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Ghana’s Dr. Sheila Addo Named Woman Leader Of The Year – Energy Regulation At 2026 IWCA In Nairobi
The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) in charge of Technical Services, Dr. Sheila Addo, has been honoured at the 2026 Instinct Women Conference & Awards (IWCA), held from 26–27 February 2026 at the Emara Ole-Sereni Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya.
Dr. Addo received the Woman Leader of the Year – Energy Regulation award in recognition of her exemplary leadership within Ghana’s energy regulatory landscape and her sustained contributions to institutional strengthening, regulatory transparency, and stakeholder engagement in the downstream petroleum sector.
Her recognition reflects a track record of advancing consumer protection frameworks, promoting data-driven regulatory oversight, deepening accountability mechanisms, and enhancing collaboration between the Authority, industry operators, and the consuming public. These measures have reinforced public trust and strengthened regulatory credibility within the sector.
The 2026 IWCA was convened under the theme, “Women Who Move Nations: Leadership, Legacy & Impact,” bringing together senior government officials, corporate executives, development partners, and distinguished women leaders from across Africa to examine the transformative influence of women in governance, institutional reform, and economic development.
In his welcome address, Akin Naphtal, Group CEO of InstinctWave, the organisers of the conference, emphasised that women across the continent are increasingly shaping institutions, influencing public policy, and driving sustainable development outcomes. He indicated that the platform was designed to celebrate measurable impact and honour leadership defined by integrity, courage, and enduring legacy.
Delivering a keynote address, Dr. Addo outlined three defining attributes of impactful leadership: the courage to make high-stakes decisions; the responsibility to strengthen institutions beyond one’s tenure; and the obligation to ensure that leadership translates into tangible improvements in national stability and citizen welfare. She underscored the importance of purpose-driven leadership and called for deliberate systems that accelerate inclusive participation and opportunity.
In addition to Dr. Addo’s honour, the National Petroleum Authority received the Women Empowerment Champion Award – Public Sector in recognition of its commitment to gender inclusion, institutional equity, and structured capacity development within the public service.
Other distinguished awardees included Eunice Budu Nyarko, who was named Outstanding Woman in Stakeholder Engagement for her contribution to strengthening consumer complaint resolution systems and public sensitisation initiatives within the petroleum sector, and Maria Edith Oquaye, Director of Corporate Affairs, who received the Outstanding Woman in Corporate Communications award for excellence in strategic communication and brand stewardship.
The recognitions collectively highlight the growing impact of Ghanaian women in public and corporate leadership and reaffirm the role of principled governance, institutional accountability, and inclusive leadership in advancing sustainable national development.
Zambia: Diesel Stocks To Last 60 Days, Petrol 19 Days — Energy Minister
Zambia’s Minister for Energy, Makozo Chikote, has assured the public that the country has sufficient fuel stocks purchased at lower prices to last throughout March and beyond, warning fuel dealers against increasing pump prices.
He said the country currently has 362 million litres of diesel, equivalent to 60 days of cover, 32.8 million litres of petrol, equivalent to 19 days of cover, and 104 million litres of kerosene, equivalent to 14 days of cover.
He added that the country’s stock of Jet A-1 fuel stands at approximately 1.6 million litres, equivalent to nine days of cover.
The minister assured the public that the government has taken measures to ensure stability in fuel supply and pricing.
Speaking during a media briefing at the headquarters of the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) in Lusaka, Mr. Chikote explained that the Open Access Bidding (OAB) system, the appreciation of the Kwacha against the United States dollar, and favourable trends on the international market have contributed to keeping fuel pump prices stable.
He cautioned fuel dealers against exploiting the situation by raising prices, stressing that the government would not tolerate unjustified increases when sufficient stocks are available.
Mr. Chikote, however, noted that global geopolitical developments—particularly tensions in the Middle East following the bombardment of Iran by the United States and Israel—have the potential to affect the global fuel supply chain.
He explained that although Zambia is geographically distant from the Middle East, the country remains integrated into the global oil supply system and could still experience ripple effects if the conflict disrupts international oil supplies.
The minister said such developments could exert upward pressure on fuel prices unless counterbalanced by policy interventions and the continued strengthening of the Kwacha against the US dollar.
Mr. Chikote expressed hope that the conflict in the Middle East would end soon in order to restore stability in global oil markets.
He further warned political actors against politicising the issue should fuel prices rise as a result of international developments.
The energy minister also cautioned participants in the fuel supply chain against creating artificial shortages of fuel or fuel products, stating that anyone found engaging in such practices would face punishment in accordance with the law.
Mr. Chikote also called on the media to play a responsible role by ensuring that accurate information is disseminated to the public regarding the country’s fuel supply situation.
Ghana: PETROSOL Debunks Claim It Is Under OSP Probe
Petrosol Platinum Energy, a wholly Ghanaian indigenous oil marketing company, has debunked claims that it is among the Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) listed by the Office of the Special Prosecutor for allegedly selling premix fuel as petrol and diverting Marine Gas Oil (MGO) to be sold as regular gas oil.
The reaction follows a video posted by Okatakyie Afrifa on Sunday, March 1, 2026, claiming that Petrosol had been cited by the Office of the Special Prosecutor for those practices.
In a statement, management stated categorically that Petrosol is not listed in the OSP’s recent release and has never been involved in such practices. The company said it has contacted Mr. Afrifa directly to retract the claim.
Petrosol assured the public that it adheres strictly to regulatory standards and industry best practices.
“Our commitment to ethical business practices and high product quality remains unwavering as we continually meet the fuel and lubricant needs of customers, including new-technology vehicles and equipment.
“As an indigenous OMC that is internationally certified for quality management, has won national quality awards, and has been commended by the Ghana Revenue Authority and the National Petroleum Authority for tax and regulatory compliance, we assure customers and the public that we will continue to be a model of excellence in the sector.
“As a brand, we are committed to energizing dreams, igniting hope, and powering the achievement of our customers’ and stakeholders’ goals and aspirations.”
Germany: Diesel Passes €2 Per Litre Due To Middle East Conflict
The price of diesel in Germany has climbed to more than €2 ($2.32) per litre as a result of the war in Iran, the ADAC automobile association said on Wednesday.
The group said the average cost of a litre of diesel nationwide at 7:15 am (0615 GMT) was €2.054.
Global markets have suffered significant losses in recent days following the U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran on Saturday, which has sparked a regional conflict.
Oil and gas prices have surged after Tehran restricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key chokepoint for global energy trade.
Around one-fifth of the world’s daily oil shipments pass through the strait between Iran and Oman.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he intends to secure shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz with the U.S. Navy if necessary.
Nigeria Resolves 15-Year Oil Prospecting Licence 245 Dispute, Opens Door For New Investment – Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday announced the successful conclusion of a historic settlement agreement between the Federal Government of Nigeria, Eni, and Nigerian Agip Exploration Limited (NAEL), bringing to an end a dispute that spanned more than 15 years.
A statement from the presidency, signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, said the President made the announcement during a meeting in his office attended by the Chief Executive Officer of Eni, Claudio Descalzi; the Chief Operating Officer, Guido Brusco; the Head of the Sub-Saharan Region, Mario Bello; the Managing Director of Nigerian Agip Exploration, Fabrizio Bolondi; and the Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Olu Arowolo-Verheijen.
The agreement brings to a close the long-standing dispute over Oil Prospecting Licence (OPL) 245, paving the way for the development of one of Nigeria’s most significant deepwater resources.
Signed in Abuja, the agreement marks the resolution of a dispute spanning more than 15 years and restores clarity and stability to an asset widely recognised as one of Nigeria’s most commercially promising deepwater blocks.
With the dispute now settled, the pathway is clear for a Final Investment Decision on the Zabazaba–Etan development, a project capable of adding approximately 150,000 barrels per day to Nigeria’s production capacity and strengthening the country’s long-term energy outlook.
President Tinubu described the agreement as a strategic milestone in Nigeria’s economic reform agenda, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to resolving legacy disputes, restoring investor confidence, and ensuring that Nigeria’s natural resources deliver sustainable value to the Nigerian people.
“This resolution sends a clear signal to global investors that Nigeria is prepared to address legacy issues transparently, uphold the rule of law, and create a stable environment for long-term capital,” the President said.
According to Olu Arowolo-Verheijen, the settlement also represents a significant improvement on the 2011 Resolution Agreement, reflecting the policy framework established under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and the administration’s broader fiscal and governance reforms in the energy sector.
“The revised terms strike a balanced outcome, providing investors with the clarity and predictability required to proceed with major deepwater investments while ensuring stronger value accretion and safeguards for the Federation,” Arowolo-Verheijen added.
The agreement forms part of a broader programme of reforms undertaken since 2023 to restore Nigeria’s competitiveness in global energy markets. These reforms, anchored in the Petroleum Industry Act and supported by targeted executive actions, have already contributed to renewed investor interest and significant capital inflows into Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
“By resolving the OPL 245 dispute, the Federal Government has removed one of the most prominent legacy risks in Nigeria’s upstream sector and reinforced its commitment to predictable regulation, transparent governance, and commercially viable investment frameworks,” Arowolo-Verheijen further said.
President Tinubu commended all institutions and stakeholders who contributed to achieving the settlement, including the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, the Special Adviser to the President on Energy, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), NNPC Limited, and the leadership of Eni.
Ghana: Energy Minister Engages Bulk Electricity Users, Assures Reliable Power Supply
Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has assured Ghanaians of the government’s commitment to ensuring a regular and reliable electricity supply across the country.
Minister Jinapor gave the assurance on Wednesday during a high-level meeting with key stakeholders representing the nation’s bulk electricity users from the manufacturing and industrial sectors.
The meeting aimed to provide the minister with the opportunity to engage directly with major power consumers and better understand their concerns.
He was joined by officials from the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo), the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), the Energy Commission, the Volta River Authority (VRA), and the Bui Power Authority (BPA).
Addressing the stakeholders, the minister emphasised that “a strong industrial sector requires dependable power,” adding that “we remain fully committed to delivering it.”
Prior to this engagement, the minister had issued a seven-day ultimatum to ECG, the Energy Commission, and PURC to investigate and address widespread public complaints regarding the rapid depletion of prepaid electricity credits.
The directive mandates a probe into the issue of vanishing credits and the replacement of faulty meters, with the aim of restoring consumer trust amid rising electricity costs.
Prior to this engagement, the minister had issued a seven-day ultimatum to ECG, the Energy Commission, and PURC to investigate and address widespread public complaints regarding the rapid depletion of prepaid electricity credits.
The directive mandates a probe into the issue of vanishing credits and the replacement of faulty meters, with the aim of restoring consumer trust amid rising electricity costs.
QatarEnergy Declares Force Majeure After Halting LNG Production
QatarEnergy has declared force majeure on liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies after suspending production at key export facilities, sending fresh shockwaves through global energy markets already rattled by the escalating conflict involving Iran, the company posted on X.
In a notice to buyers, the state energy giant said the declaration follows its decision to halt LNG and associated production after Iranian strikes targeted facilities linked to Ras Laffan and Mesaieed Industrial City.
The shutdown affects LNG output as well as downstream products including urea, polymers, methanol and aluminum.
The move places roughly a fifth of global LNG supply at risk if the disruption persists.
QatarEnergy operates 14 LNG trains at Ras Laffan and is the world’s largest single LNG exporter, supplying long-term buyers across Europe and Asia, according to Reuters.
The force majeure declaration allows QatarEnergy to suspend contractual delivery obligations due to events beyond its control.
The company has not indicated when production might resume.
Energy markets are already reacting to the broader geopolitical escalation.
Oil prices have climbed roughly 20% this week as traders price in risks to Middle Eastern energy infrastructure and shipping routes.
The LNG disruption could be particularly significant for Europe. Since cutting its reliance on Russian pipeline gas, the European Union has become heavily dependent on seaborne LNG imports, with Qatar among its largest suppliers.
According to a Reuters analysis by Balazs Koranyi and Francesco Canepa, European policymakers are watching the energy shock closely, wary of repeating the inflation misjudgment that followed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
European Central Bank officials were slow to respond to that earlier surge, initially describing the spike as “transitory” before inflation surged past 10%.
The current situation could create a similar feedback loop if energy disruptions persist. Fuel costs feed quickly into transport and consumer prices, and European buyers may soon find themselves competing with Asian importers for scarce LNG cargoes if Qatari exports remain constrained.
The eurozone economy remains highly exposed to energy costs, making developments in the Gulf a central concern for policymakers as the conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran continues to unfold.
Ghana: National Petroleum Authority’s Eunice Budu Nyarko Honoured At 2026 Instinct Women Conference & Awards In Nairobi
The Acting Director of Consumer Services at the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Mrs. Eunice Budu Nyarko, has been honoured with the Outstanding Woman in Stakeholder Engagement Award at the 2026 Instinct Women Conference & Awards (IWCA), held from 26–27 February 2026 at the Emara Ole-Sereni Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya.
The recognition celebrates Mrs. Nyarko’s significant contributions to stakeholder engagement and the advancement of consumer services within Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector.
She has led initiatives that strengthened structured consumer complaint resolution systems, expanded public sensitisation campaigns on fuel and LPG safety, enhanced transparency in regulatory communication, and promoted data-driven approaches to service delivery.
Her work has reinforced public confidence in regulatory oversight and improved collaboration between the Authority, industry operators, and consumers.
The 2026 edition of IWCA was convened under the theme, “Women Who Move Nations: Leadership, Legacy & Impact,” bringing together senior government officials, corporate executives, development partners, and women leaders from across Africa to examine the transformative role of women in governance, institutional reform, and economic development.
In his welcome address, Akin Naphtal, Group CEO of InstinctWave, the organisers of the conference, underscored that women across Africa are no longer seeking representation alone but are actively building institutions, shaping public policy, driving innovation, and influencing economies.
He noted that the conference platform was designed not merely to discuss barriers, but to spotlight solutions, celebrate measurable impact, and honour leadership defined by influence, courage, and legacy.
Delivering a keynote address, Sheila Addo highlighted three defining attributes of impactful leadership: the courage to make difficult decisions when the stakes are high; the commitment to strengthening institutions and reforming systems beyond one’s tenure; and the resolve to ensure that leadership translates into tangible improvements in lives and national stability.
She emphasised that leadership begins with purpose and that when talent meets opportunity, women create lasting change.
Dr. Addo further observed that evidence consistently shows that when women lead, communities thrive.
She cited studies indicating that organisations with women in leadership positions demonstrate a significantly higher likelihood of achieving above-average profitability.
While acknowledging persistent challenges such as unequal access to capital, underrepresentation in senior political roles, and systemic barriers, she stressed that the question is no longer whether African women can lead, but how societies can create systems that accelerate and sustain women’s leadership.
She called for deliberate investment in girls and inclusive leadership models that drive national advancement.
At the awards ceremony, Dr. Addo was also named Woman Leader of the Year – Energy Regulation in recognition of her outstanding leadership within Ghana’s energy regulatory space.
The National Petroleum Authority received the Women Empowerment Champion Award – Public Sector for its commitment to gender inclusion and institutional equity, while Maria Edith Oquaye was honoured as Outstanding Woman in Corporate Communications.
The recognitions underscore the growing impact of Ghanaian women in public sector leadership and their role in strengthening institutions and advancing national development.
South Africa: Eskom Dismantles 42 Illegal Transformers Connected To Its Network In Zandspruit
South Africa’s power utility, Eskom, in collaboration with security operatives, has removed 42 transformers that were illegally connected to its network in Zandspruit, within the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality.
The operation, which took place on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, involved personnel from the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), Eskom’s Group Investigations and Security Unit, and Venus Security Solutions.
According to Eskom, the 42 illegal transformers removed are valued at R2.84 million.
The power utility said the transformers are often stolen from Eskom and municipal networks.
The company warned that only Eskom-authorised technicians are permitted to operate on the electricity grid, noting that illegal installations put lives at risk, cause fires and electrocution, and contribute to non-technical losses.
“This operation highlights Eskom’s commitment, alongside law enforcement partners, to protecting infrastructure, reducing electricity theft, and educating communities about the dangers of unsafe connections,” the company said.
Eskom urged community members to report electricity theft and illegal connections to the utility or the nearest police station, adding that collective action can help stop unsafe practices, protect lives, and ensure a reliable power supply.
Ghana: CBOD, COMAC Hold Talks To Strengthen Industry Collaboration
The Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors (CBOD) on Tuesday paid a courtesy visit to the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) to deepen engagement and strengthen industry collaboration.
The CBOD Ghana delegation was led by CEO Dr. Patrick Ofori, accompanied by Richard Kissi (Head, Finance & Industry Operations), Angela Osei-Badu (Member Relations & HR Manager), Ebenezer Yidana (Research Officer), Evelyn Asare (Corporate and External Affairs Officer), and Oscar Cyril K. Mingah (Operations Assistant Officer).
The COMAC team was led by CEO Riverson Oppong, PhD, together with Mohammed (Mo) Issah (Director for Policy & Regulations), Samuel Wristberg (Head of Policy & Research), Adjoa Baah Akuffo, Esq. (Head of Administration and Legal Advisor), Abena Ofosua Larbi (Senior Corporate Communication Officer), Courage Agblevor (Senior Compliance Officer), and Genny Dodoo (Executive Assistant).
Both teams shared perspectives on their organizations’ governance structures, operational realities, and the key issues affecting not only their members but the downstream petroleum industry as a whole.
The dialogue was solution-driven, focusing on compliance and enforcement standards, member subscription frameworks, pricing dynamics, and the broader commercial and regulatory environment shaping the sector.
Discussions also emphasized product quality assurance, brand integrity, and operational discipline as critical drivers of market confidence.
In this regard, both organisations explored the need to institutionalise a joint Dispute Resolution Committee, alongside strengthening credit and financial risk management mechanisms to enhance accountability and industry stability.
The meeting further outlined clear pathways for structured collaboration — particularly where unified advocacy, strategic policy engagement, and coordinated industry action can drive sustainable growth and stability within the sector.
Ghana: ECG Calls In GSA To Investigate Prepaid Meter Credit Depletion
The Electricity Company of Ghana has confirmed that it has begun investigations into reports of rapid credit depletion on prepaid meters, following a directive from the sector minister.
According to the company, although its meters undergo rigorous testing and calibration to ensure accuracy before deployment, it has welcomed the minister’s order to further probe the matter.
In a statement signed by William Boateng, Director of Communication, the power distributor said it has formally requested the Ghana Standards Authority to independently and randomly select and test its meters in both laboratory and field environments.
ECG noted that the Authority’s findings will form part of its final report to the Honourable Minister.
The company said the move to involve GSA is driven by its commitment to transparency and accountability.
“ECG remains committed to responsive, transparent, and accountable service delivery, and we appreciate our valued customers and stakeholders for their continued support and cooperation,” the statement added.
Zambia: President Hichilema Fears Middle East Conflict Will Affect Fuel Pump Prices
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has expressed concern that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East could undermine the country’s efforts to make fuel more affordable for citizens.
According to the President, the government had managed the petroleum sector well prior to the U.S. and Israeli coordinated attack on Iran. He said he hopes the conflict will end soon, as it poses a risk of pushing fuel prices higher.
U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday said the Iran war, projected to last four to five weeks, could go “far longer.”
The conflict is already raising concerns among oil-importing nations, with Brent crude rising to $84 per barrel on Monday afternoon.
“We all hope this war will come to an end quickly so that it doesn’t shoot up the price of fuel and distort our inflation issues and the cost of doing business,” President Hichilema said on Monday while addressing more than 1,800 councillors from across Zambia.
“The economy is stabilising — macro-stability, fiscal consolidation, single-digit inflation down from 23 percent,” President Hichilema noted.
“We are only concerned about the war in Iran now, which could drive fuel prices up. You have seen what we have been doing to the pump price.”
He said the government has been working to reduce pump prices.
“The price of fuel is based on only three parameters, councillors. Part of this interaction is for you to gather data so you can take it back to your wards and explain to the people.
“The first parameter is the exchange rate, which we are managing well. The second is the cost of transporting fuel — that’s why we are pushing for more pipeline capacity, as it is cheaper than road transport.
“The third is the international price of fuel… the war in Iran is causing increases in fuel prices. That is beyond us. We don’t support war, we don’t support conflict, but that is beyond us.”
Ghana Moves To Ensure Fuel Security Amid Middle East Conflict
Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor (MP), on Tuesday convened a high-level meeting with key stakeholders across the country’s petroleum upstream and downstream sectors to assess the potential impact of the ongoing crisis in the Middle East on the nation’s fuel security.
The engagement brought together representatives from the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), BOSTEnergies, Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), Bulk Import, Distribution and Export Companies (BIDECs), and other industry players.
In a statement issued by Richmond Rockson Esq., Head of Communication, the ministry said discussions focused on heightened global oil market volatility, potential supply chain disruptions, freight cost fluctuations, and possible implications for domestic pricing and consumer welfare.
Hon. Dr. Jinapor underscored the need to be proactive in safeguarding Ghana’s energy supply reliability. He emphasized that contingency measures are being reviewed and strengthened to minimise any potential adverse effects on the country arising from the current geopolitical tensions.
The Minister directed the National Petroleum Authority, as the downstream sector regulator, to intensify market surveillance and maintain close coordination with industry stakeholders to ensure that any anticipated supply disruptions are mitigated swiftly and effectively.
He further instructed all sector agencies to maintain adequate strategic fuel stocks, enhance monitoring of international developments, and ensure stable nationwide distribution.
The ministry assured the public that government remains fully committed to protecting Ghana’s energy supply security.
“All necessary measures are being explored to ensure sustained fuel availability and to mitigate undue hardship on consumers. The Ministry will continue to monitor developments closely and provide timely updates as the situation evolves,” the statement said.
On Tuesday afternoon, Brent crude rose to $84 per barrel, sparking concerns among oil-importing countries, including Ghana.
U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday said the ongoing war against Iran, an OPEC member, which is projected to last 4 to 5 weeks, could go “far longer.”
Tanzania: President Samia Lays Foundation Stone For 15 Major Oil Storage Project At Port Of Dar Es Salaam
Tanzanian President Her Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan on Tuesday laid the foundation stone for the Oil Receiving and 15 Storage Tanks Construction Project at the Port of Dar es Salaam, Kigamboni.
The project forms part of the government’s broader strategy to expand and modernise the port, strengthening its position as a key trade gateway for Tanzania and the wider Indian Ocean region.
Minister for Transport Prof. Makame Mbarawa said that in addition to constructing the oil storage tanks, the government is also undertaking the construction of Berth Number One, which will be 500 metres long and capable of receiving two vessels simultaneously, each with a carrying capacity of approximately 50,000 tonnes.
He added that these ongoing improvements are aimed at increasing the port’s capacity to handle larger cargo volumes, reducing vessel congestion, and enhancing the competitiveness of the Dar es Salaam Port within the Indian Ocean region.
According to Prof. Mbarawa, between July and December last year, the Dar es Salaam Port handled a total of 19.99 million tonnes of cargo within six months.
He said the government aims to increase cargo handling capacity to 40 million tonnes by the end of the 2025/2026 financial year—an achievement expected to improve port efficiency and boost its contribution to national economic growth.