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Ghana: Energy Minister John Abdulai Jinapor Earns PhD In Development Finance From Stellenbosch University In South Africa

South Africa–based University of Stellenbosch has conferred a PhD in Development Finance on Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, after he successfully defended his thesis, which focused on energy, foreign direct investment (FDI), and environmental sustainability, with notable publications in reputable journals. The University conferred the PhD on him, along with other graduands, during its graduation ceremony on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. Hon. Jinapor’s thesis, titled Inclusive Growth and Environmental Quality: Evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa, examined three critical dimensions: the role of foreign direct investment and energy consumption in promoting inclusive economic growth; how institutions can mitigate the negative environmental effects of economic activities; and the potential of financial development and information and communications technology to enhance energy sufficiency in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Using panel data from 2000 to 2019, his research provides relevant policy insights, demonstrating that SSA economies can achieve accelerated, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth—aligning with Africa’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Agenda 2030. Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor’s latest achievement adds to the many academic qualifications he has earned both locally and internationally. He holds an MSc in Energy Economics, an MSc in Development Finance, an MBA in Marketing, and an MA in Economic Policy Management. Beyond his political and academic pursuits, Hon. Jinapor has contributed significantly to Ghana’s energy sector, serving as Chairman of the Nuclear Energy Programme Implementing Organization and as a board member of the Electricity Company of Ghana. He has also represented Ghana at various international conferences, including COP28 in Dubai, the IMF Spring Meetings in Washington, and the Mining Indaba in South Africa.

Nigeria: NNPC E&P Limited Hits Record 355,000 Barrels Per Day Production — Highest In 36 Years

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Nigeria’s National Petroleum Company Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL), the upstream subsidiary of NNPC Limited, has achieved a record production level of 355,000 barrels of oil per day, marking its highest daily output since 1989. This milestone was confirmed in a statement issued on Tuesday by NNPC Limited’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, who noted that the achievement represents the company’s biggest output in 36 years and signals renewed momentum in Nigeria’s upstream recovery efforts. According to NNPC Limited, average daily production increased by 52%, rising from 203,000 barrels per day in 2023 to 312,000 barrels per day in 2025. The company emphasised that the record growth was not coincidental but driven by a clear strategy anchored on operational excellence, strong asset management, and structured field development. Speaking on the achievement, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, Group CEO of NNPC Limited, stated that the milestone is proof that Nigeria’s energy revival “is not a dream; it is already happening.” “By showing its ability to exceed its own production benchmarks, NEPL confirms that the essential building blocks for scaling national output are being firmly established. The accomplishment signals that the machinery of production—equipment, processes, capabilities, and partnerships—can be driven with commercial discipline to produce real and positive outcomes,” Ojulari said. He added that the achievement reinforces confidence both nationally and internationally, assuring partners and investors that Nigeria is committed to reaffirming its role as a dependable energy supplier. For his part, Udy Ntia, Executive Vice President, Upstream, said the milestone goes beyond the 355,000 bpd figure. “In a sector where shortcuts can yield short-term wins but long-term damage, NEPL is making a different point: sustainable progress must rest on responsible operations. This ensures that scaling production does not compromise worker safety, community wellbeing, or environmental protection. It reinforces a shift away from extraction at any cost toward sustainable value creation—a core requirement for any modern energy company seeking global relevance,” Ntia said. Nicolas Foucart, Managing Director of NEPL, also noted that the company’s record-setting performance reflects the broader transformation taking place across NNPC Limited. “This is a story shaped by leadership that charts a clear course; by partnerships built on alignment and accountability; and by a workforce whose hard work is turning goals into measurable progress. Our people, our processes, and our principles are the real engines behind this success. We are building for tomorrow, not just celebrating today,” Foucart stated. He added: “For Nigerians, this achievement means far more than increased barrels; it translates into greater national revenue, stronger energy security, and a more resilient economic foundation. NEPL has not only produced more hydrocarbons; it has reignited belief in what Nigeria’s energy sector can achieve with the right systems, culture, and dedication.”      

Ghana: Energy News Africa Organises Maiden Capacity-Building Training For Journalists In Tema

Ghana-based Energy News Africa Ltd, one of Africa’s leading energy news portals, in collaboration with the Tema Regional branch of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), has held its maiden capacity-building training at Hotel Marjorie ‘Y’ in Tema Community 6. The programme aimed to equip journalists in the Tema Region with the skills needed for effective energy sector reporting in the era of social media and Artificial Intelligence (AI). The training, themed: “Leveraging Social Media and AI for Effective Energy Reporting: Trends, Tools and Best Practices,” brought together participants from the print, television, and radio sectors. In his welcome address, Mr. Michael Dewornu, Tema Regional Chairman of the GJA, commended the Executive Director of Energy News Africa Ltd, Mr. Michael Creg Afful, for agreeing to organise the programme in Tema for the first time after holding three previous sessions in Accra, the capital of Ghana. He encouraged Mr. Afful to continue collaborating with the GJA so that more of such training programmes could be organised to equip reporters in the region, noting that Tema hosts strategic power and petroleum installations. Mr. Dewornu praised the journalists for their participation and urged them to apply the knowledge gained to improve their reportage. In his presentation, Mr. Michael Creg Afful, Executive Director of Energy News Africa Ltd, outlined the structure of Ghana’s power and petroleum sectors, emphasising the need for journalists to understand the mandates and functions of each player in the value chain. According to him, when journalists are familiar with these roles, they will know which institution or agency to contact for clarification, thereby avoiding the publication or broadcast of inaccurate information. Mr. Afful urged journalists not to rush to publish stories, stressing the importance of thorough verification before publication. He added, “Since we started, we have ensured that we remain a professional platform.” Ing. Jabesh Amissah-Arthur, Managing Partner of Arthur Energy Advisors and Chairman of the training programme, said it is sometimes disheartening for energy experts to listen to media discussions where issues are often mixed up. Ing. Amissah-Arthur, who also serves as Board Chairman of the Volta River Authority, noted that Ghana’s energy sector is a vital component of the national economy. He added that the media serves as the stream of information; therefore, information disseminated on the sector must be accurate to promote transparency and drive sustainable development. Mr. Charles Wundengba, Chief Executive Officer of Wundef Media in Obuasi, spoke on the theme and presented statistics on social media usage and the adoption of AI tools by journalists and media organisations to enhance their work. He encouraged the media to make effective use of AI and social media to market their work and generate revenue, explaining that audiences are more likely to rewatch a 30-second video than read lengthy articles or watch full television news bulletins. He noted that AI has become a permanent feature of the media landscape, and journalists must learn to use it responsibly rather than avoiding it due to fear of losing creative skills, despite some negative impacts AI may pose. Mr. Edmond Kombat, Managing Director of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), provided an overview of the refinery’s operations, highlighting gains made this year and plans to restore the facility to full operation. Mr. Roger Akrong, Chief Information Security Officer at the Information Security Directorate of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), representing the Managing Director, also delivered a presentation on social media and AI, outlining both their benefits and risks.

Senegal Plans To Nationalise Kosmos-Run Yakaar-Teranga Gas Project

Senegal plans to nationalise the Yakaar-Teranga gas project, operated by Kosmos Energy and estimated to be one of the world’s largest discoveries in recent years, with a view to meeting domestic gas needs, the country’s energy minister said. Kosmos Energy, which has a 90% stake, became the operator of the Yakaar-Teranga gas field in 2023 after BP decided to exit. Kosmos’ licence for the field runs out in July 2026, a company spokesperson said when asked about the minister’s comments. State-controlled company Petrosen holds the remaining 10% in the field, which is estimated to hold around 25 trillion cubic feet of recoverable gas, even more than the Leviathan field offshore Israel, which has around 22 tcf of recoverable gas. “It’s a project we have operators for, and we want to nationalise it and give Petrosen, which has the expertise, the opportunity to develop this project to meet domestic gas needs… without ruling out the possibility of exporting,” Energy Minister Birame Souleye Diop said at a conference in the town of Diamniadio on Tuesday. Petrosen, which holds a 10% stake in the project, said last year it expected a final investment decision in 2025. So far no decision has been made public. “Since discovering natural gas at Yakaar-Teranga in 2017 and following BP’s departure from the licence in 2023, Kosmos Energy has been working hard with Petrosen to find a suitable partner and agree a commercially viable development concept. The current Yakaar-Teranga licence expires in July 2026,” Kosmos said. Kosmos and Petrosen, as well as BP, are also shareholders in the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim liquefied natural gas project offshore Senegal and Mauritania, which is estimated to hold 15 trillion cubic feet of potentially recoverable gas and which loaded its first cargo in April.  

Ghana: StarOil Launches “Fuel Now, Pay Later” Scheme To Ease Burden On Motorists

Ghana’s leading indigenous Oil Marketing Company (OMC), StarOil Ghana Limited, has introduced a new digital credit service that allows customers to fuel their vehicles and pay later. The initiative, launched in partnership with Hubtel, is designed to ease short-term cash flow challenges for motorists while ensuring uninterrupted mobility. Branded “Fuel Now, Pay Later”, the service enables customers to access fuel on credit at selected StarOil stations and settle the payment conveniently after work or within an agreed repayment period. To use the service, customers must download the myCredit Score app from the App Store or Google Play, register, and verify their identity using their Ghana Card. They can then visit any participating StarOil station — Mallam Junction, Adenta SDA, Adenta Aviation, or North Industrial Area — to fuel on credit. Currently, the service is available exclusively to MTN and Telecel subscribers, and customers are required to comply with the applicable terms and conditions set by the partners. The initiative has caught the attention of Ghana’s former Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who is widely regarded by many Ghanaians as “Mr. Digital.” In a social media post, Dr. Bawumia congratulated StarOil Ghana and encouraged other companies to emulate the move. “I congratulate StarOil Ghana Ltd and its bold and visionary CEO for launching their Fuel Now, Pay Later scheme today, which makes it possible for Ghanaians, especially drivers, to buy fuel on credit using their Ghanacard through the individualised credit scoring system.” “When I launched this initiative last year, many sceptics did not see it as possible. “A credit economy is so vital in making life a lot less stressful for many people in advanced economies. “Thankfully, in Ghana, we have put in place the critical foundational pillars to underpin an efficient credit economy using the Ghanacard as an anchor, and supported by pillars such as the digital address system, our interoperable mobile money payment system, and the individualised credit scoring system. “I look forward to other OMCs (Oil Marketing Companies) and businesses embracing the individualised credit scoring system to give Ghanaian workers the much-needed option of buying goods and services on credit and paying for them with ease through their Ghanacard and credit score, as Star Oil Ghana has done,” Dr Bawumia said on Facebook.

Israel To Approve $35B Gas Export Deal With Egypt Amid U.S. Pressure

Israel is expected to approve its $35 billion gas export with Egypt, worth an estimated $35 billion, amid pressure from the Trump administration. Under the deal, Israel will export 130 billion cubic meters of natural gas from the Leviathan gas field to Egypt with partners Chevron Corp.,  NewMed Energy and Ratio Petroleum Energy  guaranteeing a set price for the domestic economy. Previously, Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly announced that the supply agreement was extended until 2040. However, relations between the two countries soured after the Israeli military ordered residents of Gaza City to evacuate in September. Last year, Egypt imported a record 981 million cubic feet per day of natural gas from Israel, good for 18.2% year-over-year increase. Egypt imports up to 20% of its gas from Israel. Over the past couple of years, the African country has seen its ambitions to become a regional natural gas supply and LNG export hub go up in flames, with a series of setbacks turning the country from a net exporter of the vital commodity to an importer. Egypt’s natural gas production has experienced a significant and rapid decline in recent years, particularly since its peak in 2021 at around 6.6 bcf/d. Data from early 2025 indicated an eight-year low of below 5 billion cubic feet per day (bcf/d). The main reason for the decline is the natural depletion of existing gas fields, including the massive Zohr field, which accounts for about 40% of Egypt’s total gas production. Production at Zohr has dropped by about a third since 2019. Lack of New Discoveries and Investment have also taken a toll, with few significant new gas fields discovered since Zohr in 2015. Further, insufficient investment in exploration and development, partly due to the government’s arrears owed to foreign oil companies, has hampered efforts to offset the natural decline of existing wells.

Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, Togo Cooperate To Boost Regional Gas Access

Three French-speaking West African nations—Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, and Togo—have signed an agreement to establish a joint framework to strengthen regional access to natural gas. The agreement followed a meeting of the three countries’ energy ministers in Abidjan on Sunday. The initiative, backed by the World Bank Group, aims to address shared supply challenges as the three coastal states increasingly rely on gas-fired power generation, according to local outlet Togo First. Togo, represented at the meeting by Energy Minister Robert Koffi Eklo, faces rising pressure on its power system as production costs remain high when liquid fuels are used. Eklo said deeper cooperation with regional partners is essential and noted that the eventual creation of a regional gas institution—similar to the West African Power Pool (WAPP)—could be considered. World Bank Vice President for West and Central Africa, Ousmane Diagana, said coordinated action among the three states would help consolidate demand and strengthen their negotiating position with international gas suppliers. The World Bank, including IFC and MIGA, has indicated its readiness to support the project. The final declaration identifies three priorities: pooling imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG), creating a technical working group within one month to design an operating model, and developing a bankable project structure with World Bank assistance. The objective is to reduce supply costs, improve energy security, and support a transition toward lower-emission fuels. The initiative comes as Côte d’Ivoire accelerates its gas development and builds on significant proven reserves. The Baleine field—containing an estimated 3.3 trillion cubic feet of gas and brought into production in 2023—already supplies the country’s power plants. A new exploration phase is underway, with the Deepwater Skyros vessel drilling three additional wells in the Civette, Calao, and Caracal areas. A separate bidirectional pipeline project linking Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana is still under consideration. Both governments have reaffirmed their intention to move forward with a gas interconnection to serve power generation, fertilizer production, and industry. Over time, this link could also reinforce supply to the West African Gas Pipeline, which serves Ghana, Togo, and Benin. A second regional gas hub could help reduce long-standing dependence on Nigerian gas and diversify supply sources for Togo and Benin.

India Adds 7.2 GW Of Coal Power To Bolster Energy Security

India has added as much as 7.2 gigawatts (GW) of coal-fired power capacity in the current fiscal year ending March 2026, which is about 60% above the previous fiscal year’s capacity expansion with four months to go, government data showed on Tuesday.

The newly-commissioned capacity in the 2025/2026 fiscal year so far has hit the highest in a decade as India looks to bolster its energy security with flexible baseload power capacity, according to the data shared in Parliament by India’s Deputy Power Minister Shripad Naik and cited by Bloomberg. India’s annual installations of new coal-fired power capacity hit 4 gigawatts in 2024, flat on the five-year high of 2023 and the highest level since 2019, according to official government figures. The country plans to continue relying on coal and expand coal power capacity by at least 2035. India has not taken any decision about expanding its massive coal-fired power generation fleet beyond 2035, the country’s power ministry secretary, Pankaj Agarwal, said this weekend. “India wants to secure its energy requirements,” Agarwal told Reuters, adding that as on 2035, India aims to have 307 GW of coal power capacity. It would be “premature to say what we want to do beyond 2035,” the official said. Reports emerged last week that India’s authorities are considering a significant boost to coal-fired power plant capacity beyond the current 2035 peak coal expansion date and could continue building coal plants until at least 2047. If the plan to expand the coal power fleet by 2047 goes through, India could have as much as 420 GW of coal power capacity by that year, nearly double the current level, or a massive 87% jump from 2025, Bloomberg reported last week, citing sources with knowledge of the plans. Coal-fired power generation and capacity installations in India continue to rise and coal remains a key pillar of India’s electricity mix with about 60% share of total power output.  

Ghana: Minority MPs Demand Immediate Withdrawal Of New Year Electricity And Water Tariff Hikes

Minority Members of Parliament in Ghana are calling for the immediate reversal of the 9.86% electricity tariff increase and the 15.92% water tariff hike set to take effect on January 1, 2026, vowing to use every parliamentary avenue to block the adjustments. Addressing a press conference in Accra on Monday, December 8, the Ranking Member on Parliament’s Energy Committee, George Kwame Aboagye, said the hikes represent an unacceptable shock to already struggling households and businesses. He stressed that the Minority would stand firmly with the public. Mr. Aboagye emphasized that the Minority’s position is firm and non-negotiable, describing the tariff hikes as an act of exploitation rather than responsible leadership by the government. A cross-section of Ghanaians, including the Trades Union Congress (TUC), has criticized the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) for approving the increases, arguing that higher electricity and water tariffs will place additional burdens on workers. “Our position remains firm and non-negotiable. These tariff hikes must be reversed immediately, and measures must be taken to protect consumers and sustain businesses,” he insisted. He stressed that the public deserves economic stability rather than continuous setbacks: “Ghanaians deserve relief, not repeated shocks. They deserve leadership, not exploitation. And as a Minority Caucus, we will continue to hold this government accountable and defend the rights of the people.” Mr. Aboagye further stated that the Minority Caucus would not rely solely on public criticism but would use its legislative powers to demand fairness and accountability in the management of the nation’s utilities. “We call on the government to immediately halt these incessant increases. The Minority stands firmly with Ghanaian workers, households, small businesses, and industries struggling to survive.” Outlining their strategy, he added: “We will continue to use every legitimate parliamentary tool to demand fairness, transparency, and accountability in the management of the nation’s utilities.” This parliamentary push could involve filing motions, posing urgent questions, or calling for a special debate on the impact and justification for the tariff adjustments approved by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC). The Minority’s strong stance is fueled by concerns over the potential economic harm to key segments of the Ghanaian economy, particularly households and small businesses.

Africa Needs $375 Billion In Gas Investment Over The Next 10 Years, Says Riverson Oppong

Africa will require an estimated $375 billion over the next 10 to 12 years to adequately fund upstream and midstream gas development across the continent, according to Riverson Oppong, Africa Director for the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE). “Africa is a gas market. But despite our immense potential – holding 8% of global reserves – we don’t participate on the global stage. Our constraint lies in policy, commercial frameworks, infrastructure and financing conditions,” Dr. Oppong said during a workshop at the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference and exhibition, hosted by SPE Senegal. He said SPE Africa is committed to supporting increased investment through integrated national gas master plans, bankable contractual frameworks, robust infrastructure development, and institutional capacity building. “Our aim is to foster technical discussions between oil and gas players in Senegal and across Africa,” added Dr. Rose Ndong, Dakar Section Chair, SPE. During the presentation, global technology company SLB emphasized that digital technology investments can improve exploration and drilling, enhance production efficiency, and strengthen supply chain optimization and resilience. IoT, analytics and AI were highlighted as key enablers for improving Africa’s upstream value chain by enabling real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, better decision-making, and improved safety and environmental compliance. “Data is a key focus area for improving the upstream value chain in Africa,” noted Larry Velasco, Africa New Venture Manager at SLB. “The cost of bad data can result in the loss of approximately 15–25% of revenue for most companies.” SLB also indicated that oil and natural gas demand is expected to grow by about 20% by 2050. This outlook is supported by major oil and gas discoveries across the continent in 2025, with 17 high-impact wells completed this year. “Energy demand is rising rapidly, and Africa’s oil and gas industry requires a rapid deployment of investment to offset declines and meet peak demand,” stated Paul Freeman, Global Exploration Advisor at SLB.    

UK: TotalEnergies Merges Its Upstream Business With NEO NEXT To Become Largest Independent Oil And Gas Producer In The UK

French multinational oil and gas company TotalEnergies has signed an agreement with NEO NEXT Energy Limited (NEO NEXT) to merge its upstream business with NEO NEXT, making it the leading shareholder in the expanded entity. The new company will be named NEO NEXT+, with TotalEnergies holding a 47.5% stake. Upon completion of the transaction, NEO NEXT+ will be jointly owned by TotalEnergies (47.5%), HitecVision (28.875%), and Repsol UK (23.625%). The company will inherit a large and diverse asset portfolio, including NEO Energy’s and Repsol UK’s interests in the Elgin/Franklin complex and the Penguins field. With TotalEnergies as its leading shareholder, NEO NEXT+ is set to become the largest independent oil and gas producer in the UK, with production expected to exceed 250,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day by 2026. The company will be well-positioned to maximize the value of its portfolio, deliver strong financial returns, and ensure long-term sustainability and resilience for its oil and gas operations. “This transaction demonstrates TotalEnergies’ long-standing commitment to the UK oil and gas sector and its energy security. As the new largest shareholder of NEO NEXT+, we are excited to bring our recognized track record as a leading operator in the UK North Sea, where we have been present for more than 60 years. TotalEnergies’ consistent focus on running low-cost and low-emissions operations will be instrumental in delivering material economies of scale within the new NEO NEXT+ portfolio, enhancing the company’s cash flow generation as soon as the deal closes,” said Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies. Completion of the transaction is subject to customary conditions, including regulatory approvals, and is expected in the first half of 2026.

Nigeria: Katsina Residents Hit Streets In Protest Over 6-Month Blackout

Residents of Katsina State in northern Nigeria took to the streets on Sunday to protest what they described as six months of complete darkness. The protesters lamented that the prolonged outage has crippled daily life and deepened economic hardship. They called for urgent action to restore power to Abuja Quarters, Barhim Layout, Sha’iskawa, and Tigirmis Quarters. According to the residents, the blackout has plunged more than 5,000 households into severe hardship, worsening water shortages and heightening insecurity in the affected communities. A representative of the residents, Usman Mohammad-Alqasim, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the long blackout has become intolerable for families struggling to cope. “For about six months now, thousands of people in these communities have been cut off from the national grid without any clear explanation,” he said. He attributed the outage to illegal structures built under a 33kV line, which the state government had ordered demolished before the exercise was halted midway. “Some structures were removed, but work suddenly stopped after the intervention of the Batagarawa Council Chairman, Alhaji Yahaya Kawo,” he said. Mohammad-Alqasim added that although the chairman informed residents that funds had been approved to relocate the line, no work has begun. Instead, he claimed, houses originally marked for demolition now enjoy electricity, while the larger communities remain in darkness. The Village Head of Barhim Layout, Malam Sirajo Aminu, said the blackout has worsened theft and insecurity in the affected areas. “If not for a few concerned individuals, the suffering would have been much worse. Many residents can barely access water,” he said. Aminu urged the state government to restore electricity and provide essential infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, and proper drainage systems. The residents vowed to continue pressing for swift intervention to end what they described as an avoidable and painful ordeal. Council Chairman Yahaya Kawo confirmed he was aware of the situation and assured residents that efforts were underway to resolve the issue “this week.”

Ghana To Receive 3,600 Net Meters In December To Fast-Track SREP

Ghana’s Ministry of Energy and Green Transition is expected to take delivery of 3,600 net meters in December as the first batch of the 12,000 meters earmarked for the Scaling-Up Renewable Energy Programme (SREP). Upon arrival, the meters will be distributed to the two power utility companies in the country—the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo). Ing. Seth Mahu, Director for Renewable Energy and Green Transition at the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, disclosed this to Energy News Africa during the recent launch of the SREP web portal in Accra. The Scaling-Up Renewable Energy Programme (SREP) targets households, SMEs, public institutions, and industries nationwide. According to Ing. Mahu, households stand to gain a $730 subsidy on solar PV installations, paid directly to installers to reduce the cost of systems between 2–5 kilowatts. SMEs qualify for a $650 subsidy on installations strictly between 2–10 kilowatts to help lower business energy bills. Public institutions—including 1,089 secondary schools, hospitals, and district assemblies—will also receive free meters, while industrial users with systems of up to 500 kilowatts will receive meters without additional incentives to enable grid-tied exports of excess power. Ing. Mahu underscored the urgency and transparency of the process: “Once the meters arrive, they will be entered into the database, and we will identify customers who have applied for net metering and deliver the meters to enable their connection.” He added, “This is a programme that Ghanaians have been waiting for; the industry has been waiting for. Today, it has been launched, and we expect that very soon, people will begin submitting their applications.” Consumers, businesses, and institutions are encouraged to apply promptly via the user-friendly portal, where the media and civil society can monitor progress in real time. He explained that subsequent batches will follow to complete the rollout, transforming applicants into prosumers who generate and consume grid energy while supporting Ghana’s 10% renewable energy target by 2030, positioning net metering as a model for Africa. The initiative—backed by AfDB, CIF, SECO, and government funding—promises to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, create jobs in solar installation, and expand access to clean energy.

Senegal: Petrol, Diesel Prices Drop

The Government of Senegal has announced a reduction in the prices of automotive fuels (super gasoline and diesel) to ease the burden on transport operators and commuters. Under the new pricing, petrol (super unleaded gasoline) is now sold at 920 FCFA per litre, down from 990 FCFA per litre, while diesel is sold at 680 FCFA per litre, down from 755 FCFA per litre. The measure reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening household purchasing power, supporting economic operators, and promoting transparency in the pricing of petroleum products. A statement jointly issued by the Minister of Energy, Petroleum and Mines and the Minister of Industry and Trade noted that the prices set are maximum rates. Distributors are therefore authorized to offer lower prices, provided they comply with existing regulations. The statement added that the relevant departments of the ministries concerned will monitor the proper implementation of these provisions across the national territory.