Botswana: President Boko Breaks Ground For 500MW Solar Project
Botswana has signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for the construction of a 500MW Maun Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Plant and a 500MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), one of the most ambitious renewable energy initiatives in the country’s history.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony in Maun, President Duma Boko stated that the project represents Botswana’s decisive shift from planning to execution, as the nation accelerates its transition toward a secure, sustainable, and affordable energy future.
The flagship development, implemented through a government-to-government partnership with the Sultanate of Oman and executed by Botswana Power Corporation in collaboration with Okavango Solar, will inject 500MW of clean and reliable energy into the national grid upon completion.
A key component of the project is the 500MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), which will enable the storage of solar-generated electricity during the day for deployment during peak demand periods in the evening and early morning. This will significantly enhance grid stability and overall energy security.
President Boko emphasized that Botswana is firmly on track to increase the share of renewable energy in its national generation mix to 50 percent by 2030, up from the current baseline of approximately 8 percent, in line with the revised and accelerated Integrated Resource Plan.
“This is not merely a project; it is a clear statement that Botswana is poised to become a regional energy hub,” the President remarked.
With over 3,200 hours of sunshine annually and among the highest solar irradiation levels globally, Botswana is uniquely positioned to lead in solar energy generation and regional power exports.
The Maun Solar Project builds on ongoing progress in Mmadinare and Jwaneng, where two 100MW utility-scale solar projects are advancing, with Mmadinare already operational and Jwaneng nearing full commissioning.
According to David Kgoboko, the Maun plant will be developed under an Independent Power Producer (IPP) model and operated under a 30-year Power Purchase Agreement.
The groundbreaking marks another bold step in Botswana’s commitment to climate action, sustainable development, and economic transformation.
Ghana: ZEN Petroleum Raises Gh¢640M In IPO, To List On GSE April 22
Ghanaian indigenous oil marketing company, ZEN Petroleum Holdings PLC, will on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, be officially listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) after successfully raising GH¢640 million through an Initial Public Offering (IPO), a statement issued by the company has revealed.
The amount represents 20 percent of its issued share capital.
The IPO, which opened on March 25 and closed on March 31, 2026, attracted strong investor demand, with total bids reaching GH¢970.2 million—an oversubscription of 94 percent.
Institutional investors dominated the offer, accounting for 99.3 percent of total bids, underscoring strong confidence in ZEN Petroleum’s business model, operational track record, and long-term growth prospects.
Founded in 2010, ZEN Petroleum has grown into a fully integrated Ghanaian energy company, with operations spanning trading, storage, distribution, retail, and logistics within the downstream petroleum sector. The company currently employs approximately 1,500 people.
The listing is expected to enhance ZEN’s access to long-term capital, strengthen its corporate governance structures, and boost its visibility within Ghana’s capital markets.
Proceeds from the IPO are expected to support the company’s strategic expansion across its downstream operations.
The listing ceremony will be held in collaboration with key transaction partners, including the Ghana Stock Exchange, the Central Securities Depository (Ghana) Limited, and Stanbic Bank Ghana Limited.
Commenting on the upcoming listing, ZEN management stated:“Our upcoming listing is a defining moment for ZEN Petroleum and a testament to the trust our investors have placed in us. From our beginnings in 2010, we have built the business with a clear focus on quality, discipline, and long-term value creation. As a publicly listed company, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of governance and delivering sustainable value for our shareholders, while contributing meaningfully to Ghana’s energy sector and capital markets.”
ZEN also acknowledged the professional advisory teams whose expertise was instrumental in the successful execution of the transaction: Temple Investments as Issuing House and Lead Manager; SBG Securities Ghana Limited as Sponsoring Broker; Bentsi-Enchill, Letsa & Ankomah as Legal Adviser; PricewaterhouseCoopers as Reporting Accountant; Stanbic Bank Ghana Limited as Escrow Bank; and Central Securities Depository (Ghana) Limited as Registrar.
The company also expressed gratitude to the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Ghana Stock Exchange for their regulatory oversight and support throughout the process.
Liberia: LERC Approves Five-Year Electricity Import License For LEC
The Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission (LERC) has issued a five-year electricity import license to the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC), following a public hearing held earlier last week at the David A. Day Memorial Lutheran Church in Harrisburg.
The license authorizes LEC to import electricity and supply power to the Liberia Interconnected Transmission System (LITS) for a period spanning April 1, 2026, through March 31, 2031.
This regulatory approval marks a significant step toward strengthening Liberia’s energy security and ensuring a more stable and reliable electricity supply across the national grid.
The license is expected to support ongoing efforts to meet growing electricity demand, enhance service delivery, and improve access to affordable energy for customers nationwide.
LERC emphasized that the decision aligns with its mandate to regulate and promote a robust and efficient electricity sector, while LEC reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging the license to optimize power supply and operational performance within the transmission system.
Kenya: Thousands Of Young People To Protest Fuel Hikes In Nairobi
Kenyans are set to take to the streets of Nairobi today, Tuesday, to protest recent increases in petrol and diesel prices.
Thousands of young people are expected to join the demonstrations under the hashtag #RejectFuelPrices.
Meanwhile, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has cautioned organisers that the protests could impose significant economic costs on the country.
Speaking during a press briefing on Monday, Mwaura urged organisers to reconsider the planned protests and instead engage the government through structured dialogue to address their concerns.
“We want to strongly urge against the protests set for tomorrow. During the 2024 protests, we lost over KSh 6 billion, according to statistics from the Kenya Revenue Authority. Will it benefit Kenyans? Will it even lower the price of fuel?” he posed.
He noted that while the government respects the right to peaceful assembly, large-scale protests often disrupt economic activity, strain public resources, and may lead to avoidable losses for businesses and citizens.
“Such actions come with a cost to the economy and affect livelihoods. We encourage those behind the planned demonstrations to pursue dialogue rather than confrontation,” he said.
The protests, largely mobilised through social media under the hashtag #RejectFuelPrices, are expected to draw participation from young Kenyans expressing dissatisfaction with rising fuel prices and the broader cost of living.
Leaders have, in recent weeks, reiterated calls for calm, emphasising that the government is working on measures to stabilise fuel prices and cushion citizens from global market shocks.
Former Deputy Leader Rigathi Gachagua has expressed support for Gen Z’s planned demonstrations over rising fuel costs, while signalling that the formal opposition will not directly participate.
Speaking on Monday, Gachagua said Gen Z has the right to independently organise and express their dissatisfaction, describing their civic engagement as legitimate and necessary in a democratic society.
Ghana: World Liquid Gas Association Leadership Pays Visit To NPA
The World Liquid Gas Association (WLGA) leadership on Monday paid a courtesy call on the Chief Executive of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Ghana’s downstream petroleum regulator, Mr. Godwin Kudzo Tameklo, Esq., at the Authority’s head office in Accra, the capital of Ghana.
The Association’s Chief Advocacy Officer and Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Michael Kelly, commended the NPA’s leadership and Ghana’s progress in gas sector regulation, describing the country as a leading model in Sub-Saharan Africa.
He also praised the implementation of the Cylinder Recirculation Model and invited the Authority to the “Clean Cooking for Life Forum” in Accra.
In response, Mr. Tameklo reaffirmed the NPA’s commitment to strengthening gas penetration, enhancing safety and regulatory standards, and expanding access to LPG nationwide.
He emphasised the importance of strategic partnerships and assured that Ghana will sustain its position as a benchmark for effective gas industry management in the region.
He emphasised the importance of strategic partnerships and assured that Ghana will sustain its position as a benchmark for effective gas industry management in the region.
Nigeria: Energy Ministers Chart Course For West African Gas Pipeline
The West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP) Committee of Ministers on Friday met in Abuja, reaffirming the committee’s central role in West Africa’s regional energy agenda.
The meeting brought together ministers and high-level representatives from Nigeria, Benin, Togo, and Ghana, alongside officials from ECOWAS, the West African Gas Pipeline Authority (WAGPA), and the West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited (WAPCo).
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, who opened the meeting, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the long-term sustainability and expansion of the pipeline. He noted that since its inception, the WAGP has transported over 613 million MMBtu of natural gas, with Nigeria accounting for more than 68 percent of the total volumes supplied to Benin, Togo, and Ghana.
On his part, NNPC Limited’s Executive Vice President for Gas, Power, and New Energy, Olalekan Ogunleye, emphasized the company’s active stewardship of Nigeria’s gas export commitments and its broader role in shaping regional energy cooperation across West Africa.
With gas throughput reaching approximately 80 million MMBtu in 2025—a 22 percent increase over previous years—and discussions advancing on expanding pipeline capacity utilization by 45 percent in 2026, NNPC Limited remains at the center of efforts to develop a credible and commercially viable regional gas market.
Zambia: Engineering Institution Honours President Hichilema For Renewable Energy Reforms
The Engineering Institution of Zambia (EIZ) has honoured President Hakainde Hichilema for his commitment to renewable energy and reforms in the energy sector amid the effects of climate change.
Speaking during the 69th Annual General Meeting in Livingstone, EIZ President Wesley Kaluba commended President Hichilema for policy reforms that have opened up the energy sector to multiple independent power producers, reducing reliance on ZESCO, particularly following the 2023–2024 drought.
Mr Kaluba also praised the Head of State for becoming the first Zambian president to officiate at an EIZ Annual General Meeting since the institution’s establishment.
“As the EIZ, we are grateful that you have found time to be with us, even amid personal bereavement. In the 70 years of our existence, you are the first president to grace our AGM, which demonstrates the importance your government attaches to the engineering profession,” he said.
He noted that EIZ membership has grown to over 100,000, positioning the institution as a key driver of development, given the critical role engineering plays across all sectors of the economy.
Mr Kaluba further commended the president for approving the charging of rates for engineers, saying the move would enhance professionalism and promote the timely delivery of projects.
He also lauded President Hichilema for appointing seven engineers to Cabinet, describing the move as a clear indication of the government’s recognition of the profession’s importance in national development and policy implementation.
South Africa: Eskom Workers To Get 7 Percent Pay Rise
South Africa’s power utility, Eskom, has announced a 7 percent salary increase for all employees, effective 1 July 2026, under a three-year agreement following the conclusion of the 2026 wage negotiation cycle within the Central Bargaining Forum (CBF).
This follows the signing of a collective wage agreement by the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and Solidarity.
The signatory unions represent more than seventy-five percent (75%) of employees in the Central Bargaining Forum. The agreement is binding on all employees within the bargaining unit, including those affiliated with the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA).
By maintaining a three-year framework, Eskom and organised labour have established a more predictable environment, reducing the volatility associated with annual bargaining cycles.
“The conclusion of the wage process represents an important procedural milestone. It provides Eskom with the stability and predictability required to focus fully on delivering our business objectives and fulfilling our mandate to South Africa. We recognise that our people are central to driving sustainable growth and building an organisation that is resilient and attractive to future partners and investors,” said Eskom Group Chief Executive, Dan Marokane.
“The work of transforming Eskom requires continued collaboration across the organisation. We value the contribution of labour partners to the bargaining forum and will continue to engage them on operational priorities, employee wellbeing, and the strategic evolution of the business. The conclusion of the wage agreement reflects a shared commitment to organisational stability, constructive labour relations, and the long-term sustainability of Eskom’s operations and the national power system,” Marokane added.
“Most importantly, this agreement allows our people to remain focused on execution, accountability, and consistent delivery, while also enabling us to attract future talent to the organisation. The agreement reinforces Eskom’s disciplined approach to cost management and operational efficiency. This is underpinned by Eskom’s ongoing implementation of the Cost Optimisation and Revenue Enhancement (CORE) programme, which targets R112 billion in cost savings over five years,” said Eskom’s Chief People Officer, Dr Candice Hartley.
Eskom said it remains committed to maintaining a constructive partnership with organised labour as a key driver of operational excellence and business sustainability.
This collaborative approach ensures the utility remains focused on its primary mandate: the safe and reliable operation of the national power system for the benefit of all South Africans.
Ghana: Fuel Marketers Face Cash Crunch After Government Price Cuts
Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) in Ghana say the government’s push to lower fuel prices is forcing them to absorb millions of cedis in upfront costs.
Petrol margins were reduced by 36 pesewas, while diesel margins fell by Gh₵1.37, with a further 63-pesewa government subsidy bringing the total diesel price reduction to Gh₵2.00.
In a statement issued by the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC), the group warned that the move is squeezing cash flow across the downstream sector.
The Chamber clarified that the recent reductions in petrol and diesel prices were achieved through cuts in operational and regulatory margins—specifically the Primary Distribution Margin (PDM), BOST Margin, Fuel Marking Margin (FMM), and Unified Petroleum Pricing Fund (UPPF).
These margins cover key downstream operations such as fuel distribution, infrastructure maintenance, product tracking, and price stabilization.
According to the Chamber, the government has maintained all fuel taxes and levies, while requiring OMCs to pre-finance a shortfall of 63 pesewas per litre of diesel sold before reimbursement.
“For instance, a company distributing 10 million litres of diesel per month is required to advance an additional GHS 6.3 million to cover the shortfall of 63 pesewas per litre. Reimbursements typically take 45 to 60 days and do not cover capital costs, resulting in significant liquidity challenges for industry participants.
Simultaneously, companies must pre-finance distribution costs and meet statutory tax payment deadlines before receiving reimbursement, creating a double financing burden that weakens liquidity and increases regulatory risk.”
COMAC is urging the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) to reduce the current 45–60 day reimbursement timeline to ease working capital pressures on companies and help ensure a stable fuel supply.
It also called on the government to temporarily suspend or defer statutory tax and levy payments to the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) during this intervention period to relieve the industry’s double financing burden.
COMAC stated that it remains committed to transparent and constructive engagement with the government and all stakeholders to ensure that consumer interventions remain effective and financially sustainable for the sector.
Ghana: Recent Power Outages Part Of System Upgrade, Not ‘Dumsor’ Crisis — Mahama
Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, says the current power outages being experienced in the country are not “dumsor,” a term used locally to describe load shedding.
According to him, the outages are the result of ongoing transformer replacement and upgrade works by the two utility companies—the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo)—to enable them to provide more reliable and stable power to customers.
“I will appeal to our people that the outages you are facing are not ‘dumsor’; they are to enable you get better quality and more stable power,” President Mahama said on Sunday, April 19, while inspecting transformers at the NEDCo office in Tamale.
The President is in the northern part of the country as part of his “Resetting Ghana” tour.
According to him, over 2,000 transformers have been procured and are currently being installed in the first phase of an intervention aimed at stabilising power supply.
He explained that the initiative involves replacing old and faulty transformers to improve the quality and reliability of electricity delivery, adding that the programme will continue in phases over time.
Prior to his visit, NEDCo, in a public announcement, said it had “noted with concern” the difficulties faced by residents and had put in place “stringent mitigation measures” to stabilise supply.
Among the interventions are the tripling of standby teams, the expansion of customer hotlines to three lines, and the installation of new transformers into the grid to ease pressure on existing ones.
Management urged the public to use the hotlines to report faults, noting that customer complaints would help technical teams “resolve the concerns as soon as practicable.”
NEDCo also appealed to residents to stop interfering with the electricity network, warning that tampering undermines efforts to guarantee stable power.
“NEDCo remains your source of safe and reliable electricity supply,” the statement from Corporate Communications concluded.
Nigeria: TCN Declares Force Majeure After Storm Damages Lagos–Osun Power Line
Nigeria’s power transmission company, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), on Sunday declared a force majeure on the Ikeja West–Osogbo 330kV transmission line after a severe rainstorm knocked down a critical tower, raising fresh concerns about the vulnerability of Nigeria’s power infrastructure to extreme weather.
In technical terms, force majeure refers to an unforeseen event beyond one’s control—such as a storm or disaster—that prevents the fulfillment of obligations.
The development, which occurred on Thursday, April 16, 2026, affected one of the major transmission corridors responsible for evacuating bulk electricity across parts of the South-West.
A statement issued by the General Manager for Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, indicated that the transmission line tripped during the storm due to a fault traced to a specific section of the network.
“The Transmission Company of Nigeria wishes to inform the public that a force majeure has occurred on the Ikeja West–Osogbo 330kV transmission line following a severe rainstorm on Thursday, April 16, 2026,” the statement read.
It added, “The line tripped during the storm due to a fault, which was detected at approximately 14.9 kilometres from the Ikeja West (Ayobo) end of the transmission line.”
According to TCN, a detailed inspection by its maintenance team revealed that one of the transmission towers along the route suffered structural failure.
“Further inspection by TCN maintenance crews revealed that Tower No. 515 collapsed during the storm, with the structure giving way at its midsection. While TCN is mobilising materials and personnel for the re-erection of the fallen tower, efforts are currently ongoing by its engineers to dismantle the affected tower,” the company disclosed.
The Ikeja West–Osogbo 330kV line is a strategic backbone of Nigeria’s national grid, linking Lagos—the country’s commercial hub—to other parts of the South-West and beyond. Any disruption along this route often has ripple effects on power supply, particularly in densely populated urban centres.
TCN said it has activated emergency response measures, including the mobilisation of materials and personnel to the site, to fast-track repairs and restore full transmission capacity.
The company assured electricity consumers that steps are being taken to minimise the impact of the outage by relying on alternative transmission routes.
“We assure the public that we will work assiduously to restore flexibility and redundancy in that corridor, as an alternative line remains in service evacuating bulk power. Updates will be provided as work progresses,” the statement concluded
Ghana: Atuabo Gas Processing Plant To Shut Down At Midnight For Critical Repairs
The Ghana National Gas Company (GNGC) has announced a planned shutdown of the Atuabo Gas Processing Plant from midnight to 5:00 a.m. on Monday, April 20, 2026, to complete critical repair works following a recent system fault.
In a press release issued on Sunday, April 19, 2026, and jointly signed by Ghana Gas and the Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo), the agencies said the shutdown is necessary to finalise the replacement of a damaged Burner Management System (BMS) controller, which was affected by a major fault reported on April 15.
On Friday, the Head of Corporate Affairs at Ghana Gas, Richard Ernest Kirk-Mensah, told this portal that a new component has been acquired and will soon be installed to restore the automated system.
Sunday’s statement noted that repair works are about 90 percent complete, with the final installation requiring a five-hour shutdown scheduled from midnight to 5:00 a.m. on Monday, April 20, 2026.
The statement assured the public that all technical and operational measures have been put in place to ensure the work is completed within the stipulated timeframe while minimising the impact on consumers.
Ghana Gas and GRIDCo reiterated their commitment to maintaining a stable and reliable power supply and apologised for any inconvenience the temporary shutdown may cause.
Nigeria: Domestic Airline Operators Temporarily Suspend Planned Shutdown
Domestic airline operators in the Federal Republic of Nigeria have temporarily suspended their planned shutdown following an intervention by the country’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
The operators had, on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, threatened to suspend operations from Monday, April 20, over the rising cost of aviation fuel, also known as Jet A1. They claimed the price of Jet A1 had increased from ₦900 per litre as of February 28 to ₦3,300 per litre—representing a rise of over 300 percent.
However, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) refuted this claim, stating that its nationwide survey shows retail prices currently range between ₦1,960 and ₦2,800 per litre.
Three days after the airlines issued the threat, Keyamo appealed to the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) to reconsider the planned suspension. Following his intervention, the airlines held an emergency meeting on Friday, where they resolved to temporarily suspend the shutdown.
In a communiqué signed by the AON Executive Council and Board of Trustees, the airline operators said the decision was reached after receiving a letter of appeal from the minister calling for a stay of action.
“Rising from an emergency meeting held this evening, the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) have reached a concessionary but conditional decision to temporarily suspend the earlier planned shutdown scheduled to take effect on Monday, April 20, 2026,” the statement read.
“The decision was reached following robust deliberations by members of the Executive Council (Exco) and Trustees, in consideration of an intervention received through a letter of appeal from the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, calling for a stay of action.”
The association stated that Keyamo acknowledged their challenges and appealed for restraint in light of the aviation fuel crisis, adding that the minister appreciated their commitment to sustaining air transport services under difficult conditions.
“He added that the concerns raised by airlines have received the full attention of the Federal Government and that immediate steps will be taken to address the issues,” the group said.
According to AON, the association will meet with the minister on April 22 to seek a solution to the situation. The outcome of the meeting will determine further actions.
“In consideration of the appeals and efforts by the Honourable Minister to wade into the matter and address the issues surrounding the astronomical and arbitrary increase in the price of Jet A1, the Exco wishes to state unequivocally that the planned shutdown action scheduled for Monday, April 20, 2026, is hereby called off—albeit temporarily—pending the outcome of the meeting scheduled for Wednesday, April 22, 2026. This is to allow for dialogue with a view to finding a lasting and mutually beneficial solution for all parties concerned,” the group added.
As a condition for the suspension, the airlines called on the minister to urge relevant government agencies and industry service providers to continue supporting airline operations, desist from undue harassment, and stop demanding upfront payment for services rendered.
Ghana: Energy Commission, GIZ Kick Off Initiative To Decarbonize Transport Sector
The Energy Commission of Ghana on Wednesday hosted a project preparatory meeting with a delegation from the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) to discuss the “Mobilize Net-Zero II” initiative, a programme designed to fast-track the decarbonisation of the country’s domestic transport sector.
The GIZ delegation was led by Mr. Gunnar Wegner, Project Manager, and was received by the Acting Executive Secretary, Adwoa Serwaa Bondzie; the Board Chairman, Prof. John Gartchie Gatsi; and the Deputy Executive Secretary, Chris Nanabanyin Yalley, of the Energy Commission. The Commission’s broader technical team also participated in the discussions.
The initiative is central to Ghana’s efforts to fulfill its Nationally Determined Contribution (GH-NDC) under the Paris Agreement.
It focuses on three key pillars: the promotion of electric vehicles (EVs) and e-mobility solutions, the mobilisation of climate finance, and the integration of gender-responsive approaches across the transport value chain.
“Strong coordination is essential to ensure grid readiness, reliable charging infrastructure, and sustainable EV growth in Ghana,” said Adwoa Serwaa Bondzie, Acting Executive Secretary of the Energy Commission.
During the meeting, Bondzie provided an overview of the Commission’s ongoing work in the EV sector.
This includes developing regulatory frameworks for EV charging infrastructure and battery swapping, foundational steps toward creating a reliable and scalable ecosystem for electric mobility in Ghana.
Delegates also examined complementary topics, including integrating renewable energy sources into the national grid to power EV charging stations, innovative financing mechanisms to attract private sector investment, capacity-building programmes for local technicians and stakeholders, and opportunities for green job creation within the emerging EV ecosystem.
The “Mobilize Net-Zero II” initiative is part of GIZ’s broader global programme supporting partner countries in meeting their climate obligations.
Ghana is among the nations selected to benefit from the programme’s technical expertise and financial facilitation, given the country’s strategic position in advancing sustainable transport solutions across West Africa.
The preparatory meeting marks a significant step toward formalising a collaboration that stakeholders hope will translate into concrete policy reforms, infrastructure investments, and green jobs in the coming years. Further engagements between the Energy Commission and GIZ are expected as the initiative moves toward implementation.