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Panellists Urge Africa To Build Resilient Energy Systems To Withstand Global Shocks
Panellists at the OTL Africa Downstream Energy Week in Lagos, Nigeria, have underscored the need for Africa to strengthen its energy security by attracting greater investment and building resilient energy systems capable of withstanding global shocks.
Chairing the session, Dr Sheila Addo, Deputy Chief Executive (Technical) of Ghana’s National Petroleum Authority (NPA) and a member of the event’s Advisory Board, encouraged African countries to draw lessons from disruptions in global energy markets in recent months.
She called for greater investment in infrastructure, stronger regional collaboration and deliberate efforts to build self-sufficiency across the continent.
She emphasised that Africa must position itself to meet its energy needs and develop resilient supply systems that support sustainable economic growth and development.
The panel examined how geopolitical tensions, fuel price volatility and shifting energy market dynamics affect African economies, particularly fuel supply, pricing and investment decisions.
Panellists agreed on the importance of developing critical infrastructure, including refining capacity, storage facilities and distribution networks, to reduce dependence on imports and strengthen energy security.
They emphasised that increasing local production and improving regional supply chains would help African countries withstand external shocks while meeting growing energy demand.
The discussions also focused on creating an enabling environment for investment through regulatory certainty, transparent policies and sustainable market reforms.
On the energy transition, the panel agreed that Africa must pursue a practical and balanced approach that reflects its development needs.
Angola: President Lourenço Invites Namibia To Acquire Stake In Lobito Refinery
Angolan President João Lourenço has invited Namibia to consider acquiring a stake in the Lobito refinery, which is expected to process 200,000 barrels of crude oil per day when completed in 2029.
Lourenço made the invitation during talks in Luanda with Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah during her state visit and the first session of the Angola–Namibia Binational Commission.
He highlighted opportunities for cooperation in the oil sector, stressing the importance of expanding the production and marketing of refined petroleum products to add value and meet growing regional energy demand.
Lourenço also reaffirmed Angola’s willingness to share its experience in oil exploration, production and marketing as Namibia prepares to begin commercial production of its oil resources.
The two countries identified stronger energy cooperation as a priority, particularly through projects capable of supporting regional economic development.
Located in Benguela province, the Lobito refinery is expected to produce petrol, diesel, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), aviation fuel and other petroleum products. The project aims to reduce Angola’s reliance on fuel imports and expand its domestic refining capacity.
Nigeria: TCN Apprehends More Than 30 Suspected Vandals In Kano
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has apprehended more than 30 suspected vandals as part of efforts to protect electricity transmission infrastructure, its General Manager, Muhammad Kamal-Bello, said.
Kamal-Bello told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at a sensitisation programme on Wednesday that the company had intensified public awareness campaigns nationwide to prevent vandalism.
He urged communities to support efforts to safeguard transmission towers and other electricity facilities.
The programme brought together government officials, traditional and religious leaders, artisans, civil society organisations, young people and media representatives.
According to NAN, the campaign highlighted the risks associated with vandalism and encroachment, including electrocution, fires and structural collapse. It also explained how damage to transmission infrastructure affects the grid and electricity supply.
Kamal-Bello urged residents to avoid activities that could compromise the safety of transmission facilities.
“The company has enjoyed substantial cooperation from communities along the Kumbotso–Zaria transmission line,” he said.
He warned that digging near transmission towers could weaken their foundations, cause them to collapse and disrupt electricity supply.
Kamal-Bello commended traditional institutions, security agencies and other stakeholders for their cooperation, stressing the importance of collective efforts to protect electricity infrastructure.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities around transmission towers and other installations to the appropriate authorities.
Also speaking at the programme, the Hakimin Gunduwawan Paki, Alhaji Ja’afaru Aliyu-Paki, described electricity as essential to development, infrastructure and security.
Aliyu-Paki urged community members to help protect substations and other electricity infrastructure against vandalism.
He commended TCN for organising the programme and called for sustained cooperation between the company and communities to safeguard transmission facilities and improve electricity supply.
Uganda: UETCL Breaks Ground For Karuma–Tororo 400kV Transmission Line
Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL) has broken ground for the Karuma–Tororo 400kV Transmission Line Project to strengthen the country’s electricity transmission network.
The project, valued at approximately €342.59 million, will transmit power from the 600MW Karuma Hydropower Plant to eastern Uganda and Greater Kampala to help meet growing electricity demand.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony at Ntinda Substation in Kampala, Energy and Mineral Development Minister Dr Monica Musenero Masanza said investment in transmission infrastructure was essential to supporting Uganda’s development.
“Expanding our electricity transmission infrastructure is critical to meeting the country’s growing energy needs, supporting industrialization and ensuring that power generated reaches the areas where it is needed most.”
UETCL Board Chairman Kwame Ejalu said the project would advance the company’s mandate and support Uganda’s long-term development priorities.
“This project reflects our commitment to investing in robust and resilient transmission infrastructure and support for economic transformation. The Board remains committed to providing strategic oversight to ensure that investments of this magnitude deliver lasting value to the country,” he said.
The project includes an approximately 347-kilometre, 400kV double-circuit transmission line passing through 15 districts, a new 400/220/33kV Tororo Border Substation, a 132/33kV Ntinda Substation and an extension of Karuma Substation.
Financing arrangements involve the Swedish government through the Swedish Export Credit Agency (EKN).
Ambassador Maria Olsson highlighted the importance of continued cooperation in developing Uganda’s energy infrastructure.
“Sweden is pleased to partner with Uganda in advancing strategic infrastructure that strengthens the electricity transmission network and supports the country’s ambitions for sustainable economic growth and development.”
Once completed, the project is expected to improve bulk electricity supply to industries, businesses and communities and facilitate cross-border power trade under the Eastern Africa Power Pool (EAPP).
UETCL, the implementing agency, said activities had begun, including handing over the site to the contractor and undertaking disclosure and compensation processes for people affected by the project.
The project aligns with UETCL’s Corporate Strategic Plan, Uganda’s Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV) and Vision 2040, which support the country’s industrialisation and economic transformation.
Kenya: Petroleum Dealers Protest High OMC Prices, Call For Suspension Of Purchases
Kenya’s independent petroleum dealers have accused oil marketing companies (OMCs) of selling fuel above regulated wholesale price caps, squeezing their margins and threatening the viability of their businesses.
The Petroleum Outlets Association of Kenya (POAK) and the Kenya Independent Petroleum Dealers Association (KIPEDA) say OMCs have continued supplying fuel at prices above the maximum wholesale limits set by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) on October 14, 2026.
In its monthly price review, EPRA increased the maximum retail prices in Nairobi by KSh12.93 per litre for petrol, KSh9.90 for diesel and KSh28.49 for kerosene.
The adjustments took petrol to KSh226.96 per litre, diesel to KSh227.76 and kerosene to KSh219.87.
The associations said OMCs had been selling petroleum products to independent dealers above the gazetted wholesale caps since the review took effect.
“This non-compliance by OMCs has created an unsustainable margin squeeze, making it economically impossible for independent dealers to source product legally and serve the public fairly,” the associations said in a statement carried by local media.
They said the situation had caused fuel shortages, leaving independent dealers facing a choice between suspending operations and trading at substantial losses.
“The refusal of OMCs to adhere to wholesale caps threatens to undermine consumer price protections guaranteed by law,” they added.
The associations called on independent petroleum operators to suspend purchases of products priced above EPRA’s gazetted wholesale limits.
They also urged EPRA and the State Department for Petroleum to impose sanctions on non-compliant OMCs and immediately restore lawful trading conditions.
“The government must act decisively to prevent a full-scale shutdown of independent retail outlets, which account for a massive share of the country’s fuel distribution network,” they said.
The associations urged the ministry and EPRA to resolve the dispute.
Meanwhile, EPRA Director-General Edward Mwirigi Kinyua attributed rising fuel prices to market turmoil linked to the Middle East conflict. He said international petrol prices had risen to about $1,300 per tonne from roughly $600 earlier in the crisis.
Kinyua also said the kerosene price adjustment was partly intended to narrow its price gap with automotive fuels, reducing the incentive to adulterate petrol and diesel with cheaper kerosene.
Zambia: One Killed, Two Injured In Diesel Tanker Explosion In Lusaka
A 43-year-old man has died and two others have sustained severe burns after a diesel tanker exploded during a fuel transfer operation in Lusaka’s Industrial Area, according to local media reports.
The deceased, identified as Kondanani Phiri, 43, of George Compound, died while receiving treatment at Matero Level One Hospital following the explosion, which occurred at about 5:40 p.m. on Monday.
The two other workers, Phillimon Chitalusha, 39, of Makeni Villa, and Prince Ngongo, 23, of the Salima area in Matero, remain hospitalised at the same facility.
According to police, the three workers were transferring diesel from a white ERF semi-trailer tanker that had developed a mechanical fault into a hired white Volvo FM9 tanker.
Police spokesperson Chipo Kaitisha said the ERF tanker was carrying approximately 25,000 litres of diesel scheduled for delivery to a client that day.
She said the workers were monitoring the fuel transfer from the top of the tanker when an explosion occurred near the valves of its last compartment.
“All three workers sustained severe burns and were rushed to Matero Level One Hospital for medical attention,” Kaitisha said.
Phiri, who was driving the hired Volvo tanker, later died while receiving treatment, while the two other workers remained under medical care.
Police said the hired Volvo tanker, with registration number CAG 3868 ZM, reportedly belonged to Pisa Transport Company, based in Matero, while the faulty ERF tanker had registration number ABR 4863.
Phiri’s body has been deposited at the University Teaching Hospital mortuary pending a postmortem examination.
Gambia: NAWEC Signs 25-Year Power Purchase Agreement With Soliaris Africa For 148.44 MWp Solar Project
Gambia’s National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) has signed a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Soliaris Africa Ltd. (Mark Cables FZE) for the development of the $169 million Soma Solar Park Phase II project.
The project will have a solar photovoltaic (PV) generation capacity of 148.44 megawatt-peak (MWp), supported by a battery energy storage system (BESS), aimed at strengthening the country’s electricity supply and improving grid reliability.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, NAWEC Managing Director Gallo Saidy described the agreement as a significant milestone for the utility and a major step towards building a more sustainable and secure energy future.
Mountaga Sy, Vice President of Soliaris Africa Ltd., described the project as a “transformative milestone” and a “game changer” for renewable energy integration in The Gambia.
He said combining utility-scale solar generation with battery storage would improve grid stability, strengthen energy security, reduce dependence on conventional power generation and help make electricity more affordable for consumers.
Gambia’s Minister of Petroleum, Energy and Mines, Nani Juwara, said the project was expected to generate approximately 250 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity annually once commissioned.
He said the additional generation capacity would help meet the country’s growing electricity demand while improving power supply reliability for households, schools, healthcare facilities and businesses.
The Soma Solar Park Phase II project forms part of The Gambia’s broader efforts to diversify its energy mix, increase renewable energy generation and support long-term economic and social development.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by Gambian President Adama Barrow.
Gambia’s Minister of Petroleum, Energy and Mines, Nani Juwara, said the project was expected to generate approximately 250 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity annually once commissioned.
He said the additional generation capacity would help meet the country’s growing electricity demand while improving power supply reliability for households, schools, healthcare facilities and businesses.
The Soma Solar Park Phase II project forms part of The Gambia’s broader efforts to diversify its energy mix, increase renewable energy generation and support long-term economic and social development.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by Gambian President Adama Barrow. Zambia: Hichilema Appoints Chikote To Head New Petroleum Ministry
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has appointed Makozo Chikote as minister of the newly created Ministry of Petroleum following parliamentary approval of a government restructuring aimed at improving efficiency.
Chikote, the member of parliament for Luampa East, previously served as minister of energy and minister of fisheries and livestock during Hichilema’s first term.
As energy minister, he oversaw the implementation of government energy programmes, including the president’s 1,000-megawatt solar power initiative. During his tenure, Zambia’s installed electricity generation capacity rose to 4,722 megawatts from 3,777 megawatts in 2024.
In his new role, Chikote is expected to oversee the establishment of the petroleum ministry and coordinate its operations.
At Chikote’s swearing-in ceremony on Wednesday, Hichilema urged him to prioritise the development of oil pipelines linking Zambia with Dar es Salaam in Tanzania and Harare in Zimbabwe.
“Let’s work on establishing the new oil pipelines from Dar es Salaam to Zambia and Harare to Zambia,” Hichilema said.
Chikote holds a bachelor’s degree in administration from the University of Zambia and a certificate in public relations and diplomatic practice.
Nigeria Targets Grid Stability, Sector Debt In Power Reform Plan
Nigeria plans to strengthen its electricity grid, expand transmission capacity and attract fresh investment to address power supply challenges, Power Minister Joseph Tegbe said.
Speaking at the opening of the Nigeria Energy Leadership Summit at the Landmark Centre in Lagos, Tegbe outlined four priorities: developing energy zones, improving sector liquidity, optimising existing assets and expanding infrastructure to meet future demand.
He said reliable electricity supply would require coordinated action to address constraints across generation, transmission and distribution.
The government intends to prioritise three economic energy corridors where demand is highest: Lagos-Ogun, Benin-Enugu-Port Harcourt and Abuja-Kaduna-Kano.
Tegbe said the approach would align generation capacity with transmission infrastructure and distribution readiness to improve electricity delivery to households, businesses and industries.
On financing, he said the government was accelerating efforts to settle outstanding liabilities that had weakened the electricity market.
Of an estimated 3.3 trillion naira in legacy debt owed to operators, 1.23 trillion naira had been paid, he said, adding that measures were being taken to curb revenue leakages and prevent new debts from accumulating.
The government is also seeking to reduce technical and commercial losses through the Presidential Metering Initiative, the Distribution Sector Recovery Programme and the Meter Acquisition Fund, he said.
Tegbe said the reforms, which align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, must translate into measurable improvements in electricity supply to support industrial productivity, business growth and job creation.
The summit’s theme is “Strengthening Power Delivery Through Execution, Coordination and Performance”.
Ghana: Parliamentary Select Committee On Energy Inspects BPA’s 50MWp Yendi Solar Project
Members of Parliament’s Select Committee on Energy have inspected the Bui Power Authority’s (BPA) 50MWp Yendi Solar PV Project in the Northern Region to assess the completed facility and its contribution to Ghana’s electricity supply.
The delegation, led by the Committee’s Chairman, Hon. Emmanuel Kwesi Bedzrah, toured the facility and received a briefing on its development and operational infrastructure.
BPA’s Director of Renewable Energy Development, Ing. Peter Acheampong, received the delegation on behalf of the Authority’s Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer, Ing. Kow Eduakwa Sam.
He briefed members on the project’s development since construction began on September 30, 2023, and guided them through its key components. These included the direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) equipment, internal transmission lines, drainage systems, access roads and staff accommodation.
According to Ing. Acheampong, First Sky Limited, a wholly Ghanaian-owned company, executed the project using local expertise and technical capacity.
He said the project demonstrated the growing ability of Ghanaian companies to deliver large-scale energy infrastructure and underscored the importance of local participation in developing the country’s energy sector.
The Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) has completed the construction and final integration of a four-kilometre, 161kV transmission line connecting the facility to the national grid. The solar plant is currently supplying power to the grid.
Members of the Committee expressed satisfaction with the facility following the inspection.
Hon. Bedzrah commended BPA for its continued efforts to expand its renewable energy portfolio beyond its established hydropower operations at Bui.
The visit provided the Committee with an opportunity to examine the completed project first-hand and gain insight into the infrastructure and systems supporting its operations.
Kenya: President Ruto Commissions KETRACO’s 132kV Kitui–Wote Transmission Line
Kenyan President William Ruto has commissioned the 66-kilometre, 132-kilovolt Kitui–Wote transmission line, a project intended to strengthen electricity supply in Kitui, Makueni and neighbouring counties.
The line was built by the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) to improve grid reliability in the country’s eastern region.
Kitui was previously supplied through the 132kV Mwingi–Kitui line, while Wote relied on the 132kV Wote–Sultan Hamud line. The new link connects the two sections, allowing electricity to reach either substation through an alternative route during an interruption.
KETRACO said the network provides the Kitui and Wote substations with two 132kV supply routes. When supply through Mwingi is interrupted, Kitui can continue to receive power through Wote, the company said.
The KSh1.2 billion Kitui–Wote section forms part of the Mwingi–Kitui–Wote–Sultan Hamud transmission corridor. It was implemented under the Kenya Power Transmission System Improvement Project, with funding from the African Development Bank.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony at Kitui Substation, Ruto said the government was committed to strengthening the national grid and supporting Kenya’s clean energy transition.
“The Kitui–Wote Transmission Line is a strategic investment in Kitui and neighbouring counties, strengthening reliable power supply to drive industrialisation, enterprise growth, job creation, and essential services,” he said.
The project also provides an alternative supply route for Mwingi and Garissa through Sultan Hamud, Wote and Kitui. KETRACO said Garissa had continued to receive electricity through the route during recent maintenance work at Kindaruma.
Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi said the line would improve electricity reliability for businesses and support economic activity across the eastern region.
“The people of Kitui are already benefiting from improved power supply, which supports businesses to operate longer hours and strengthens the activities of Jua Kali artisans, mechanics, and traders,” Wandayi said.
He added that reliable electricity would support agricultural processing, including the production and marketing of honey from Mwingi and other parts of Kitui County.
KETRACO Managing Director Tom Imbo said the project had increased transmission capacity and operational flexibility, while creating room to meet future demand and support new connections in Kitui and Makueni.
“The interconnected configuration allows sections of the transmission network to be taken out of service for planned maintenance while electricity continues to flow through an alternative route,” he said.
China CAMC Engineering carried out the work under the supervision of KETRACO engineers. The company was contracted in 2019 to complete the transmission improvement project.
“The Kitui–Wote Transmission Line is a strategic investment in Kitui and neighbouring counties, strengthening reliable power supply to drive industrialisation, enterprise growth, job creation, and essential services,” he said.
The project also provides an alternative supply route for Mwingi and Garissa through Sultan Hamud, Wote and Kitui. KETRACO said Garissa had continued to receive electricity through the route during recent maintenance work at Kindaruma.
Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi said the line would improve electricity reliability for businesses and support economic activity across the eastern region.
“The people of Kitui are already benefiting from improved power supply, which supports businesses to operate longer hours and strengthens the activities of Jua Kali artisans, mechanics, and traders,” Wandayi said.
He added that reliable electricity would support agricultural processing, including the production and marketing of honey from Mwingi and other parts of Kitui County.
KETRACO Managing Director Tom Imbo said the project had increased transmission capacity and operational flexibility, while creating room to meet future demand and support new connections in Kitui and Makueni.
“The interconnected configuration allows sections of the transmission network to be taken out of service for planned maintenance while electricity continues to flow through an alternative route,” he said.
China CAMC Engineering carried out the work under the supervision of KETRACO engineers. The company was contracted in 2019 to complete the transmission improvement project. Ghana: NPA Says 93% Of Fuel Tankers Now Licensed After Audit Concerns
Ghana’s National Petroleum Authority (NPA) says about 93% of the more than 4,000 bulk road vehicles used to transport petroleum products have now been licensed, following concerns raised in the 2025 Auditor-General’s Report.
NPA Chief Executive Godwin Edudzi Tameklo disclosed this when he appeared before Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to respond to issues raised in the report about the authority’s operations.
The report questioned why the regulator had licensed only 2,514 trucks out of more than 4,000 bulk road vehicles (BRVs), commonly known as fuel tankers, while allowing the others to distribute petroleum products.
Tameklo said licensing enabled the authority to monitor and track the vehicles on the road. However, he said strict enforcement had to be balanced against the need to prevent fuel shortages.
Ghana has nearly 5,000 petroleum retail outlets but just over 4,000 BRVs, he told the committee.
“What we’ve done prior to this audit is to ensure a balancing act – whilst ensuring regulation, how do we also ensure that petroleum products ultimately get to people?” he said.
Tameklo said enforcing compliance was easier in Accra than elsewhere, but the authority could still track the movement of petroleum products through freight cost claims.
Following the concerns raised in the audit report, the NPA took steps to license the remaining trucks, bringing the proportion licensed to 93%, he said.
He added that the remaining 7% had been taken off the road and their owners had been asked to take steps to obtain licences.
A representative of the Auditor-General told the committee that the NPA had reported the 93% figure, but the auditors had yet to verify it.
PAC Chairperson Abena Osei-Asare welcomed the reported progress, saying the audit should lead to corrective action.
“The audit must lead to action,” she said.
Zambia: Parliament Approves Creation Of Electricity And Petroleum Ministries
Zambia’s parliament has approved a government proposal to reorganise ministries and create new portfolios, including separate ministries for electricity and petroleum.
Vice President Mutale Nalumango moved the motion on Tuesday after President Hakainde Hichilema formally requested parliamentary approval to establish, merge and dissolve ministries, as required under Article 92(2)(d) of Zambia’s constitution.
The restructuring will increase the number of ministries from 24 to 30. The government says the changes are intended to improve efficiency, strengthen service delivery and accelerate economic growth.
Under the approved plan, the Ministry of Energy will be divided into a Ministry of Electricity and a Ministry of Petroleum.
The move is intended to provide more focused attention on the country’s electricity challenges and the development of its petroleum sector.
The Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry will also be split into a Ministry of Trade and Exports and a Ministry of Industry.
The Ministry of Education will be separated into a Ministry of Education and a Ministry of Skills and Higher Education. The Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts will become a Ministry of Youth and Sports and a Ministry of Culture and Arts.
Nalumango said the restructuring was designed to align government operations with the administration’s “Grow Zambia” agenda and provide dedicated leadership for key sectors of the economy.
The approval paves the way for Hichilema to appoint cabinet ministers to head the new portfolios.
Qatar: Energy Minister Calls for Protection Of Energy Infrastructure and Shipping Routes During Conflict
Qatar’s Minister of State for Energy Affairs, Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, has called for the protection of energy infrastructure and shipping routes during conflicts to safeguard global energy supplies.
Speaking at the 28th Ministerial Meeting of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) in Moscow on Monday, Al-Kaabi said disruptions to energy facilities and maritime routes had far-reaching implications for global trade and energy security.
He cited the conflict in the Gulf region and repeated attacks on energy facilities, which he said had severely curtailed shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and restricted global access to energy and other essential products.
“The State of Qatar itself was the target of several attacks on our energy production facilities. As a result, our production was halted, and our LNG vessels faced severe restrictions on their movement through regional shipping routes,” Al-Kaabi said.
He said Qatar remained committed to peace and to supplying reliable energy, particularly liquefied natural gas (LNG), to global markets.
Meeting growing demand for natural gas would require sustained investment across the gas value chain, supported by greater market certainty, fair access to financing and long-term cooperation between producers and consumers, he said.
Al-Kaabi also called for natural gas to remain part of a diversified global energy mix and a balanced energy transition.
“Natural gas is here to stay, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that its role remains firmly anchored in the global energy dialogue,” he said.
The ministerial meeting was held ahead of the eighth GECF Summit of Heads of State and Government.