The Republic of the Congo has a goal of increasing hydrocarbon production to 500,000 barrels per day (bpd) and projects such as Wing Wah Oil Company’s Banga Kayo development will serve as catalysts for meeting this objective. The project is a strong example for how integration and scalability can be utilized to not only monetize resources but maximize production beyond the lifecycle of initially-tied in blocks.

The African Energy Chamber (AEC) – the voice of the African energy sector – conducted a tour of Wing Wah’s project near Pointe Noire during a working visit to the country this week. A strong advocate for the development of oil and gas in Africa, the AEC believes that hydrocarbons are the solution for making energy poverty history by 2030.

Project’s such as Wing Wah’s in the Republic of the Congo are not only a testament to the role international partnerships play in developing African oil and gas resources but to the potential for large-scale, integrated developments across the continent. The Ministry of Hydrocarbons – led by Minister Bruno Jean-Richard Itoua – and the country’s NOC Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo – led by Managing Director Maixent Raoul Ominga – have provided the much-needed support that companies such as Wing Wah need to develop innovative projects, and the AEC commends them for the progress made thus far.

Banga Kayo: An Innovative Oil&Gas Venture

The Banga Kayo conventional oilfield is a production permit operated by Wing Wah, which features approximately 250 wells that have been drilled to date. Currently, the field is producing 45,000 bpd and is nearing its peak production of 80,000 bpd. In addition to oil production, Wing Wah is implementing a phased expansion and development approach to monetize previously-flared gas resources. Over three phases, the project will progressively increase gas treatment and valorization capacity, producing LNG, butane and propane, primarily for the domestic market. Excess products will be exported regionally.

The project incorporates the development of three trains. The first has a capacity of one million cubic meters per day (mcm/d), while the second and third trains will have a capacity of two mcm/d each. The second and third trains are anticipated to come online by March 2025 and December 2025, respectively, and will bring the total capacity of the project to five mcm/b. In April 2024, Wing Wah signed an amended production sharing contract with the government for the Banga Kayo block, signaling the start of the expansion of the project.

Integration: A Tool for Maximizing Efficiency and Scalability

Wing Wah’s project in the Republic of the Congo is underpinned by a focus on integration and scalability. The structure of the facilities has been planned in a way that prioritizes efficiency, reduces emissions and promotes scalability. Specifically, the facility enables Wing Wah to tap into stranded gas that would have otherwise been flared, thereby providing opportunities for monetization and the utilization of gas across the oil production cycle. Unlike traditional LNG infrastructure which faces challenges as blocks mature and feedstock declines, the scalable design of Wing Wah’s project creates the opportunity to maximize production – both at existing blocks and new concessions.

Additionally, each unit at the facility has its own power generation solution which are scalable in increments of 2 MW. Currently, 22 MW is installed, with generators utilizing gas from associated blocks. As production increases, so can power generation, thereby ensuring scalability and durability. Meanwhile, the water management system is also integrated into the project in a way that promotes environmentally-friendly operations. Water treatment is conducted on-site and distributed back into the ocean once treated.

As such, the facility provides a quintessence of oil and gas integration. The development approach features fast construction, fast commissioning and quick, efficient operations. Wing Wah are using state-of-the-art equipment and have an organized layout of the overall infrastructure and storage. This is expected to boost efficiency at the project site while ensuring the project plays an instrumental role in processing oil and gas for the long-term.

Prioritizing Local Community Development

In addition to project efficiency, the Banga Kayo development has been constructed in a way that takes into account the needs of local communities. All of the processing facilities have on-site accommodation, with senior management on-call to ensure a constant review of work. Currently, the project employs more than 3,000 people, the majority of whom are workforce Congolese. Meanwhile, excess power generated at the project site can be distributed to local communities, providing a clean and reliable source of power. Water management also takes into account regional demand, with surrounding communities benefiting from a clean source. This structure not only brings tangible benefits to local communities but reducing emissions across the project’s operational cycle.

“Wing Wah’s integrated project in the Republic of the Congo is a model that can and must be replicated in other oil and gas producing nations in Africa. The project’s focus on scalability ensures production is not limited to specific blocks, but rather, infrastructure can be easily tied into new concessions as exploration ramps up across the country. Through gas-fired power generation, innovative water management and a long-term approach to production, the project is poised to unlock a wealth of benefits for the country,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Persistent violence by armed groups has been raised as the top concern for communities and local authorities in Yei and Lainya in the Central Equatoria region during a peace and security mission by representatives of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

During discussions about insecurity, the Commissioner of Yei, reported increasing abductions of ex-combatants and veterans in the area by armed groups seeking to swell their ranks.

“This is deeply concerning as it will increase violence in the county,” said the Commissioner, Aggrey Cyrus Kanyikwa.

Along with his fellow County Commissioner from Lainya, Mr. Kanyikwa expressed fears about the fragmentation of existing armed groups and the emergence of new forces that pose a threat to stability across the region. They appealed to UNMISS to support efforts by local authorities and security forces to address the issue and ensure that civilians are protected.

The situation is being further exacerbated by a surge in misinformation and disinformation spreading from South Sudan into neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo, which is stoking fear of cross border violence and prompting Congolese communities to take up arms in self-defense in the belief of imminent attacks.

“The situation is very dire. We need UNMISS help to stop this misinformation campaign and prevent further violence. We urge the mission to use its influence to bring together all parties involved and find a peaceful solution,” said Mr. Kanyikwa.

The concerns about a rise in armed activity and recruitment of troops is deeply concerning given the history of violence and instability in the Central Equatorian region.

“As UNMISS, we have taken note of this situation and, through our good offices, we will work closely with authorities to engage with communities and the parties to prevent violence,” said the Head of UNMISS’ Juba Field Office, Njoki Rahab Kinyanjui.

The local authorities said it was imperative that international actors worked together to prevent further violence and instability and support efforts to find a peaceful solution.

“As a government, we shall continue to engage for peace. However, the United Nations and other partners need to step in and ensure that security concerns are addressed,” said Mr. Kanyikwa.

“We cannot afford any more violence and instability in our region. The people have suffered enough.”

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

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has made public his assets declaration as part of his unwavering stand for transparency and aversion to corruption and graft.

The President said his action is in fulfilment of his commitment to upholding the Constitution and laws of Liberia, in addition to his dedication to fostering a culture of accountability, integrity, and good governance.

The President expressed his belief that by making his assets declaration publicly available, he is setting a compelling example for public officials and citizens alike, emphasizing the importance of accountability and ethical leadership.

The Liberian Leader said this move underscores his vision for a Liberia where honesty and integrity form the bedrock of governance and where the principles of fairness and justice guide the nation’s progress.

He furthered that his decision to disclose his assets is a clear demonstration of his belief in leading by example and his determination to create a government that operates with the highest standards of integrity.

“Transparency not only strengthens public trust but also underscores unyielding dedication to rooting out corruption and fostering a climate of openness and accountability”, the Liberian Chief Executive declared.

The President reiterated the hope that in continuing to champion transparency and ethical conduct, his actions will serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for all Liberians, signaling an era of responsible and conscientious leadership that is committed in the nation.

It can be recalled that the President declared his assets in the first few weeks following his inauguration.  

Kindly find documents in the link.

https://emansion.gov.lr/sites/default/files/documents/President_Boakais…

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of Liberia: Executive Mansion.

Africa presents a compelling investment destination for Japanese firms, with high growth potential and the African Development Bank’s strong support to manage risks, African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) leaders stressed at the Japan-Africa Business Forum in Tokyo.

“Africa has huge private sector opportunities. The continent offers some of the highest returns globally,” said Prof. Kevin Chika Urama, Bank Group Chief Economist and Vice President, in a presentation highlighting Africa’s abundant renewable energy potential, and the need for strategic investments in green minerals and value addition. “Smart investments in Africa are good business — doing well by doing good,” he stressed.

Dr. Kevin Kariuki, Vice President for Power, Energy, Climate and Green Growth, highlighted Japan’s competitive advantage in geothermal technology. “90% of all the turbines in Kenya are from Japan, starting with Mitsubishi,” he noted. Kariuki also positioned Africa as a solution to Europe’s energy challenges, with planned interconnections to export power and hydrogen.

The forum was organised by the African Development Bank and Keizai Doyukai, the Japanese Association of Corporate Executives, with support from Japan’s Ministry of Finance.

Bank leaders underscored the institution’s commitment to making investing in Africa more attractive. “We have facilities within the Bank to try and de-risk these projects,” said Kariuki, citing the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa’s (SEFA) support for the Kom Ombo and Kairouan solar projects amid escalating costs.

Kazuko Nagura from Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) announced plans to hold the third Japan-Africa Public-Private Economic Forum later this year. The event will offer Japanese companies an opportunity to travel to Africa to undertake business development and networking.  Nagura also made reference to the ministry’s  efforts to support Japanese business ventures in Africa such as the AfDX (https://apo-opa.co/4eCjcP4) program and Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai (https://apo-opa.co/4be8M58) planned for next year.

During a panel discussion on investing in African startups, Vice President for Private Sector, Infrastructure and Industrialisation Solomon Quaynor stressed the potential of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) to drive productivity improvements and deliver services to the base of the pyramid. “The idea is to use technology to increase profitability through efficiency, so you’re delivering value for which all segments of society are actually paying,” he explained.

Quaynor highlighted the Bank’s initiatives to develop Africa’s human capital and startup ecosystem, including partnerships with tech giants: “We have a program with Intel to train 9 million Africans in artificial intelligence and a coding for employment program to upskill up to 50 million youth.”  He said the Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Banks (YEIBs) (https://apo-opa.co/4cuUaPV) will further support tech-enabled companies and enhance the collaboration with &Capital, a new Africa-focused impact fund endorsed by Keizai Doyukai.

Misako Takahashi, Deputy Director-General of the Middle Eastern and African Affairs Bureau at Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted TICAD as a platform for co-creating innovative solutions for growth and to discuss Japan and Africa’s shared future.

Yacine Fal, the Special Representative of the African Development Bank’s President to the Africa Investment Forum (www.AfricaInvestmentForum.com), showcased the platform’s role as a premier conduit for investment into Africa’s agriculture, energy, transport, healthcare  and ICT sectors, among others. She noted the successful participation of Japanese investors and business leaders including those from Keizai Doyukai at the 2023 Market Days held last November in Marrakech.  

 Earlier in the day, Keizai Doyukai, and the African Development Bank reaffirmed their commitment to work together to strengthen business ties between Japan and African countries. The two jointly organized the business forum to increase interest in African business and promote a better understanding of the Japanese private sector ahead of TICAD9. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

More images: https://apo-opa.co/3VyblJv

Media Contact:
Olufemi Terry
African Development Bank Group
media@afdb.org

About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 34 African countries with an external office in Japan, the AfDB contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org.