Multinational energy company Oando PLC has joined the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energy 2024 conference and exhibition as a diamond sponsor. As an African independent, Oando PLC’s sponsorship and partnership speaks to the caliber of the conference – taking place in Cape Town from November 4-8 – as a premier event for the African oil and gas industry.

Oando PLC company signed an $800 million loan document with pan-African financial institution the African Export-Import Bank in November last year to facilitate the acquisition of 100% of the shares of exploration and production company the Nigerian Agip Oil Company. The transaction will see Oando PLC’s participation interest in OML 60, 61, 62 and 63 – situated in the northern Niger Delta – increase from 20% to 40%. During AEW 2024: Invest in African Energy, the company will outline how this strategic acquisition supports the company’s growth objectives in Africa.

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.

As a well-established energy company with an impressive portfolio of assets in the oil and gas sector, Oando PLC is responsible for driving a diverse range of assets, which include exploration, development and production for onshore and offshore activities Nigeria. Currently, its producing assets include Qua Iboe (OML 13), Ebendo Field (OML 56), OML 60, OML 61, OML 62 and OML 63. Meanwhile the company’s promising pipeline of development assets include OML 90 and OML 122, which hold tremendous potential for bolstering Oando PLC’s operational capacity. Furthermore, in the realm of exploration, Oando PLC holds interests in several strategic assets including OMLs 321 and 323 as well as Blocks 5 and 12, OML 131 and OML 145.

Oando has stepped in as a strong partner for African countries, taking over high potential onshore assets with the aim of gradually growing reserves. Boasting a number of strategic partnerships and with a focus on sustainable growth, Oando PLC is well-positioned to harness the full potential of Africa’s energy resources and create long-term value for the company’s stakeholders. With a diverse and robust array of assets, Oando PLC has established a firm foundation for its business operations, ensuring a strong and sustainable presence in the dynamic and ever-evolving oil and gas sector.

“Oando PLC is a renowned leader in sustainability and clean energy efforts, with a strong commitment to driving successful oil and gas project developments in Africa,” states African Energy Chamber Executive Chairman NJ Ayuk. “The company sets an inspiring example for the entire industry, laying the groundwork for a more prosperous future for the continent.”

Oando PLC’s activities in oil and gas exploration, production and development are poised to play a significant role in meeting Africa’s energy demand, a key premise of AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024, which will be held under the theme Energy Growth through an Enabling Environment. In doing so, the company is well-positioned to contribute to the event’s stated goal of eradicating energy poverty on the continent by 2030.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

The UN-backed $3.24 billion humanitarian response plan for 2024 is only five per cent funded. 

Organised by the UN along with the Governments of Ethiopia and the United Kingdom, the conference aims to hear commitments that will enhance life-saving aid to approximately 15.5 million people in 2024. An immediate funding of $1 billion is required to sustain aid delivery for the next five months.

The crisis has escalated due to recurring cycles of droughts, floods, and conflict. Food insecurity and malnutrition are anticipated to affect 10.8 million people during the lean season from July to September.

A multi-factor crisis

Around 4.5 million people have been displaced from their homes, raising concerns about public health and protection services. The El Niño phenomenon has worsened drought conditions in the northern highlands, leading to decreased water availability, parched pastures, and reduced harvests. 

Malnutrition rates in many areas including Afar, Amhara, and Tigray continue to worsen, highlighting the critical need for funding.

“Conflicts have destroyed thousands of schools, health facilities, water systems and other community infrastructure. And that adds to the difficulty,” said Ramiz Alakbarov, UN’s Assistant Secretary-General and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ethiopia, adding that security and safety of humanitarian workers is still an issue in “many parts of Ethiopia”. 

The Ethiopian government has recently endorsed a new national policy for disaster risk management and committed $250 million for food support in the coming months. Additionally, regional governments and the country’s private sector have allocated further domestic resources for emergency response.

Strength in numbers

UN Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Joyce Msuya, closed the event with an Amharic proverb that translates as “when spider webs unite, they can tie up a lion”.

“It suggests that when people come together, as we have done this afternoon, we can accomplish formidable tasks and overcome great challenges”, she added. 

She praised the 21 cash pledges led by the United States which promised $253 million, and the UK with $125 million, saying it showed “the power of unity and collective effort in achieving shared goals” on behalf of the Ethiopian people.

WHO ‘cannot continue’ work without cash injection

Speaking for the World Health Organization (WHO) Dr. Mike Ryan told the conference a cholera outbreak was now in its 20th month with over 41,000 cases, and malaria cases are already over 1.1 million for the year.

These outbreaks are occurring where millions of people lack access to essential health services with drought and flooding make the situation even worse.

“WHO and our health partners are on the ground, providing life-saving health services”, he said, adding that “without urgent funding we cannot continue. 

“So far this year, we have received only four per cent of the $187 million needed to keep operations going.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres celebrated the achievements and contributions of people of African descent from across the world, while addressing the forum via video message, but also acknowledged existing racial discrimination and inequalities Black people continue to face. 

He said the establishment of the Permanent Forum shows a dedication from the international community to address these injustices. Still, it needs to be backed by significant change for people of African descent globally.

“Now we must build on that momentum to drive meaningful change – by ensuring that people of African descent enjoy the full and equal realization of their human rights; by stepping up efforts to eliminate racism and discrimination – including through reparations; and by taking steps towards the full inclusion of people of African descent in society as equal citizens,” said Mr. Guterres.

‘Formidable convening power’

Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights Nada Al-Nashif praised the forum for its “formidable convening power” by meeting for a third high profile session less than two years after becoming operational.

She commended the forum’s planned 70 side events focusing on climate justice, education, health, and more for people of African descent, saying it shows a “remarkable effort, amplifying the reach and impact of our collective commitment.”

Ms. Al-Nashif urged Member States to participate in discussions and act on recommendations derived from them. 

“Only then can we ensure that all civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights of people of African descent can be fully realized without discrimination or bias,” she said.

Decade should extend

Ms. Al-Nashif said the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, supports the extension of the International Decade for people of African Descent – a time proclaimed by the General Assembly in 2015 to focus on recognition, justice and development. 

During the Permanent Forum, a conversation will be centred around achievement limitations and expectations of the requested second international decade. 

“We look forward to the outcome of the discussions of this session; and we will be following the intergovernmental discussions in relation to the International Decade throughout this year,” said Ms. Al-Nashif.

All reports from the Permanent Forum will be presented to the 57th session of the UN Human Rights Council in September, as well as the new session of the UN General Assembly, which begins that month.

A fight for change

The Deputy High Commissioner said her office is continuing to look for ways to ensure “the meaningful, inclusive, and safe participation of people of African descent in public life is essential in the fight against systemic racism.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.

APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), the premier award-winning Pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service, is proud to announce that it has been named the winner in three award categories by Brands Review Magazine, a renowned UK-based media publication dedicated to covering key industry sectors worldwide.

APO Group was named Best PR Agency Africa 2024, Leading Communication Consultancy Africa 2024, and Leading Press Release Distribution Platform Africa 2024 following a thorough evaluation process. These new accolades mark another milestone for APO Group, solidifying its position as a leader in public relations and communications services across Africa.

Brands Review Magazine is committed to recognising and rewarding excellence in businesses on a global scale. With a primary objective to showcase outstanding work and achievements, the magazine aims to highlight the exceptional contributions of businesses, top brands, and industry leaders from across diverse sectors.

APO Group has consistently demonstrated its commitment to excellence and innovation, earning recognition not only from Brands Review Magazine but also from other prestigious industry platforms. In 2023, APO Group and its clients won a total of 5 African SABRE Awards, surpassing all other firms in the competition. The SABRE Awards are the world’s biggest PR awards programme.

Furthermore, APO Group’s outstanding achievements in 2023 were acknowledged with prestigious awards such as a PRovoke Media Global SABRE Award and two World Business Outlook Awards. These awards encompassed various categories including Leading Public Relations Firm Africa 2023 and Leading Pan-African Communications Consultancy Africa 2023, highlighting the company’s unparalleled excellence and leadership in the industry. Commenting on winning the Brands Review Magazine aw Rania El Rafie, Vice President of Public Relations and Strategic Communications at APO Group said, “These awards reaffirm our dedication to delivering excellence in media relations and communication services across Africa. They reinforce APO Group’s standing as a leader in the African media and communications industry, highlighting our unwavering commitment to quality and excellence.”

“We are honoured to be recognised by Brands Review Magazine and remain committed to delivering exceptional services to our clients across Africa.”

Originating as a press release distribution service 15 years ago, APO Group has evolved into a pan-African public relations and communications powerhouse, boasting a dedicated team of professionals who drive some of the most compelling campaigns across the African continent. APO Group experienced year-over-year revenue growth of 40% in 2021 and 60% in 2022.

In 2023, Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard, Chairman and Founder of APO Group, was named among the 100 Most Influential Africans. The list, published since 2011, recognises and celebrates the achievements and contributions of Africans from various fields and sectors who are making a positive impact on the continent and the world.

Additionally, Pompigne-Mognard sits on several Advisory Boards, Task Forces, and International Committees, including the Senior Advisory Board of the Canada-Africa Chamber of Business, the Advisory Boards of the African Energy Chamber, the World Football Summit, the Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF), the Bloomberg New Economy Gateway Africa, the EurAfrican Forum, the Task Force for the FIFA – CAF Infrastructure Development Project, and the International Committee of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA). He is also a Special Advisor to the President of Rugby Africa, the governing body of rugby in Africa.

APO Group works with more than 300 clients, ranging from governments to international institutions, prominent personalities, and companies active in Africa. Some of APO Group’s prestigious clients include Nestlé, Coca-Cola, TikTok, NBA, FIFA, Canon, DHL, Marriott Group, Ecobank, Siemens, Orange, Jack Ma Foundation, African Development Bank, World Health Organization, Islamic Development Bank, Liquid Intelligent Technology, Rotary International, Kaspersky, and Greenpeace.

The company comprises seasoned communication experts and strategists who bring years of invaluable experience in developing and supporting public relations campaigns across Africa and worldwide. Leveraging diverse resources, the consultancy ensures the delivery of robust and coherent messaging to media outlets on behalf of its clients. With a focus on the African market, the company has successfully assisted numerous clients from various sectors in amplifying their brand messaging, elevating their reputation, and establishing meaningful connections with their target audience.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of APO Group.

Media contact:
marie@apo-opa.com

About APO Group:
Founded in 2007, APO Group (www.APO-opa.com) stands as the premier award-winning Pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service. Renowned for our deep-rooted African expertise and expansive global perspective, we specialise in elevating the reputation and brand equity of both private and public organisations across Africa. As a trusted partner, our mission is to harness the power of media, crafting bespoke strategies that drive tangible, measurable impact in Africa and beyond.

Our commitment to excellence and innovation in communication strategies has been recognised with prestigious awards, including a PRovoke Media Global SABRE Award, five PRovoke Media Africa SABRE Awards and two World Business Outlook Awards in 2023 alone, in categories, among others, including Leading Public Relations Firm Africa 2023 and Leading Pan-African Communications Consultancy Africa 2023.

Our esteemed clientele, including global giants like Canon, Nestlé, TikTok or Coca-Cola, reflects our unparalleled ability to navigate the complex African media landscape, with teams on the ground in numerous African countries, offering unmatched insights and reach across the continent.

APO Group is dedicated to reshaping narratives about Africa, challenging stereotypes, and bringing inspiring African stories to global audiences, with our expertise in developing and supporting public relations campaigns worldwide uniquely positioning us to amplify brand messaging, enhance reputations, and connect effectively with target audiences.

For more information, please visit our website: www.APO-opa.com