Zimbabwe: ZESA Holdings Executive Chairman Dr. Sydney Zikuzo Gata Passes Away
Zimbabwe’s power supply company, ZESA Holdings, has announced the passing of its Executive Chairman, Dr. Sydney Zikuzo Gata, a distinguished energy, power, and infrastructure development specialist. He passed away at a local hospital on July 3, 2025, after a short illness.
Dr. Gata leaves behind a legacy of unwavering commitment to the energy sector. He dedicated his life to advancing energy solutions and infrastructure development. His illustrious career spanned several decades, during which he served as a beacon of hope for the nation and an inspiration to many.
His leadership at ZESA transformed the organization during some of its most challenging times, addressing critical power supply issues.
Dr. Gata’s visionary approach saw the introduction of strategic reforms that improved service delivery, and he was passionate about the welfare of the entire ZESA family.
He was the first black General Manager of the Electricity Supply Commission (ESC), 1981-85.
He then served as CEO and board member of ZESA in the mid-1980s to early 1990s.
He was appointed ZESA Executive Chairman in 2001-2006, and was appointed to the same position in November 2019 until the time of his death.
During the period 1976-81, Sydney Gata made an impact in Research and Teaching in the fields of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering.
In 1976, he lectured at the Chelsea College of Aeronautical Engineering in London, United Kingdom.
He also lectured at the City University Department of Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics in London, the United Kingdom during the period 1977-80 before he came back to Zimbabwe to lecture at the University of Zimbabwe in the Faculty of Engineering during the period 1981-82.
Furthermore, Dr. Gata served as a Board member of the World Energy Council Commission (WEC) for a three-year period between 1992-94.He also served as Deputy Chairman of the WEC Studies Committee.
During his career he held advisory and board roles at the World Energy Council, African Development Bank and Integrated Energy Systems Ltd (UK) among others.
He is survived by his wife the Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Hon. Angeline Gata, children and grand children.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Tanzania: Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation Signs Deal With Energetech-Tantel For Nationwide Gas Distribution
The Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) has signed a landmark deal with Energetech-Tantel for the nationwide distribution of natural gas via road and rail infrastructure over the next 12 months.
This agreement will pave the way for an investment of between $80 million and $200 million to supply gas to four regions: Dodoma, Geita, Mwanza, and Kigoma.
According to the Energy Commissioner for Petroleum and Gas at the Ministry of Energy, Mr. Goodluck Shirima, the first delivery of natural gas is expected almost 12 months after the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU).
“This project will help supply gas to the country’s capital, Dodoma, as well as key production areas in the central regions, which have shown high gas demand,” Mr. Shirima told reporters in Dar es Salaam.
Currently, only four regions benefit from access to natural gas: Lindi, Mtwara, Coast, and Dar es Salaam. However, the government’s goal is to ensure that gas reaches all regions in the country.
Mr. Shirima added that the government is committed to building a gas-based economy, taking advantage of the abundant natural gas reserves, and that various initiatives are underway to develop this resource.
The project will involve the construction of natural gas receiving centers and the distribution of gas to households, vehicles, and industries along the central corridor.
Energetech-Tantel Holdings President and Chief Executive Director, Mr. Daniel Gabai, said the planned investment of between $80 million and $200 million will support the government’s vision of building a natural gas-driven economy. “We believe Tanzania will become a leading force for growth in Africa over the next decade, and this project will be the most efficient clean energy project on the continent, serving both local and regional markets,” Mr. Gabai said.
TPDC Managing Director, Mr. Mussa Makame, stated that the project will enable the transportation of large volumes of natural gas and ensure its efficient delivery to different parts of the country.
“Accelerating gas production with a commercial focus and involving the private sector is key to our strategy,” Mr. Makame said. He further noted that once the project is completed, it will cover the entire country, but implementation will be done in phases, with operations expected to begin within the next 12 months.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com


Liberia: IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi Arrives In Monrovia For Historic Visit
The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Mariano Grossi, has arrived in Monrovia, the capital of Liberia, marking the first-ever visit of an IAEA chief to the country since it joined the agency in 1960.
“I’m really happy to be here,” Grossi said. “This visit is long overdue, but I’m delighted to finally be in Liberia. Most importantly, it’s about the critical work we’re going to do together across several areas of national development,” Grossi told a section of the press when he arrived at the Roberts International Airport in Margibi County on Thursday, July 3.
Grossi emphasized that the focus of the IAEA’s engagement in Liberia would not be solely on nuclear energy but rather on “nuclear applications” – the peaceful use of nuclear technologies in health, agriculture, and water resource management. “Our work here will center primarily on cancer care, nuclear medicine, and oncology, as well as agriculture and water,” he noted. “These applications of nuclear science have proven powerful in advancing human development, and we’re excited to bring that benefit to Liberia.”
The Director General highlighted a key health initiative: the establishment of a new brain therapy program. “We’ll be providing critical equipment to help treat more patients,” he explained. “Given the high burden of cancer in the country, this program will make a real difference. We also plan to provide training for Liberian health professionals so they can better serve their communities.”
During his stay, Grossi is expected to hold meetings with President Joseph Boakai, Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Deputy Minister of Energy at the Ministry of Mines and Energy, William T. Thompson, and other senior government officials. The agenda will include a review of existing IAEA-supported projects and opportunities to deepen cooperation.
Looking beyond immediate developmental priorities, Grossi also addressed the future role of nuclear energy on the continent. “Nuclear energy, as a clean energy source, should not be reserved for a few countries,” he said. “Africa is showing growing interest. South Africa currently operates nuclear power plants, but now Egypt is building its own. Ghana, Senegal, Kenya, Rwanda, and Ethiopia are also exploring nuclear options.”
He pointed out that recent advances in small modular reactor technologies have made nuclear energy more accessible and efficient. “These developments could make nuclear power a viable option for countries like Liberia,” he added. “So, why not? Absolutely, it’s a possibility for Liberians too.”
Grossi’s visit signals a renewed chapter in Liberia’s IAEA collaboration, with potential benefits across health, agriculture, energy, and education. Grossi was received at the RIA upon his arrival by a high-level delegation led by the Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr. Emmanuel Urey Yarkpawolo, Cllr. Jeddi Mowbray Armah, Deputy Minister for Legal Affairs, and Karishma Pelham-Raad, Assistant Minister for International Organization Affairs.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Nigeria: IBEDC Sold For N100bn, Says AMCON
The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, one of the power distribution firms in Nigeria, has been sold, according to the CEO of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON).
Gbenga Alake disclosed this during a press engagement on Thursday, stating that the company was sold for N100 billion.
Alake said AMCON would soon hand over the power firm to the preferred bidder. “Today, I announce to you that Ibadan DisCo has been sold,” the AMCON boss said.
“When we took over, it had already been sold, but we intervened and requested a new offer. We weren’t satisfied with the initial sale price.”
Alake added that the sale triggered legal battles, with various interests disputing the outcome. Despite the ongoing court proceedings, AMCON remains confident that the sale was conducted fairly. “We have sold it, and we will address any issues that arise in court,” he said.
The sale has drawn attention in the past.
On May 15, a report emerged that a civil society organization, the African Initiative Against Abuse of Public Trust, had filed a lawsuit against AMCON, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), and Ibadan DisCo.
The lawsuit alleged that the proposed sale of a 60% stake in IBEDC for $62 million was “secretive and illegal” and claimed that the amount was “corruptly undervalued.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: ECG Assures KATH Of Stable Power Supply
The Electricity Company of Ghana has assured the management of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) of a stable power supply.
The assurance was given during a courtesy call from the management of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, who introduced the new CEO of the hospital, Dr. Paa Kwasi Baidoo, to the management of the Ashanti West Region of ECG on Wednesday, July 2, 2025.
KATH, one of Ghana’s four teaching hospitals, serves as a referral center for patients from 10 out of the 16 regions in the country, making the provision of a stable power supply crucial for saving lives and enhancing the hospital’s operational efficiency.
Addressing the CEO and his entourage, Ing. George Amoah, General Manager of ECG Ashanti West Region, assured the CEO of KATH that ECG is committed to providing a stable power supply to the hospital. “As a company, our mandate is to provide quality, reliable, and safe electricity services to support the socioeconomic development of the country.
Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital is one of the key stakeholders that render essential services to millions of people; hence, our unwavering commitment to ensuring a stable power supply to the hospital,” he said.
He added that once ECG receives power in the Ashanti Region, the priority is to supply Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital first to ensure that they contribute to enabling the hospital to deliver quality healthcare and save lives.
On his part, Dr. Paa Kwasi Baidoo, CEO of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, praised ECG for the improved power supply to the hospital and consistent efforts to prioritize the hospital in electricity distribution whenever challenges occur within the national grid.
He further underscored the importance of the existing relationship between KATH and ECG and promised to deepen the relationship between both entities under his leadership.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Tanzania: Energy Ministry Takes Steps Towards Nuclear Power Generation
The Tanzanian Ministry of Energy has begun taking steps to implement the Presidential Directive to include the adoption of nuclear energy in the electricity generation mix.
The Ministry kicked off the process with a working meeting chaired by Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Khatibu Kazungu, where discussions focused on the stages of implementation for the nuclear energy program.
The meeting, held at the ministry’s branch office in Dar es Salaam, was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Energy, heads of institutions under the ministry, representatives from regulatory bodies, and experts in the energy and environmental sectors.
Speaking at the meeting, Dr. Kazungu emphasized that the ministry will closely oversee the implementation of President Samia’s directive, which was issued on June 27, 2025, during the conclusion of parliamentary sessions, concerning the safe use of nuclear energy for electricity production.
“The Ministry of Energy will continue to oversee the establishment of the nuclear energy program to ensure that our country secures a safe and sustainable source of energy. We will continue collaborating with our institutions and other stakeholders to ensure these preparations are carried out with great care and in accordance with international standards,” said Dr. Kazungu.
Dr. Kazungu directed the National Committee responsible for the matter to prepare a National Roadmap, which will outline all critical steps required to implement the nuclear energy program up to the year 2050.
He explained that the program will include conducting feasibility studies on the country’s uranium resources, policy and legal assessments, public awareness campaigns, and policy framework development to attract investment in the nuclear energy sector.
The Commissioner for Electricity and Renewable Energy, Engineer Innocent Luoga, highlighted the importance of investing in public education and knowledge on the use of nuclear energy.
“We must invest in knowledge and awareness so that citizens understand that nuclear energy is not a threat but an opportunity. We need to educate the public on the benefits of nuclear energy, how it is regulated, and the international safety measures in place to ensure a secure environment at all times,” said Engineer Luoga.
This national initiative is expected to be part of Tanzania’s long-term strategy to ensure reliable sources of electricity while also protecting the environment and strengthening the nation’s economy.
Nuclear power inclusion in the energy mix is gaining momentum in Africa.
Currently, apart from South Africa, which operates the Koeberg Nuclear Power Plant, countries like Ghana, Uganda, Sudan, Algeria, Nigeria, Kenya, and Burkina Faso are pursuing the establishment of nuclear power plants. Egypt’s El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant, which is under construction, is at an advanced stage.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Zimbabwe: Massive Blackout Hits Zimbabwe After System Failure
Zimbabwe has been hit by a nationwide blackout after a system disturbance that occurred at about 14:11 hours on Thursday, July 3, 2025.
According to ZESA Holdings, the system disturbance caused a loss of generation from Kariba and Hwange Power Stations.
It said the interconnections with National Transmission (South Africa) and Zesco (Zambia), as well as supplies from HCB (Mozambique), were simultaneously lost.
In a statement issued, ZESA Holdings said restoration efforts are currently underway, and power has already been successfully restored to some areas.
“Our teams are working tirelessly to bring the remaining affected areas back online in the shortest possible time. Further updates will be given as the system restoration progresses,” ZESA said.
It apologized for the inconvenience caused to citizens.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Libya: AGOCO Fixes Leak On Crude Oil Pipeline Linked To Top Refinery
Arabian Gulf Oil Company (AGOCO), wholly owned by the National Oil Corporation of Libya, has completed repairs on a crude oil pipeline where a leak was detected at the end of May.
AGOCO completed the repairs on the Hamada-Zawiya crude oil pipeline, the company said in a statement on Thursday.
Zawiya, which lies 25 miles west of Tripoli, is home to the largest operational refinery in the country with a capacity to process 120,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil. The Zawiya refinery is connected to the 300,000-bpd Sharara oilfield, Libya’s largest.
Following the leak on the Hamada-Zawiya pipeline, AGOCO halted the flow of crude.
Libya has been struggling with old oil and gas infrastructure as international majors shunned the country for more than a decade since the civil war began after the toppling of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.
However, foreign majors are willing to go back if Libya’s first exploration bid round in 18 years is anything to go by.
Supermajors ExxonMobil, Chevron, TotalEnergies, and Eni are competing in Libya’s first oil bid round since 2007, Masoud Suleman, chairman of Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC), told Bloomberg in an interview published on Wednesday.
The majors are among the 37 international companies that have expressed interest in Libyan acreage for oil and gas exploration, NOC’s Suleman told Bloomberg.
“Almost all well-known international companies” are competing in the tender, the executive added.
Libya is offering a total of 22 blocks for exploration and development—11 offshore and 11 onshore blocks, including areas with undeveloped discoveries.
Libya holds an estimated 91 billion barrels of oil equivalent in undiscovered oil and gas resources, NOC says.
The country’s crude oil production is currently around 1.3-1.4 million bpd.
The national corporation looks to boost oil production to 2 million bpd within the next three years, “contingent on sufficient funding.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Iran President Signs Law Suspending Cooperation With IAEA
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has signed a law suspending cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), amid growing tensions between Tehran and the UN nuclear watchdog following Israeli and US attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities last month.
“Masoud Pezeshkian promulgated the law suspending cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency,” Iranian state TV reported on Wednesday.
The announcement comes a week after Iran’s parliament passed legislation to suspend cooperation with the IAEA, citing Israel’s June 13 surprise attack on Iran and later strikes by the US on Iranian nuclear facilities.
According to the parliament resolution, IAEA inspectors will not be allowed to visit nuclear sites without approval from Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.
In response to Pezeshkian formally enacting the suspension, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar urged European signatories of the 2015 nuclear deal to trigger the “snapback” mechanism and reinstate all UN sanctions on Iran.
The snapback, set to expire in October, was part of the nuclear accord that collapsed after the United States withdrew in 2018. Iran began scaling back commitments a year later.
Germany said Iran’s decision sends a “disastrous signal”.
“For a diplomatic solution it is essential for Iran to work with the IAEA,” foreign ministry spokesman Martin Giese told reporters.
The IAEA in a statement said it was “awaiting further official information from Iran”.
Since Israel launched its assault on Iran last month,Tehran has sharply criticised the IAEA.
Iran’s foreign minister earlier this week said IAEA chief Rafael Grossi was no longer welcome in the country.
Officials have also criticised Grossi over a June 12 resolution passed by the IAEA board accusing Tehran of non-compliance with its nuclear obligations.
Iranian officials said the resolution was among the “excuses” for the Israeli attacks that began on June 13 and lasted for 12 days.
Iran has also rejected a request from IAEA chief Grossi to visit nuclear facilities bombed during the war.
Source: aljazeera.com
Nigeria: AKK Gas Pipeline Crosses River Niger As Crude Oil Pipelines Hit 100% Availability
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has achieved a significant milestone with the successful crossing of the River Niger by the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline.
This development brings the project closer to completion, expected by the fourth quarter of 2025.
According to Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd., the feat was made possible through effective contract reengineering and industry collaboration.
Notably, the company also recorded 100% availability on major crude oil pipelines throughout June 2025, a first in a long while, thanks to industry-wide security interventions led by NNPC Ltd.
This has boosted crude oil production.
However, Ojulari emphasized the need for more investments to further boost production.
He highlighted that NNPC Ltd. has been consistently meeting its cash-call obligations to Joint Venture operations, turning the narrative around.
The Petroleum Industry Act (PIA 2021) has positioned NNPC Ltd. to lead the industry in financing projects.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: GOIL Slashes Petrol Prices, Adjusts Diesel Price Upwards
Ghana’s largest indigenous petroleum downstream oil marketing company, GOIL, has reviewed its pump prices for petrol and diesel effective, July 2, 2025.
The price of Petrol (RON 91) has been reduced to Gh¢12.07 per litre from Gh¢12.38 per litre, while Diesel price was adjusted upward to Gh¢13.20 per litre from Gh¢12.88 per litre. The price of Petrol (RON 95) remained unchanged at Gh¢14.34 per litre.
In Ghana, fuel prices are reviewed every two weeks by Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) based on key factors such as exchange rates, cost of refined petroleum products, and inflation.
In contrast, fuel prices are reviewed monthly in other parts of Africa.
As of Tuesday, the average interbank exchange rate for a dollar was Gh¢10.33
On the international market, gasoline is sold at US$740.93 per metric ton, while gasoil was sold at US$722.48 per metric ton, and LPG is sold at US$492.14 per metric ton.
Crude oil prices soared before the Iran-Israel ceasefire deal, with Brent rising to $81 per barrel, while WTI rose to $76 per barrel.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Kenya: Kenya Pipeline Company To Be Listed On Nairobi Stock Exchange This Year, Says President Ruto
The Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) is set for transformation as President William Ruto has confirmed it will be listed on the Nairobi Stock Exchange (NSE) through an initial public offering (IPO) this year.
Ruto, who is currently in the UK, said on Wednesday during the London Stock Exchange market opening ceremony that KPC’s listing is among his government’s plans to widen the local stock market while opening several state corporations to foreign investment.
“We are committed to a structured, time-sensitive programme that identifies and prepares a robust pipeline of key government assets to be privatised through the stock exchange or improved through private sector participation,” the President said.
“As part of this initiative, we plan to list the Kenya Pipeline Company through an IPO in 2025, offering investors a unique opportunity to deploy capital in one of Kenya’s most strategic infrastructure enterprises.”
If listed, KPC would join KenGen, Kenya Power, and Kenya Reinsurance Corporation (Kenya Re) among the NSE-listed state corporations.
As part of KPC’s expansion strategy, the company is exploring the establishment of a petroleum trading hub in Mombasa to facilitate the receipt, trading, and distribution of fuel products across the region.
The corporation also seeks to wind down the Kenya Petroleum Refineries and integrate it into KPC’s operations.
In February this year, John Mbadi, Treasury Cabinet Secretary, said KPC has numerous benefits to realize from a listing at the stock exchange, citing Safaricom and the Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen)’s performance since being publicly traded.
“Listing will be a good idea, especially as KPC expands into the region, because it will provide much-needed liquidity and capital for expansion and diversification into LPG. Kenyans will have a chance to own a piece of KPC,” Mbadi said.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: GNPC Gets New Governing Board
President John Dramani Mahama has appointed a new governing board of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), Ghana’s national oil company. The new board is chaired by Prof. Joseph Oteng-Adjei.
The other members are Mr. Kwame Ntow Amoah (Acting CEO), Hon. Hajia Zuwera Mohammed Ibrahim (MP), Hon. Seidu Alhassan Alajor (MP), Mr. Mawutor Agbavitor, Mr. Kwame Jantuah, Esq., and Mr. Andani Yakubu Abdulai (Yoo-Naa).
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday, Minister for Energy and Green Transition John Abdulai Jinapor underscored the pivotal role of GNPC in Ghana’s petroleum sector, describing it as a national asset critical to the country’s economic growth and energy security.
“GNPC is not just another state-owned institution. It is the flagship entity in Ghana’s upstream oil and gas industry. Through prudent investments and partnerships, it contributes directly to national development and ensures the country’s energy security,” the Minister stated.
He emphasized the need for visionary leadership and a proactive board capable of navigating the complex dynamics of the petroleum landscape. He challenged the board to uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and strategic oversight in guiding GNPC through both its current challenges and emerging opportunities.
“I urge you to provide strong, strategic leadership, support the government’s efforts to expand GNPC’s operational capacity, particularly through its subsidiary, Explorco,” he added.
The Minister also announced the government’s intention to review the GNPC Act, which was passed in 1983, to reflect current industry realities and global best practices.
“As a government, we want to comprehensively review and enhance the GNPC Act to meet modern standards. Oil production has declined in recent years, and our current reserves are a concern to us. However, we’ve received encouraging signals from supermajors, and this is a critical moment to reposition GNPC for the future.”
Hon. Jinapor expressed confidence in the board’s ability to deliver transformative leadership and secure a brighter energy future for Ghana.
Chairman of the new board, Prof. Joseph Oteng-Adjei, expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for the appointment and pledged to lead a results-driven board.
“We thank His Excellency the President for the trust reposed in us to reset GNPC. This is a team of diverse professionals, and we are committed to addressing the challenges within the sector. We will seek guidance from the Ministry whenever necessary and work together to move GNPC forward,” he said.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
