Energy Invest: Namibia 2023 – the official investment report on Namibia’s oil, natural gas, power, mining and renewable energy sectors – was relaunched at the Namibian International Energy Conference on Wednesday, in the presence of Namibia’s leading energy authorities, regulators and companies.

Endorsed by the Ministry of Mines and Energy and produced by Energy Capital&Power (ECP), the publication serves as the official publication on Namibia’s burgeoning energy sector, tracking its evolution into one of the most dynamic energy hotspots globally. Since the launch of the report at African Energy Week last October, Namibia has produced two more offshore discoveries at Galp’s Mopane complex in the Orange Basin; secured additional financing for the Hyphen Hydrogen Energy facility; advanced its draft National Upstream Petroleum Local Content Policy; and established a new joint development plan for the Kudu gas project, among other key developments.

“Against the backdrop of Namibia’s dynamic energy landscape, this publication delves into the prevailing trends, advancements and investment opportunities within the country’s burgeoning sector, offering insightful interviews and in-depth analysis,” stated Kelly-Ann Mealia, ECP Chairperson.

As Namibia seeks foreign investment to develop its hydrocarbon discoveries and establish requisite exploration and production infrastructure, the publication serves as an exclusive investor resource, uniting insights from Namibia’s leading energy authorities and private sector players to showcase key trade, investment and partnership opportunities.

“Energy Capital&Power has been honored to operate in this market as it enters an unprecedented period of growth. We look forward to working with the Namibian government and private sector to unlock the full potential of the country’s resources and connect projects with the global investment community,” concluded Mealia.

Energy Capital&Power is a strategic partner of the Namibia International Energy Conference (NIEC) – taking place in Windhoek on April 23-25, 2024. The 6th annual conference unites industry leaders, business executives and policymakers to engage in dialogue, exchange ideas, create new partnerships and identify strategies to foster a prosperous energy industry in Namibia and beyond. For more information, please visit https://www.NIEConference.com/

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

South Africa is challenging the EU’s prohibition on the importation of South African citrus fruit affected by the fungus “citrus black spot” (Phyllotactic citricarpa). South Africa claims the EU measure appears to be inconsistent with various provisions of the WTO’s Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures.

Further information is available in document WT/DS624/1

This is the second dispute case initiated by South Africa regarding the EU’s import measures on citrus fruit. In July 2022, South Africa initiated a case challenging EU phytosanitary requirements for the importation of oranges and other citrus products related to the pest Thaumatotibia leucotreta, known as false codling moth (DS613).

What is a request for consultations?

The request for consultations formally initiates a dispute in the WTO. Consultations give the parties an opportunity to discuss the matter and to find a satisfactory solution without proceeding further with litigation. After 60 days, if consultations have failed to resolve the dispute, the complainant may request adjudication by a panel.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Trade Organization (WTO).

The feasibility studies for the 256km multinational Kisumu-Kisian-Busia/Kakira-Malaba-Busitema-Busia expressway is set to start soon after EAC officially handed over the site to the consultancy firm named GOPA Infra Gmbh of Germany together with ITEC Limited of Kenya.

The expressway that will run from Kisumu in Kenya to Kakira, a town Jinja district, will involve rehabilitation of the existing two-lane single-carriageway to bitumen standards and the upgrading of the same into a two-lane dual carriageway over a 104km stretch.

The $1.4 million feasibility study project funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) will determine the economic viability of upgrading the existing multinational road sections from single carriageway to expressway standards. The studies will be carried out as one integrated project but in two distinct packages to determine the economic feasibility of developing the corridors that connect the two countries to the port of Mombasa.

The expressway is part of improvements on the Northern Corridor which provides landlocked East African nations faster access to Mombasa Port. It also forms part of the Mombasa-Kigali expressway that was prioritised at the EAC Heads of States Retreat on Infrastructure Development held in February 2018 in Kampala.

The rehabilitation along the EAC Northern Corridor is expected to contribute to strengthening road infrastructure within the EAC region to fast-track regional integration and spur cross-border trade.

Speaking during the site handover ceremony in Kisumu, the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Infrastructure, Productive, Social  and Political Sectors, Hon. Aguer Ariik Malueth, disclosed the estimated overall duration of the feasibility study will be 18 months.The total cost is estimated at USD 1,499,587.00.

Hon. Ariik further revealed that the upgrading of the Kisumu-Kisian-Busia/Kakira-Malaba-Busitema-Busia expressway is expected to improve the transport services to five land-linked EAC Partner States, namely Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan and DRC.

“It is our expectation that Partner States are also in the process of upgrading the other sections of the Nothern Corridor from Mombasa through Nairobi up to Malaba and from Kampala westwards towards Katuna and Mpondwe so as to achieve a uniform high level of service along the entire corridor,” said he said.

Hon. Ariik disclosed that EAC has 10 cross-border corridors that form the EAC Road Network Project totaling 15,000 kilometers, adding that the focus of the EAC Secretariat is to promote their improvements for the enhancement of the economic well-being of all EAC citizens.

The DSG also said that the scope of the assignment of the feasibility study will include the improvement of the Busia and Malaba One Stop Border Posts (OSBPs) and the upgrading of Lwakhakha Border between Kenya and Uganda to an OSBP.

“The consultant is also expected to propose other measures including digitalisation of weighbridges, establishment of roadside rest areas and intelligent transport system,” added Hon Ariik.

On his part, Eng. Godfrey A. Enzama, the Principal Civil Engineer at the EAC Secretariat said that the road project will not only be expected to improve the transport flow, but also will address the issue of poor road safety along the road.

Eng. Enzama added that the entire EAC region, and in particular some sections of the Northern Corridor, has very high incidences of fatal road crashes, brought about by a variety of reasons including driver behaviour, bad weather, poor road conditions and pedestrian-vehicle conflicts.

On his part, Eng. Luka Kameli, who represented the Principal Secretary at Kenya’s Ministry of EAC, ASALs and Regional Development, said that the rehabilitation of the Kisumu-Kisian-Busia/Kakira-Malaba-Busitema-Busia expressway will boost most economic sectors including imports, exports, mining, forestry, production and delivery of manufactured products, trade in livestock and fisheries, goods and industrial products and tourism.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of East African Community.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, on Wednesday, 24th April 2024, in a momentous ceremony held in Kaleo, officially inaugurated phase two of the Kaleo Solar Power Plant, marking another significant stride in Ghana’s renewable energy journey.

With a capacity of fifteen megawatts peak (15MWp), this addition underscores Ghana’s commitment to harnessing clean energy sources and building a sustainable future for generations to come.

Addressing a gathering of dignitaries, chiefs, and community members, President Akufo-Addo emphasized the importance of renewable energy in driving economic growth, mitigating climate change, and ensuring energy security for all citizens.

He praised the collective efforts of stakeholders, including the Chiefs and people of the Nadowli-Kaleo traditional area, the German Government, the Volta River Authority (VRA), and project contractors, for their invaluable contributions to the successful completion of the project.

The President highlighted the strategic significance of Kaleo as a hub for renewable energy development, citing its rich natural resources and potential to attract investment and spur innovation in the region.

He reiterated Government’s commitment to incentivizing green investments, promoting energy efficiency, and prioritizing the development of solar, wind, and hydroelectric power projects as key strategies for the nation’s energy sector growth.

Phase two of the Kaleo Solar Power Plant not only adds fifteen megawatts of clean energy to the national grid but also improves the quality of power supply in the Upper West Region. Furthermore, it is estimated to reduce national carbon emissions by nearly 8,917 tonnes, contributing to Ghana’s efforts to combat climate change and fulfill its international commitments. It will also promote practical studies in the development of solar power by the Technical Universities in the northern part of the country.

President Akufo-Addo reiterated Government’s commitment to invest continuously in the electricity transmission network, to enable the country to evacuate more renewable energy through the national grid to support the extension of electricity to all parts of the country.

“It is our intention to attain full electricity access by the end of this year, up from the current rate of eighty-eight-point-eight percent (88.8%),” he stated.

The President continued, “I expect that, with this project in this community, corporate social responsibility programmes for Kaleo and its environment will be enhanced through the provision of social amenities by the appropriate authorities, including VRA.”

President Akufo-Addo expressed optimism about Ghana’s energy future, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and collective action in achieving sustainable development goals. He urged all stakeholders to uphold effective maintenance management practices to ensure the longevity and efficiency of renewable energy infrastructure, reaffirming his government’s dedication to building a brighter, greener future for all Ghanaians.

“By investing in renewable energy infrastructure, we are securing a reliable source of electricity and creating new opportunities for economic growth and job creation. This plant will not only power homes and businesses, but also serve as a catalyst for development in the Upper West Region, attracting investment and spurring innovation,” he added.

The President told the gathering that Government is implementing a series of policies and measures to incentivise green investments, foster a culture of energy efficiency, and prioritise the development of solar, wind, and hydroelectric power projects as key strategies for the growth of the energy sector in the country.
“The vision, however, is not only to be energy self-sufficient, but also to set the stage for Ghana to emerge as an eco-friendly country in the Region, inspiring neighbouring countries to follow suit in their pursuit of a greener, more energy-technology-centred future,” he added.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.