The Energy Forum For Africa
THEME: INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN THE ENERGY SECTOR IN ZAMBIA AND AFRICA
The Energy Forum For Africa (EFFA) is an influential and dynamic platform dedicated to empowering sustainable energy solutions for Africa’s future. EFFA brings together industry leaders, policy makers, researchers, and innovators from across the globe to address the energy challenges and opportunities facing the African continent. This year’s conference will be hosted by the Ministry of Energy.
Date: 10th to 12th September 2025, Location: Mulungushi International
Conference Centre, Zambia
Future Of Energy Conference 2025
The Future of Energy Conference (FEC) is an annual platform to drive stakeholder collaboration towards an inclusive and sustainable energy future for Africa.
It critically explores strategies to harness the untapped potential within the energy transition and the continent’s natural resources to address energy poverty and drive economic transformation.
FEC 2025 seeks to examine Africa’s financing needs and strategic pathways for achieving a just energy transition by:-
Identifying: Actionable solutions to energy poverty
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Strengthening: Regional integration and cross-border partnerships to build integrated clean energy value chains
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Exploring: Innovative resource mobilization and investment strategies to reduce energy poverty
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Driving: Innovation for sustainable energy solutions
Ghana: Vivo Energy Ghana Drives Sustainability Education With McKingtorch Africa
Vivo Energy Ghana, the Shell licensee, in partnership with McKingtorch Africa, a social enterprise focused on environment and climate change with unique innovations from plastic waste, and United Way Ghana, a non-governmental organization, has facilitated an educational tour for pupils of La Enobal Basic School at the McKingtorch Africa Recycling facility as part of its Green4Clean Schools Renewable Energy Project.
The initiative aimed at sparking early interest in environmental sustainability and demonstrating how innovative solutions like plastic waste recycling can create useful products while preserving the environment.
The pupils, accompanied by their teachers and representatives from Vivo Energy Ghana, were taken through a guided tour of the facility to observe how plastic waste is transformed into durable, functional products such as school desks, chairs, clocks, sandals, and other essentials.
This hands-on experience deepened their understanding of plastic waste management and the importance of environmental stewardship.
To support the impactful work being done by McKingtorch Africa, Vivo Energy Ghana purchased school desks crafted from recycled plastic waste. These desks will be donated to public schools in underserved communities as part of Vivo Energy Ghana’s broader education and sustainability agenda.
Speaking during the visit, the Managing Director of Vivo Energy Ghana, Mr. Christian Li, underscored the company’s long-standing commitment to environmental sustainability and youth empowerment, with a vision of becoming Africa’s leading and most respected energy business.
“Our visit to McKingtorch Africa reaffirms our belief that the future of sustainability lies in innovation and education. By exposing these young minds to the power of recycling and clean energy, we are not only empowering the next generation of change-makers but also contributing meaningfully to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Goal 4 – Quality Education and Goal 13 – Climate Action,” he said.
“The tour has been insightful, and we need partners like you to help save our planet,” he added.
Makafui Awuku, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of McKingtorch Africa, expressed his gratitude to the Managing Director and team from Vivo Energy Ghana.
“We are truly grateful to Vivo Energy Ghana for patronizing our product and believing in the vision of transforming waste into impact. This partnership not only helps us scale our work but also inspires the next generation to see waste as a resource and an innovative tool for change. We are excited about the prospects and look forward to deepening our collaboration to drive greater environmental and social impact across communities,” he said.
Beyond the educational value, the tour also unearthed potential partnership opportunities between Vivo Energy Ghana and McKingtorch Africa to scale up recycling and circular economy initiatives at its Shell service stations and schools within its communities.
Both organizations expressed mutual interest in exploring collaborative projects that will enhance environmental education and promote sustainable infrastructure in basic schools and the community at large.
The tour is part of Vivo Energy Ghana’s Green4Clean Schools Project, which integrates renewable energy education, environmental conservation, and innovation for school children within the company’s operational communities.
Through this project, the company continues to promote sustainable practices and equip young people with the knowledge and inspiration needed to build a greener future.
Vivo Energy Ghana remains committed to making a lasting positive impact on the environment and in the lives of the people and communities it serves.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
OPEC Must Lead The Charge To Reverse Global Fossil Fuel Financing Bans
The African Energy Chamber (AEC), the voice of the African energy sector, urges OPEC member states and their allies to take decisive action to reverse global bans on fossil fuel financing and champion Africa’s right to develop its oil and gas resources.
As the 9th OPEC International Seminar convened on Tuesday in Vienna, the Chamber reiterated that it is time to urgently put upstream financing back on the table and push back against policies that deny African nations the capital needed to industrialize, grow and lift millions out of poverty.
For too long, Africa has borne the brunt of contradictory global energy policies. While developed nations continue to fast-track public and private investments into natural gas to bolster their own energy security, multilateral institutions enforce blanket bans on upstream oil and gas financing that disproportionately restrict African countries.
In 2019, the European Investment Bank announced it would end fossil fuel financing by 2021, a position echoed by several European development agencies and financial institutions.
The World Bank followed suit, gradually phasing out support for oil and gas and culminating in a near-total exclusion of upstream fossil fuel investments. While these policies may align with net-zero targets in wealthy economies, in Africa, they are actively obstructing access to energy, job creation and industrial growth.
Yet, even as development finance dries up abroad, Europe has made clear exceptions for itself. Under its 2022 Taxonomy for Sustainable Activities, the EU classified certain natural gas and nuclear investments as “transitional” – opening the door for continued funding within its borders. The result is a glaring double standard: natural gas is deemed essential for energy security in Berlin and Brussels, but off-limits in Lagos or Dakar. This hypocrisy must be addressed if the global energy transition is to be just and equitable.
Africa holds more than 125 billion barrels of proven oil reserves and over 620 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, yet over 600 million Africans lack access to electricity, and more than 900 million lack access to clean cooking fuels.
In this context, African nations need robust investment in oil and gas infrastructure – not ideological restrictions that ignore the realities on the ground.
“What Africa needs right now is to drill, baby, drill. Most of our multilateral institutions don’t finance oil and gas – they say it’s wrong. It’s extremely hypocritical. Denying fossil fuel investment is denying economic justice, food security and a pathway out of poverty for millions,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.
“We can’t keep apologizing for oil. No country in the world has developed through renewables alone. OPEC members must pressure institutions like the World Bank to lift their financing bans and support Africa’s right to industrialize.”
At the OPEC Seminar, the AEC urged producing countries to rally around three urgent financial priorities. First, OPEC members must press the World Bank and other multilateral institutions to lift harmful financing restrictions on fossil fuels.
It is untenable that the World Bank – originally established to support post-war reconstruction and global development – continues to deny funding for upstream oil and gas projects across Africa.
With recent signals from Bank leadership hinting at a possible policy shift, now is the time for oil-producing nations to push for a reversal that puts energy access and economic transformation in the Global South at the center of development finance.
Second, OPEC countries – with their sovereign wealth funds and surplus revenues – are uniquely positioned to create a dedicated investment vehicle for fossil fuel development in underfunded markets.
An OPEC-led facility focused on financing strategic upstream projects could prove instrumental in unlocking capital for bankable ventures across Africa. Such a fund would not only accelerate production but also help stabilize global supply and pricing.
Finally, the Chamber emphasizes the need for a pragmatic, dual-track approach to the energy transition that recognizes the differing realities of the Global North and South. While developed nations move toward decarbonization, Africa must prioritize industrialization and energy security.
Natural gas – abundant, reliable and cleaner-burning than coal – offers a critical bridge fuel to power fertilizer production, manufacturing, petrochemicals and regional electricity networks.
True climate justice must include energy justice, which means recognizing Africa’s right to harness its resources, grow its economies and meet the needs of its people on its own terms.
Africa does not need charity; it needs capital. As the voice of Africa’s energy sector, the Chamber stands firm in its call for OPEC producers and the World Bank to help deliver it.
An OPEC roundtable is scheduled for the afternoon of Tuesday, 30 September 2025 on the agenda of African Energy Week (AEW) 2025: Invest in African Energies, taking place from 29 September to 3 October in Cape Town, South Africa.
This high-level roundtable convenes key ministers and stakeholders from African OPEC countries to provide an exclusive, data-driven spotlight on the tangible investment opportunities within their evolving energy sectors.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com/AEC
Tanzania: TPDC Plans TSh 8.4 Billion Investment In Mobile CNG Stations
The Tanzanian Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) has announced plans to invest TSh 8.4 billion to deploy six mobile Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) refueling stations across three regions, in line with the country’s effort to increase access to clean and affordable energy.
Three of the stations will be located in Dar es Salaam, one at Msasani in the TIDO area, another at TPDC Mikocheni, and the third at Ilala Bungoni. The remaining three stations will be placed outside the commercial capital, one in Morogoro and two in Dodoma.
TPDC’s Acting Director for Oil and Gas Business, Engineer Emanuel Gilbert, disclosed in Dar es Salaam that the initiative aims to serve areas without permanent CNG infrastructure, offering flexible and transportable energy solutions to meet growing demand.
“The mobile CNG stations will be installed in both urban and upcountry areas to ensure widespread access to natural gas. With this development, motorists will soon be able to travel from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma with full access to CNG refueling services along the corridor,” said Eng. Emanuel Gilbert.
The mobile stations are expected to bridge the infrastructure gap as the government continues to promote the use of natural gas as a clean and cost-effective alternative fuel, in line with national energy transition goals.
Eng. Gilbert noted that contracts for the deployment of the mobile CNG stations are in the final stages of signing. Once formalized, the implementation is expected to take approximately six months from the date of signing.
He said that the availability of CNG has improved significantly compared to the situation three months ago, and further progress is expected by December when all the planned mobile stations are anticipated to be fully operational.
According to Eng. Gilbert, the recently inaugurated Mother CNG Station serves around 600 cars and up to 700 Bajaj every day. Currently, Dar es Salaam has six functioning CNG stations, including the main mother station and others operated by companies such as Master Gas at Sam Nujoma Road and Kipawa, Tembo Energy and Rafiki Energy at Tabata Relini, and Enric Gas Technology Tanzania Limited at Tazara.
In addition to the mobile stations, Eng. Gilbert said that there are several new permanent stations under construction, including Puma Energies, which is building a major CNG station at Tegeta IPTL, expected to be operational by the end of November.
“Other developments include a new station by Energo Tanzania Limited along Coca-Cola Road, projected to start operating in August, and Master Gas’ third station at Mbezi Afrikana, set for completion by December. Enric Gas Technology Tanzania Limited has also begun construction at Kigamboni Kibada, while NAT Energy is building another station at Tabata,” added Eng. Gilbert.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Nigeria Seeks 25% Higher OPEC+ Oil Production Quota For 2027
Africa’s top oil producer, Nigeria, is seeking a production target under the OPEC+ agreement of 2 million barrels per day (bpd) for 2027, up from the current quota of 1.5 million bpd, Bashir Ojulari, chief executive of state-held oil firm NNPC, has told Argus.
Nigeria has been pumping oil below its output quota for years, but has recently ramped up production, which now stands at about 1.4 million bpd, per Ojulari’s estimates.
OPEC+ delegates have started talks about establishing the baselines for individual members’ production quotas for 2027.
Nigeria will seek production capacity of 2.4 million bpd and a production target of 2 million bpd, including 1.7 million bpd of crude oil and 300,000 bpd of condensate output, Ojulari said.
Earlier this year, Nigeria’s government urged the oil companies operating in the country to collaborate to increase oil output in the producer that hasn’t been able to pump to its OPEC quota for years.
Oil theft and pipeline vandalism have long plagued Nigeria’s upstream oil and gas industry, driving majors out of the biggest OPEC producer in Africa and often resulting in force majeure at the key crude oil export terminals.
Nigerian authorities have been clamping down on oil theft and have been supportive of an increase in oil and gas output in recent months.
Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has said that U.S. supermajor ExxonMobil plans to invest as much as $1.5 billion in deepwater oil and gas exploration and development offshore Nigeria.
Moreover, supermajors Shell and TotalEnergies expect to raise oil and gas production over the next two years from projects they operate in Nigeria.
Shell sees the start-up of the Bonga North deepwater oil and gas field by 2027, while TotalEnergies expects the Ubeta gas field to also begin production by that year, the top executives of the Nigerian units of the supermajor told an energy conference in Nigeria last week.
Source: Oilprice.com
Ghana: NEDCo Reports Drop In Commercial Losses To 37% In Tamale In April
The Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) has reported a reduction in commercial losses in Tamale and its environs following an intense revenue mobilization drive and clamping down on illegal connections.
According to the power distributor, Tamale and its environs consume about 35% of the overall power purchased, but a whopping 46% could not be accounted for, meaning that 46% is lost.
However, NEDCo revealed in a recent statement that its enhanced revenue drive and clamping down on illegal connections brought down commercial losses in Tamale to 37% in April from 47% in March.
Although NEDCo indicated that the figure rose marginally to 38.12% in May, it argued that it was far below the 47% rate as of March this year.
In its bid to serve customers better, NEDCo has extended its operating vending hours to 10 pm and is in the process of extending its technical operating hours to 24 hours in Tamale.
Meanwhile, the power distributor has also invested heavily in its network, aimed at improving power supply reliability and delivery.
These include the ongoing construction of a 34.5 kV/11.5 kV sub-station and sub-transmission lines at Lamashegu, a suburb of Tamale, at the cost of $13.8 million and GHC 26.9 million, aimed at improving voltages and capacity of electricity in Tamale.
Besides this, NEDCo has also invested GHC 13.4 million in the Tamale City power stabilization project, sited beside the Northern Regional Coordinating Council.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Angola: Azule Energy Strikes Massive Gas In Gajajeira-01 Well, Block 1/14
The Angolan National Agency of Petroleum, Gas, and Biofuels (ANPG) and the Contractor Group of Block 1/14 have announced a gas discovery at the Gajajeira-01 exploration well, located offshore in the Lower Congo Basin.
The block is operated by Azule Energy (35%) in partnership with Equinor (30%), Sonangol E&P (25%), and Acrep S.A. (10%).
The well was spudded on April 1, 2025, in a water depth of 95 meters, approximately 60 kilometers off the coast. It encountered gas- and condensate-bearing sandstones in one of the Lower Oligocene targets, designated LO100.
Preliminary results from wireline logging and fluid sampling indicate over 30 meters of net pay in reservoirs with good mobility.
According to Azule, initial assessments suggest that gas volumes in place could exceed 1 trillion cubic feet, with up to 100 million barrels of associated condensate.
The results confirm the presence of a working hydrocarbon system and open new exploration opportunities in the area.
Azule Energy will continue to assess the full potential of the Gajajeira-01 discovery and collaborate with Block 1/14 partners to determine the optimal development strategy. The well was drilled safely using advanced formation evaluation and monitoring tools to assess reservoir quality and fluid characteristics, with a strong emphasis on operational safety.
Paulino Jerónimo, Chairman of the Board of Directors of ANPG, stated, “These new discoveries are a motivating factor in our ongoing efforts to attract private investment in the sector for the development and monetization of natural gas. This resource is vital for enhancing energy access and domestic consumption, as well as for boosting Angola’s petrochemical and fertilizer industries.”
Adriano Mongini, CEO of Azule Energy, commented, “This is a landmark moment for gas exploration in Angola. Gajajeira-01 is the country’s first dedicated gas exploration well, and its success reinforces our confidence in the potential of the Lower Congo Basin. We are proud to contribute to Angola’s long-term energy development with a focus on sustainability and energy security.”
According to Azule Energy, drilling operations are ongoing, with the next target being the last Lower Oligocene interval, LO300.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana’s President Scraps Fuel Allowances For All Appointees
Ghana’s President, Mr. John Dramani Mahama, has directed the immediate cancellation of payment of fuel allowances and allocation of fuel to all political appointees, a move aimed at promoting fiscal discipline and cutting down government expenditure.
A statement issued on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, and signed by the President’s Spokesperson, Felix Ofosu Kwakye, stressed that the decision forms part of broader efforts to reduce government expenditure amid ongoing economic challenges.
According to the President, the decision reflects the growing need for those in leadership positions to lead by example and embrace personal sacrifice for the greater national good.
This directive is expected to affect ministers, deputy ministers, presidential staffers, metropolitan, municipal and district chief executives (MMDCEs), as well as other categories of appointees who previously benefited from state-sponsored fuel support.
While the move has been hailed by sections of the public, others believe there should be further explanation. They wonder whether the appointees will be using their salaries to fuel their vehicles to work for the state.
A presidential staffer, who spoke to this portal, said the Minister for Energy and Green Transition is expected to address the issue in the coming days.
According to the presidential staffer, the appointees have not even received their salaries yet, explaining that fuel allowances are part of the salaries and that it is only when the Energy Minister speaks that they will know how much will be taken away.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Angola: ANPG, ExxonMobil, And Others Sign Deal To Extend Production Period For Block 15 From 2032 To 2037
The Angolan National Petroleum, Gas, and Biofuels Agency (ANPG), ExxonMobil (operator), and the consortium consisting of Azule Energy, Equinor, and Sonangol have signed an addendum to the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) for Block 15, aiming to extend oil production from 2032 to 2037.
The parties agreed to boost investment by approximately $3 million, which will allow oil reserves to grow by around 200 million barrels.
The signing was witnessed by Energy Minister Diamantino Azevedo, who acknowledged the efforts to continue attracting investment in Angolan oil and urged project partners to continue investing.
He stressed the need for observance of “environmental issues, which are and will continue to be an absolute priority.”
ANPG Executive Manager Alcides Andrade noted that the concession contract extension is within the legal, tax, and contract reforms implemented by the government to make the business environment more attractive and competitive.
The goal is to attract greater investment, expand reserves, prolong production, and significantly increase state revenues.
“The contract adjustments in this agreement aim to create conditions for new investments, guaranteeing higher economic returns for the country and strengthening the sustainability of the Angolan oil industry.”
ExxonMobil’s General Manager, Katrina Fisher, considered that ANPG has allowed the advancement of green hydrogen projects and feasibility studies for implementing a bio-refinery, demonstrating a commitment to the energy transition.
Regarding the attractiveness of the oil sector, ExxonMobil’s General Manager stated that continued interest from new companies to invest in the country demonstrates that Angolan oil remains competitive and relevant in the international market.
Concerning environmental issues, she emphasized that these are strictly safeguarded, highlighting the FPSO Agogo, built according to high standards of decarbonization, energy efficiency, and emissions reduction.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Trump To Launch $70 Billion AI-Energy Plan At Pittsburgh Summit
U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to unveil a $70-billion investment package on Tuesday designed to give a major funding boost to energy and data infrastructure, Reuters reports, with the announcement set to come during the Pennsylvania Energy & Innovation Summit in Pittsburgh.
Sources familiar with the plan also told Bloomberg that the funding would include federal-private partnerships and possible Department of Energy-led permitting reforms. While exact allocations remain undisclosed as of the time of writing, the package is expected to prioritize regions facing power congestion due to rising AI workloads, including Pennsylvania, Texas, and Georgia.
According to Axios, over 60 energy and technology CEOs will attend the summit, including representatives from ExxonMobil, Amazon Web Services, Chevron, Palantir, and BlackRock.
The initiative comes against a backdrop of mounting strain on U.S. electricity infrastructure, with data centers now among the fastest-growing sources of demand. A Reuters analysis published last week found that demand from AI-driven compute loads is outpacing available generation in key markets. Meta, for example, recently secured 1.1 gigawatts of nuclear power from Constellation’s Clinton Clean Energy Center in Illinois under a 20-year agreement.
Analysts say Trump’s proposal could redirect investment back toward fossil generation and nuclear while reducing federal support for wind and solar. Bloomberg noted the plan may scale back Inflation Reduction Act tax credits, potentially cutting over 300 gigawatts of future renewable capacity. Critics argue the energy shift could benefit legacy infrastructure at the expense of decarbonization targets.
Trump’s announcement also includes a plan to redevelop a former Aliquippa steel mill into a high-density data center complex, according to CBS News. The site would anchor one of several new AI-energy corridors envisioned under the program.
Source: oilprice.com
Ghana: ECG Board Appoints Ebenezer Baiden As Deputy Managing Director
The Board of the Electricity Company of Ghana has appointed Mr. Ebenezer Baiden as the Acting Deputy Managing Director for Commercial Services.
His appointment takes effect from today, Monday, July 14, 2025, according to an internal communication signed by John Ayiku Ocansey, Deputy Managing Director for Corporate Services.
The appointment follows a directive by the Board for Ing. David Boadi Asamoah, Deputy Managing Director for Commercial Services, to proceed on leave.
Prior to his appointment, Mr. Baiden was the Director for New Business and Risk Management.
Mr. Ebenezer Baiden is an energy economist with several years of experience in the country’s power sector.
He has worked with ECG for over a decade.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Eni Completes Upgrading Of Offshore Gas Receiving Facility; Increases Supply By 25 MMscfd
The Italian oil and gas firm Eni has successfully completed the upgrading of its Offshore Gas Receiving Facility, increasing gas supply for power generation from 245 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscfd) to 270 MMscfd.
The facility was shut down on Sunday, July 13, 2025, to pave way for the upgrading.
A statement from the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, which confirmed the completion of the exercise, stated that this enhancement in gas supply is a significant step towards ensuring a reliable and sustainable energy supply for the nation.
“The increased capacity will support the power sector and contribute to the overall economic growth of Ghana,” the ministry said.
The Ministry expressed its gratitude to Eni and all power sector players for their dedicated efforts in facilitating this critical upgrade.
He also thanked Ghanaians for their cooperation and understanding during the project’s implementation.
“Your support is invaluable as we work together to build a brighter energy future.”
The Ministry reiterated its unwavering commitment to providing a consistent power supply for all Ghanaians.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Zambia: Energy Forum For Africa 2025 Launched With Call For Stronger Investment And Partnerships
The Zambian Minister for Energy, Makozo Chikote, has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to driving investment and collaboration in the energy sector. He described the upcoming Energy Forum for Africa (EFFA) 2025, taking place in Zambia from September 10th to 12th, as a critical platform to unlock the region’s vast potential.
He emphasized that EFFA is not just a conference but a catalyst for concrete action through public-private partnerships.
“This year’s theme, ‘Investment Opportunities in the Energy Sector in Zambia and Africa,’ reflects our conviction that with the right policies and partnerships, we can translate ambition into bankable, sustainable energy projects,” Mr. Chikote said in a speech read for him by Minister of Sport, Youth, and Arts Elvis Nkandu.
Mr. Chikote outlined progress made by the Ministry, including reforms to improve transparency, streamline licensing, expand grid access, and promote cross-border energy trade.
A major milestone was the recent commissioning of the 100-megawatt Chisamba Solar Power Plant by KNBEPC, a project that emerged from discussions at EFFA 2024 and now stands as one of Zambia’s largest solar installations.
Mr. Chikote added that ZESCO Limited has signed Power Purchase Agreements with solar developers for over 1,000 megawatts, but many projects still need financing. He said EFFA 2025 would serve as a bridge between developers and financiers to unlock this potential.
Forum Chief Executive and Convener, Eng. Hope Chanda, said the forum is designed to deliver practical solutions to challenges facing Zambia’s energy sector.
She highlighted the recent launch of the open access policy as another key step towards opening the grid and encouraging competition.
She called on the media to highlight these success stories and urged new partners to take an active role in shaping the future of energy in Zambia and Africa.
EFFA 2025 is expected to attract leading energy players, policymakers, investors, and financiers from across Africa and beyond, all working to accelerate sustainable energy development for the continent.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com