LATEST ARTICLES

Tanzania: TANESCO Signs TZS 204.7 Billion Contract For 100 MW Kishapu Solar Project

Michael Creg Afful
-
0
Tanzania: TANESCO Signs TZS 204.7 Billion Contract For 100 MW Kishapu Solar Project

Tanzania Electric Supply Company Limited (TANESCO) has signed a contract with Sagemcom Energy & Telecom SAS and STEG International Services for the second phase of the Kishapu Solar Power Project, which will generate 100 megawatts (MW) of electricity.

The contract, valued at 204.7 billion Tanzanian shillings ( equivalent of $77,318,283.22), was signed on July 27 and the ceremony was witnessed by Energy Minister Deogratius J. Ndejembi and Deputy Energy Minister Salome Makamba.

The project will be implemented in the Ngunga area of Kishapu District in Shinyanga Region.

Ndejembi said the Kishapu Solar Power Project forms part of the government’s strategy to diversify Tanzania’s electricity generation mix and expand access to reliable, affordable power from renewable energy sources.

He said the project is being implemented in two phases with a combined installed capacity of 150 MW. The first phase, with a capacity of 50 MW, cost 118.3 billion Tanzanian shillings and is in the final stages of construction.

The second phase, with a capacity of 100 MW, officially commenced following the signing of the implementation contract and will cost 204.7 billion Tanzanian shillings, bringing the total cost of the two phases to 323 billion Tanzanian shillings.

According to the government, the project is expected to increase electricity generation from renewable energy sources, strengthen the reliability of Tanzania’s power grid and support efforts to meet rising electricity demand.

Iran Says Two Oil Tankers Abandon Attempt To Transit Hormuz

Michael Creg Afful
-
0
Iran Says Two Oil Tankers Abandon Attempt To Transit Hormuz

Two oil tankers that attempted to transit the Strait of Hormuz with U.S. support via the southern shipping lane near Oman turned back after one of them caught fire, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said on Thursday, as the war in the Middle East showed no signs of easing.

“Last night, two oil tankers, encouraged by American aircraft, attempted to leave through the unsafe southern route of the Strait of Hormuz,” the Revolutionary Guards said in a statement carried by AFP.

“After a major fire broke out on one of them, both vessels quickly turned back,” the statement said.

The southern shipping lane along Oman’s coast is believed to be protected by the United States and has been described by Iran as “unsafe.”

Since the collapse of the ceasefire, Iran has struck vessels transiting the southern lane near Oman.

As a result, many ships, including oil tankers, attempting to navigate the Strait of Hormuz have done so in so-called “dark mode,” with their transponders switched off to avoid detection.

Tanker operators have largely suspended attempts to transit the Strait since hostilities resumed and Iran restarted attacks on and harassment of vessels in the waterway.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said it had carried out a major wave of strikes against IRGC targets in Iran late on Wednesday in response to what it described as attempted Iranian missile attacks on U.S. forces on Tuesday.

The IRGC said on Thursday: “The Strait of Hormuz cannot be reopened as long as the bluster and threats of U.S. officials and their interference in maritime movements in the region continue.”

“The Strait of Hormuz is our territory, and the IRGC Navy firmly controls it,” the statement added, as the conflict in the Middle East threatened to escalate further after the United States and Saudi Arabia carried out strikes on Iran-backed militias in Iraq.

As tensions in the region persisted, Brent crude rose above $90 a barrel early on Thursday. The international benchmark was up about 1.5% at more than $92 a barrel during early European trading.

Kenya Hit By Widespread Power Outage, Kenya Power Works To Restore Supply

Michael Creg Afful
-
0
Kenya Hit By Widespread Power Outage, Kenya Power Works To Restore Supply
Several parts of Kenya were hit by a widespread power outage on Wednesday evening, leaving thousands of customers without electricity, including those in Nairobi, the Coast region, the Mt. Kenya region and parts of the Central Rift. However, electricity supply remained uninterrupted in parts of the North Rift and Western regions. Kenya Power confirmed the outage in a statement issued at 9:05 p.m. local time but did not disclose the cause. “We wish to inform our customers that we are experiencing a widespread power outage affecting customers in Nairobi, the Coast region, the Mt. Kenya region and parts of the Central Rift. However, parts of the North Rift and Western regions remain on supply,” the utility said. Kenya Power said its technical teams were working to restore electricity to the affected areas as quickly as possible. “We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused and appreciate your patience as restoration efforts continue,” the company said. Reports of the outage began emerging shortly after 8:30 p.m., when electricity supply was disrupted across several parts of the country. Social media was quickly flooded with posts from customers reporting blackouts. Users in Nairobi and surrounding areas, Eldoret, Mombasa and several other towns said power was lost at around the same time, suggesting the outage affected a significant portion of the national electricity grid. Many customers took to social media to seek updates from Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC), while others expressed concern over the cause of the outage and when electricity supply would be restored.

Glencore Expects $3.3 Billion First-Half Marketing Profit After Iran War Fuels Market Volatility

Michael Creg Afful
-
0
Glencore Expects $3.3 Billion First-Half Marketing Profit After Iran War Fuels Market Volatility
Global commodity producer and trader Glencore expects to report adjusted earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) of about $3.3 billion in its marketing division for the first half of 2026, buoyed by extreme market volatility during the Iran war that boosted trading profits. The company disclosed the forecast on Wednesday in its half-year production report ahead of its detailed interim earnings due next week. “We are pleased to report a strong production performance for the first six months of the year, where our key assets largely performed in line with expectations and previously communicated guidance,” Chief Executive Gary Nagle said. Nagle said full-year production guidance for copper, zinc and nickel remained unchanged, while the midpoint of energy coal guidance was raised by 1 million metric tons and steelmaking coal guidance was lowered by 1 million metric tons. “In our Marketing segment, we expect to report a strong half-year Marketing Adjusted EBIT of c.$3.3 billion,” he said. Read Also:Ghana Suffers Nationwide Blackout After Grid Disturbance Glencore did not disclose how much of the marketing profit came from energy trading, but further details are expected when the company releases its half-year results next week. The first-half marketing profit already exceeds the $2.9 billion adjusted EBIT reported for the division in the whole of 2025. Glencore posted a record $6.4 billion in marketing EBIT in 2022, when Russia’s invasion of Ukraine disrupted global energy markets and sent oil prices above $120 a barrel. The company said at the time the record performance was driven mainly by its energy trading business, which benefited from extreme volatility across crude oil, liquefied natural gas (LNG), refined products, coal and logistics. Trading houses and integrated oil and gas companies with large trading operations have benefited from heightened volatility in energy markets since the outbreak of the Iran war.

Zanzibar Utilities Regulatory Authority Concludes Electricity Study Tour In Nigeria

Michael Creg Afful
-
0
Zanzibar Utilities Regulatory Authority Concludes Electricity Study Tour In Nigeria
The Zanzibar Utilities Regulatory Authority (ZURA) has concluded a study tour of Nigeria’s power sector agencies to strengthen regulatory cooperation and promote knowledge exchange in electricity sector regulation. The visit, which ended on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, gave the ZURA delegation first-hand insights into Nigeria’s evolving electricity market, regulatory framework and institutional arrangements. NERC Vice Chairman Yusuf Ali said sustained collaboration between the two regulators was important and reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to continued knowledge sharing under an existing cooperation framework. As part of the programme, NERC arranged meetings with key stakeholders in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI), including a courtesy visit to the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe. The delegation also visited the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) and the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) and held technical sessions with electricity sector officials. The discussions focused on Nigeria’s electricity market structure and regulatory framework, the development of the renewable energy sector, grid code enforcement and the operation of the national grid. The delegation also visited the grid-connected rooftop solar mini-grid at Wuse Market in Abuja to study the project as a potential model for replication in Zanzibar. The study tour is part of NERC’s efforts to support capacity building and strengthen regional cooperation among electricity regulators in Africa.

Ghana Suffers Nationwide Blackout After Grid Disturbance

Michael Creg Afful
-
0
Ghana Suffers Nationwide Blackout After Grid Disturbance
Ghana suffered a nationwide power outage early Wednesday after the country’s Interconnected Transmission System experienced a major power system disturbance at about 3:11 a.m. (0311 GMT), grid operator Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) Ltd has confirmed. GRIDCo said the blackout was triggered by the simultaneous tripping of several generating plants across the national power system, resulting in a widespread interruption of electricity supply. The company said it had activated its established system restoration procedures, with engineers and system operators working continuously in close collaboration with other power sector stakeholders to restore electricity supply as quickly as possible without compromising safety. GRIDCo said a comprehensive technical investigation had also been launched to determine the exact cause of the system disturbance. The grid operator apologised for the inconvenience caused and thanked the public for its patience and understanding. “GRIDCo remains fully committed to restoring supply to all affected customers as quickly and safely as possible and will provide further updates as more information becomes available,” the company said in a statement. 

Many Ghanaians took to social media to express frustration over the power outage.

Power supply was restored to parts of the affected areas later in the afternoon, while other areas remained without electricity.

The grid operator had yet to provide a further update on the situation.

Ghana: GOIL CEO Bawa Urges NPA To Mandate Technology Transfer In Petroleum Licences

Michael Creg Afful
-
0
Ghana: GOIL CEO Bawa Urges NPA To Mandate Technology Transfer In Petroleum Licences
Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of GOIL PLC, Edward Abambire Bawa,  has called on Ghana’s downstream regulator, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), to make technology transfer a condition for licensing new investors in the petroleum sector. Speaking at the 7th Ghana International Petroleum Conference (GHiPCON) in Accra, Bawa said the centrality of the issue was how licences are issued. “The centrality of it is how we license. Our licensing regime must have a situation where these things are captured when issuing the licence,” he said. “The licence should be able to give measurable ways in assessing how technical know-how is transferred.” Bawa said regulators should focus on outcomes rather than inputs when evaluating joint ventures between local and foreign firms. “If you were to go into a joint venture with a foreign company that has the technology and the capital, you need to be able to clearly indicate that in the course of that relationship there are measurable ways in which the technology that has been brought is transferred and it will remain,” he said. He added that companies often cite the number of conferences and training programmes as evidence of technology transfer, but that does not guarantee competence. “You can have four or five training programmes, you can expose people to technology and what have you. But in doing that you only can talk about statistics and numbers. But in reality people do not have the competence. People are not familiar with the technology that is being used in the industry,” Bawa said. He urged the NPA to emulate the upstream sector, where the licensing regime already sets out requirements for technology transfer. “It boils down to licensing and how we structure the licensing. If we can do that very well and the regulator is on top of his job, trust me we will be able to ensure. This is a problem that is even found in the upstream, and I believe that in the upstream there are examples that can be taken,” he said. Bawa said such a requirement would help ensure technology retention for local staff working with foreign operators in Ghana’s downstream sector.

Ghana: GRIDCo CEO Says Power Sector Reforms Doubled Ghana’s Transmission Network

Michael Creg Afful
-
0
Ghana: GRIDCo CEO Says Power Sector Reforms Doubled Ghana’s Transmission Network
The Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) Ltd., Ing. Frank Asirifi Otchere says Ghana’s power sector reforms, particularly the unbundling of the transmission business, have significantly improved the country’s electricity transmission network. Speaking on the topic, *”Understanding the Reform Landscape: What Has Changed Since 2019? From Evidence to Action: Reform Priorities for African Utilities,”* at the 60th Annual General Meeting of the Association of Power Utilities of Africa (APUA) in Accra, Otchere said GRIDCo was carved out of the Volta River Authority (VRA) in 2008 to manage the national transmission grid. He said Ghana’s transmission network was largely obsolete before the creation of GRIDCo. According to Otchere, GRIDCo’s immediate priorities after its establishment were to expand the transmission network and improve the reliability of the national grid. “Since the creation of GRIDCo, the circuit kilometres of the transmission network have more than doubled. That is a testament to the impact of the reforms in the power sector,” he said. Otchere said substantial investments had also been made to improve the reliability of the transmission system and enable the grid to evacuate electricity generated from renewable energy sources, particularly solar power. As a result, he said, GRIDCo’s transmission network has been adjudged the best in West Africa. Otchere said the reforms also opened the power generation segment to private sector participation, helping to increase generation capacity. Despite the progress, he said, more work remains to strengthen the resilience of Ghana’s power sector and ensure it can meet growing electricity demand while supporting the country’s energy transition.

Ghana Ready To Share Energy Expertise With Africa, Deputy Minister Says

Michael Creg Afful
-
0
Ghana Ready To Share Energy Expertise With Africa, Deputy Minister Says
Deputy Minister for Energy and Green Transition Richard Gyan-Mensah highlighted Ghana’s achievements in the energy sector and pledged the country’s readiness to share its expertise with other African nations. Delivering a keynote address on behalf of the sector minister, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, at the ongoing 60th Annual General Meeting of the Association of Power Utilities of Africa (APUA) at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra, Gyan-Mensah said Ghana’s electricity access rate currently stands at 89%, with installed generation capacity exceeding 5,300 megawatts (MW) against peak demand of about 4,700 MW. He added that the country’s power transmission network records an availability rate of about 99.5%. Gyan-Mensah also said the government had paid GH¢1.4 billion to clear part of the legacy debt owed to independent power producers (IPPs). “These are not mere statistics. They represent businesses powered, hospitals running, industries expanding and lives transformed. Financial reforms have been the foundation,” he said. Gyan-Mensah said Ghana is prepared to share its experience and expertise with other African countries to support the continent’s energy development. He noted that sustainable utilities depend on sound governance, strong finances, reliable infrastructure and forward-looking investment. He urged African power utilities to prioritize financial sustainability to strengthen their operations and support economic growth across the continent.

Ghana: From Rural Communities To Utility-Scale Solar: Samuel Kofi Kyei-Boateng’s Journey

Michael Creg Afful
-
0
Ghana: From Rural Communities To Utility-Scale Solar: Samuel Kofi Kyei-Boateng’s Journey
In a world where climate change, energy security, and sustainable development have become defining global priorities, a new generation of African leaders is reshaping the continent’s energy future. Among them is Ing. Samuel Kofi Kyei-Boateng, a distinguished Ghanaian Renewable Energy Project Manager whose career has become synonymous with technical excellence, visionary leadership, and transformational project delivery. With more than 16 years of experience spanning solar photovoltaic (PV) development, renewable energy policy, engineering, project management, and sustainable finance, Samuel has emerged as one of Ghana’s leading professionals in the clean energy sector. His work is not simply about generating electricity, it is about creating opportunities, empowering industries, reducing carbon emissions, and building a more sustainable future for generations to come. A Passion Born from Purpose Every remarkable career begins with a purpose. For Samuel, that purpose has always been clear: to make reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy accessible while contributing meaningfully to Ghana’s economic transformation. Armed with a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the Regional Maritime University and later a Master’s Degree in Energy Economics from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), Samuel intentionally positioned himself at the intersection of engineering, economics, and sustainability. His commitment to continuous learning is reflected in an impressive portfolio of professional certifications, including Renewable Energy Management and Finance from the Renewable Energy Institute (United Kingdom), Green Hydrogen Technology, Carbon Accounting, Solar PV Project Development, Project Management Professional (PMP), and several other internationally recognized programmes. These qualifications have equipped him with a rare blend of technical expertise and strategic business insight. Building Experience from the Ground Up Samuel’s journey into renewable energy began long before utility-scale solar became mainstream in Ghana. His early years at Toyola Energy exposed him to community-based clean energy solutions, where he managed the deployment of solar systems and energy-efficient cookstoves under the Ghana Energy Development and Access Project (GEDAP). Here, he witnessed firsthand how access to clean energy could transform livelihoods and improve living standards. As Technical Manager at Kreg Energy, he expanded his expertise by overseeing the complete lifecycle of solar PV projects, from system design and engineering to installation, commissioning, quality assurance, and client engagement. These experiences laid the technical foundation that would later define his success on much larger and more complex renewable energy projects. Shaping Ghana’s Renewable Energy Landscape Samuel’s transition to the German Development Cooperation (GIZ) marked a significant turning point in his career. As a Technical Advisor, he worked at the intersection of renewable energy policy, market development, and international cooperation. Collaborating with local and international developers, government institutions, and industry stakeholders, he helped shape renewable energy initiatives that supported Ghana’s transition toward a cleaner energy mix. His work involved market research, project development, stakeholder coordination, and facilitating partnerships that strengthened the country’s renewable energy ecosystem. It was during this period that Samuel developed a broader understanding of how policy, investment, engineering, and private-sector collaboration collectively drive sustainable development. Delivering Africa’s Largest Single Rooftop Solar Project Few achievements define an engineer’s career as profoundly as delivering a landmark infrastructure project. For Samuel, that defining moment came at Helios Solar Company Limited, where he served as Project Manager and successfully led the development and commissioning of Africa’s largest single rooftop solar photovoltaic project, with an installed capacity of 16.8 MWp. The project was far more than an engineering accomplishment. It demonstrated that African industries can embrace large-scale renewable energy while reducing operational costs and carbon emissions. It also established a new benchmark for commercial and industrial solar installations across the continent. Leading such a project demanded exceptional coordination among engineers, contractors, financiers, regulators, suppliers, and international stakeholders, including the International Finance Corporation (IFC). Samuel oversaw contractor procurement, project planning, quality management, Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs), stakeholder reporting, risk mitigation, and overall project delivery. His ability to align multidisciplinary teams, solve complex engineering challenges, and maintain high standards of safety and quality ensured the successful completion of one of the flagship sustainability projects within the LMI Holdings Group. The recognition that followed reflected not only the project’s significance but also the leadership required to bring such an ambitious vision to life. Leading the Next Generation of Utility-Scale Solar Today, Samuel serves as Project Manager for Solar for Industry (SFI), where he is spearheading the development of a 200 MWp ground-mounted solar power project in Ghana’s Dawa Industrial Zone, one of the country’s most ambitious private-sector renewable energy developments. The project represents a significant milestone in Ghana’s industrial decarbonization agenda. Working closely with international financiers, technical advisors, contractors, regulatory authorities, and private-sector partners, Samuel is helping create infrastructure capable of supplying clean electricity at utility scale while strengthening the country’s energy security and supporting sustainable industrial growth. Leadership Beyond Engineering What distinguishes Samuel is not merely his technical competence. It is his leadership philosophy. He believes successful renewable energy projects are built on trust, collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning. Throughout his career, he has led multidisciplinary teams, mentored young professionals, trained technicians, and promoted knowledge sharing across the renewable energy industry. As a Solar Energy Instructor, he has helped develop technical capacity within Ghana’s growing clean energy workforce, while his volunteer work continues to inspire students and communities to embrace sustainable energy solutions. His leadership extends beyond project sites into boardrooms, classrooms, and industry forums where he advocates for innovation, professional excellence, and responsible energy development. Driving Innovation for a Sustainable Future The renewable energy sector is evolving rapidly.Emerging technologies such as battery energy storage, green hydrogen, electric mobility, digital energy management, and carbon accounting are redefining how energy systems are designed and operated. Recognizing this evolution, Samuel has continually invested in expanding his expertise through advanced professional development, ensuring he remains at the forefront of industry innovation. His certifications in Green Hydrogen Technology, Carbon Accounting, Electric Vehicle Integration, and Renewable Energy Finance reflect his commitment to shaping the next chapter of Africa’s clean energy transition. A Vision That Extends Beyond Projects For Samuel, renewable energy is more than a profession. It is a mission. He envisions an Africa where industries are powered by clean energy, communities enjoy reliable electricity, investors confidently support sustainable infrastructure, and young engineers find meaningful opportunities to build careers that positively impact society. He believes that achieving global climate goals requires more than technology alone. It demands visionary leadership, strategic partnerships, sound policy, and unwavering commitment to excellence.Every project he leads is guided by this philosophy. Looking Ahead As Ghana accelerates its transition toward renewable energy, professionals like Samuel Kofi Kyei-Boateng will continue to play an essential role in shaping the country’s sustainable future. From designing solar systems for rural communities to delivering Africa’s largest rooftop solar installation and now leading one of the nation’s largest utility-scale solar developments, his journey reflects resilience, technical excellence, and purposeful leadership. His story is a reminder that transformational change begins with individuals who dare to envision a better future, and possess the determination, expertise, and integrity to make it a reality. The future of renewable energy in Africa is being built today, and Samuel Kofi Kyei-Boateng is helping lead the way. About Samuel Kofi Kyei-Boateng Ing. Samuel Kofi Kyei-Boateng is a Renewable Energy Project Manager and Professional Engineer with over 16 years of experience in solar photovoltaic project development, engineering, construction, and project management. He currently serves as Project Manager for Solar for Industry (SFI), leading the development of a 200 MWp utility-scale solar project in Ghana. Previously, he successfully managed the delivery of Africa’s largest single rooftop solar PV project (16.8 MWp) for Helios Solar Company Limited. Samuel holds an MSc in Energy Economics from GIMPA, a BSc in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the Regional Maritime University, and numerous international certifications in renewable energy, project management, and sustainability. He is passionate about accelerating Africa’s transition to clean energy through innovation, collaboration, and engineering excellence.

Ghana: Parliamentary Committee Commends NPA For Downstream Petroleum Sector Oversight

Michael Creg Afful
-
0
Ghana: Parliamentary Committee Commends NPA For Downstream Petroleum Sector Oversight

Ghana’s Parliamentary Select Committee on Economy and Development has commended the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) for its regulation of the country’s downstream petroleum sector.

Speaking during a working visit to the NPA’s head office, the committee’s chairperson, Eric Afful, said the authority played a key role in supporting the economy and contributing to gross domestic product (GDP).

Afful said the visit was intended to follow up on previous engagements and verify information provided by the authority.

He said the committee was “not here as policemen” but to collaborate with the NPA, adding that it appreciated the authority’s contribution to Ghana’s development.

NPA Chief Executive Godwin Kudzo Tameklo thanked the committee for the visit, saying it reflected Parliament’s continued interest in strengthening the downstream petroleum sector.

“The authority is honoured to receive members of this committee. We have opened our doors for verification so that the information presented does not rely solely on the CEO’s account,” Tameklo said.

He said the NPA remained committed to ensuring a safe, efficient and resilient downstream petroleum industry. He added that the visit provided an opportunity to present the authority’s achievements, ongoing reforms and its role in overseeing the sector.

The committee also toured the NPA’s operational facilities, where officials demonstrated the functions of the authority’s technical departments and the systems used to support its regulatory oversight.

Tanzania Plans Pipeline To Supply Natural Gas To Uganda And Kenya

Michael Creg Afful
-
0
Tanzania Plans Pipeline To Supply Natural Gas To Uganda And Kenya

Tanzania plans to build a cross-border natural gas pipeline to supply Uganda and Kenya as part of efforts to expand access to cleaner energy and strengthen regional energy cooperation, the head of the country’s upstream petroleum regulator said.

Charles Sangweni, director general of the Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority (PURA), said the proposed pipeline would transport Tanzanian natural gas to the two neighboring countries under a regional energy initiative.

Speaking at the Second African Youth in Oil and Gas International Conference in Unguja, Zanzibar, Sangweni said the project forms part of Tanzania’s strategy to attract investment in the oil and gas sector while positioning the country as a regional supplier of natural gas.

Read Also:Totalenergies To Appeal French Court Ruling Under Duty Of Vigilance Law

He said the pipeline would help improve regional energy security, deepen economic integration and encourage the use of natural gas as countries seek lower-emission energy sources.

Sangweni also said greater participation by young people would be key to the long-term development of Africa’s oil and gas industry.

“Greater youth involvement would help build the skills and innovation needed to sustain the industry’s growth while ensuring Africans benefit more from their natural resources,” he said.

The conference brought together government officials, regulators, industry executives and other stakeholders from across Africa to discuss investment opportunities, energy transition and ways to increase youth participation in the oil and gas sector.

No timeline or estimated cost for the proposed pipeline was disclosed.

Ghana Hosts 60th AGM Of The Association Of Power Utilities Of Africa

Michael Creg Afful
-
0
Ghana Hosts 60th AGM Of The Association Of Power Utilities Of Africa
Ghana is hosting the 60th Annual General Meetings of the Association of Power Utilities of Africa (APUA) under the patronage of the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor. The week-long meeting is being held from July 27 to July 31, 2026, at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra. The event is being held under the theme, “Accelerating Africa’s Electricity Market Integration: Advancing Regulatory Readiness, Regional Market Development and Strategic Partnerships.” It is being organized in collaboration with the Volta River Authority (VRA), Bui Power Authority (BPA), Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo), Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo). Approximately 200 chief executive officers, managing directors, general managers, technical directors and industry experts from APUA member organizations are expected to attend, alongside representatives of African and international institutions partnering with APUA. The meeting will provide a platform for strategic dialogue, thought leadership, knowledge sharing and stronger partnerships aimed at addressing emerging challenges and opportunities in Africa’s electricity sector and energy markets. Key events include the Ordinary General Assembly, the APUA CEOs’ Governance and Leadership Forum, the African Single Electricity Market (AfSEM) Forum, the ANCEE Steering Committee Informative Meeting, and the APUA-IRENA-UNEZA Capacity Building Session on Energy Transition and Renewable Energy. The opening ceremony, scheduled for Tuesday, July 28, will be streamed live on the social media platforms of VRA, APUA and the other partner utilities in Ghana. Delegates will also undertake technical visits on July 31 to power generation, transmission and distribution facilities, as well as training centers, in Akosombo, Akuse, Tema and Bui. The role of the private sector and government in accelerating industrialization

Oil Prices Fall As U.S., Iran Pause Attacks

Michael Creg Afful
-
0
Oil Prices Fall As U.S., Iran Pause Attacks

Oil prices fell sharply on hopes that a pause in attacks between the United States and Iran could help de-escalate the conflict in the Middle East, which had disrupted oil supplies and pushed up fuel prices worldwide.

As of Monday, Brent crude, the global benchmark, fell more than 9% to as low as $87.59 a barrel, reversing last week’s rally when prices climbed above $100 a barrel.

The decline followed comments by the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, who said attacks on Iran had been suspended for a second consecutive night to give diplomatic talks “some space.”

An Iranian military spokesperson said on Sunday that Tehran had also halted what it described as retaliatory attacks in the region.

The conflict triggered a sharp rise in oil prices after it led to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping lane through which about 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies typically pass.

Oil prices retreated to around $70 a barrel after Iran and the United States signed a memorandum of understanding in June to suspend military operations and reopen the strait.

However, the collapse of the ceasefire earlier this month renewed concerns over global energy supplies, sending oil prices higher once again.

Last Thursday, Brent crude rose above $100 a barrel for the first time since May. Prices were also supported by attacks on oil tankers in the Red Sea by Yemen’s Houthi militia, raising concerns over another key export route used by Saudi Arabia to bypass the Strait of Hormuz.

“As the conflict continues to evolve, markets remain cautious given the twists and turns,” said Susannah Streeter, chief investment strategist at Wealth Club.

Despite the sharp decline in crude prices, “there is still significant uncertainty baked into these prices and a reticence about whether negotiations will lead to a lasting breakthrough,” she said.

123...632Page 1 of 632