The Gambia Cuts Fuel Prices With $4.30 Million Subsidy Amid Global Price Surge
The Government of The Gambia has announced a subsidy of D316,146,722.52 (approximately $4.30million) for fuel, thereby reducing pump prices for the month of April.
Fuel prices have risen sharply across many economies due to the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
Without the subsidy, a litre of petrol would have sold at D101.29, while diesel would have cost D124.72 per litre.
However, the government has provided a subsidy of D3.29 per litre on petrol and D29.72 per litre on diesel.
This intervention has reduced the price of petrol to D98.00 per litre and diesel to D95.00 per litre.
In a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, it was indicated that the subsidy reflects the government’s commitment to supporting its citizens during this challenging time.
The statement added that the government, through the Ministry of Petroleum, Energy and Mines, will continue to work closely with Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and other stakeholders to ensure a steady supply of fuel and maintain responsible pricing.
It further noted that global developments will be closely monitored, and additional measures will be taken as necessary to protect consumers while ensuring fuel availability.
Kenya: EPRA Appoints Joseph Oketch As New Acting Director-General
Kenya’s Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has appointed Dr Joseph Oketch as its Acting Director-General following the resignation of Director-General Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria.
In a statement issued on Sunday, April 5, and signed by Board Chairperson Adan Haji Ali, the authority said its board received Bargoria’s resignation on Saturday afternoon and thanked him for what it described as dedicated service, wishing him well in his future endeavours.
The authority said the appointment of Oketch was made in view of EPRA’s crucial and strategic mandate as Kenya’s energy sector regulator, including setting and reviewing electricity and petroleum tariffs, licensing industry players, enforcing safety and quality standards, and protecting consumers.
EPRA noted that Oketch currently heads the Electricity and Renewable Energy Directorate, where he oversees the formulation, review, and monitoring of regulations, standards, and codes for the electrical and renewable energy sub-sectors.
According to the board, Oketch has over 25 years of experience in the energy sector and previously served in senior roles at Kenya Power and the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) before joining EPRA about 10 years ago.
His academic qualifications include a BSc in Electrical Engineering (University of Nairobi), an MBA in Strategic Management (Kenyatta University), a Postgraduate Diploma in Project Planning and Management (University of Nairobi), and a PhD in Strategic Management (Kenyatta University).
EPRA said he is a member of the Institute of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) and the Kenya Institute of Management (KIM), and is a registered professional engineer with the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK).
The board expressed confidence that Oketch would “effectively steer the Authority” in his acting capacity and assured stakeholders of the regulator’s stability.
“We, importantly, assure the country and stakeholders of the stability of the Authority and that it remains steadfast in effectively and sustainably regulating the energy sector,” the statement said.
Nigeria: Tinubu Approves ₦3.3tn Plan To Boost Electricity Supply
Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has approved a ₦3.3 trillion payment plan aimed at settling long-standing debts in the country’s power sector, in a move the Federal Government says will restore stability and improve electricity supply nationwide.
A statement signed by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Sunday, said the debts accumulated between February 2015 and March 2025.
The decision to pay ₦3.3 trillion as a “full and final settlement” was reached following a comprehensive verification process between the government and stakeholders.
Implementation of the repayment plan has already commenced, with 15 power generation companies signing settlement agreements worth ₦2.3 trillion.
The Federal Government has so far raised ₦501 billion to fund the initiative, out of which ₦223 billion has been disbursed, while additional payments are ongoing.
Officials say the intervention is expected to have a direct impact on electricity generation and supply. By settling outstanding obligations across the power value chain, generation companies are expected to operate more efficiently, leading to improved reliability of electricity nationwide.
The Special Adviser on Energy to the President, Olu Arowolo-Verheijen, described the programme as a critical step toward rebuilding confidence in the sector.
“This programme is not just about settling legacy debts. It is about restoring confidence across the power sector—ensuring gas suppliers are paid, power plants can keep running, and the system begins to work more reliably,” she said.
She added that the initiative forms part of broader reforms, including improved metering and the implementation of service-based tariffs that link electricity costs to quality of supply.
The government is also prioritising power delivery to key sectors of the economy, including industries, businesses, and small enterprises, in a bid to stimulate economic growth and job creation.
“The goal is simple: more reliable power for homes, stronger support for businesses, and a system that works better for all Nigerians,” Arowolo-Verheijen added.
President Tinubu commended stakeholders for their role in resolving the long-standing issues and confirmed that the next phase of the programme, known as Series II, will commence later this quarter.
Nigeria’s power sector has long struggled with liquidity challenges, infrastructure deficits, and inconsistent supply, with experts often citing unpaid debts as a major constraint to performance.
The latest intervention is seen as one of the most significant financial restructuring efforts in the industry in recent years.
Kenya: Three Government Officials Resign Over Fuel Import Scandal As DCI Vows Action
Three top Kenyan government officials implicated in the alleged manipulation of in-country fuel stock data—leading to the importation of emergency fuel cargo that turned out to be substandard petroleum products—have resigned, a statement from the Executive Office of the President revealed on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
In a statement issued by Felix K. Koskei, EGH, Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service, it was indicated that President William Samoei Ruto received the resignation letter of Mr Mohamed Liban, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Petroleum, while the Board of the Kenya Pipeline Company PLC (KPC PLC) received the resignation letter of Mr Joe Sang, Managing Director of KPC.
It added that the resignation letter of Mr Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria, Director-General of the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), was also received by the Board.
The three were arrested by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on Thursday following nationwide public outrage over the issue, which raised concerns about procurement processes and regulatory oversight in the energy sector.
Following news of their resignations, the DCI issued a statement vowing to take action against the officials.
The agency cautioned that resignation from office does not shield any suspect from criminal liability, signaling that those who have exited public service positions remain within the scope of ongoing investigations.
“Resignation from office does not in any way exonerate or absolve the suspects and persons of interest from criminal culpability,” the DCI stated, urging those under investigation to cooperate fully with investigators.
The multi-agency body underscored that the ongoing probe would be conducted with “the highest level of professionalism, transparency, and urgency it deserves.”
The agency said it is investigating the suspected irregular importation of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) by One Petroleum Limited, adding that statements have already been recorded from potential witnesses and several persons of interest, including senior government officials and executives linked to the firm.
“The DCI is actively liaising with relevant government agencies and investigative bodies in other countries under the Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) programme to establish all relevant facts surrounding this matter,” the statement read.
“We are doing everything possible to deal with this matter expeditiously and will forward the file to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) in due course. Those found culpable will be dealt with firmly in accordance with the law, regardless of their positions, including the directors of the companies involved.”
Investigators have also summoned executives from Oryx Energy Limited to record statements as part of efforts to piece together the circumstances surrounding the transaction.
The multi-agency body has reiterated its commitment to zero tolerance for corruption, safeguarding public resources, and ensuring transparency and accountability in all public procurement processes.
Ghana: Mahama Hints At Emergency Cabinet Meeting Over Fuel Prices
Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, has hinted at convening an emergency cabinet meeting in the coming days to address the rising cost of fuel at the pump, driven by the ongoing conflict in Iran and the broader Middle East region.
“I have called for this emergency cabinet meeting to decide on specific measures we can take to cushion petroleum prices while we hope the conflict comes to an end. There are adjustments we can make, particularly in the margins, to help maintain relatively stable prices as we pray for the war to cease.”
“The government remains fully committed to easing the burden on citizens. The cabinet will examine various aspects of the fuel price build-up and consider interventions to provide relief,” President Mahama said while delivering a keynote address on the second day of the Kwahu Business Forum on Saturday, April 4, 2026, in the Eastern Region.
Fuel prices in Ghana surged significantly from April 1, 2026, with petrol selling at more than GHS13 per litre and diesel at more than GHS17 per litre, following the escalation of the Iran conflict, which caused a surge in global crude oil prices to over $100 per barrel during the latter part of March.
There have been several calls from groups and individuals for the government to consider reducing fuel taxes to provide some relief to consumers.
According to President Mahama, the meeting aims to explore practical measures to cushion Ghanaians from the impact of soaring fuel prices.
He further assured the public that the government has implemented measures to build a resilient economy capable of withstanding external shocks such as the Middle East conflict.
“I can confidently tell you that the economy will not collapse because of the war in Iran,” he emphasised.
The President also commended transport unions for their restraint in not increasing lorry fares despite the spike in fuel prices.
“I want to express my sincere gratitude to the transport unions for their patience and understanding. We did not anticipate this situation, but they have held off on increasing fares. I am confident they will continue to exercise restraint as we work together to improve the situation,” he said.
He urged citizens to remain patient as the government works to stabilise fuel prices and support Ghanaians through the current challenges.
Ghana: Navy Seizes 8 Boats Suspected Of Illegal Fuel Bunkering
The Ghana Navy has confiscated eight unregistered boats suspected of being involved in illegal fuel bunkering activities along the western coastline, according to a report by ghextractives.com.
The boats were seized during an intelligence-led operation, code-named OPERATION DON’T COMPLAIN, conducted on Tuesday, 31 March 2026, at the New Takoradi and Poasi landing beaches by personnel of the Western Naval Command under the leadership of the Flag Officer Commanding.
The operation also received support from personnel of the 2 Infantry Battalion of the Ghana Army.
The exercise followed credible intelligence indicating that some unregistered, locally manufactured boats, popularly known as “Dendes,” were being used to facilitate the illegal transfer of fuel and petroleum products along the coastline in the New Takoradi area.
Acting swiftly on the information, naval personnel carried out coordinated operations at the identified landing beaches.
The operation was conducted in accordance with Sections 53 and 54 of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2023 (Act 1146), which require individuals or entities to obtain permits from the Fisheries Commission before constructing fishing vessels.
The Act also provides the legal framework for regulating and monitoring vessels operating within Ghana’s maritime domain.
At the conclusion of the operation, eight unregistered “Dende” boats suspected to have been used for illegal fuel bunkering were confiscated and towed to the Sekondi Naval Harbour for further action.
To ensure transparency and enhance inter-agency cooperation in addressing maritime crimes, representatives from key maritime and regulatory institutions—including the Ghana Maritime Authority, the Marine Police Unit of the Ghana Police Service, the National Petroleum Authority, and the Fisheries Commission—were invited to conduct an institutional inspection of the seized boats.
The Ghana Navy reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing maritime laws and combating illegal activities within Ghana’s waters.
The Navy further assured the general public that such operations will continue as part of efforts to safeguard Ghana’s maritime domain, protect marine resources, and promote lawful activities along the country’s coastline.
These efforts also contribute to protecting national revenue and to the growth and stability of Ghana’s blue economy.
The Gambia: NAWEC Enforces 8-Hour Power Cuts Amid Global Energy Disruptions
The Gambia’s National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) has announced nationwide electricity rationing, introducing scheduled power outages of up to eight hours per day from Thursday, April 2 to Wednesday, April 7, according to a media release shared on its official social media platforms.
The utility provider said the measure is a temporary response to a reduction in imported power supply caused by global energy disruptions due to ongoing tensions involving Iran.
NAWEC explained that the situation has strained its generation capacity, forcing the company to implement controlled load shedding to manage limited resources and maintain grid stability.
Given the circumstances, NAWEC urged consumers to support system stability by reducing the use of high electricity-consuming appliances such as air conditioners, irons, electric heaters, and water heaters during evening peak hours.
The utility provider further advised consumers to avoid switching on all appliances at once when power is restored.
Nigeria: Crude Oil Production Hits 1.84 Million Bpd In March
Nigeria’s crude oil production increased significantly to 1.84 million barrels per day (bpd) in March 2026, up from 1.48 million bpd in February 2026, according to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
“We are doing 1.84 million barrels per day. That is a remarkable feat, but I am sure we will do more,” said the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NUPRC, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, on Thursday during her visit to the headquarters of the Ministry of Finance in Abuja.
The NUPRC CEO attributed the earlier dip in production in February to unfortunate incidents at key facilities, along with ongoing turnaround maintenance.
“But all that has been fixed, and we are now seeing production ramping up,” Eyesan said.
The significant increase comes at a time when oil prices are skyrocketing, with Brent crude rising by 79.47 percent year-to-date—from $60.75 to $109.03 per barrel.
Regarding the 2025 licensing round, the NUPRC CEO said the commission is currently in the technical and financial evaluation stage.
She expressed optimism about the growth of the petroleum sector in the near future, particularly due to provisions such as the “drill or drop” clause in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which empowers the commission to revoke leases for dormant acreages.
The NUPRC boss added that some of the acreages on offer could begin production within a year, noting that indigenous companies are demonstrating impressive capacity.
Eyesan also stated that the commission has fully complied with Executive Order 9 of 2026, which directs the immediate suspension of the 30 percent Frontier Exploration Fund (FEF) deduction from oil and gas profits, as well as other management fees. The order also requires that the funds be paid directly into the Federation Account.
Ghanaians Mount Pressure On Government To Cut Fuel Levies As Middle East Tensions Drive Prices Higher
Ghanaians are mounting pressure on the government to reduce levies on fuel as prices continue to soar at the pumps, largely due to ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
Fuel prices had dropped significantly prior to the US–Israel conflict involving Iran, supported by the relative stability of the local currency, even as the international benchmark, Brent crude, hovered around $70 per barrel.
However, the conflict has since driven up the prices of both crude oil and refined petroleum products, leading to higher pump prices across many economies, including Ghana.
Earlier this week, fuel prices surged, with petrol selling for more than GH¢13 per litre and diesel exceeding GH¢17 per litre.
The situation has triggered calls from various groups and individuals for the removal of some fuel taxes to provide relief to motorists.
The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) recently issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the government to reduce taxes on petroleum products or risk a nationwide increase in transport fares.
Samuel Amoah, the Deputy Public Relations Officer of the GPRTU, explained that the union is facing rising operational costs due to increasing fuel prices and other financial pressures. He emphasized that if the government fails to act within the stipulated timeframe, transport operators will have no choice but to increase fares to sustain their businesses.
Similarly, the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) has called for the immediate cancellation of the recently introduced GH¢1 fuel levy, citing its growing impact on operational costs amid recent fuel price hikes linked to global tensions.
The President of AGI, Mr. Kofi Nsiah-Poku, alongside former President Dr. Humphrey Ayim-Darke, warned that businesses may be forced to pass on the increased costs to consumers if the levy remains in place.
“It is important at this point that we start discussing the removal of the GH¢1 levy to reduce our operational costs. Previously, we could absorb the cost due to the appreciation of the cedi, but if no action is taken now, we will have to reassess our operational costs and begin increasing prices—something we would prefer to avoid,” Mr. Nsiah-Poku stated during a meeting with the Minority Group in Parliament.
Former Finance Minister and former Deputy Minister for Energy, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, has also argued that reducing taxes on petroleum products will not adversely affect Ghana’s 2026 budget.
In a Facebook post on April 2, Dr. Amin Adam stated that the current global oil price dynamics provide sufficient fiscal space for tax relief.
“Reducing petroleum taxes will not affect the 2026 Budget,” he said.
According to him, the government is already benefiting from higher-than-projected crude oil prices amid the ongoing Middle East tensions.
“What the government has not told Ghanaians is that it has been gaining from the increase in international crude oil prices since the US–Israel–Iran tensions began,” he added.
Dr. Amin Adam explained that the 2026 Budget projected a benchmark crude oil price of $76.22 per barrel, based on an estimated output of 37.95 million barrels.
However, actual prices have exceeded $100 per barrel for most of March 2026.
“At these prices, the government is generating additional windfall revenue of more than GH¢8 billion this year,” he noted.
He argued that any revenue shortfall resulting from a reduction in petroleum taxes could be offset by surplus earnings from crude oil exports.
“The calls for the government to intervene by reducing levies are therefore justified. Any revenue shortfalls will be recovered from the additional revenue generated,” he said.
Dr. Amin Adam urged the government to act swiftly to cushion consumers against rising fuel costs.
“Government must act now,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, an economist at the University of Ghana, Prof. Godfred Bokpin, has supported calls for the government to reduce taxes on petroleum products, stating that such a move would help cushion consumers amid rising fuel costs.
He noted that the current tax burden on fuel limits the benefits Ghanaians should enjoy from the recent strengthening of the cedi.
“Yes, I agree with calls for the government to review prices on petroleum products. I believe that within government circles, there may be alignment on this issue. In the absence of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, we know that the price build-up of fuel—particularly the level of taxes—compounds inefficiencies and prevents consumers from fully benefiting from the currency’s gains,” he explained.
Prof. Bokpin added that although he initially supported the introduction of the one-cedi fuel levy last year due to exchange rate pressures at the time, current economic conditions justify a reassessment.
“Reducing or removing some of these levies could cushion consumers against external shocks and help stabilise transport and commodity prices,” he said.
Meanwhile, Government Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu has indicated that the government may review fuel taxes and levies if rising global oil prices begin to place excessive pressure on consumers.
He stressed that any potential review would not be automatic but would depend on how geopolitical developments evolve and the extent to which they impact global oil prices.
Kenya: Three Top Government Officials Arrested Over Alleged Substandard Fuel Importation
Three top Kenyan government officials in the energy sector have been arrested and are currently in custody at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) over their alleged involvement in the importation of substandard fuel into the country.
A report by Citizen TV identified the officials as Petroleum Principal Secretary Liban Mohamed, Kenya Pipeline Company Managing Director Joe Sang, and Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) Director General Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria.
According to the report, a fourth suspect linked to the case has also been detained, although their identity has not yet been disclosed.
The suspects spent Thursday night in custody and are currently being held at DCI headquarters following their arrest by detectives from the DCI’s Operations Support Unit.
DCI Director Mohamed Amin stated that investigations are ongoing, with officers pursuing other individuals suspected to be involved in the scheme.
Attempts by this portal to reach Mr. Daniel Kiptoo by phone were unsuccessful.
Kuwaiti Desalination Plant And Oil Refinery Hit By Missile And Drone Strikes
Kuwait says its power and desalination plant was hit by an Iranian missile on Friday, as Gulf countries continue to face retaliatory strikes on the 35th day of the United States and Israel’s war on Iran.
Kuwaiti authorities said the plant was struck before midday local time on Friday. The extent of the damage is not yet known.
The attack came hours after the Mina al-Ahmadi oil refinery was targeted in early morning drone strikes.
State news agency Kuwait News Agency said the attack caused fires in a “number of operational units,” and that no employees were injured.
Emergency and firefighting teams were dispatched, with environmental experts monitoring air quality.
This is the third time the refinery had been hit and that people across the country were on “high alert.”
“It’s one of the biggest refineries in the Middle East and is also critical for local consumption,” he said.
Kuwait is among the closest countries to Iran—just 80 kilometres separate Kuwait from Iran’s coastline—making it particularly vulnerable to such attacks.
In an early post on X, KUNA warned that “hostile missile and drone attacks” on Kuwait were under way. Sirens sounded amid midair explosions as interceptions of Iranian missiles were heard across the country, the agency reported.
Kuwait and much of the Gulf are highly dependent on desalinated water. An Indian national was killed on March 30 after a Kuwaiti power and desalination plant was hit. Iran denied launching the attacks and instead blamed Israel.
Data centres targeted
Elsewhere, the United Arab Emirates’ defence ministry said the country was battling a new wave of suspected Iranian missile and drone attacks.
Debris from an intercepted projectile caused a fire at the Habshan gas facility, a major Emirati gas processing complex. The Abu Dhabi Media Office said operations had been suspended while authorities responded.
UAE air defences intercepted 19 ballistic missiles and 26 drones on Thursday alone, the defence ministry said—just a fraction of the hundreds of missiles and thousands of drones Iran has allegedly launched at the country since the war began.
At least two service members have been killed and 191 people of different nationalities injured, UAE authorities said.
Saudi Arabia said it destroyed a drone in its airspace overnight, while Bahrain sounded missile alarms three times, according to Anadolu Agency.
Iranian leaders also appear to be following through on earlier warnings to target major US technology firms in the Gulf as attacks on Iran continue.
Iran’s state-run Islamic Republic News Agency reported on Friday that Tehran had targeted an Oracle data centre in Dubai in retaliation for US-Israeli strikes that injured former Foreign Minister Kamal Kharazi and killed his wife on April 1.
However, the Dubai Media Office dismissed the report as “fake news.”
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UK-Led Coalition Warns Of Tough Action Over Strait Of Hormuz Closure
The United Kingdom has gathered foreign ministers from 40 countries to discuss options to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route that has been choked off by the United States and Israel’s war against Iran.
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said Iran’s “recklessness” in blockading the waterway was “hitting our global economic security” as she chaired the virtual meeting on Thursday.
“We have seen Iran hijack an international shipping route to hold the global economy hostage,” Cooper said in opening remarks broadcast to the media before the rest of the meeting took place behind closed doors.
Iran’s retaliatory attacks on commercial ships, and the threat of more, have halted nearly all traffic in the strait that connects the Gulf to the rest of the globe’s oceans, shutting a critical path for the world’s flow of oil and sending petroleum prices soaring.
The US is not among the countries attending the meeting, which comes after US President Donald Trump stated that securing the waterway is not his country’s job.
Trump has also disparaged the US’s European allies for failing to support the war and renewed his threats to pull the US out of NATO.
The countries participating in Thursday’s summit, including the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Canada, Japan, and the United Arab Emirates, have signed a statement demanding that Iran stop its attempts to block the strait and pledging to “contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage” through the waterway.
The meeting is considered a first step, to be followed by “working-level meetings” of officials to hammer out details.
No country appears willing to try and open the strait by force while fighting rages, and Iran can target vessels with antiship missiles, drones, attack craft and mines.
According to Challands, the British prime minister has been “very explicit” about nonmilitary solutions.
“Keir Starmer has no interest in getting involved in this war. Most of the countries gathered [have] no interest in getting involved in the war,” he said.
Following the meeting, Challands said that British military planners from the British Ministry of Defence will meet next week “with many of the same players that have gathered here today” to discuss how to ensure security for shipping after the war has ended.
Starmer said Wednesday that resuming shipping “will not be easy,” and will require “a united front of military strength and diplomatic activity” alongside partnership with the maritime industry.
The coalition is, in part, an attempt to demonstrate to the Trump administration that Europe is stepping up to do more for its own security, especially as the US president threatens to leave NATO.
French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday that it is not feasible to launch a military operation to force open the strait.
“This was never the option we have supported because it is unrealistic,” he said.
“It would take forever,” Macron said, and expose those crossing the strait to “coastal threats”, particularly from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which has “significant resources as well as ballistic missiles”.
Macron has suggested the best way to ensure the strait’s opening is by talking directly to Iran.
There have been 23 direct attacks on commercial vessels in the Gulf since joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran ignited the war on February 28, and 11 crew members have been killed, according to Lloyd’s List Intelligence, a shipping data firm.
Iran has said that “non-hostile” ships may transit the Strait of Hormuz and the waterway is only closed to vessels of enemy countries and their allies.
Kenya To Commence Construction Of Its First 2,000 MW Nuclear Power Plant In 2027
Kenya has announced plans to commence construction of its first nuclear power plant in 2027, with an initial capacity of 2,000 MW, expected to be operational by 2034.
President William Samoei Ruto made the announcement last Wednesday during the 2026 International Conference on Nuclear Energy, stating that the plant will be sited in Siaya County.
Nearly 90% of Kenya’s electricity is generated from renewable sources, making it a green energy leader in Africa. Geothermal accounts for approximately 40–46%, while hydropower contributes about 20–24%.
Ruto said Kenya has taken a strategic decision to significantly expand the country’s generation capacity, stating that, “From our current installed capacity of 3,300 megawatts, we are committed to scaling up to at least 10,000 MW in the next five to seven years, 3,000 MW of which will be generated from nuclear energy.”
William Ruto dismissed the perception that nuclear energy poses a significant danger to human well-being, stating that “this perception, while understandable, is not supported by evidence.”
He mounted a strong defense of nuclear energy as one of the safest and most reliable sources of power, used for decades by the world’s most advanced economies to drive their development.
He noted that France, for example, has relied on nuclear energy since the 1970s, generating up to 70% of its electricity from this source.
Similarly, the United States has operated nuclear power plants for over 60 years, with nuclear energy contributing approximately 18–20% of its electricity mix.
In South Africa, the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station has been in operation since the 1980s, with an installed capacity of about 1,860 MW.
“No country has ever achieved its development ambitions without adequate and reliable energy,” Ruto said.
He further highlighted that, during the peak construction phase, the nuclear project will generate between 5,000 and 12,000 jobs, ranging from manual labor to highly specialized engineering roles. Once operational, it will provide hundreds of permanent, well-paying technical positions.
Ruto urged the World Bank and other multilateral development banks to re-examine the financing architecture for nuclear power projects.
He added that Kenya will enact comprehensive legislation and adhere to the highest global standards of nuclear safety, security, and safeguards, while building a regulatory framework that inspires both domestic confidence and international partnership.
Ghana: Asharami Ghana MD Affirms Commitment To Regional Energy Hub Agenda
Asharami Ghana, a subsidiary of Nigeria-based Sahara Group, says its aggressive investments in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) infrastructure are aimed at strengthening Ghana’s position as a regional gateway for clean fuel distribution across West Africa.
According to the company, the recent deployment of the MT Asharami Ghana gas vessel improves the country’s capacity to support onward LPG supply to landlocked neighbours such as Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, which rely on coastal logistics corridors for access to clean fuels.
“By improving shipping reliability and storage depth, Ghana can support cleaner energy access beyond its borders. With our sustained investments in the sector, we are enabling more reliable supply beyond Ghana’s borders and supporting intra-African energy trade,” said Yaa Serwaa Alifo, Managing Director of Asharami Ghana.
Ms Alifo stressed that Asharami Ghana is building integrated LPG infrastructure that combines shipping, storage, and downstream coordination to strengthen reliability and support clean energy access.
She also disclosed that the development of a 12,000-metric-tonne LPG terminal in Tema—with a 6,000-metric-tonne first phase planned for commissioning later this year—will further strengthen Ghana’s ability to act as a logistics anchor for the region.
“This integrated capacity reduces supply volatility in inland markets and supports the expansion of clean cooking adoption across West Africa,” she added.
The company linked the regional impact to the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), describing LPG infrastructure as a practical enabler of deeper intra-African trade and energy system integration.
Beyond infrastructure, Asharami Ghana highlighted its focus on capacity building and skills transfer across vessel operations, terminal management, safety systems, and downstream coordination, embedding global best practices within Ghana’s energy sector. The company also confirmed plans to hire Ghanaians as part of vessel and terminal operations.
“Our broader ambition is to build resilient regional LPG ecosystems that support clean cooking, industrialisation, and inclusive growth,” Alifo said.