Ghana: Frequent Electricity Systems Maintenance Is A Red Flag—Not Routine –Says Dr. Apetorgbor
By Dr. Elikplim Kwabla Apetorgbor
Ghana’s electricity sector is flashing red, and we must not ignore the alarm. The recent surge in scheduled and emergency maintenance operations by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) points to a deeper structural crisis. These maintenance exercises, occurring with increasing frequency, are no longer just routine interventions.
They reflect a dangerously overstretched transmission and distribution infrastructure that risks a catastrophic system collapse if left unaddressed.
This is not business as usual. In any well-managed power system, maintenance is planned, predictive, and preventive—not reactive and disruptive. When maintenance work begins to dominate operational calendars, it signals underlying stress, underinvestment, and system fragility. Ghana is fast approaching that breaking point. GRIDCo and ECG’s aging assets are bearing loads and stresses they were never designed to carry for this long without reinforcements.
Beyond technical concerns, the economic toll is devastating. Every hour of unplanned outage due to maintenance translates into significant revenue loss for ECG, already battling with over 27% unaccountable losses and inefficiencies. Industries shut down, households suffer, and trust in the power supply system erodes. Globally, best practices demand that governments prioritize investments in electricity transmission and distribution as foundational public infrastructure—on par with roads and water systems.
Countries that fail to do so suffer blackouts, industrial flight, and economic stagnation. Ghana cannot afford this. The time has come for the government to move beyond firefighting—crisis management. A focused emergency intervention is needed to recapitalize ECG and GRIDCo for strategic investment in transmission lines, substations, transformers, and digital monitoring technologies. Concessionary loans, infrastructure bonds, or targeted budgetary allocations should be considered immediately.
We must stop normalizing frequent outages due to so-called maintenance. These are warnings. Without immediate attention, Ghana could face a widespread, injurious system collapse. Let us act before that becomes our reality.
The writer is the Chief Executive Officer of Independent Power Generator Ghana
Ghana: Acting VRA CEO Obeng-Kenzo Honoured At 2025 CEO Summit
The Acting Chief Executive of the Volta River Authority (VRA), Mr. Edward Ekow Obeng-Kenzo, has been recognized and honoured for his exemplary leadership and significant contributions to the growth and sustainability of the energy generation sector.
He was conferred with the “Special Leadership Award in the Energy Sector” by the organizers of the CEO Summit 2025.
The distinguished honor was presented to Mr. Obeng-Kenzo by President John Dramani Mahama, who served as the Special Guest of Honor for the ninth edition of the summit.
Other Chief Executives, primarily from the private sector, were also recognized at this premier platform for strategic discourse and engagement that fosters public-private partnerships.
The summit notably convenes the nation’s most influential business figures. The VRA delegation present also included Acting Deputy Chief Executives: Mr. Samuel Kwesi Fletcher (Services); Mr. Samuel Odartey Lamptey (Engineering and Operations); and Mr. John Maxwell Mbeele (Finance). Other attendees were Director Commercial Services, Mrs. Miriam Darke; Director Technical Services, Mr. Akim Tijani; Director Corporate Strategy, Mr. Clement Boakye; and Mr. Francis Abban, Manager Corporate Communications and Branding.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Other Chief Executives, primarily from the private sector, were also recognized at this premier platform for strategic discourse and engagement that fosters public-private partnerships.
The summit notably convenes the nation’s most influential business figures. The VRA delegation present also included Acting Deputy Chief Executives: Mr. Samuel Kwesi Fletcher (Services); Mr. Samuel Odartey Lamptey (Engineering and Operations); and Mr. John Maxwell Mbeele (Finance). Other attendees were Director Commercial Services, Mrs. Miriam Darke; Director Technical Services, Mr. Akim Tijani; Director Corporate Strategy, Mr. Clement Boakye; and Mr. Francis Abban, Manager Corporate Communications and Branding.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Nigeria: Kaduna Electric Partners With Indian Companies To Boost Power Infrastructure
Kaduna Electric, a power distribution company in Nigeria, has signed significant agreements with India-based Akanksha Power and Infrastructure Ltd to strengthen its infrastructure and services.
The agreements were signed during a recent visit to India by a four-member delegation from Kaduna Electric’s Board of Directors, led by Aminu Abubakar Suleiman.
The agreements aim to enhance power supply and foster industrial cooperation. A key highlight was the signing of a five-year maintenance and supply agreement with Akanksha Power and Infrastructure Ltd, valued between $10-15 million.
The agreement was signed by Chairman Aminu Abubakar Suleiman on behalf of Kaduna Electric, and RN Bastia, Chairman of Akanksha Power, along with Bipin Mohapatra, Managing Director.
In addition, Kaduna Electric formalized a partnership with Vigyan Labs through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to develop critical data center infrastructure, marking an expansion into advanced digital support systems.
To further strengthen industrial ties, Kaduna Electric also signed an industrial cooperation agreement with the Ambad Industries & Manufacturers’ Association (AIMA), represented by its President, Lalit Boob.
This agreement aims to create new opportunities for electrical equipment manufacturers in Nashik to meet Nigeria’s growing demand for electric infrastructure.
Kaduna Electric’s Chairman announced that Akanksha Power and Infrastructure Ltd has been awarded the contract to set up a 5MW solar power plant in Nigeria, underscoring Kaduna Electric’s commitment to renewable energy initiatives.
These strategic collaborations are expected to boost Kaduna Electric’s operations and open new avenues for technology and knowledge exchange between Nigeria and India.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: J.K Horgle Transport & Co. Limited Named Best Petroleum Haulage Company For Three Years By Vivo Energy
Ghana’s largest petroleum haulage company, J.K. Horgle Transport & Co. Ltd, has been named Best petroleum haulage company for three years by Vivo Energy Ghana, Shell’s licensee.
The company was named Best Transporter for 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Since its establishment over forty years ago, JK Horgle Transport Company has transformed the West African petroleum logistics sector by championing homegrown excellence through rigorous training, continuous monitoring, and effective rewards management.
This dedication to performance underscores why J.K Horgle Transport &Co. Limited remains a trusted name in the sector over the past four decades.
The award was based on the company’s compliance with driver training, safety of its Bulk Road Vehicles (BRVs), and product security.
J.K Horgle Transport &Co. Limited transports bitumen, aviation turbine kerosene, lubricants, and white products, prioritizing safety and security in Ghana and other West African nations.
Speaking to energynewsafrica.com Chief Executive Officer of J.K Horgle Transport & Co. Limited, Mr. Joseph Kwaku Horgle, hailed the award, saying it signifies the company’s commitment to compliance and quality service.
He added that the award gives his company more open market value. He stated that Shell’s petroleum products are good, emphasizing that there is zero tolerance for fuel adulteration.
Mr. Joseph Kwaku Horgle commended the management and staff of his company for their diligence and dedication to their core duties and urged them to continue in the spirit of hard work, discipline, and dedication to the petroleum downstream sector.
About J.K. Horgle Transport Ltd.
J.K. Horgle Transport & Co. Ltd. is a wholly Ghanaian-owned family business spanning over 40 years. It is a leading logistics company in West Africa, known for the safe and efficient delivery of petroleum products.
They extend mentorship and training to companies across multiple African countries, maintaining SHELL certification since 2007 with an outstanding 99% assessment average. Their dedicated team of over 700 staff and 500 trucks has earned industry recognition and awards, positioning the company as a hallmark of excellence in Ghana and West Africa.
They offer extensive CSR support and industrial training, contributing significantly to Ghana’s economy. J.K. Horgle Transport Company also champions inclusivity with female empowerment training programs and the equal employment of females in traditionally male roles, ensuring great livelihoods for all. The company also opens its doors to industrial attachments and looks for opportunities to support petrochemical and auto engineering training institutions.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: ECG Container Saga: Ministry Of Energy Retrieves Over 2,600 Containers
Ghana’s Ministry of Energy and Green Transition announced that it has retrieved 2,637 containers belonging to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), twice the number of containers presumed to have gone missing with their contents.
Spokesperson for the ministry, Richmond Rockson, disclosed to the Daily Graphic that the committee investigating the missing containers discovered 2,637 containers at the Port of Tema consigned to ECG, instead of the 1,300 initially reported missing.
According to Rockson, as of April 30, 2025, ECG had 2,583 outstanding containers at various locations.
He stated that 860 containers were found at Meridian Port Services, 1,237 at GPHA Terminals, 272 were evacuated by National Security personnel, 194 were located at Amaris Terminal, and 20 were retrieved at ATLAS Manufacturing Terminal.
In March, during an official interaction between Minister of Energy and Green Transition John Abdulai Jinapor and ECG, the power distributor claimed to have 2,491 uncleared containers filled with cables and other essential equipment at the Tema Port.
The Minister raised concerns about the issue and vowed to search for the containers’ whereabouts.
The Minister set up a committee chaired by Professor Innocent Senyo Acquah to investigate the claims.
The committee found that while ECG claimed 2,491 uncleared containers, an independent audit found only 1,134 containers, leaving 1,357 missing. “The over 1,300 containers cannot vanish into thin air. We will ensure those responsible are held accountable,” Minister Jinapor said.
Further analysis showed that 2,437 containers surpassed the 60-day clearance window and were classified as uncleared cargo list (UCL), with 41 verified lists cleared from the port, leaving 2,583 containers. Rockson said delays in clearing those containers resulted in excessive port charges.
ECG and port authorities would engage on the roadmap for outstanding payments.
The Spokesperson said the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, had directed that all retrieved containers be evacuated immediately to ECG’s safe warehouses, with inventory taken to ensure all materials are accounted for.
The Energy Minister recognized that the challenges resulted from ECG’s procurement method and directed that suppliers must clear and deliver procured items to ECG.
The Minister also directed ECG to suspend all non-essential procurements pending a review of its procurement policies.
Rockson disclosed that the former Managing Director of ECG, Subik Mahama, had been invited by security agencies and his caution statement taken.
“Some ECG staff have been asked to step aside due to the investigations,” he said.
The Office of the Attorney-General would advise on the way forward, and Rockson assured that anyone found culpable would be held responsible.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: New Ghana Gas Board Embarks On Familiarization Tour To Boost Operational Efficiency
Ghana National Gas Company Limited’s newly constituted Board of Directors has embarked on a two-day familiarization tour of the company’s key operational sites and facilities in the Western Region.
The tour, led by Board Chairman Mr. Kofi Totobi Quakyi, aimed to provide Board members with a deeper understanding of Ghana Gas’ operations, infrastructure, and stakeholder engagements.
During the visit, the delegation paid a courtesy call on Awulae Agyenfi Kwame, Paramount Chief of Nsein and Board member, strengthening ties between the company and local stakeholders.
The team then proceeded to the Atuabo Gas Processing Plant (GPP1), where they received detailed briefings on the plant’s critical role in Ghana’s gas infrastructure.
The Board commended the technical staff for their commitment and expertise in managing the plant over the past decade.
Additional site visits included the LPG Bottling Plant in Axim, the Gas Lodge, the Ghana Gas Trauma Centre, and the ongoing 20-bed mini-hospital project at Ayinasi. During a staff engagement session at the Atuabo Gas Complex, employees pledged their continued support to the new leadership.
Mr. Totobi Quakyi reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to enhancing operational efficiency, reducing waste, and optimizing revenue generation to support national development initiatives.
The Board Chairman also emphasized the strategic importance of advancing the second phase of the Gas Processing Plant (GPP2) to expand Ghana’s gas infrastructure.
The tour concluded with inspections at the Prestea Regulatory and Metering Station (PRMS) and other installations within the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
During the visit, the delegation paid a courtesy call on Awulae Agyenfi Kwame, Paramount Chief of Nsein and Board member, strengthening ties between the company and local stakeholders.
The team then proceeded to the Atuabo Gas Processing Plant (GPP1), where they received detailed briefings on the plant’s critical role in Ghana’s gas infrastructure.
The Board commended the technical staff for their commitment and expertise in managing the plant over the past decade.
Additional site visits included the LPG Bottling Plant in Axim, the Gas Lodge, the Ghana Gas Trauma Centre, and the ongoing 20-bed mini-hospital project at Ayinasi. During a staff engagement session at the Atuabo Gas Complex, employees pledged their continued support to the new leadership.
Mr. Totobi Quakyi reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to enhancing operational efficiency, reducing waste, and optimizing revenue generation to support national development initiatives.
The Board Chairman also emphasized the strategic importance of advancing the second phase of the Gas Processing Plant (GPP2) to expand Ghana’s gas infrastructure.
The tour concluded with inspections at the Prestea Regulatory and Metering Station (PRMS) and other installations within the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com Nigeria: Wärtsilä Selected To Develop 30 MW Power Plant Project In Lagos
Technology group Wärtsilä has been selected to supply power generation equipment for a new 30 MW power plant being set up on Victoria Island in Lagos by a Nigerian independent power producer (IPP), Victoria Island Power Ltd. (VIPL), a special-purpose company incorporated by Lagos-based Elektron Energy.
Wärtsilä will also operate and maintain the power plant for a period of five years on behalf of the customer.
The engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) responsibility, together with the operation and maintenance (O&M) agreement, has also been entrusted to Wärtsilä.
This project is a first-of-its-kind for Nigeria and is expected to serve as a model to enable similar, optimally sized and locally financed power projects in the country.
The facility will comprise three Wärtsilä 34SG gas engine-generator sets with related auxiliaries and is configured to accommodate an extension with one additional engine-generator set at a later stage.
The Wärtsilä modular power plant design concept enables this in a cost-effective manner with minimal disruption to ongoing operations.
The power plant running on natural gas will be embedded within the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) at their NEPA Close Site and has been developed through the collaborative efforts of Elektron Energy and their local partners.
The plant will enhance the availability and reliability of power supply to the consumers served by EKEDC. VIPL has also secured power purchase agreements (PPAs) with individual customers on a service-based tariff philosophy.
“Elektron has conceptualised, developed, and funded the IPP and has secured the implementation by engaging Wärtsilä to assume single point responsibility for the major construction and operational aspects related to the eventual power generation facility. This pioneering project relies on reciprocating internal combustion engine (RICE) technology that has the efficiency and flexibility to deliver clean and reliable electricity to our customers”, says Deen Solebo, Co-CEO & CFO at Elektron Energy.
“I was very impressed by Wärtsilä’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities during my visit to the Sustainable Technology Hub in Vaasa, Finland in late Q3 2024 and am happy with the readiness of the engine-generator sets. In parallel, clearing and preparation activities at the NEPA Close Site are progressing well and are due for completion within Q2 2025, after which construction can start. Commissioning is expected 15 months thereafter and the Operations & Maintenance agreement is timed to commence prior to the new build project reaching commercial operations date (COD)”, Deen summarised.
“Wärtsilä’s core competence in the engine power plant and services aspects represents a unique combination of a global company with a local presence that provides developers and financiers the comfort to invest and gives end-customers the confidence to sign up for PPA’s with medium to long-term tenures. The Wärtsilä solution is extensively adopted by industrial, utility & IPP customers worldwide and the excellent credentials and track record have been recognised as a great value proposition by lenders, insurance companies, and multi-lateral funding institutions,” says Marc Thiriet, Energy Business Director, Africa at Wärtsilä Energy.
“Elektron is especially grateful to the invaluable contributions of its institutional investors and funding partners who have made this project possible including ARM Harith Infrastructure Fund LP, Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority, InfraCredit, Bank of Industry, FBN Quest, and Stanbic Infrastructure Partners,” Deen added.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Energy Minister Receives Report Of The Petroleum Downstream Sector Reforms Committee
Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, has received the report of the Petroleum Downstream Sector Reforms Committee (PDSRC), inaugurated on March 14, 2025, to assess Ghana’s petroleum downstream sector.
The Committee was further tasked with proposing measures to enhance the sector’s efficiency, transparency, competitiveness, and long-term sustainability.
Presenting the report to the Minister on behalf of the committee, the Chairperson, Madam Emma Bulley, Esq., revealed that the Petroleum Downstream Sector has been saddled with numerous challenges.
“The Petroleum Downstream sector has been plagued by a myriad of challenges, including infrastructure bottlenecks, regulatory lapses, non-compliance by some Petroleum Service Providers (PSPs), operational inefficiencies, market constraints, illicit activities leading to unhealthy competition, compromised product quality, and revenue loss to the state.”
Fortunately, the Committee has made several recommendations. Implementing these reforms will transform Ghana’s petroleum downstream sector into a resilient and competitive one.
“We expect the full commitment of all stakeholders,” Minister Jinapor said.
Hon. John Jinapor thanked the committee for their commitment and professionalism.
“I want to thank the members of the committee and all stakeholders for their commitment and professionalism. I had absolute confidence that the members of the committee would deliver nothing short of excellence. We pledged to reset Ghana, including the energy sector. The downstream sector is a crucial part of the industry, and we aim to enhance regulation while addressing operational inefficiencies and infrastructural bottlenecks.”
Members of the committee include Madam Emma Bulley, Esq. (Chairperson), Dr. Kwabena Donkor, Ing. James D. Yamoah, Abass Ibrahim Tasunti, Joshua Anaman Sackey, Samuel Mills Anderson, Dr. Patrick Kwaku Ofori, Dr. Riverson Oppong, Gershon Klutse, and Isaac Kofi Ampofo (Secretary).
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Hon. John Jinapor thanked the committee for their commitment and professionalism.
“I want to thank the members of the committee and all stakeholders for their commitment and professionalism. I had absolute confidence that the members of the committee would deliver nothing short of excellence. We pledged to reset Ghana, including the energy sector. The downstream sector is a crucial part of the industry, and we aim to enhance regulation while addressing operational inefficiencies and infrastructural bottlenecks.”
Members of the committee include Madam Emma Bulley, Esq. (Chairperson), Dr. Kwabena Donkor, Ing. James D. Yamoah, Abass Ibrahim Tasunti, Joshua Anaman Sackey, Samuel Mills Anderson, Dr. Patrick Kwaku Ofori, Dr. Riverson Oppong, Gershon Klutse, and Isaac Kofi Ampofo (Secretary).
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com South Africa: Eskom Takes Bold Step Towards Green Hydrogen Future
South Africa’s power utility company, Eskom, is considering adding green hydrogen production to its energy portfolio and is inviting tenders from interested companies for the construction of a pilot renewable green hydrogen facility (RHF) at its Research, Testing, and Development (RT&D) unit in Johannesburg. Renewable green hydrogen production is a key priority to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 in South Africa.
This pilot will directly contribute to informing Eskom’s decarbonization strategy and potentially enable renewable energy deployment as it presents an excellent medium to long-term energy storage solution.
Eskom believes developing a pilot Renewable Hydrogen Facility (RHF) will provide an informed pathway to plan for the potential adoption of green hydrogen, as well as an opportunity to understand legislative requirements and regulations related to renewable hydrogen and provide internal skills development.
“Eskom is following a differentiated approach and multiple pathways to move from a high-carbon to a low-carbon economy, and we are aggressively seeking creative, technology-led solutions to achieve this,” said Eskom Group Chief Executive Dan Marokane.
“This is about harnessing clean energy for inclusive economic growth. The pilot facility will help our research teams understand hydrogen’s full value chain, from production to use, and ensure we’re ready to play a leading role in the transition responsibly and inclusively.”
The pilot serves as an extension of RT&D’s decarbonization research at its existing 400kW solar photovoltaic (PV) research pilot facility, which includes battery test plants that have provided valuable research across the Eskom value chain.
Last month, Eskom signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Exxaro Resources that focuses on collaboration on strategic initiatives, research, and projects in the areas of carbon emissions reduction, air quality, and just transition.
Eskom is also accelerating the establishment of a separate Renewable Energy Business, having recently issued an Invitation to Tender (ITT) for firms with a proven track record in establishing renewable energy businesses to assist Eskom in accelerating the deployment of renewable energy solutions.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Angola: New Hope For Angola’s Oil Sector As Brazil’s Petrobras Signals Return
The Brazilian oil company Petrobras and Angolan national oil company Sonangol have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for oil and gas research and development, training, and research on relevant projects for the just energy transition.
The MoU, signed on Friday, May 24, in Brasilia, was witnessed by Angolan President H.E. João Lourenço and Brazilian President Lula da Silva.
In March this year, an MoU was signed between ANPG and Petrobras for the joint study and possible direct negotiation of block concession contracts offshore in Angola.
According to Brazilian President Lula da Silva, “the signing of the two memorandums signifies the return of Petrobras to Angola.”
Other major companies, such as Shell, Petronas, and Qatar Oil, are also returning to Angola.
The policies set by the Angolan Executive have allowed the retention of major international oil companies operating in the country and attracted medium and small-scale companies.
This dynamic in Angola’s hydrocarbon industry demonstrates the success of the reforms carried out in the sector.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
South Africa Launches Oil Giant To Revive Energy Sector
South Africa has officially launched the South African National Petroleum Company (SANPC), a new state-owned oil enterprise designed to consolidate and energize the country’s long-stalled hydrocarbons sector.
Formed from the merger of PetroSA, iGas, and the Strategic Fuel Fund, SANPC will operate under the Central Energy Fund and is already integrating staff and assets to streamline operations. The aim Reducing oil imports, bolstering energy security, and tapping into over R95 billion in potential investment.
The move comes just months after South Africa quietly allowed several of its coal-fired plants to exceed emissions limits in a desperate bid to avoid more blackouts.
With the country still generating 85% of its electricity from coal and facing a chronic energy shortfall, SANPC represents a dual play: secure domestic energy while positioning itself as a more formidable player on the global stage.
Foreign oil majors are already sniffing around. Shell is offloading downstream assets in South Africa, and traders like Trafigura and NOCs like Aramco and ADNOC are circling.
Meanwhile, TotalEnergies and QatarEnergy are pushing ahead with high-risk exploration offshore South Africa, betting that the Orange Basin’s oil riches don’t stop at Namibia’s border. Activist lawsuits and bureaucratic messes haven’t stopped them.
South Africa is trying to thread an impossible needle—keeping the lights on, appeasing climate financiers, and luring foreign capital to a regulatory minefield.
SANPC might just be the bureaucratic bazooka it needs to start hitting those targets. Or, like the Luiperd gas project before it, it could get tangled in its own red tape.
But as Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe bluntly put it, “We have oil, we have gas, so we must exploit it.” The era of passive potential is over. Now comes the messy business of execution.
Source: oilprice.com
Angolan President João Lourenço Selected As ‘Energy Person Of The Year’
Angola’s President João Lourenço has been selected as the ‘Energy Person of the Year’ by the African Energy Chamber (AEC), in recognition of his drive for good governance, commitment to reform and work to address corruption in Africa.
The award recognizes President Lourenço’s instrumental role in transforming Angola into one of Africa’s biggest oil and gas producers and how his forward-looking vision is expected to consolidate the country’s position as a regional petroleum hub in Africa.
Since his election in 2017, President Lourenço has turned Angola’s economy – and broader oil and gas industry – around. With ageing oilfields and reduced upstream investment, the country was witnessing rapid production decline.
However, President Lourenço’s long-term strategy to revitalize the industry saw a series of milestones achieved, and in 2025, the country continues to witness a positive growth trajectory across its oil and gas sector.
By introducing flexible investment structures, President Lourenço spurred interest back into the industry, leading to greater investment across the entire energy value chain. These include risk service contracts, a permanent offer scheme, marginal fields opportunities and an incremental production initiative.
The privatization of Sonangol, the establishment of the upstream and downstream regulators and revised tax codes have further catalyzed spending and transparency in Angola.
President Lourenço has also set clear targets for the country. These include plans to sustain oil output above one million barrels per day (bpd) beyond 2027, scaling-up capacity in the natural gas sector while accelerating green energy development.
In the oil sector, President Lourenço has spearheaded new development opportunities across the upstream and downstream sectors. With a six-year licensing round introduced in 2019, the country witnessed a surge in investments as major operators sought out new discoveries in both the on- and offshore markets.
Now, the country anticipates a $60 billion five-year investment drive, as major players expand their portfolios. Upcoming projects include the Agogo Integrated West Hub Development by Azule Energy and the TotalEnergies-led Kaminho development.
To further bolster production, Angola is also opening doors to new block opportunities. A licensing round launching in 2025 will further entice spending, offering 10 blocks for exploration in the Kwanza and Benguela Basins.
The country also offers 11 blocks for investment via direct negotiation in conjunction with five marginal fields opportunities. Angola’s flexible investment structures – spearheaded by President Lourenço and aimed at supporting a variety of investments – continue to play a major part in facilitating spending across Angola’s upstream market.
President Lourenço has also positioned the natural gas sector as a catalyst for development in Angola. Already an LNG producer, the country strives to enhance production capacity through associated and non-associated projects. The country’s first non-associated project – led by the New Gas Consortium – will come online in late-2025 or early-2026.
However, President Lourenço’s drive in Angola goes beyond the upstream sector. To address domestic fuel demand, the country targets a refining capacity of upwards of 400,000 bpd.
The first phase of the Cabinda oil refinery will begin operations in 2025, introducing 60,000 bpd to the market. Additional investment opportunities in the downstream sector include the planned 200,000 bpd Lobito refinery and the 100,000 Soyo refinery.
Under President Lourenço’s leadership, the country has engaged investors on these projects, while promoting new downstream developments that promise greater fuel security in both Angola and the broader region.
President Lourenço’s achievements go beyond oil and gas development. Recognizing the vital need to address climate change concerns, President Lourenço has also been a strong advocate for diversified investments in Africa.
Angola is spearheading renewable energy projects as well as green hydrogen. With a commitment to improving peace in Africa, President Lourenço continues to work closely with regional counterparts to foster stability.
As Angola celebrates 50 years of independence in 2025, President Lourenço’s drive to facilitate inclusive development in Africa will serve as a source of inspiration.
“President Lourenço has not only been an instrumental leader in Angola but has played a major part in facilitating investment and development across the broader African oil and gas landscape. By committing to industry reform, working closely with international partners and implementing clear and actionable objectives, President Lourenço has shaped Angola’s oil and gas market into what it is today,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.
The ’Energy Person of the Year’ celebrates the achievements of President Lourenço, highlighting how his ambitious and inclusive approach to development has unlocked a wealth of opportunities for Angola and the broader region.
Previous award winners include Frank Fannon, Former United States Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources, Mohammed S. Barkindo, former OPEC Secretary General, former Namibian President Hage Geingob, Meg O’Neill, CEO and Managing Director, Woodside Energy and Dr. Benedict Oramah, President & Chairman of the Board of Directors, African Export-Import Bank.
Source: Energy Chamber
Ghana: PURC Convenes Emergency Meeting With GRIDCo, ECG And NEDCo Over Recent Power Supply Challenges
The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) convened an emergency stakeholder meeting on May 23, 2025 with the Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo), Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), and Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo), to address the ongoing electricity supply challenges and unplanned outages affecting parts of the country.
The meeting, initiated by the Commission after monitoring and receiving consumer complaints, aimed to understand the root causes of the recent power disruptions, assess the operational challenges facing utility service providers, and ensure the implementation of coordinated measures to restore and stabilize the electricity supply.
The Executive Secretary of PURC, Dr. Shafic Suleman, reiterated the Commission’s mandate to protect consumer interests and uphold utility service standards.
“The Commission is seriously concerned about the frequent power outages being experienced in some regions. This meeting is a crucial step in ensuring that the causes are identified and urgent corrective actions are taken by all parties involved,” he said.
During the engagement, GRIDCo, ECG, and NEDCo provided detailed briefings on the technical and operational difficulties contributing to the supply instability, including long and widespread feeders, inadequate Bulk Supply Points (BSPs), tampering of the Electricity Network, Overload on System Components, overgrown vegetation, and effects of weather.
Following the briefings, the Commission directed the utilities to submit comprehensive reports on the current challenges, immediate mitigation measures, and long-term plans to prevent recurrence.
The Commission also emphasized the need for improved communication with the public during such disruptions to enhance transparency and public confidence.
PURC will ensure strict compliance with performance standards to safeguard the reliability of electricity supply nationwide and urges consumers to report any challenges affecting utility service delivery in their localities.
The Commission remains committed to protecting the interests of consumers and utility service providers and will continue to monitor the current power situation to ensure quality of service delivery.
Nigeria: NNPC Ltd Shuts Down Port Harcourt Refinery For Maintenance
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has announced the shutdown of the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) starting May 24 for maintenance.
A statement issued by Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, confirmed the shutdown, though no completion date was mentioned.
The maintenance aims to ensure sustainability and efficiency.
NNPC Ltd. is working closely with relevant stakeholders, including the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), to ensure transparent and efficient execution.
NNPC Ltd. remains committed to delivering sustainable energy security for Nigeria and will provide regular updates through official channels, including its website, media platforms, and public statements.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com