Rwanda: AfDB Approves €173.84 Million Financing To Advance Rwanda’s Universal Energy Access
The African Development Bank Group has approved €173.84 million for the Rwanda Energy Sector Result-Based Financing (RBF II) program to modernize the electricity network, expand access to clean energy, and strengthen institutional capacity.
A statement issued by the AfDB said the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank will provide an additional €86.92 million, bringing the total cost of the program to €260.76 million.
The RBF II program is anchored on Rwanda’s Energy Sector Strategic Plan (ESSP II 2024–2029) and aims to improve the quality of life of residents, drive economic growth, and reduce poverty through targeted investments in the energy sector.
Specifically, the program is focused on delivering results in three areas: modernizing and extending the electricity network and systems; increasing access to on-grid and off-grid electricity and clean cooking technologies; and strengthening technical and institutional capacity.
It will connect 200,000 households and 850 productive-use customers to the national grid, add 50,000 new electricity connections through off-grid solutions, provide clean cooking devices to 100,000 households and 310 public institutions, and install street lighting on 200 km of roads in secondary cities across Rwanda.
The RBF II program is a key deliverable under the Bank’s High-5 priority areas of “Light Up and Power Africa” and “Improve the Quality of Life of the People of Africa.”
Additionally, it will contribute to delivering on the Mission 300 Initiative of the African Development Bank and the World Bank to connect 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana Electrical Contractors Association Launches ‘PowerSafe Ghana’
The Ghana Electrical Contractors Association (GECA) has launched an initiative dubbed PowerSafe Ghana, to serve as a platform to facilitate thought-provoking dialogue, promote cutting-edge innovations, and cultivate partnerships that place safety and reliability at the center of Ghana’s power ecosystem.
According to the President of GECA, Mr. Awal Sakib Mohammed, PowerSafe Ghana is being introduced to complement the efforts of regulatory bodies in addressing poor system protection and the use of unsafe materials, which lead to electrical incidents causing damage to lives and properties.
Delivering a keynote address on the theme “Bridging Safety and Sustainability: A Collaborative Approach to Electrical Risk Management in Ghana” during the launch at STEPRI-CSIR in Accra, President of the Ghana Institute of Safety and Environment Professionals (GhISEP), Eng. Dr. Mrs. Miriam Eduful, noted that unsafe electrical systems waste energy, pollute the environment, and endanger lives.
According to her, sustainable systems, by contrast, are designed with safety, efficiency, and resilience at their core. She emphasized building bridges between contractors and regulators, engineers and environmentalists, academia and industry, and government and civil society to foster partnerships.
She said her organization is looking forward to a Ghana where electrical audits are routine, compliance is non-negotiable, and safety is embedded in every project lifecycle from design to decommissioning. Eng. Dr. Mrs. Eduful therefore proposed strengthening regulatory enforcement, investing in capacity building, promoting public awareness, encouraging innovation, and institutionalizing collaboration.
The President of Ghana Union of Traders (GUTA), Joseph Obeng, Honorary Doctor, commended GECA for what he described as a visionary initiative that seeks to confront one of the most pressing national concerns: electrical safety.
He said for too long, our nation has grappled with the devastating consequences of poor system protection, unsafe installations, and the importation of substandard materials, stressing that these threaten the very progress of our economy. He affirmed the commitment of GUTA to quality, safety, and accountability, dismissing the notion that traders only bring in fake electrical materials, saying it does not reflect the full truth.
“There are many among us who fight daily to uphold standards, educate clients, and improve the integrity of our supply chains.
“PowerSafe Ghana sends a clear message: electrical safety is a shared responsibility. Contractors, dealers, regulators, manufacturers, and consumers—we must unite to promote best practices, demand better standards, and build a safer Ghana,” he concluded.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
According to her, sustainable systems, by contrast, are designed with safety, efficiency, and resilience at their core. She emphasized building bridges between contractors and regulators, engineers and environmentalists, academia and industry, and government and civil society to foster partnerships.
She said her organization is looking forward to a Ghana where electrical audits are routine, compliance is non-negotiable, and safety is embedded in every project lifecycle from design to decommissioning. Eng. Dr. Mrs. Eduful therefore proposed strengthening regulatory enforcement, investing in capacity building, promoting public awareness, encouraging innovation, and institutionalizing collaboration.
The President of Ghana Union of Traders (GUTA), Joseph Obeng, Honorary Doctor, commended GECA for what he described as a visionary initiative that seeks to confront one of the most pressing national concerns: electrical safety.
He said for too long, our nation has grappled with the devastating consequences of poor system protection, unsafe installations, and the importation of substandard materials, stressing that these threaten the very progress of our economy. He affirmed the commitment of GUTA to quality, safety, and accountability, dismissing the notion that traders only bring in fake electrical materials, saying it does not reflect the full truth.
“There are many among us who fight daily to uphold standards, educate clients, and improve the integrity of our supply chains.
“PowerSafe Ghana sends a clear message: electrical safety is a shared responsibility. Contractors, dealers, regulators, manufacturers, and consumers—we must unite to promote best practices, demand better standards, and build a safer Ghana,” he concluded.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Egypt: AMEA Power Unveils Landmark Battery Energy Storage System
AMEA Power, one of the fastest-growing renewable energy companies in North Africa, has commissioned Egypt’s first-ever utility-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).
This milestone follows the project’s recent financial close, marking a significant step forward in AMEA Power’s strategy to enhance energy security and grid stability in emerging markets.
The 300 MWh facility, fully powered by solar PV energy, was delivered ahead of its scheduled commercial operation date (COD), according to a press statement from the company.
The battery storage facility is an extension of AMEA Power’s operational 500 MW Solar PV Plant in Aswan Governorate, Egypt, commissioned in December 2022 was not mentioned but 2024 was, lets stick with the original 2024, in Aswan Governorate, Egypt, commissioned in December 2024. It remains the largest operational single-site solar PV plant in the country.
This integrated solar-plus-storage development aligns with Egypt’s 2035 Integrated Sustainable Energy Strategy and reflects AMEA Power’s ongoing commitment to accelerating clean energy innovation and sustainability across the continent.
“We are proud to bring this landmark battery storage project online, strengthening the resilience of Egypt’s electricity grid while supporting the country’s renewable energy ambitions,” said Hussain Al Nowais, Chairman of AMEA Power.
“This commissioning milestone reaffirms our long-term commitment to Egypt as a key partner in driving innovation and sustainability across Africa.”
The project was financed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), highlighting the importance of strong strategic partnerships in advancing energy projects in Africa.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Energy Minister Visits Ghana Gas, Rallies Support For Efficient Operations
Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, paid a working visit to the Ghana National Gas Company Ltd. (GNGC), where he met with management and staff to discuss the company’s strategic direction.
The visit forms part of stakeholder engagement with agencies under the ministry. During the visit, the Minister emphasized the critical role of gas in Ghana’s energy future. He urged the management of the company to increase efforts to boost domestic gas production, stressing that a reliable and sustainable gas supply is essential for national development.
“Gas is not merely a bridge fuel; it is a cornerstone of Ghana’s energy security and a driver of our economy. We must invest in infrastructure and improve delivery through the expansion of pipelines,” Hon. Jinapor said.
He further noted that the government remains committed to building a resilient gas sector capable of supporting power generation, industrial growth, and job creation.
Welcoming the Minister, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Ghana National Gas Company, Judith Adjobah Blay, expressed gratitude for the visit and commended the Minister’s proactive leadership. She assured that the company stands ready to align with the government’s priorities.
“We are inspired by the Minister’s vision and support. Our institution remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering results that will move the country forward,” Ms. Blay said.
Addressing the staff, Hon. Minister encouraged them to give their best and assured them of further investment in the gas sector.
“Today, I stand before you not just as a Minister, but as a partner in this vital endeavor. I ask you, the dedicated staff of Ghana Gas, to give your all. Your expertise, dedication, and unwavering commitment are what will drive us forward. I am pleased to announce that plans are underway for a new gas processing plant. With this new plant, we will secure a brighter energy sector and a more prosperous future for Ghana. This investment will enhance your operations and create new opportunities.”
The visit reinforced the Ministry’s dedication to enhancing cooperation with key players in the energy sector and advancing initiatives that will secure Ghana’s energy future.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
“We are inspired by the Minister’s vision and support. Our institution remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering results that will move the country forward,” Ms. Blay said.
Addressing the staff, Hon. Minister encouraged them to give their best and assured them of further investment in the gas sector.
“Today, I stand before you not just as a Minister, but as a partner in this vital endeavor. I ask you, the dedicated staff of Ghana Gas, to give your all. Your expertise, dedication, and unwavering commitment are what will drive us forward. I am pleased to announce that plans are underway for a new gas processing plant. With this new plant, we will secure a brighter energy sector and a more prosperous future for Ghana. This investment will enhance your operations and create new opportunities.”
The visit reinforced the Ministry’s dedication to enhancing cooperation with key players in the energy sector and advancing initiatives that will secure Ghana’s energy future.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com Ghana: Petrol, Diesel Prices Surge On Account Of New Tax
Fuel prices have increased astronomically in Ghana following the implementation of the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Act, 2025 (Act 1141), which imposes GH¢1 on every liter of petroleum products.
The new levy, referred to as the D-Levy, coupled with oil marketers’ margins, has pushed pump prices for petrol and diesel higher. Petrol, which was selling below GH¢11 per liter by some OMCs, is now selling for more than GH¢12 per liter, while diesel, which was selling around GH¢13 per liter, now sells for more than GH¢14 per liter.
The new levy is charged on petrol, LPG, Marine Gas Oil (foreign), Marine Gas Oil (local), and Heavy Fuel Oil.
According to the government, the levy is intended to raise funds to clear debt in the energy sector. It faced resistance from a section of Ghanaians and the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies, citing a lack of consultation, which forced the government to suspend it on two occasions until it was greenlit to start on Wednesday, July 16, 2025.
In Ghana, fuel prices are increased every two weeks based on the exchange rate and the cost of refined petroleum products on the international market.
Per NPA indicative prices, a dollar was exchanged for GH¢10.57, while gasoline and gasoil sold at $711.95 and $737 per metric ton, respectively.
GOIL is selling petrol (Ron 91) at Gh¢12.88 per litre while petrol (Ron 95) is sold at Gh¢15.77, with diesel being sold at Gh¢14.38 per litre.
Shell is selling petrol at Gh¢13.29 per litre while diesel is sold at Gh¢14.49 per litre.
TotalEnergies is selling petrol at Gh¢13.30 while diesel is sold at Gh¢14.15 per litre.
Star Oil is selling petrol at Gh¢12.59 per litre while petrol (Ron 95) is sold at Gh¢14.99, with diesel is sold at Gh¢13.99 per litre.
Petrosol Ghana is selling petrol at Gh¢12.98 while diesel is sold at Gh¢14.48 per litre.
Zen Petroleum is selling petrol at Gh¢10.99 per litre while diesel is sold at Gh¢12.99 per litre.
Allied is selling petrol at Gh¢12.45 while diesel is sold at Gh¢13.45 per litre.
Engen Ghana is selling petrol at Gh¢12.85 while diesel is sold at Gh¢14.35 per litre.
Benab is selling petrol at Gh¢11.40 while diesel is sold at Gh¢13.40 per litre
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
South Africa: Eskom Appoints Agnes Mlambo As Group Executive For Distribution
South Africa’s power utility company, Eskom, has appointed Ms. Agnes Mlambo as Acting Group Executive for Distribution, effective August 1, 2025.
Ms. Mlambo brings over 17 years of experience in Eskom to the role.
A statement issued by Eskom said Mr. Monde Bala, Group Executive Eskom Distribution, will be seconded to the role of Interim Chief Executive Officer (ICEO), National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA), effective from August 1, 2025, succeeding Mr. Segomoco Scheppers.
“We are singularly focused on ensuring we have the executive execution skills and capacity in place to lead employees to successfully enable Eskom to move at pace and play its full part in delivering a competitive marketplace to benefit consumers and the economy of South Africa as a whole.
Ms. Mlambo’s appointment, with her many years of experience in Eskom, will significantly benefit the distribution business,” said Dan Marokane, Eskom’s Group Chief Executive.
Ms. Mlambo holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration and a professional qualification as a Chartered Management Accountant and joined the group in 2008.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: ECG Terminates Over 200 Contracts Valued At GH¢227 Million
The new management of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has cancelled over 200 supply contracts deemed non-performing as part of sweeping reforms to improve efficiency and accountability in the energy sector, Minister for Energy and Green Transition John Abdulai Jinapor revealed on Wednesday.
According to the Minister, a total of 202 contracts have been terminated outright by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), with an additional 145 contracts under review for failure to deliver goods within agreed timelines.
“The ECG Board has approved the outright termination of 202 of these contracts,” Jinapor disclosed when he took his turn at the Government Accountability Series press briefing.
“These contracts, valued at approximately GH¢227 million, failed to meet performance expectations and were not delivering value to the Ghanaian people.”
He emphasized that the terminated contracts were not part of older materials locked up at the ports but were related to new procurements that had failed to meet delivery deadlines or contractual obligations.
According to the Minister, the cancellations form part of a broader initiative to rationalize procurement practices in the energy sector, tighten oversight, and ensure value for money.
He noted that under his leadership, the sector has achieved greater results while spending significantly less compared to previous years.
“Compared to 2024, we are spending 30-40% less on procurement this year, and yet achieving better results,” Jinapor explained.
“This is what value for money looks like, and it’s being driven by strict adherence to procurement procedures.”
Jinapor took full responsibility for ensuring that these reforms are enforced, stressing that the efficiency gains will directly benefit ordinary consumers through improved service delivery and reduced outages.
“We are not going to witness the kind of bloated procurements we saw in the past. Every cedi saved is a gain for the Ghanaian people,” he affirmed.
Minister Jinapor highlighted that ECG, under the leadership of Julius Kwame Kpekpena, has made significant progress, including the procurement of 200 new transformers and deployment of 24-hour rapid-response teams to address faults in Accra.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: NPA Boss Pushes For Dedicated Court To Deal Swiftly With Petroleum-Related Crimes
Ghana’s petroleum downstream regulator, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), under the leadership of Mr. Godwin Kudzo Tameklo Esq., has called on the Acting Chief Justice, His Lordship Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, to discuss the possibility of creating a dedicated Petroleum Court to expedite the prosecution of fuel-related cases in the downstream petroleum sector.
During a recent high-level meeting with Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, Acting Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana, Mr. Godwin Edudzi Tameklo Esq., CEO of NPA, explained that although the Authority has internal structures to resolve some disputes, criminal cases often suffer delays in the general court system.
He therefore emphasized the need for specialized judicial support, either in the form of a dedicated court or by assigning a judge to periodically sit on petroleum-related matters, to resolve industry offenses swiftly.
“Our role as an Authority extends beyond regulation to protecting national economic and energy security. Criminal infractions in the downstream sector threaten this mandate. A strong collaboration between the NPA and the judiciary will ensure that offenders are held accountable swiftly, serving both justice and deterrence,” he stressed.
Mr. Tameklo said the growing complexity of the downstream sector, coupled with delays in prosecuting offenders, threatens both industry integrity and national economic security.
“Our sector is critical to Ghana’s energy security, and enforcement delays weaken confidence in the regulatory framework,” he noted.
The NPA Boss further highlighted that the NPA, as a key national security stakeholder, requires judicial support to uphold the rule of law within the industry and protect the public interest.
Responding, His Lordship Justice Baffoe-Bonnie welcomed the proposal, describing it as “worth exploring,” noting the frustrations caused by protracted court trials, and cautioned that a shortage of judges and heavy court dockets could pose challenges.
“I support the idea of a dedicated court that can handle your cases with expedition,” he said. “Criminal prosecution is not just about punishing offenders. It is also about deterrence, letting people know there are consequences for breaking the law.”
The Acting Chief Justice, however, pointed out the challenge of limited judicial personnel. He revealed that the courts at all levels are overwhelmed.
As a workable solution, His Lordship Justice Baffoe-Bonnie proposed that an existing court could dedicate at least two days every two weeks specifically for petroleum-related cases. He suggested naming it the Petroleum Court, providing a clear mandate and focus to address the industry’s unique challenges.
The Honorable Justice Baffoe-Bonnie also lamented the growing culture of indiscipline in Ghanaian society, warning that it cuts across all sectors, including the petroleum industry.
“Ghana is not a poor country, but indiscipline is eating into the very fabric of our society. Unless we enforce the law consistently and decisively, this trend will continue unchecked,” he stressed.
He stressed the need for swift justice to deter illegal activities: “Criminal prosecution is not only about punishment. It sends a message to prevent others from committing the same offenses.”
The NPA was granted prosecutorial powers in 2020 under the Appointment of Public Prosecutors Instrument (E.I. 378), empowering the Authority to prosecute offenders of the National Petroleum Authority Act, 2005 (Act 691) and related laws.
The proposed collaboration with the judiciary marks a critical step toward ensuring that these powers are effectively exercised to safeguard industry integrity and protect consumers.
If successful, the proposed Petroleum Court will mark a significant step in fast-tracking trials relative to the country’s downstream petroleum industry.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
“I support the idea of a dedicated court that can handle your cases with expedition,” he said. “Criminal prosecution is not just about punishing offenders. It is also about deterrence, letting people know there are consequences for breaking the law.”
The Acting Chief Justice, however, pointed out the challenge of limited judicial personnel. He revealed that the courts at all levels are overwhelmed.
As a workable solution, His Lordship Justice Baffoe-Bonnie proposed that an existing court could dedicate at least two days every two weeks specifically for petroleum-related cases. He suggested naming it the Petroleum Court, providing a clear mandate and focus to address the industry’s unique challenges.
The Honorable Justice Baffoe-Bonnie also lamented the growing culture of indiscipline in Ghanaian society, warning that it cuts across all sectors, including the petroleum industry.
“Ghana is not a poor country, but indiscipline is eating into the very fabric of our society. Unless we enforce the law consistently and decisively, this trend will continue unchecked,” he stressed.
He stressed the need for swift justice to deter illegal activities: “Criminal prosecution is not only about punishment. It sends a message to prevent others from committing the same offenses.”
The NPA was granted prosecutorial powers in 2020 under the Appointment of Public Prosecutors Instrument (E.I. 378), empowering the Authority to prosecute offenders of the National Petroleum Authority Act, 2005 (Act 691) and related laws.
The proposed collaboration with the judiciary marks a critical step toward ensuring that these powers are effectively exercised to safeguard industry integrity and protect consumers.
If successful, the proposed Petroleum Court will mark a significant step in fast-tracking trials relative to the country’s downstream petroleum industry.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com 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