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Tanzania Commissions $3.35 Billion Julius Nyerere Hydropower Plant (Photos)

Michael Creg Afful
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Tanzania Commissions $3.35 Billion Julius Nyerere Hydropower Plant (Photos)
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan on Saturday officially commissioned the Julius Nyerere Hydroelectric Power Plant (JNHPP), with a generation capacity of 2,115 megawatts, at the project site in Rufiji, Pwani region. The 7.452 trillion Tanzanian shilling ($3.35 billion) plant was built between June 2019 and March 2025. The inauguration was attended by senior officials including Vice President Emmanuel Nchimbi, Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba, Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Energy Minister Deogratius Ndejembi. The inauguration marked the completion of the major strategic project, which was financed entirely by the Tanzanian government. The project has increased Tanzania’s electricity generation capacity and strengthened energy security. Tanzania Electricity Supply Company Limited (TANESCO) Managing Director Lazaro Twange said the government is relying on the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project to transform the country’s electricity generation capacity and strengthen its position as a major business and investment hub in East Africa. Twange said the plant would significantly increase Tanzania’s power supply and support economic and commercial growth. He described the dam as a major strategic engineering project equipped with modern infrastructure aimed at strengthening Tanzania’s energy security and economic potential. “The project’s nine turbines will substantially expand Tanzania’s electricity generation capacity, creating greater room for industrial growth, investment and trade,” he said. The government, through TANESCO, signed a construction contract for the project on Dec. 12, 2018, with Egyptian companies Arab Contractors and Elsewedy Electric. A day earlier, on Dec. 11, 2018, the government assigned TANESCO responsibility for overseeing the project’s implementation. Twange said TANESCO subsequently signed an agreement with the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS) on April 17, 2019, covering consultancy and supervision of some project activities. The dam is one of Tanzania’s largest and most strategic infrastructure projects, comprising six key components that form the power-generation complex, Twange said.      

Ghana: Madina, Nima, Cantonment, Other Accra Areas To Experience 15-Hour Power Outage On Sunday

Michael Creg Afful
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Ghana: Madina, Nima, Cantonment, Other Accra Areas To Experience 15-Hour Power Outage On Sunday
The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has released a list of areas in Accra that will experience a power outage from 3 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday as part of emergency works by the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) to replace a damaged transmission tower on the Tema-Achimota 161-kilovolt transmission line at Ashaiman Middle East. In a statement, ECG said the affected areas include Nima Township, Kanda Highway, Kanda Estate, Kokomlemle, Sulana, Circle, Madina Township, Okponglo and Cantonment. Other affected areas include Osu Oxford Street, Mallam Atta Market, parts of Ridge, Labone, Kojo Sardine, Teshie Rasta Road and surrounding areas. The transmission tower was damaged on July 10 when a fuel tanker exploded while welding work was being carried out on its tank within the transmission line right of way (RoW). ECG expressed regret for any inconvenience the planned interruption may cause customers in the affected areas. In a separate statement on Saturday, GRIDCo said its engineers and technical teams would use the outage period to safely undertake the remaining work needed to restore the integrity of the transmission line. “To facilitate the replacement works and ensure the safety of personnel and the public, power supply to some locations in the Greater Accra Region will be interrupted during the period of work,” GRIDCo said. GRIDCo said it was collaborating with ECG to mitigate the impact of the interruption on customers and communities in the affected areas. “We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience this interruption will cause and request the patience, understanding and cooperation of the public as GRIDCo works progressively to complete this critical work,” the company said.

Botswana: BPC Restores Power To Most Areas After Unplanned Nationwide Outage

Michael Creg Afful
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Botswana: BPC Restores Power To Most Areas After Unplanned Nationwide Outage
Botswana experienced power outages in several parts of the country on Saturday, leaving households and businesses without electricity. The country’s power utility, Botswana Power Corporation (BPC), confirmed the outage in a statement, saying it was caused by a disturbance on the power system. BPC said electricity had been restored to most affected areas, while teams were continuing to work to reconnect customers in the remaining areas. The power utility apologised to customers for what it described as an unplanned power interruption.    

Energy News Africa Joins ADNOC As Media Partner For ADIPEC 2026

Peter Adofo Asante
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Energy News Africa Joins ADNOC As Media Partner For ADIPEC 2026
Energy News Africa, a leading Pan-African energy news portal, has joined the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) as a media partner for the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC) 2026, scheduled for Nov. 2-5, 2026, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. ADIPEC is hosted by ADNOC and organised by dmg events. The event will take place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) and will bring together energy industry leaders, policymakers, investors and technology providers from around the world. The 2026 edition will feature more than 2,250 exhibitors and 13 conference programmes with more than 380 sessions covering issues including energy security and resilience, policy and regulation, finance and investment, artificial intelligence, digitalisation, upstream, natural gas and LNG, downstream and clean energy. Operating from Accra, Ghana, Energy News Africa has established itself as a specialist media platform covering Africa’s power, oil and gas and broader energy sectors. The publication has readers across Africa, Europe, the Americas, Asia and the Middle East, including the United Arab Emirates. Since its establishment in 2018, Energy News Africa has covered developments involving governments, regulators, energy companies and industry leaders across Africa. The publication has also partnered with international energy events, including Enlit Africa, formerly African Utilities Week; African Energy Week (AEW), held in South Africa; and Africa Oil Week (AOW), which is currently hosted in Accra. Commenting on the partnership, Michael Creg Afful, Executive Director of Energy News Africa Ltd, said the agreement was an acknowledgement of the publication’s credibility and growing international reach. “This partnership is an acknowledgement that international organisations have recognised Energy News Africa as a credible platform. Since our inception in 2018, we have created visibility for UAE companies in Africa, as well as for power and oil and gas companies in Africa and the rest of the world,” Afful said. “We believe this partnership is a great opportunity and also a challenge for us to do more,” he said. Afful said Energy News Africa hoped the partnership would develop into a long-term relationship. “We wish that this partnership will be a long-lasting partnership,” he said. ADIPEC 2026 will provide a platform for global energy stakeholders to discuss energy security, competitiveness, resilience, investment and the technologies shaping the future of the energy industry. The event is held under the patronage of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, president of the United Arab Emirates.

Brazil’s PETROBRAS Begins Negotiations for Four Exploratory Blocks in Ghana

Michael Creg Afful
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Brazil’s PETROBRAS Begins Negotiations for Four Exploratory Blocks in Ghana
Brazilian state-owned energy company Petrobras said on Friday it had submitted an expression of interest in four exploratory blocks in the offshore Keta Basin in Ghana. Ghana’s Ministry of Energy and Green Transition has approved Petrobras’ application to negotiate exploration contracts for the four blocks, the company said. With the approval, Petrobras has entered the phase of direct negotiations on the terms of the exploration contracts. “The initiative is aligned with Petrobras’ strategy to replenish oil and gas reserves by exploring new frontiers, both in Brazil and abroad, as provided for in its Business Plan,” the company said. The evaluation of new opportunities aims to diversify Petrobras’ exploration portfolio while generating value and supporting the long-term sustainability of its business. As Petrobras is keen on boosting its oil and gas reserves through the exploration of new frontiers, both in Brazil and abroad, the assessment of new opportunities seeks to diversify the company’s exploration portfolio. This is part of the Brazilian player’s plans to promote value creation and the long‑term sustainability of its business. The confirmation of discussions in Ghana comes shortly after Petrobras made a hydrocarbon discovery in a frontier well offshore Amapá.  

Nigeria: Kaduna Electric Special Board Assumes Office, Vows To Turn Around Company

Michael Creg Afful
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Nigeria: Kaduna Electric Special Board Assumes Office, Vows To Turn Around Company
The newly appointed special board of Kaduna Electric assumed office on Wednesday, signalling a renewed effort to address the company’s operational challenges, improve performance and restore it to a sustainable growth trajectory. The board, chaired by Dr. Abdullahi Garba, met with the management and staff of Kaduna Electric at the company’s headquarters in Kaduna as part of its first official engagements. The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Nigeria’s electricity regulator, recently dissolved the previous board over the company’s cumulative market obligations of 456.5 billion naira ($335.2 million). Speaking during the staff engagement, Garba described the intervention as an opportunity for a new beginning and said the board was determined to work with management and employees to improve the company’s performance and restore stakeholder confidence. “This is a new beginning for Kaduna Electric, and we must all take ownership of the transformation process. The Board is committed to providing the leadership and support required to reposition the Company, but we cannot achieve this alone. I therefore call on every member of staff to bring their experience, commitment and professionalism to the task ahead. Together, we can build a Kaduna Electric that we will all be proud of,” Garba said. Dafe C. Akpeneye, commissioner for legal, licensing and compliance at NERC, said the intervention would receive the necessary support from the federal government, with measures being considered to address some of the company’s immediate and critical needs. The newly constituted board comprises Garba as chairman, Francis U. Agoha, Aliyu E. Aliyu, Major General Henry E. Ayamasaeoewi (rtd), Haliru Dikko, Ayodeji A. Gbeleyi, representing the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), and Umar Abubakar Hashidu, who will serve as administrator and special director. The board has been constituted for an initial six-month term. Management and staff welcomed the new board and expressed their readiness to work with it to achieve the objectives of the intervention, improve operational performance and strengthen service delivery to customers across the company’s franchise area. Kaduna Electric said it remained committed to working with the board, NERC, the federal government, employees, customers and other stakeholders to deliver a sustainable turnaround and build a stronger, more efficient and customer-focused company. ($1 = 1,362 naira)

Ghana: Power Supply Fully Restored Across All Affected Areas – GRIDCo

Michael Creg Afful
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Ghana: Power Supply Fully Restored Across All Affected Areas – GRIDCo
Ghana’s power transmission company, GRIDCo, has confirmed that power supply has been fully restored to all affected areas following a system disturbance that occurred on Thursday, August 20, 2026. The system disturbance occurred at about 4:30 a.m. on Thursday, triggering widespread power outages. In a statement on Friday updating the public, GRIDCo said the restoration process commenced immediately, with its engineers and power sector technical teams working diligently to restore power to all affected areas. “By 12:03 p.m., power had been restored to all affected areas,” the company said. GRIDCo expressed appreciation to the public for their cooperation and support throughout the restoration process. The company said it would continue to implement measures to strengthen the reliability, stability and resilience of the transmission network. “GRIDCo appreciates the patience, understanding and support of the public, as well as the continued cooperation of all stakeholders,” the statement concluded.    

Nigeria: NERC Cedes Akwa Ibom Power Oversight To State

Inusah Musah
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Nigeria: NERC Cedes Akwa Ibom Power Oversight To State
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has transferred regulatory oversight of Akwa Ibom state’s intrastate electricity market to the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Regulatory Commission (AKSERC), NERC said in a statement. The transfer follows Akwa Ibom’s formal notification and request for the devolution of regulatory authority over electricity operations within the state, in line with amendments to Nigeria’s constitution and the Electricity Act 2023. NERC directed Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Plc (PHEDC) to incorporate a subsidiary, to be known as PHEDC SubCo, which will assume responsibility for electricity supply and distribution within Akwa Ibom. Under the order, PHEDC must complete the incorporation of the subsidiary within 60 days of Aug. 18, 2026. PHEDC SubCo will then apply to AKSERC for the appropriate licence to undertake electricity supply and distribution within the state. NERC said all transfers envisaged under the order must be completed by Feb. 17, 2027. The move places regulation of electricity distribution and supply activities confined to Akwa Ibom under the state regulator, while NERC retains responsibility for federally regulated activities. The transfer is part of a broader restructuring of Nigeria’s electricity regulatory framework following amendments to the constitution and the Electricity Act, which allow states to regulate electricity markets within their jurisdictions. Under the new framework, NERC remains responsible for electricity activities that cross state or national boundaries, including interstate and international generation, transmission, supply, trading and system operations. State regulators can oversee intrastate markets where the relevant state has established the required regulatory institutions and formally sought the transfer of authority. NERC’s order also provides for the separation of PHEDC’s operations in Akwa Ibom through the creation of PHEDC SubCo, which will operate under the regulatory framework established by AKSERC. The development provides a legal and regulatory framework for electricity distribution and supply in Akwa Ibom as the state assumes responsibility for regulating its intrastate electricity market.  

DNO Divests Côte d’Ivoire Business To Panoro Energy In $86.5 million Deal

Michael Creg Afful
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DNO Divests Côte d’Ivoire Business To Panoro Energy In $86.5 million Deal
DNO ASA has agreed to sell its Côte d’Ivoire oil and gas business to Panoro Energy ASA for $86.5 million as the Norwegian operator concentrates its portfolio around its expanded North Sea operations. The transaction covers DNO CI LLC, the company through which DNO holds its interests in Côte d’Ivoire. Total consideration consists of $65.1 million in cash and 7 million newly issued Panoro shares. The divested business is currently producing approximately 3,300 boed net to DNO. At the transaction’s effective date, the assets held 9.4 MMboe of net proved plus probable (2P) reserves and 5.0 MMboe of net 2C contingent resources. DNO acquired the Côte d’Ivoire business from RAK Petroleum plc in 2022. The company said the assets have since become less central to its portfolio following its expansion in the North Sea and growth in company-wide net oil and gas production to nearly 150,000 boed. DNO estimates it generated an annualized internal rate of return of approximately 24% on its Côte d’Ivoire investment since entering the country in October 2022. The transaction is expected to close in mid-September 2026.

Nigeria: Atiku Says He Would Restore Petrol Subsidy If Elected Nigeria President

Michael Creg Afful
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Nigeria: Atiku Says He Would Restore Petrol Subsidy If Elected Nigeria President
Nigeria’s African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar said on Wednesday he would restore the petrol subsidy if elected president in 2027, accusing the government of failing to account for funds saved by its removal. “I did not oppose the removal of the oil subsidy, but where is the money? Where did it go? It was intended to reduce poverty and help children attend school. Where is the money now? It seems they are just stealing it,” Atiku said in Hausa. “If elected, I will bring back the oil subsidy, and whoever stole the money must refund it,” he said. Atiku said the removal of the petrol subsidy could have been justified if the savings had been channelled into development projects across the country. “The government successfully removed the subsidy, but we do not know where the money went. If they had used the money for development, to solve security problems, for education, and to create opportunities for the youth, it would be different. If elected, I can remove the subsidy and use the money to do all these properly,” he said. President Bola Tinubu announced the removal of the petrol subsidy in his inaugural address on May 29, 2023. The decision triggered an immediate increase in petrol prices and pushed up the cost of living, with the prices of goods and services rising across the country.

Ghana: Vivo Energy Ghana Honours Retailers At 2026 Conference And Awards

Michael Creg Afful
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Ghana: Vivo Energy Ghana Honours Retailers At 2026 Conference And Awards
Vivo Energy Ghana PLC, the Shell licensee in Ghana, reaffirmed its focus on operational excellence, customer service and strategic partnerships at its 2026 Retail Conference and Awards ceremony in Accra. The event, held at the Alisa Hotel under the theme “Bigger, Bolder, Better Together”, brought together retailers from across the country, company executives and employees to review the past year’s performance, share best practices and discuss priorities for the retail business. Delivering the keynote address, Vivo Energy Ghana Managing Director Christian Li commended retailers and employees for their resilience and commitment to maintaining high standards amid what he described as an increasingly dynamic and volatile business environment. “Our retailers are ambassadors of the Shell brand and the driving force behind the exceptional experiences we deliver to our customers every day,” Li said. “As we look ahead, let us continue to strengthen our safety culture, invest in our people, elevate our standards, embrace innovation, and unlock opportunities beyond fuel to position Shell mobility in the heart and minds of our customers and stakeholders,” he said. The event included a Retail Awards ceremony recognising retailers and employees for performance and operational excellence. The awards included Country Retailer of the Year 2025, won by Michael John-Delase of MKA Delase Ventures; Gold Retailer 2025, awarded to Dr. Joseph Dorph of Triple N Company Ltd; Best Territory Manager 2025, won by Agarthina Wiafe; and Best Quality Marshal 2025, awarded to Gloria Serwaa of Shell Aboaso. The conference also featured presentations on the company’s half-year performance, including its achievements, growth opportunities and priorities for the second half of the year. Participants held discussions on operational performance, customer service and sustainable growth across the retail network. Other retailers, territory managers and site teams were also recognised for their performance in key areas, the company said. Closing the conference, Retail Manager Yves-Roland Campaore urged retailers and employees to build on the momentum of the first half of the year by focusing on business growth, customer service and operational standards.  

Ghana: Major Fault On Akosombo-Volta Transmission Line Causes Outages

Michael Creg Afful
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Ghana: Major Fault On Akosombo-Volta Transmission Line Causes Outages
Ghana Grid Company Ltd (GRIDCo) began restoring electricity on Thursday after a major fault on the Akosombo-Volta transmission line disrupted the country’s power system, the company said. The incident occurred at about 4:30 a.m. (0430 GMT), triggering the automatic shutdown of generating units at the Akosombo power station and some thermal plants, GRIDCo said in a statement. The shutdowns were triggered by protection mechanisms designed to safeguard the stability and integrity of the National Interconnected Transmission System, it said. The disturbance caused power outages in parts of the country, GRIDCo said. Engineers, working with other power-sector agencies, immediately isolated the affected transmission line and began restoring electricity, the company said. “Power supply has already been restored to some affected areas, and restoration efforts are progressing steadily,” GRIDCo said. GRIDCo did not give a timeline for full restoration, but said technical teams were working to restore power to all remaining affected customers as quickly and safely as possible. The company apologised for the disruption and appealed to the public for patience and cooperation during the restoration process. GRIDCo said its immediate priority was to restore power safely while maintaining stability across the transmission system.

PETRONAS Marks 30 Years In Turkmenistan With New Upstream Agreements

Michael Creg Afful
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PETRONAS Marks 30 Years In Turkmenistan With New Upstream Agreements
PETRONAS, through its wholly owned subsidiary PETRONAS Carigali (Turkmenistan) Sdn Bhd (PC(T)SB), on Wednesday marked 30 years of operations in Turkmenistan by signing a series of agreements aimed at expanding its upstream activities in the country. The agreements were signed during Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s official visit to Turkmenistan, underscoring the longstanding bilateral relationship between the two countries and three decades of cooperation in the energy sector. PC(T)SB signed a Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) with state concern Turkmennebit and state enterprise Hazarnebit covering Offshore Block 19 and Block 20. It also signed a Cooperation Agreement with Turkmennebit covering 2D seismic studies for northern offshore blocks. Under the PSA, PC(T)SB will acquire a 100% participating interest in Block 19 and Block 20, marking PETRONAS’ entry into new exploration acreage in Turkmenistan. The Cooperation Agreement provides for the acquisition of new seismic data to address existing data gaps and support further evaluation of the northern offshore blocks. The PSA was signed by PETRONAS Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of Upstream, Mohd Jukris Abdul Wahab, on behalf of PC(T)SB, together with Turkmennebit Chairman Guvanch Agajanov and Hazarnebit Director Esetov Amanmuhammet. Jukris Abdul Wahab and Agajanov signed the Cooperation Agreement. Separately, Malaysia and Turkmenistan signed a Framework Agreement on Long-Term Cooperation for the Development of Hydrocarbon Resources of Turkmenistan. The agreement was signed by Malaysian Minister of Economy Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir and Agajanov, in his capacity as Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan. The framework provides a basis for exploring broader cooperation, including the potential development of the Galkynysh gas field and opportunities in downstream sectors such as oil refining, gas processing and gas chemicals. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Anwar and Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. “For three decades, PETRONAS and Turkmenistan have built a partnership defined by trust, shared ambition and a commitment to creating long-term value,” Jukris said. “Today’s agreements reflect our confidence in the continued potential of Turkmenistan’s energy sector and our belief in what can be achieved through enduring partnerships anchored in mutual respect and technical collaboration,” he said. Jukris also thanked Anwar, Berdimuhamedov and former Turkmen president Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for their support for PETRONAS’ operations in the country. “As we enter this new chapter, PETRONAS remains committed to working alongside our partners to responsibly develop resources, strengthen energy resilience and create sustainable value for all stakeholders, wherever we operate,” he said. As part of the anniversary, PETRONAS and Turkmennebit co-hosted a forum and exhibition on 30 years of cooperation in the oil and gas sector, attended by more than 500 participants from government agencies, local industry, Malaysian companies operating in Turkmenistan and the wider energy sector. The forum focused on emerging opportunities, industry trends and the future of energy development in Turkmenistan. A two-day exhibition highlighted PETRONAS’ activities in the country since 1996, including investments in local capability development. PETRONAS said it has trained 235 local technicians and provided scholarships to 188 Turkmen students to study at Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS and PETRONAS technical training facilities in Malaysia. The company has also supported community development projects, including the renovation of schools in Kiyanly. More than 1,000 Turkmen nationals have been employed by PETRONAS in the country over the past three decades, with local employees accounting for nearly 90% of PC(T)SB’s workforce, the company said. PETRONAS said it would continue to work with Turkmenistan on energy security, resource development and bilateral economic cooperation.

Kenya Power Signs Performance Contracts For More Than 6,000 Union Employees

Michael Creg Afful
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Kenya Power Signs Performance Contracts For More Than 6,000 Union Employees
Kenya Power on Wednesday signed performance management contracts covering more than 6,000 unionised employees as part of efforts to strengthen accountability, improve productivity and enhance customer service, the company said. The move follows more than two decades of negotiations between management and employees represented by the Kenya Electrical Trades and Allied Workers Union (KETAWU), the company said. Kenya Power said it was among the first government-owned enterprises to adopt performance contracts for unionised staff, in line with the Government-Owned Enterprises Act, 2025, which requires commercial state corporations to submit annual business plans and adopt performance contracts based on measurable results. “Productivity is not simply about doing more. It is about delivering better results through effective use of our time, our skills, our resources and our technology,” Kenya Power Managing Director and CEO Joseph Siror said. “We are becoming more efficient, more reliable and more focused on our customers. But improvement is not the destination; excellence is.” The process was guided by Kenya’s Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC). Speaking at the signing ceremony, SRC Chairperson Sammy Chepkwony urged other public institutions to emulate Kenya Power, saying the inclusion of unionised employees in performance contracts would strengthen performance management and promote a culture of productivity across the public service. “There is nothing more powerful than having management and staff focused on one deliverable. It creates a direct link between organisational objectives and the activities of every employee,” Chepkwony said. Kenya Power’s customer base has grown from about 370,000 in 1996 to 10.4 million currently, increasing the need for improved service delivery, the company said. The performance contracts will enable the company to monitor the productivity of all employees under a single framework, it said. Ruth Muiruri, a Kenya Power director who spoke on behalf of the board chairman, said the framework was intended to go beyond regulatory compliance and help the company achieve its corporate goals through measurable improvements in service delivery. “The Board of Directors will continue to provide guidance to the management and the leadership of KETAWU to ensure smooth implementation of the productivity management framework,” Muiruri said.
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