As the company expands its asset portfolio in Angola, oil and gas firm Grupo Simples Oil has joined the country’s premier industry event – Angola Oil&Gas (AOG) { https://AngolaOilAndGas.com/} , taking place on 2-3 October in Luanda – as a Gold Sponsor. The sponsorship reflects the company’s commitment to engaging with industry players and government to Drive Exploration and Development Towards Increased Production in Angola – the theme of this year’s event.

Grupo Simples Oil – with operations in both the exploration and production industry and oilfield support services sector – is expanding its presence across Angola. Under the country’s 2023 Bid Round – which concluded in January 2024 – the company was qualified by Angola’s concessionaire and regulator the National Oil, Gas&Biofuels Agency (ANPG) as a non-operator for Blocks CON 2 (http://apo-opa.co/4cLoPrY) and CON 8. This aligns with Angola’s vision to maintain production above one million barrels per day through the development of new blocks across the country’s onshore market.

AOG is the largest oil and gas event in Angola. Taking place with the full support of the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas; the National Oil, Gas and Biofuels Agency; the Petroleum Derivatives Regulatory Institute; national oil company Sonangol; and the African Energy Chamber; the event is a platform to sign deals and advance Angola’s oil and gas industry. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

In partnership with other industry players, Grupo Simples Oil is pursuing play-opening discoveries onshore Angola. The production sharing contract (PSC) for Block CON 2 was signed in July 2024, outlining an exploration phase of five years and a production and development phase of 25 years, following the declaration of a commercial discovery. Situated in the onshore Lower Congo Basin (http://apo-opa.co/4g5vvnu), the block lies in close proximity to onshore oil and gas infrastructure and will be developed by Grupo Simples Oil in collaboration with energy companies Etu Energias (operator) and Effimax Energy. The PSC for Block CON 8 was also signed in July 2024. The concession – also situated in the Lower Congo basin – will be developed by Grupo Simples Oil; Etu Energias (operator); and Effimax Energy under a five-year exploration phase and 25-year production and development phase.

The PSCs follow the confirmation of the presence of oil in Block KON 11 in 2023 by Grupo Simples Oil and its block partners Corcel, Sonangol, Brite’s Oil and Gas and Omega Risk Solutions. Both the TO-13 and TO-14 wells encountered hydrocarbons, with the block expected to contain up to 65 million barrels of prospective oil resources. The discovery represents a milestone for the country’s onshore oil and gas market at a time when Angola is seeking heightened investment in exploration to sustain production levels.  

As the country’s largest industry event, AOG 2024 offers a strategic platform for upstream companies and government agencies to engage ahead of Angola’s next licensing round – anticipated in Q1, 2025. Following its qualification in the 2023 tender, Grupo Simples Oil’s AOG 2024 sponsorship open in-roads to new opportunities in Angola’s upstream market.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&Power.

Financial information and market analytics provider S&P Global Commodity Insights Associate Director for Upstream Energy Eric Schmid will participate as a speaker at this year’s MSGBC Oil, Gas&Power 2024 conference in Dakar in December.

As investors seek to make informed decisions around the future of the oil, gas and power sector and global energy transition in the MSGBC region, S&P Global Commodity Insights offers data-driven, technology-focused solutions for navigating complex and rapidly shifting industry dynamics. The company will help shape the MSGBC 2024 agenda (https://apo-opa.co/4cDiKO8) while leveraging its network to attract delegates and speakers.

Explore opportunities, foster partnerships and stay at the forefront of the MSGBC region’s oil, gas and power sector. Visit www.MSGBCOilGasAndPower.com to secure your participation at the MSGBC Oil, Gas&Power 2024 conference. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

A strong slate of exploration and production activities in 2024 have positioned the MSGBC region as a premier energy investment destination. In June 2024, Senegal started production at its inaugural oil development, the Sangomar oilfield project (https://apo-opa.co/3WVOLew). Meanwhile, the country is on track for first gas production from the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) development – which straddles the maritime border with Mauritania – later this year. Senegal is also home to the massive Yakaar-Teranga development, which holds an estimated 25 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves and is eyeing first production in 2027.

Meanwhile, the MSGBC region is also a frontier market for green hydrogen development. Large scale green hydrogen (https://apo-opa.co/3X1JUZo) projects in the region include Mauritania’s 35 GW Megaton Moon, 16-20 GW Aman and 10 GW Project Nour, which are being developed by Danish developer GreenCo Energy, renewable energy developer CWP Global and clean energy producer Chariot Energy, respectively.

Furthermore, having secured its extension for offshore Blocks A2 and A5 from The Gambia’s government until September 30, 2025, independent energy player FAR is now seeking farm-in partners to fund geoscience reviews and exploration wells. Blocks A2 and A5 lie in proximity to the 230-million-barrel Sangomar oil field in Senegal, highlighting the block’s potential for a major discovery.

Guinea-Conakry is currently finalizing the terms of its 22-block bid round, which is expected to bring new players into the market and incentivize exploratory drilling. To date, five prospect wells have been drilled in the country’s acreage, which contains 27 offshore blocks and is located near to existing commercial discoveries in Ivory Coast, Senegal and Mauritania.

Last year, independent exploration company PetroNor agreed to transfer its 100% interest in the Sinapa and Esperança licenses offshore Guinea-Bissau to global energy company Apus Energy. The licenses are situated in Blocks 2, 4A and 5A and are thought to contain prospective resources of 13.4 million barrels of oil.

In light of these major updates, marking the MSGBC region’s position as a premier destination for frontier oil and gas exploration and renewable energy development, Schmid’s participation at MSGBC 2024 will provide vital insights into the region’s exploration and production strategies. As a speaker, Schmid is poised to showcase opportunities and market trends to international oil companies, regulators, independent firms and more as they dive into strategic growth opportunities in the region.

“By taking a market-driven approach towards its burgeoning hydrocarbons industry, the MSGBC region is well positioned to leverage its position as a frontier oil and gas market to drive meaningful growth while bringing lucrative returns on investment for global players. S&P Global Commodity Insight’s participation at MSGBC 2024 will undoubtedly showcase the region’s potential as a favorable investment destination and we are thrilled to have Schmid participate as a speaker at this monumental event,” states ECP Project Director Sandra Jeque.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&Power.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Zambia – among the world’s top mineral producers – are currently spearheading the implementation of a Transboundary Battery and Electric Vehicle (EV) Special Economic Zone (SEZ) (https://apo-opa.co/4g2yhK7). The development of SEZs dedicated exclusively to battery and EV production aims to unlock new foreign investment, as well as position both countries within the global automotive manufacturing space. 

The upcoming Critical Minerals Africa (CMA) Summit will feature a Automotive and Batteries Focus panel, examining measures to establish Africa as a global hub for battery precursors, batteries and EVs, as well as exploring opportunities for Africa’s critical minerals to support clean energy development. To date, most African automotive manufacturing takes place in South Africa, yet massive mineral wealth in Zambia and the DRC indicates the potential of these markets to become industrial hubs. 

The Critical Minerals Africa 2024 summit on November 6 – 7 serves to position Africa as the primary investment destination for critical minerals. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energy 2024 conference (https://apo-opa.co/4fUGT5A) on November 4 – 8, offering delegates access to the full scope of energy, mining and finance leaders in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com. 

Increased cooperation among governments and international partners has been critical to positioning Africa’s mineral producers as potential manufacturing partners. The DRC, which holds the world’s largest cobalt reserves at 6 million metric tons out of the global 11 million metric tons, established the Congolese Battery Council in 2023 to facilitate investment across its mineral value chain. The country – also representing Africa’s largest copper producer – signed an MOU with Zambia in March 2023 to fast-track the implementation of the Transboundary Battery and Electric Vehicle SEZ, seeking to add value to its raw cobalt and copper resources. 

Zambia – Africa’s second-largest copper producer – formed a task committee in 2023 to expedite the implementation of the SEZ and identified land to host the zone. The country has strengthened partnerships with global mining firms, including Ivanhoe Mines, Galileo Resources, Tertiary Minerals, First Quantum, Vedanta Resources, Jubilee Metals and Xtract Resources, to achieve its goal of producing three million tons of copper annually by 2030. The Zambian and DRC governments are also partnering with the World Bank to launch local platforms between May 2024 and 2026, aimed at identifying and assessing investment prospects across their respective EV and critical minerals value chain. 

South Africa, which holds 80% of the world’s platinum group metals (PGMs) reserves – crucial for EV and hydrogen vehicle production – currently leads Africa’s EV market. Mining firm Isondo Precious Metals (https://apo-opa.co/3XlPHdy) plans to launch an advanced manufacturing facility for processing PGMs for EV applications in Johannesburg. Meanwhile, global automaker BMW, mining firm Anglo Platinum and energy company Sasol are piloting a fleet of hydrogen-fueled vehicles to advance smart mobility adoption in South Africa. CMA 2024 will host delegations from the DRC, Zambia, South Africa and other key industry stakeholders to discuss the latest developments shaping Africa’s smart mobility and mining sectors. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&Power.

Africa’s tourism sector is poised for an exciting ascent, and it has the potential to soar if it is propelled by visionary strategies and robust investments that harness the continent’s unparalleled tourist allure.

Amid the unprecedented changes of recent years, Africa’s tourist appeal is greater than ever. With the right steps, it can offer more top destinations for today’s tourists. The API Hospitality&Residences Forum is a pivotal platform for Africa’s hospitality industry that is legendary for its dealmaking, networking, and unique insights. It takes place on 19 September 2024 at the Westin Hotel in Cape Town on the first day of the highly anticipated two-day API Summit.

This year’s API Summit is themed “Impact”, and industry leaders speaking at the API Hospitality and Residences Forum highlight the key to unlocking the full potential of Africa’s tourism sector to foster sustainable growth and enhance the continent’s appeal to both travellers and investors includes focused investments, strategic partnerships and robust public sector involvement. The API Hospitality&Residence Forum sets the stage to catalyse and nurture these outcomes.

Bani Haddad, Founder and Managing Director of Aleph Hospitality, the largest independent hotel management company in the Middle East and Africa, will be among the distinguished speakers. “The pandemic had several profound effects on the tourism sector,” Haddad reflects. “One of the most noticeable impacts has been the increased desire among travellers for domestic or regional trips, as well as nature-based or less crowded destinations. Africa is uniquely positioned to benefit from these trends.”

Citing the latest Chain Development Pipeline report by W Hospitality, Haddad notes a 20% growth in the number of hotel rooms in Africa since 2020, reaching a total of 92,134 rooms. “This growth indicates that the supply is expanding across the continent to meet the rising demand. We are also witnessing an increase in the quality and branded hotel supply in resort destinations such as Zanzibar and national parks like Serengeti and Mara. The global demand for nature and experiential experiences presents a significant opportunity for Africa, which has much to offer in this regard.”

Haddad continues, “Investing in and fostering partnerships within the tourism sector is not just beneficial but essential for unlocking its full potential in Africa.”

Such efforts can lead to comprehensive economic development, job creation, and the promotion of sustainable and inclusive growth. He emphasises that governments, private sector players, and international organisations all have crucial roles in facilitating these investments and partnerships to ensure the tourism sector thrives and significantly contributes to the continent’s development.

Echoing this sentiment, Daniel Trappler, Senior Director – Development Sub-Sahara Africa at Radisson Hotel Group (RHG), who will also speak at the event, outlines RHG’s strategic plans in the post-COVID landscape. “RHG plans to capitalise on growth opportunities in key value nodes such as Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Zanzibar, and leisure offerings in the coastal and safari segments across Southern and Eastern Africa. Within these nodes lies the opportunity to increase RHG branded supply to meet the obvious growing demand.”

Trappler highlights RHG’s eagerness to expand its footprint in Cape Town’s 5-star and luxury segments, which have consistently performed above the market average despite higher rates. In Victoria Falls, RHG aims to replicate the success of its Zambezi River’s Zambia side, planning to introduce the upscale Radisson brand to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

“We are actively seeking partners to bring our Radisson, Radisson Blu, or Radisson Collection brands to Zanzibar, given RHG’s significant presence in Eastern Europe, the largest source market for Zanzibar,” Trappler adds.

Since opening its new Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit, RHG has set its sights on replicating the same model within Southern and Eastern Africa, capturing both the foreign market and the regional market, which prefers short travel distances for tourism needs.

“The group is developing resort offerings in various safari and coastal locations, including Masai Mara, Serengeti, the Kenyan coast, Seychelles, Mauritius and the wildlife territories in Namibia and Botswana.”

Trappler underscores the critical role of investment and public sector involvement. “The contribution of tourism to GDP is evident across the region. National and local governments need to increase their awareness of the sector’s potential contribution to GDP. In South Africa, where RHG aims to double its portfolio, we need to see more active interest and contributions from the public sector towards developing hotels and hospitality infrastructure.”

He stresses the need for public sector initiatives driving growth in this sector, particularly in South Africa, where the sector is strong but could be a much larger contributor to GDP and employment creation.

The API Hospitality&Residences Forum is a unique pan-African event that brings hospitality-focused leaders and investors together with Africa’s leading real estate community. Sponsored by industry giants like Radisson Hotel Group, Marriott Hotels, HTI Consulting, JLL, and Tui Blu, the forum offers an unparalleled platform for doing business in African hospitality.

With over 500 leaders expected to attend the summit, including more than 250 hospitality delegates, in excess of 75 hotel brands, operators and owners, and 35 speakers, the API Hospitality&Residences Forum is the premier gathering of Africa’s leading hospitality professions and consultants.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of API Events.

For any media enquiries or interviews, kindly contact:
Anne Lovell
anne@dmix.com
083 651 7777

Distributed for API Events by Dmix:
API Events
Murray Anderson-Ogle
Email:Murray@apievents.com
Contact: +27 71 890 77 39
Website: www.APIEvents.com

Social Media:
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4dF2L3l
Instagram: @ APIsummit
LinkedIn: API Events