The recent four-week deployment of Kuajok’s High Court President to run the circuit court established in Tonj South has given the justice system in the area a much-needed fillip. Approximately 60 cases, some of them three years old, were heard, and numerous detained suspects were acquitted and released.

“I’m part of handling juvenile cases and we want to resolve them swiftly. Keeping children in prison for extended periods when cases are straightforward just isn’t right,” commented social worker Angelo Malual, who is pleased with the way hearings have been significantly expedited, thus sparing people from long-term uncertainty.

The circuit court in Tonj South has been established with the support of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through a larger community violence reduction project funded by the South Sudan Multi-partner Trust Fund for Reconciliation, Stabilization, and Resilience.

A wide-ranging package of activities and vital infrastructure has proved pivotal in restoring peace and drastically reducing violence in the Greater Tonj area, but lately, the court has been the talk of the town.

“I want to express my immense gratitude to UNMISS and other partners for their remarkable efforts in temporarily bringing us a High Court judge. By doing so, we have, among other things, been able to address the urgent issue of our overcrowded prison, where many individuals have been languishing for too long,” said public prosecution attorney Anei Arop, with defense lawyer Samuel Abior echoing her sentiments.

“Progress has been remarkable. I’m genuinely pleased with the way we have tackled our substantial backlog,” he said.

While some perpetrators of minor offences have been released, others were sentenced for serious crimes. Among the cases heard by High Court President Malou Yei, 26 dealt with suspected rape and 19 with murder.

Encouraged by the judicial success, Tonj residents are hoping for more similar deployments that can contribute to proper rule of law gaining a firmer footing in the area.

“Maintaining judicial integrity to ensure fairness is essential, because politics should never be allowed to interfere with the law,” affirmed Malou Yei, who appealed to local administrators to persist in striving for accountability.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

African intergovernmental organization the African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO) held an executive retreat to discuss the future of the African oil and gas sector amidst the ongoing energy transition on July 8-9. The retreat was in preparation for the opening ceremony of APPO’s 18th Executive Board Meeting which will be held on Thursday June 11, where the Republic of the Congo’s Minister of Hydrocarbons Bruno Jean Itoua and APPO’s Alternate President will give an opening address.

During the retreat, APPO member nations discussed strategies for embracing the energy transition, including leveraging centers of excellence, seminars and training programs to combat gas flaring, improve local content and promote research and development. Former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources Emmanual Ibikaichuku; Chief Academic Officer of Maarifa Education Olubayi Olubayi; and Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber (AEC) NJ Ayuk led thought-provoking conversations on African petroleum development and sustainable energy during the meeting.

Building on its long-standing role in Africa’s oil and gas industry, APPO has been instrumental in pioneering financial solutions for the sector. APPO has played an integral part in Africa’s oil and gas industry since its establishment in 1987. The organization – alongside pan-African financial institution the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) -established the newly formed African Energy Bank (AEB) – an institution that will provide finance for African oil and gas projects. The organization recently announced that the banks headquarters will be situated in Abuja Nigeria, a decision that followed a meticulous review process. The goal of establishing the AEB was to support oil and gas projects that have been struggling with financing due to the ongoing energy transition as global financers shift investment towards alternative energy sources. The establishment of the AEB will also support Africa’s energy security by ensuring a reliable supply of energy from both traditional and renewable sources, contributing to a more diversified African energy sector.

Continuing its collaborative efforts, APPO has strengthened its alliance with the AEC to further bolster Africa’s energy landscape. APPO continues to work hand-in-hand with the AEC, supporting existing initiatives and driving new ones forward. In January, APPO and the AEC signed a MoU in the Republic of the Congo to enhance Africa’s energy security and support local content development. This collaboration seeks to target African companies in the oil, gas and broader energy sector and encourage them to undertake larger projects. The collaboration further aims to stimulate technology-focused investments and partnerships across the industry, address obstacles and create an enabling environment for investors through the utilization of private sector potential and intra-African energy commerce.

Moreover, APPO has also established a strong partnership with the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). The collaboration between these two organizations aim to advance African oil and gas projects though shared expertise, coordinated efforts in market stabilization and investment opportunities. Recently, OPEC held the OPEC-Africa Energy Dialogue, in which APPO attended. The third High-Level Meeting of this dialogue emphasized the importance of cooperation between OPEC, APPO and the African Union Commission to cultivate a sustainable intra-African oil and gas industry. This partnership demonstrates APPO’s commitment to engaging in collaborative action to address Africa’s energy needs as well as advancing sustainable development on the continent.

“APPO been a steadfast advocate for the continent’s oil and gas industry. Through its strategic initiatives and partnerships, such as the collaboration with Afreximbank to establish the AEB, APPO is not only addressing the financing challenges faced by the sector but also ensuring Africa’s energy security. By prioritizing traditional energy sources, APPO aims to support the continued development of oil and gas projects while simultaneously facilitating a balanced energy transition in Africa,” states NJ Ayuk.

With major oil and gas projects underway in Africa –  such as the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim, Mozambique LNG, Uganda’s Lake Albert Development, Senegal’s Sangomar Field Development and others – APPO stands ready to support these initiatives by ensuring access to necessary financing. Additionally, the organization aims to facilitate technology-driven solutions while promoting practices that align with the continent’s energy transition goals.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Week (AEW).

Africa’s upstream market continues to attract a slate of new investment as companies capitalize on emerging block opportunities across the continent. Play-opening discoveries in emerging markets and new finds in mature basins showcase the level of prospectivity across the continent’s oil and gas industry and a strong line up of licensing rounds expected in the coming months promise to connect potential investors with African blocks.

Committed to supporting the promotion, marketing and delivery of African oil and gas licensing rounds, international consultancy firm Africa Energy Partners (AEP) has partnered with the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energy conference – scheduled for November 4-8 in Cape Town. As a partner, AEP will bring its extensive network and expertise to the event, facilitating crucial discussions on licensing rounds and block negotiations. 

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 http://www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

To attract a broader range of companies to invest in oil and gas exploration, various African countries are expected to launch or conclude hydrocarbon tenders in 2024/2025, all of which aim to maximize output in producing markets or create viable industries in burgeoning oil and gas plays. Nigeria launched an oil licensing round in April 2024, with 12 offshore blocks available. The round aims to incentivize investment in deepwater acreage. Sierra Leone plans to launch its next licensing round in 2024 on the back of the success of its latest and fifth round – which featured 56 blocks and concluded last September. Additionally, Tanzania is expected to launch its fifth oil and gas licensing round shortly, with licenses set to be awarded by December 2024. Up to 26 blocks have initially been allocated for tender. Following its 2023 tender – which concluded in January 2024 and secured 53 bids – Angola is planning to launch a 2025 licensing round in Q1 of next year, featuring ten blocks in the Kwanza and Benguela basins.

With over thirty years of experience in the African oil and energy sectors, AEP collaborates closely with African ministries, NOCs, regulators, IOCs and technology firms to drive successful upstream tenders. AEP engaged in the Liberia Direct Negotiations 2021–2023, participating in discussions with the government of Liberia, the state-owned National Oil Company of Liberia and Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority and service company TGS. This resulted in energy major ExxonMobil submitting an Expression of Interest. Additionally, the successful conclusion of the Lake Albert Blocks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Bid Round was recently supported by AEP. As evidence of the growing awareness of the DRC’s energy potential and AEP’s capacity to draw in foreign investors to support the nation’s oil and gas development, the country received an Expression of Interest from an ASX-listed oil and gas company – yet to be announced.

Meanwhile, the firm also supported Sierra Leone’s fifth offshore licensing round – which was launched in 2022 and extended into 2023 due to high levels of interest. The company partnered with the Petroleum Directorate of Sierra Leone (PDSL) to promote the round, which aimed to connect companies with undeveloped acreage in the country which resulted in F.A. Oil licensing 6 highly prospective blocks. AEP are currently working with the Directorate on the direct negotiations which will close on the 27th of September. Last month, geological service firm GeoPartners, in partnership with PDSL, introduced a legacy 2D seismic dataset that was shot by Amaco to the market in hopes of further attracting investments offshore Sierra Leone.

“Africa offers a wealth of undeveloped acreage across both offshore and onshore markets. Upcoming licensing rounds in both producing and emerging markets promise to not only unlock new resources for the continent but generate high returns for investors given rising global demand and industrialization efforts in Africa. Companies such as AEP provide critical support for successful licensing rounds,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.

“With African governments keen to attract rapid investment into their open acreage we have utilized our network of 1000’s of up-to-date C-level decision makers to swiftly evaluate opportunities and it has worked very well in Sierra Leone, Liberia&the DRC. With good fiscal terms backed up with firm G&G prospectivity, the messaging needs to be promoted far and wide and this is what we do for our clients. If you couple this with face-to-face meetings at Africa Energy Week to accelerate the process results in a win-win for governments&investors. Last year’s AEW was superb with an outstanding mix O&G executives from around the globe and I know that this year’s event will be even better” said Matt Hewitson, Managing Parter of Africa Energy Partners.

As a partner to AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024, AEP will bring its extensive network and expertise to the event, facilitating key discussions and collaborations. The firm’s contributions will include providing insights into the latest industry trends and promoting investment opportunities across the African energy sector.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Tim George, CEO of UK-based global mining firm Pensana, will speak at the upcoming Critical Minerals Africa (CMA) Summit in Cape Town – Africa’s premier gathering for critical mineral stakeholders.

As one of Africa’s leading investors in the development of rare earth elements (REEs), Pensana’s participation will be crucial in discussions on meeting rising demand for REEs, which are used in renewable energy and EV technologies, and establishing Africa’s role in the global minerals supply chain.

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 (www.AECWeek.com) 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.

Last March, Pensana secured an $80-million loan from Angola’s sovereign wealth fund to implement a revised execution plan for its flagship Longonjo Rare Earth Project. With offtake agreements secured for 100% of Longonjo’s production, the loan will enable Pensana to accelerate project development, targeting first production by 2026. As one of the world’s largest and highest-grade magnet metal rare earth deposits, the project is set to position Angola as a strategic critical minerals supplier. George is expected to provide an update on the project, as well as highlight ongoing innovations aimed at improving the efficiency and sustainability of rare earth extraction and processing activities.

https://apo-opa.co/3W2nmXI

Pensana also stands to benefit from the Longonjo project’s proximity to the planned Lobito Corridor, which will facilitate the transport of mineral resources from Africa’s Copperbelt region to international buyers. As Angola forges cooperation with global partners to advance the project – including the governments of Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, USAID, the European Commission and the African Development Bank – the summit will address the role of supportive government policies in building resilient transport and logistics infrastructure for continued growth of the sector.

In addition to the Longonjo project, Pensana is advancing exploration and resource studies at the Coola Carbonatite and Sulima West REEs exploration projects in Angola, affirming its commitment to the sustainable growth of the country’s mining industry. At CMA 2024, George will unpack the wide range of socioeconomic benefits that Pensana’s projects will generate for Angola, including local job creation and broad infrastructure development. 

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