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Egypt, APPO Discuss African Energy Integration, Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline And African Energy Bank
Egypt and the African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO) have agreed to deepen cooperation in oil and gas development, with a focus on African energy integration, the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline, and the African Energy Bank.
Egypt’s Minister for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Eng. Karim Badawi, and the Secretary-General of APPO, Eng. Farid Ghezali, discussed ways to strengthen joint cooperation between Egypt and the organisation, and to support broader Egyptian-African integration in the fields of oil, gas, and energy.
During the meeting held in Cairo on Monday, May 11, 2026, Minister Badawi also reaffirmed Egypt’s full support for the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline, as well as the participation of Egypt’s national oil companies (NOCs) in upcoming forums and training programmes.
Oil Tankers Go Dark To Exit The Strait Of Hormuz
The Minister proposed that APPO organise a ministerial meeting and a meeting of NOC CEOs in El Alamein, Egypt, on the sidelines of the Alamein Africa Forum, scheduled for June 25–27, following the annual Afreximbank meeting planned for June 21–24, 2026.Badawi highlighted the importance of collaboration in addressing challenges facing Africa’s energy sector, particularly in mobilising financing for infrastructure projects.
He stressed that the continent has vast resources and significant opportunities that require deeper cooperation and knowledge sharing among member states.
The meeting reviewed the latest updates on the African Energy Bank, a flagship initiative of the organisation. The two sides exchanged views on the implementation steps for the bank’s launch and its future role in financing oil and gas projects across Africa.
Discussions also covered strengthening regional cooperation through training centres and capacity-building programmes, leveraging Egyptian expertise to support skills development and the transfer of technical know-how across Africa.
The Minister affirmed that Egypt has a strong base of national companies specialising in oil and gas infrastructure projects, including Enppi, Petrojet, IPR, and other Egyptian and international drilling companies, which have successfully executed major projects inside and outside Egypt.
On his part, Eng. Farid Ghezali expressed appreciation for Egypt’s role in supporting APPO’s activities, praising its advanced infrastructure and internationally recognised companies. He noted that the organisation looks forward to expanding cooperation with Egypt and other member countries, particularly in training and capacity building.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Global Coal Demand Jumps As Middle East Energy Crisis Deepens
Global coal shipments and imports surged in March and April as buyers scrambled for fuel amid massive disruptions to oil and gas supplies from the Middle East, Oilprice.com reported, citing a report by the Financial Times.
According to the report, estimates by analytics platform Kpler, cited by the Financial Times, show that coal demand has been accelerating in recent weeks, with global coal imports on track to reach their third-highest monthly level on record.
In the wake of what has been described as the worst oil and gas supply disruption in history, coal is back in high demand. Even countries and regions that previously believed coal use was in irreversible decline have increased imports.
For example, coal shipments to South Korea, Japan, and the European Union surged by 27% last month compared to the same period a year earlier, according to data released last week by BIMCO, the world’s largest shipowners’ association.
Asian importers and the European bloc are scrambling for alternatives to gas supplies from the Middle East, much of which is currently trapped behind the Strait of Hormuz or unavailable due to halted production in Qatar.
Qatar suspended LNG production as early as March 2, and two weeks later, the world’s largest LNG complex at Ras Laffan reportedly sustained damage from Iranian missile strikes.
“The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted LNG shipments out of the Persian Gulf and has contributed to an 8% year-on-year drop in global seaborne LNG shipments in April,” BIMCO said.
South Korea has delayed the retirement of coal-fired power plants amid the oil and gas shock caused by the Middle East conflict.
Europe, meanwhile, is losing competition with Asia for spot LNG supplies at a time when it needs to refill gas storage facilities ahead of next winter.
Analysts at Wood Mackenzie say energy security concerns are shifting policy responses, accelerating coal usage across key Asian and European markets, and delaying coal plant retirements.
Nigeria, Morocco Pledge To Advance Atlantic Gas Pipeline Project
- Nigeria and Morocco advance plans for the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline project.
- African Atlantic Gas Pipeline expected to boost West Africa’s energy security
Oil Tankers Go Dark To Exit The Strait Of Hormuz
Three supertankers laden with crude oil successfully exited the Strait of Hormuz last week, carrying Iraqi and Emirati oil, Reuters has reported, citing data from Kpler and LSEG.
The vessels switched off their transponders to avoid detection.
One of the tankers is carrying Basrah Medium and heading towards Vietnam, the data showed.
Previously, the tanker made two unsuccessful attempts to exit the strait, Reuters noted in its report.
The other, which loaded Upper Zakum crude from ADNOC, has already offloaded its cargo in Fujairah—the Emirati port city just outside the Strait of Hormuz that earlier this month became the target of an Iranian attack.
https://energynewsafrica.com/oil-prices-surge-after-trump-rejects-iran-peace-proposal/
The third tanker, also carrying Iraqi crude, is in transit with the destination as of yet unclear, per the Reuters data.
Separately, Kpler reported earlier this month that there are 42 container ships still stuck in the Strait of Hormuz, while nine had successfully exited.
Two have been seized by the Iranian authorities.
Last week, an oil tanker that had passed through the Strait of Hormuz in mid-April arrived at a port in South Korea, shipping the first crude cargo to the country via Hormuz since the war began.
The Malta-flagged Odessa crude oil tanker arrived at Daesan on South Korea’s west coast laden with 1 million barrels of crude.
The Odessa is one of a handful of tankers that have managed to exit the Middle Eastern oil chokepoint despite Iran’s blockade.
Some of those who made it were allowed to do so by the Iranian authorities in exchange for payments.
Meanwhile, however, more than 40 India-bound vessels, nearly half of which carry energy products, are still trapped in the Persian Gulf, unable to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. India is especially vulnerable to the disruption in oil and gas flows out of the Persian Gulf due to its substantial dependence on imported energy.
Source: Oilprice.com
Oil Prices Surge After Trump Rejects Iran Peace Proposal
Oil prices surged in early Asian trade on Monday, May 11, after U.S. President Donald Trump unequivocally rejected Iran’s response to a U.S.-drafted peace proposal.
As of the time of writing, Brent crude was up 3.43%, trading at $104.80 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) had risen to $99.06 per barrel, up 3.65%.
The spike followed a social media post from Trump on Sunday evening in which he described Iran’s response to the proposal as “totally unacceptable.”
The President did not disclose details of Iran’s response, but he has repeatedly warned that if an agreement is not reached quickly, renewed military escalation could be the next step.
The Iranian proposal, submitted on Sunday morning, reportedly called for an immediate end to the war on all fronts, Iran’s management of the Strait of Hormuz, and an end to the U.S. blockade on Iranian exports.
U.S. allies in the region have made it clear that Iranian control of the Strait—or any attempt to impose a toll—would be entirely unacceptable.
In a social media post several hours before rejecting the deal, President Trump accused Iran of “playing games” with the U.S. by using delay tactics, suggesting that his patience with the peace talks may be wearing thin.
Markets will now be focusing on Trump’s visit to Beijing on Wednesday, where discussions are expected to include Iran and whether Beijing will use its influence to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Oil prices remain significantly below last week’s levels, when reports of a potential peace deal first emerged. While there is substantial upside risk if talks completely break down, hopes of Chinese intervention are likely to cap gains in the short term.
Ghana: Energy Minister Tours Power Projects In Ashanti Region
Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, has toured key electricity infrastructure projects in Kumasi, the Ashanti Regional capital, and other parts of the Ashanti Region as the government intensifies efforts to improve power reliability and strengthen energy supply across the middle belt.
The working visit focused on ongoing transmission and distribution upgrade projects being undertaken by the Ghana Grid Company Limited and the Electricity Company of Ghana to enhance the stability and efficiency of electricity delivery within the region.
During the inspection, the Minister assessed major upgrade works at the Anwomaso and Kumasi substations, where transformer replacement and expansion projects are underway. The projects are expected to significantly increase bulk power supply capacity and improve system reliability for households, businesses, and industries across the Ashanti Region and adjoining areas.
Speaking during the tour, Dr. Jinapor said the projects form part of the government’s broader agenda to modernise Ghana’s energy infrastructure and ensure a more resilient national electricity network capable of supporting industrial growth and economic transformation.
He disclosed that the government is pursuing plans to increase power generation capacity in the middle belt by approximately 1,000 megawatts through a number of strategic energy projects.
These include the 350MW AKSA Power Plant, the 110MW CENIT project, the 250MW AMERI Power Plant, and the 380MW ARVENSIS Energy Project.
According to the Minister, the additional generation capacity, combined with ongoing transmission and distribution upgrades, will help address growing electricity demand, improve supply reliability, and position the country for long-term energy security.
Dr. Jinapor reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building an efficient, future-ready electricity system capable of driving investment, industrialisation, and socio-economic development across the country.
Tanzania: Gov’t Begins KSh270 Billion Transmission Project To Connect Kagera Region To The National Grid
Tanzania’s Minister for Energy, Hon. Deogratius Ndejembi, has laid the foundation stone for the construction of a 220-kilovolt power transmission line from Benaco to Kyaka, together with the Benaco substation project, which will connect the Kagera Region to the National Grid.
The project, estimated to cost KSh270 billion, (approximately US$103,059,000) is expected to end persistent power outages in districts across the region.
Minister Ndejembi laid the foundation stone on May 9, 2026, in Ngara District, Kagera Region, where he directed the contractor implementing the project to complete it within the 24 months stipulated in the contract.
“What we expect is that within 24 months, Kagera Region will be connected to the National Grid and the electricity challenges raised by the Member of Parliament for Ngara will become history for these citizens,” Ndejembi said.
Addressing residents, the Minister stated that the Benaco–Kyaka transmission line project aims to connect Kagera Region to the National Grid and strengthen the availability of reliable electricity at all times.
He explained that for many years, Kagera Region has depended on electricity imports from neighbouring countries.
Through this project, the region will now be directly connected to the National Grid, a move expected to enhance energy security and strengthen economic and social activities.
Minister Ndejembi also thanked President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan for continuing to provide funding for the implementation of various energy projects.
He noted that the Ministry would continue to closely supervise the implementation of the projects to ensure citizens receive reliable electricity supply at all times.
In another development, the Minister directed the Managing Director of TANESCO to ensure that within one month, a higher-capacity transformer is secured and improvements are made to power transmission lines to ensure residents of Ngara District receive stable electricity while awaiting completion of the project.
“Residents of Ngara want reliable electricity without constant interruptions. Therefore, I direct the TANESCO Managing Director and your team to ensure we immediately secure a new high-capacity transformer to guarantee reliable power supply in Ngara District. I am giving you one month,” Ndejembi said.
He added that the project is expected to create jobs, attract investment, and promote agriculture, fishing, livestock farming, and industrial development in the Lake Zone, describing it as an important opportunity for residents of Kagera and neighbouring regions.
Minister Ndejembi also instructed TANESCO and the contractor to provide employment opportunities to residents in project areas within the districts of Ngara, Karagwe, and Missenyi so they can benefit economically and commercially from the project.
TANESCO Executive Director, Mr. Lazaro Twange, said the project would improve the reliability of electricity supply and stimulate economic activities in the Kagera Region.
“TANESCO has put in place plans to ensure that this project is completed on time and to the required standards,” Mr. Twange said.
Minister Ndejembi also thanked President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan for continuing to provide funding for the implementation of various energy projects.
He noted that the Ministry would continue to closely supervise the implementation of the projects to ensure citizens receive reliable electricity supply at all times.
In another development, the Minister directed the Managing Director of TANESCO to ensure that within one month, a higher-capacity transformer is secured and improvements are made to power transmission lines to ensure residents of Ngara District receive stable electricity while awaiting completion of the project.
“Residents of Ngara want reliable electricity without constant interruptions. Therefore, I direct the TANESCO Managing Director and your team to ensure we immediately secure a new high-capacity transformer to guarantee reliable power supply in Ngara District. I am giving you one month,” Ndejembi said.
He added that the project is expected to create jobs, attract investment, and promote agriculture, fishing, livestock farming, and industrial development in the Lake Zone, describing it as an important opportunity for residents of Kagera and neighbouring regions.
Minister Ndejembi also instructed TANESCO and the contractor to provide employment opportunities to residents in project areas within the districts of Ngara, Karagwe, and Missenyi so they can benefit economically and commercially from the project.
TANESCO Executive Director, Mr. Lazaro Twange, said the project would improve the reliability of electricity supply and stimulate economic activities in the Kagera Region.
“TANESCO has put in place plans to ensure that this project is completed on time and to the required standards,” Mr. Twange said. Ghana: ECG Fast-Tracks Ridge BSP Upgrade To Stabilise Kumasi Power Supply
The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), the state-owned company responsible for electricity distribution in the southern part of Ghana, has completed the replacement of power transformers at the Ridge Bulk Supply Point (BSP) in the Ashanti Region, months ahead of the original deadline.
According to the Acting Managing Director of ECG, Ing. Kwame Kpekpena, the upgrade was fast-tracked with support from the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor.
“I assure our stakeholders that ECG is on course to completing the works it promised to undertake within three to six months in the region,” Ing. Kpekpena said during a tour of ECG facilities in the Ashanti Region on Friday with the Energy Minister.
He said ECG is also working on other scheduled projects to ensure a stable and reliable power supply to the public.
Ing. Kpekpena praised Dr. Jinapor for his support and stated that ECG would continue working to improve service delivery to its customers.
The transformer replacement at the Ridge BSP forms part of ongoing infrastructure upgrades aimed at stabilising electricity supply in the Ashanti Region.
Ghana: GRIDCo Appoints Ing. Frank Otchere As New CEO
Ghana’s power transmission company, GRIDCo, has announced the appointment of Ing. Frank Asirifi Otchere as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective Friday, May 8, 2026.
The appointment, contained in a circular signed by the company’s Board Chairperson, Kuukua Maurice Ankrah, also confirmed Ing. Samuel Nkansah as Deputy Chief Executive in charge of Finance and Resources.
Ing. Samed Abdul Ibrahim, currently Director of the Project Implementation Unit, has also been appointed Acting Deputy Chief Executive for Engineering and Operations.
GRIDCo has urged staff to extend the “necessary cooperation and support” to the newly appointed executives in the discharge of their duties.
Ing. Frank Otchere succeeds Ing. Mark Awuah, who was asked to step aside a few weeks before his mandatory retirement following a fire that gutted the company’s substation switchyard at Akosombo in the Eastern Region. The incident disconnected the entire 1,020 MW Akosombo Generation Station from the national grid, resulting in widespread power outages across the country.
Prior to his appointment, Ing. Otchere served as Deputy Chief Executive since March 2025. He has held positions such as Director of System Operations and brings over 28 years of experience working with VRA-GRIDCo, particularly in power system operation, planning, and SCADA systems.
He currently chairs the Power Planning Technical Committee, a technical body established by the Ministry of Energy to develop short-, medium-, and long-term plans for Ghana’s power system, including the Electricity Supply Plan. He also leads the Ghana–Côte d’Ivoire Interconnection Technical Committee, the Ghana–Burkina Interconnection Technical Committee, and GRIDCo’s Operating Procedures Review Committee.
Ing. Otchere holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc. Hons.) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and a Master’s Degree (MPA) in Public Administration from GIMPA. He is a Professional Engineer in the Electrical/Electronic Technical Division of the Ghana Institution of Engineering.
He previously served on the Load Management Committee established by the then Minister of Energy to oversee the Load Shedding Programme during the energy crisis of 2012–2015.
Beyond his professional life, Ing. Frank Otchere is a Reverend Minister in the Anointed Matrix Church, part of the United Denominations of the Lighthouse Group of Churches. He is married with four children.
Libya: Zawiya Oil Refinery Halts Operations Amid Armed Clashes Nearby
Libya’s largest operational oil refinery, located in Zawiya, has been shut down and an emergency declared following fighting between armed groups in the vicinity, Al Jazeera reported.
According to the report, the National Oil Corporation (NOC) and Zawiya Refining Company announced in a statement that operations were being “precautionarily halted” and that employees had been evacuated from the oil complex and port.
The NOC confirmed that all employees are safe and added that fuel supplies would continue as normal.
A Facebook statement noted that alarm sirens were activated “following armed clashes involving heavy weapons that erupted around the oil complex in the early hours of Friday.”
“These clashes resulted in several heavy weapons projectiles landing in various locations within the oil complex,” the statement said, adding that no significant damage had been reported.
“However, the clashes have intensified and reached the residential area adjacent to the refinery, making the area a direct target for heavy shelling and significantly increasing the risk of further damage,” it added.
Nigeria: NISO Urges Gencos To Integrate Plants Into SCADA For Improved Grid Stability
The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has urged electricity Generation Companies (GENCOs) across the country to fully integrate their plants into the national Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system to strengthen grid stability and operational efficiency.
NISO Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Abdu Bello Mohammed (FNSE), made the call at the commencement ceremony of the SCADA Training Programme for GENCOs, held at the Mainstream Academy in Kainji, Niger State.
He described SCADA integration as a critical operational and regulatory requirement for effective real-time monitoring and dispatch coordination. According to him, the increasing complexity of power system operations makes accurate visibility of generation assets and prompt operational response essential for maintaining a stable and reliable national grid.
Meanwhile, NISO reiterated its commitment to improving grid reliability through reforms and investments in alternative energy projects, particularly hydropower development.
Speaking at the UK PACT Stakeholder Workshop in Lagos, which focused on accelerating the delivery of the Ikere Gorge Hydropower Project, NISO’s Executive Director of Finance and Corporate Services, Mr. Babajide Ibironke, stated that the project could increase electricity generation capacity from 6–12 MW to as much as 250 MW, thereby enhancing power availability and grid stability nationwide.
Ghana: Expert Proposes Fuel Tax To Fund Nuclear Power Development
A Ghanaian sustainable energy expert, Wisdom Ahiataku-Togobo, has urged the government to introduce a dedicated funding mechanism to accelerate the country’s nuclear power programme.
He suggested that the government could consider implementing a levy on petroleum products specifically to finance the nuclear initiative, rather than relying solely on support from existing institutions such as the Bui Power Authority and the Volta River Authority, which he described as “paltry.”
Wisdom, a former Director of Renewable Energy at the Bui Power Authority, emphasized that recent challenges confronting Ghana’s power sector should serve as a lesson.
He called for the country to expedite the transition from the second phase to the third phase of its nuclear power programme, ultimately advancing the construction of the first nuclear power plant.
This, he noted, would ensure a reliable electricity supply to support the government’s 24-hour economy policy and stimulate industrial growth.
In a related development, Dr. Stephen Yamoah, Executive Director of Nuclear Power Ghana, recommended that Ghana adopt small modular reactors (SMRs) for its proposed nuclear power plant rather than larger conventional reactors.
During a recent online media workshop, Dr. Yamoah explained that SMRs, with a capacity of around 300 megawatts, are less costly, can be constructed in three to five years, and offer the flexibility to add additional modules as demand grows.
Madam Alberta Blair, an engineer with Nuclear Power Ghana, highlighted the importance of emergency preparedness, stressing that Ghana should begin upgrading hospitals, training medical personnel, and conducting community drills even before plant licensing.
Dr. Robert BM Sogbadji, Programme Coordinator for Nuclear Power Ghana, added that nuclear power promises stable and cheaper electricity compared to other sources of power generation, making it a key component in the country’s long-term energy strategy.
Ghana has long relied on hydroelectric power from the Akosombo Dam and thermal plants for its electricity supply. However, rising energy demand, climate variability affecting hydropower, and fluctuating costs of fossil fuels have highlighted the need for a diversified energy mix.
The government’s nuclear power programme, first proposed in the 1990s, aims to provide reliable baseload power, support industrialization, and reduce reliance on imported fuels.
Small modular reactors are gaining attention globally as a flexible and cost-effective alternative to traditional large-scale nuclear plants.
Zambia: Three Arrested In Illegal Fuel Operation
Zambia’s Energy Regulation Board (ERB), ), in collaboration with the Task Force on Fuel Smuggling and Illegal Fuel Vending led by the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), has uncovered a coordinated illegal fuel operation through a registered Oil Marketing Company (OMC) Manyanya Oils Limited.
The investigation led to the arrest of three individuals connected to the company in Nakonde District.
The arrests followed a targeted, intelligence-driven enforcement operation designed to dismantle illegal activities in the petroleum sector that threaten regulatory compliance, public safety, and national economic interests.
Authorities say the offences were not isolated incidents, but part of a broader scheme conducted through the operations of Manyanya Oils Limited. In a joint statement issued Thursday, authorities identified the suspects as Charles Sinkamba, 23, who is the director and main shareholder of the company; Martha Nakamba, 28; and Carter Ngosa, 43. Preliminary findings suggest that these individuals acted in their respective capacities at Manyanya Oils Limited, indicating institutional involvement in the illegal activities under investigation. They have since been formally charged with multiple offences, including dumping of petroleum products, contrary to Regulation 11(2) of the Energy Regulation (Petroleum Marking and Monitoring) Regulations and possession of over-marked and non-conforming petroleum products, contrary to Regulation 12(1) and (2) of the same regulations. During the operation, law enforcement officers intercepted a tanker truck with suspicious registration plates, AJD 6372 and AIE 7102. A subsequent search revealed a suspected original foreign registration plate, T353 DUF, concealed within the cabin, indicating a deliberate attempt to conceal and misrepresent the tanker’s true identity and origin. Further verification established that AJD 6372 (the tanker horse) is registered in the name of Manyanya Oils Limited, while AIE 7102 (the trailer) is registered to a separate entity, though it was being operated as part of the same unit. The tanker was intercepted while offloading petroleum products suspected to be unmarked. Investigations revealed that approximately 16,000 litres had already been discharged into the underground storage tank at Manyanya Oils Limited’s facility and that this quantity was over-marked by 206.1 percent. The remaining 11,000 litres in the tanker were found to be completely unmarked, clearly indicating deliberate tampering and non-compliance with national petroleum marking standards. The suspects are currently awaiting court appearances, as the Task Force continues to pursue other individuals believed to be linked to the illegal fuel operation.