Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) Ekperikpe Ekpo will deliver a keynote address at the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energy 2024 conference, taking place in Cape Town from November 4-8. Minister Ekpo’s participation follows the launch of three new gas projects in Nigeria aimed at increasing gas supply by 25%.

Launched by Nigerian President Bola Tinubu last month, the expanded AHL Gas Processing Plant, ANOH Gas Processing Plant and 23.3-km ANOG to Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben Custody Transfer Metering Station Gas Pipeline will collectively produce roughly 500 million standard cubic feet of gas per day, to be supplied to the domestic market. The realization of these projects is poised to ensure gas-fueled growth in the country, while showcasing Nigeria as a favorable investment destination for global investors and establishing critical gas infrastructure.

AEW: Invest in African Energy is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

To unlock Nigeria’s immense gas potential, the country aims to gain a stronger foothold in the global marketplace and become a top-10 destination for energy investment. Last month, French multinational TotalEnergies and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) announced a $550-million FID for the development of the Ubeta gas field. Set to produce 350 million cubic feet of gas and 10,000 barrels of associated liquids per day once operational in 2027, the project will tap into six wells and transport gas through an 11-km pipeline to processing facilities in Obite. The African Export-Import Bank and First Bank of Nigeria signed a $200-million loan facility agreement to support client’s needs across the oil and gas, energy, manufacturing and telecommunications sectors.

Additionally, the NNPC recently signed a project development agreement with marine infrastructure company Golar LNG to deploy a floating LNG vessel in the Niger Delta region offshore Nigeria. The agreement outlines plans to monetize approximately 400-500 million standard cubic feet of gas per day and produce LNG, liquefied petroleum gas and condensate. FID for the project is expected by Q4 2024, with first gas production anticipated for 2027.

Following these major project developments, Minister Ekpo’s participation at AEW: Invest in African Energy is set to showcase Nigeria’s enabling environment, favorable investment policies and strong returns in the oil and gas sector. During the event, Minister Ekpo will affirm the Ministry’s vision for the natural gas sector, focused on expanding domestic gas usage, enhancing gas-fired generation capabilities and establishing diversified downstream industries. Recently appointed as the Co-Chairman of the Governing Council of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, Minister Ekpo is also poised to outline the role of gas exploration and development in creating jobs, upskilling the local workforce and enabling knowledge and technology transfer.

“The Chamber applauds Minister Ekpo’s unmitigated support to bringing energy to millions of Africans, while paving the way for strong socioeconomic development in Nigeria and West Africa. We are encouraged by the successes we have seen so far – including multi-million-dollar FIDs on major gas projects –  and look forward to Nigeria’s role in championing gas development at this year’s AEW conference,” states African Energy Chamber Executive Chairman, NJ Ayuk.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Kicking off the Invest in African Energy (IAE) reception in London on Thursday, Marilyn Logan, Director General of the Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority (LPRA), showcased Liberia’s available oil and gas blocks and upstream investment opportunities. The reception served to connect major technical and financial partners to Africa’s energy sector ahead of the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energy conference in Cape Town this November, organized by the African Energy Chamber (AEC) (www.EnergyChamber.org).  

Global investors have been clamoring to Africa’s frontier markets in recent months, with countries like Namibia, Mauritania and Mozambique attracting sizable oil and gas CapEx spending, coupled with a renewed exploration focus in West Africa. Liberia represents a proven petroleum system supported by extensive reprocessed 2D and 3D multi-client seismic data in its Liberia and Harper basins.

“Liberia stands out as a new and exciting destination for oil and gas exploration. Positioned strategically on the West Africa Transform Margin, Liberia shares geological similarities with the Jubilee field in Ghana and [discoveries] in Guyana. We are on the verge of a new decade realizing untapped potential in West Africa, and Liberia is ready to play a pivotal role.” 

“Many years ago, many thought Namibia was an oil man’s graveyard…Today, there are even more prospects in countries like Liberia. The belief coming out of [London] drove exploration in places like Namibia – Liberia could be a replica of that,” added NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.

Logan highlighted the role of majors ExxonMobil and Chevron in confirming the presence of a working hydrocarbon system, which has been supported by recent seismic surveys and data reprocessing that show promise of significant reserves. In 2021, the country opened a direct negotiation process for 33 offshore blocks in the Harper and Liberia basins, with plans to launch a new round later this year. 

“Liberia’s upcoming 2024 licensing round provides the opportunity to secure prime exploration blocks. Our round is expected to attract serious investors, with Liberia offering incentives for early investment and ensuring the yield of substantial returns,” said Logan.

In addition to its prospective hydrocarbon resources, Liberia offers a competitive fiscal regime, stable governance and a conducive operating environment. According to Logan, the country has established a fee structure that incentivizes and rewards oil and gas investors with appropriate returns, while still ensuring Liberia retains social and economic benefits from oil and gas extraction activities.  

“On the policy side, the Liberian government has implemented a robust oil and gas program to ensure a conducive environment for oil and gas investments, including a streamlined regulatory process and stable and democratic political environment,” she said. 

“We have to keep an enabling environment – when we enable you to put in money and finance projects, then we both win. The idea of resource nationalism has to go, and also the demonization of the energy industry,” stated Ayuk.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

With details for Angola’s 2025 licensing round announced earlier this week, African exploration markets are making a push for upstream investment by deploying more attractive terms and offerings for global investors. Angola’s upcoming bid round offers 29 opportunities in hydrocarbon-rich basins, minimizing financial risk for exploratory companies. The process is transparent, efficient, and offers flexible contracts, making it an attractive investment prospect.

Ongoing and planned licensing rounds in 2025 – as well as the evaluation of work program obligations and contractual competitiveness – will be a key focus of the Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2025 Forum in Paris in May 2025, which returns for its third edition to showcase Africa’s energy investment and partnership opportunities. The forum will highlight available oil and gas acreage as several African countries – including South Africa, Mozambique, Kenya and Libya – are expected to launch new rounds in 2025. Discussions will also take place on how African upstream markets can strengthen their contractual and fiscal terms and attract a broad range of exploration companies to prospective acreage.

Angola’s upcoming bid round aims to do just this – according to its latest announcement, the ANPG will launch a limited tender in the first quarter of next year featuring nine offshore blocks in the Kwanza and Benguela basins. Additionally, the country has four onshore blocks available, 11 blocks on permanent offer and five marginal fields open for participation – representing the first marginal field round in the country. Marginal fields are located within producing blocks with proven petroleum systems, including ExxonMobil’s Block 15 – one of the largest oil-producing blocks in Angola – and bp’s Block 18, home to the Greater Plutonio Development. The fields can be awarded individually, which demonstrates Angola’s commitment to maximizing the full scope of its hydrocarbon resources and attracting juniors and independents, in addition to major explorers. Angola’s introduction of fiscal reforms that halve tax royalties and income tax requirements for marginal discoveries also serve as a model for other African producers looking to attract investment to marginal resources.

In addition to block opportunities, the call for enhanced seismic and sub-surface data in Africa’s mature and frontier markets will be a central focus of the IAE Forum in Paris. In Angola, the ANPG is seeking to accelerate research and evaluation activities – particularly in sedimentary basins – and expand geological knowledge of new and existing hydrocarbon reserves, with a view to stimulating short-term production through the development of assets located nearby existing production infrastructure, coupled with mid- to long-term development of marginal fields. African oil and gas markets like Angola carry a high demand for seismic and geophysical companies to enter and support exploration activities, with the forum set to connect relevant companies with seismic data acquisition and processing opportunities.

IAE 2025 (http://apo-opa.co/3XUJaHv) is an exclusive forum designed to facilitate investment between African energy markets and global investors. Taking place May 14-15, 2025 in Paris, the event offers delegates two days of intensive engagement with industry experts, project developers, investors and policymakers. For more information, please visit www.Invest-Africa-Energy.com. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

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

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uganda is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of the Northern Corridor Integration Projects (NCIPs) National Coordinators’ Virtual Meeting held on 10th July 2024. This significant meeting, convened by Ms. Clementine Mukeka the National Coordinator and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Rwanda, demonstrated the commitment of the NCIPs member states to regional infrastructural development and cooperation.

The meeting, chaired by Ms. Clementine Mukeka, brought together key representatives from the NCIPs member states, including Dr Alice Yalla, Secretary for East African Community Integration representing Mr. Abdi Dubat the, National Coordinator of NCIPs and Principal Secretary of State Department for East African Community of the Republic of Kenya; Hon. Biel Jock Thuch, National Coordinator for Northern Corridor of the Republic of South Sudan; and Amb. Richard Kabonero, National Coordinator of the Republic of Uganda.

In her opening remarks, Ms. Clementine Mukeka emphasized the importance of assessing the progress of various NCIPs clusters, implementation statuses, and joint frameworks. She reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to hosting the 15th Summit of NCIPs and called for active engagement and collaboration among member states. The agenda for the meeting was adopted without amendments, ensuring a focused and productive session.

Dr Alice Yalla on behalf of the National Coordinator of Kenya highlighted Kenya’s achievements over the past decade and expressed optimism about the future of NCIPs. She emphasized the importance of continued multilateral cooperation to address development challenges and open new markets.

Hon. Biel Jock Thuch, expressed his eagerness to contribute to the NCIPs initiatives and looked forward to strengthening collaboration with other member states. He acknowledged the economic challenges faced by South Sudan but reaffirmed their commitment to addressing these issues.

Amb. Richard Kabonero, Natioal Coordinator for Uganda, in his remarks, extended gratitude to Rwanda for hosting the meeting amidst their busy election period. He recalled the bilateral NCIP Consultative meetings in Kigali and Nairobi, emphasizing the revived commitment to NCIPs and infrastructure projects. Amb. Kabonero provided a comprehensive update on the progress of clusters coordinated by Uganda, highlighting significant achievements in ICT and Infrastructure Development, Standard Gauge Railways (SGR), Project Financing and Private Sector Participation, and Oil Refinery Development.

Uganda, as the Chair and Coordinator of these clusters, has made notable progress. The ICT and Infrastructure Development Cluster has operationalized the One Network Area (ONA) for voice, data, and SMS, significantly increasing traffic among Member States. There has also been progress in cross-border broadband interconnectivity and the commitment to the development of regional satellite communication. The SGR Cluster has seen the operationalization of the Mombasa-Nairobi-Naivasha section, with further construction plans in place especially commencing construction of Malaba- Kampala Section by December 2024 as Signing of the Contract with Yapi Merkezi expected at the end of July 2024. Efforts in Project Financing and Private Sector Participation, as well as Oil Refinery Development, are ongoing, with regional meetings scheduled to ensure continuous progress.

Discussions during the meeting also covered the implementation of joint Memoranda of Understanding (MoU’s) and frameworks in line with NCIPs, including the single tourist visa, ONA MoU, and the Defense and Security Act. Member states reaffirmed their commitment to these agreements and discussed innovative approaches to enhance collaboration.

In her closing remarks, Ms. Mukeka expressed appreciation for the active participation and productive engagements. She highlighted the importance of frequent communication among focal points and outlined a clear roadmap for the NCIPs.

Uganda reaffirms its dedication to the NCIPs and remains committed to working collaboratively with partner states to achieve regional development goals. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs extends its best wishes to Rwanda for peaceful elections and looks forward to continued progress in the upcoming 15th Summit of NCIPs

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Republic of Uganda – Ministry of Foreign Affairs.