9.2.2 of the Constitution. The Board Chairman of the newly constituted Engineering Council, Ing. Dr. David Sitsofe Addo, encouraged the newly inducted engineers to acquire additional training and knowledge in other fields to enrich their engineering practice. He also advised them to consider venturing into politics, business, and other professions to broaden their impact as engineers. The Immediate Past President of GhIE, Ing. Kwabena Bempong, also shared words of wisdom with the newly inducted engineers. The Registrar of the Engineering Council, Ing. Isaac Bedu, explained the provisions of the Engineering Council Act, 2011 (Act 819), to the new engineers and urged them to wait for their licenses from the Council before officially practicing as Professional Engineers. In attendance at the ceremony were: the President-Elect of GhIE, Ing. Sophia Tijani; the Vice President of GhIE, Ing. Dr. Patrick Bekoe; the Acting Executive Director of GhIE, Ing. Samuel Magnus Asiedu; members of the Engineering Council; Past Presidents of GhIE; Chairpersons of the Technical Divisions of GhIE; family members of inductees; and members of the general public.     Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Cameroon: Ghanaian Firm Sunon Asogli, China Energy Selected For $312M Gas-Fired Power Plant

Cameroon has selected Ghana’s largest independent power generation company, Sunon Asogli Power (Ghana) Ltd., alongside China Energy Engineering Corporation Ltd. (China Energy), to build a 350-megawatt combined-cycle gas-fired power plant in Limbe, along with associated infrastructure in the country’s southwest. This follows a decade-long search for a partner, after earlier attempts with Eranove and other firms stalled. The award paves the way for contract signing, environmental studies, and financial close, according to the Ministry of Water and Energy. The project, structured as a public-private partnership, is expected to cost an estimated CFA 176 billion (approximately $312 million). The Cameroonian government will contribute CFA 26 billion (15%), while Sunon Asogli and China Energy will fund the remaining amount. Construction is expected to begin in 2025 and conclude by 2029. The new plant is anticipated to ease power supply deficits in the southwest, coastal, and western regions, and to support Cameroon’s goal of reaching 5,000 megawatts of installed capacity by 2030. Background Sunon Asogli Power (Ghana) Ltd. operates a 560 MW natural gas–fired thermal power station in Kpone, near Tema, in the Republic of Ghana. It is the first privately owned electricity generation company in the West African nation. China Energy Engineering Corporation Ltd. (China Energy) is one of the world’s largest integrated engineering and construction groups in the energy sector. Headquartered in Beijing, the state-owned enterprise provides comprehensive services including power engineering, construction, equipment manufacturing, and investment. China Energy has extensive international experience, having undertaken major infrastructure and energy projects across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East, with a strong track record in thermal, hydro, and renewable energy developments.   Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Ghana: Fear Grips Ghanaian Communities Along White Volta Basin As Bagre Dam Spillage Begins

Burkina Faso’s national power company, SONABEL, is commencing a controlled spillage of the Bagre Dam today, Monday, August 25, 2025, earlier than planned due to rapidly rising water levels. The power-generating authority had initially planned to commence spillage on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, but later announced that the procedure needed to be moved forward due to unexpectedly rising water levels. As of Saturday, August 23, 2025, the Bagre Dam stood at an elevation of 234.27 meters, corresponding to a filling rate of 90.24%, just 0.73 meters below its maximum retention level. Meanwhile, the Kompienga Dam was at 177.90 meters, or 79.36% full, positioned 2.10 meters below its normal retention level. This situation has sparked fear among farmers and communities along the White Volta basin in Ghana, as annual spillage often leads to severe flooding in the Upper East and North East Regions, resulting in displacement, loss of life, snakebites, and destruction of farmlands. Residents are concerned about potential damage to property and crops, especially given the limited time to relocate. The Water Resources Commission (WRC) has issued precautionary advice for communities along the White Volta and adjoining areas to follow safety guidelines from local assemblies and relevant agencies. The Head of the White Volta Basin at WRC, Mr. Jesse Kazapoe, said his outfit has sent out information educating farmers to move to high grounds to prevent loss of lives, but they cannot guarantee that food crops will not be lost since some farmers are still harvesting. Mr. Isaac Pabia, Upper East Regional Focal Person and National Secretary of the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG), cautioned, “Some of our farmers have already evacuated, but we need to enforce buffers along water bodies so that farmers won’t farm too close to the rivers to avoid having their crops flooded every year.” Mr. Christopher Beokena, Upper East Regional Deputy Director (Administration) of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), confirmed that district directors had been mobilized to sensitize farmers on the impending spillage and appropriate precautionary measures. He added, “As we speak, some farmers have started harvesting, even though some of their crops are not mature, and we will be monitoring the issue and providing assistance.”           Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Nigeria: Two Arrested Over Transmission Tower Vandalism in Katsina

Two young men have been arrested for vandalizing towers on the 132kV Katsina–Daura transmission line in Mashi Local Government Area, operated by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN). The suspects, identified as Hambali Abubakar, 25, and Salisu Abubakar, 18, both from Yar Riga Village in Mashi LGA, were apprehended on August 12, 2025, by officers of the Mashi Division of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). According to TCN, the duo were caught with 24 pieces of vandalized high-tension tower components, believed to have been removed from Tower T-148 of the 132kV Katsina–Daura line along the Yar Riga/Sile Uku Village axis. Vandalism of power infrastructure remains a widespread challenge in Nigeria, frequently disrupting electricity supply and threatening the stability of the national grid.     Source:https://energynewsafrica.com

Ghana: CEO Of Ghana Gas Engages MMDCEs From Western Region

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana National Gas Company Limited, Judith Adjobah Blay, has held a stakeholders’ engagement meeting with Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) from project-affected areas in the Western Region in Takoradi, the regional capital. It brought together MMDCEs and Coordinating Directors from Ellembelle, Prestea Huni-Valley, Nzema East, Shama and the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assemblies to explore potential collaboration between Ghana Gas and local authorities in driving community development. Madam Blay underscored the importance of the engagement, stressing that strong partnerships with local governments are essential to ensuring that Ghana Gas’ operations translate into tangible socio-economic benefits for host communities. “As we refocus on our core mandate, it is crucial that we work hand-in-hand with local authorities. Our mutual understanding and support will ensure Ghana Gas delivers energy and contributes meaningfully to the region’s growth and development,” Blay said. The initiative forms part of Ghana Gas’ new leadership strategy to strengthen stakeholder relations and promote sustainable development in the Western Region and beyond.       Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Ghana: MISA Energy Unveils First Retail Service Station At Weija After Rebranding

MISA Energy Limited, formerly Engen Ghana Limited, has officially unveiled its Babona Service Station as the first rebranded retail service station at Weija along the Accra-Kasoa highway after the recent rebranding. Speaking at a brief launching ceremony on Friday, 22nd August, 2025, the CEO of Misa Energy, Mr Brent Nartey, stated that the company envisions to be the champion in the supply of automobile products at its services in Ghana beyond the next five years. He explained that customers would be treated as kings with quality, reliable, affordable and efficiency to woo many in the value-chain to the MISA Energy family. “We want to fuel the dream, every journey and put our customers first, always,” he said. According to Mr Nartey, “The Babona Service Station is a clear demonstration of our commitment to expanding access, offering premium products, and delivering unmatched services throughout Ghana and beyond.” The MISA Boss stressed that his outfit intends to invest in technology, infrastructure and human capital to meet the growing needs of their customers. According to him, the company stands as a symbol of renewed vision, a modern facility designed to deliver convenience, efficiency and superior customer experience. “At MISA, we believe that every station is not just a point of sale but a hub of community connection. Beyond fuel, we are committed to providing safe, clean and customer-friendly facilities. We also take pride in creating job opportunities within the community and supporting local needs of our customers,” he emphasised. In an interview, the Manager of Babona Service Station, Mr Felix Asare Mensah, said that what has kept the company in business over the past 28 years are quality service, affordable products and credibility. He observed that many motorists prefer his products because he has imbibed the virtue of truthfulness into his workers to avoid cheating customers so that they can also win the trust of the people they serve. In the next five years, Mr Asare Mensah wants to expand his retail business to many parts of Ghana and also command the chunk of the automobile customers in the country. “In the next five years, I want my business to grow, expand and all my branches to operate a 24-hour service to all customers,” he noted. The only initial challenge they faced was the change of colours from the deep blue to a dominant yellow but it has been sorted out. MISA Energy deals in the retail and supply of high-quality fuels and is the exclusive distributor of PETRONAS lubricants in Ghana, through its over forty service stations and commercial supply to various industries. They also provide marine fuel services at the ports of Tema and Takoradi, as well as offer support for corporate social responsibility initiatives focused on child health, education and community development. They also supply LPG (liquefied petroleum gas), bitumen, and specialty chemicals to businesses in sectors like construction, telecommunications, and agriculture.     Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Nigeria: KEDCO Commences Offtake Of 10MW Power From Haske Solar Company Ltd.

Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) has announced the commencement of offtake of 10 Megawatt (MW) solar power from the Haske Solar Plant, located within the Challawa Industrial Cluster, Kano. This follows the recent signing of a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Haske Solar Company Ltd, built by the Federal Government through the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) and managed by the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI). The agreement, signed by KEDCO’s MD/CEO, Dr. Abubakar Shuaibu Jimeta, and MOFI’s Executive Director, Portfolio Management, Mr. Tajudeen Datti Ahmed, was witnessed by the Managing Director of Future Energies Africa (FEA), Engr. Yusuf Usman Yahaya. Commenting on the development, Dr. Jimeta said, “This partnership is a major step forward in our commitment to delivering reliable and sustainable electricity to our customers. By integrating solar power into our supply mix, we are not only improving network efficiency but also contributing to Nigeria’s energy transition goals.” “Purchasing 10MW from the Haske Solar Power Plant is part of the bigger picture towards ensuring energy security within the network, enabling key industries and socio-economic activities to thrive in Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa States while safeguarding jobs and competitiveness in our network,” he added. Dr. Jimeta further stated, “We have already begun energy offtake, evacuating the energy through our Abattoir Injection Substation and supplying our industrial customers within the cluster through NBC 11kV and Ceramic 11kV Feeders.” The Managing Director/CEO of Future Energies Africa (FEA), Engr. Yusuf Usman Yahaya, said, “As KEDCO’s core investor, FEA is keenly committed to transforming the company and providing reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity to Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa States. Through innovative solutions and partnerships, we aim to lead the way in renewable energy adoption and sustainable development.” KEDCO commended the Federal Government, NSIA, MOFI, and the Kano State Government for the successful implementation of the state-of-the-art power plant, representing Nigeria’s largest grid-connected solar plant, as a significant step in the country’s renewable energy efforts. According to KEDCO, it remains dedicated to investing in partnerships and technologies that drive progress and ensure an uninterrupted power supply for its customers.       Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Ghana: Schweitzer Engineering Organises Tecnology Exchange Seminar

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL), a leading manufacturer for protection relays, substation automation systems, as well as the production of computers for industrial usage, has organised a day’s seminar and technology exchange programme at the ECG Training Centre in Tema in the Greater Accra Region. The seminar, the second of its kind, showcased some new technologies of SEL including modern generator protection and synchronisation using their relays. Sthit Sharma, one of the top officials of SEL and was a facilitor, said the company produces different kinds of equipment used in the energy sector including generation, transmission and distribution. He made a presentation detailing the company’s operation. On his part, Ing Godfred Mensah, who is the Director of the Tema ECG Training Center, appreciated the collaborative relationship between SEL and the ECG Training Center. In his welcome address, Mr Mensah explained that the center has various courses aimed at refreshing the knowledge base of technical professionals in the power sector, both within the country and outside of it, hence, partnerships such as this with SEL helps the center in achieving one of its aims. He added that tailored programmes are often designed specifically for various groups and organisations, in line with industry needs. Mr Nolan Chetty of SEL was also present at the training. He gave a corporate overview of the SEL organisation, showing some of their improved technologies. Mr Herbert Martin, also from SEL, took participants through some of their technological developments for renewable energy plants and some innovative solutions. The participants were drawn from organisations in Ghana’s energy sector across the generation, transmission and distribution sectors.     Source:https://energynewsafrica.com

Zambia: ZESCO, Anzana Partner To Connect Electricity To 2 Million People Along Lobito Corridor

Zambia’s national electricity utility company, ZESCO, and Anzana Electric Group, a leading power company in Africa, have signed a partnership deal committing themselves to extending electricity to nearly 2 million Zambians along the Lobito Corridor by 2030. The $300 million investment deal will enable the rehabilitation and expansion of the national electricity network to provide first-time grid connections for Zambians, aligning with the Government’s goal of universal access to electricity for all Zambians. The partnership follows a Memorandum of Understanding between Anzana and Zambia’s Ministry of Energy signed in February 2025. The agreement will significantly enable investment in electrifying households, businesses, and industries, as well as new distributed generation to support supply reliability. “This is about more than infrastructure; it’s about regional integration, jobs, and powering a better future for Zambians along the Lobito economic corridor,” said ZESCO Managing Director Eng. Justin Loongo. “We’re excited to partner with Anzana, who is employing an innovative and inclusive approach to attract capital and rapidly increase electrification rates in rural Zambia.” “The strategic Lobito economic corridor approach is a model for future regional trade and development,” said Brian Kelly, CEO of Anzana. “We’re honored to partner with ZESCO and the Government of Zambia to be the Lobito electrification partner and connect millions of Zambians to opportunities enabled by reliable electricity.” The collaboration between ZESCO and Anzana will support new electricity generation, including run-of-river hydropower, and electricity distribution primarily in rural areas. This effort is critical to unlocking the full potential of the Lobito Corridor for the Zambian economy. The Angola-Zambia-DRC corridor is being developed as a major economic artery for Southern and Central Africa, enhancing trade flows between these mineral-rich regions and global export markets. The agreement envisions Anzana leading the development of a pilot project in Zambia’s North-Western Province to accelerate the first connections in 2026. Anzana and other development partners will jointly invest $50 million to enable approximately 40,000 new household and business connections and add up to 8 megawatts of new generation over two years before expanding the scope to encompass the entire Lobito Corridor region.           Source: https://energynewsafrica.com