Angola plans to maintain oil production at 1.1 million barrels per day (bpd) until 2027, thereafter increasing output to over 2 million bpd to stimulate economic growth. As the linchpin of the economy, Angola’s oil and gas industry has seen aggressive reform since 2017, with the government’s continuous competitive focus guaranteeing attractive fiscal and contractual terms for investors. As such, the African Energy Chamber (AEC) (www.EnergyChamber.org) is calling on global E&P companies and technology providers to invest in Angola, as one of Africa’s largest producers and a growing regional production hub.

For decades, Angola’s oil and gas industry has delivered high returns for investors, with economic stability, proven petroleum plays and strong local partners underpinning the success of multi-million-dollar investments. The introduction of a six-year licensing round in 2019, in tandem with proven and frontier exploration opportunities, has only enhanced the sector’s attractiveness. Amid growing international interest, the country’s premier industry event – Angola Oil&Gas (AOG) – returns for its fifth edition on October 2-3, 2024. The event is proudly endorsed by the AEC and is set to connect international players with partnership and investment opportunities across Angola’s oil and gas market.

AOG is the largest oil and gas event in Angola. Taking place with the full support of the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas; national oil company Sonangol; the National Oil, Gas and Biofuels Agency; the African Energy Chamber; and the Petroleum Derivatives Regulatory Institute, the event is a platform to sign deals and advance Angola’s oil and gas industry. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

A Strategic Opportunity for Upstream Players

While recognized as a mature oil market, Angola continues to offer frontier opportunities for explorers. Earlier this month, energy major TotalEnergies reached FID on the Cameia and Golfinho fields in Angola’s Block 20/11. Part of the $6-billion Kaminho deepwater project – the first large-scale deepwater development in Kwanza Basin – the fields are on track for first production by 2028.

Angola’s producing blocks also offer opportunities for enhanced output, with expanded drilling programs revealing extended deposits. Earlier this month, energy major ExxonMobil announced an oil discovery at the Likember-01 research well in Block 15 offshore Angola. The well revealed the existence of high-quality, hydrocarbon-bearing sand packages and is the first well to be drilled as part of a large incremental production initiative.

Other projects are also advancing: the construction of the Soyo II Combined Cycle Power Plant is expected to start this year; the Quiluma and Maboqueiro gas project is on track for first production in 2026; the Agogo Integrated West Hub development project targets first production in mid-2026; and FID for the Ndungu oil field is expected later this year. Multinational oilfield services company Saipem has been awarded an $850-million contract by international energy company Azule Energy for the development of the field.

Going forward, Angola’s multi-year licensing round ensures yearly access to new block opportunities for foreign players. Since its launch in 2019, over 27 blocks have been awarded, with the most recent tender attracting 53 bids for 12 blocks in the Lower Congo and Kwanza Basins. Angola will launch a 2025 Limited Public Tender in 2025, offering up to 10 offshore blocks in the Kwanza and Benguela basins. The AEC urges investors to seize this opportunity to join one of Africa’s most exciting oil and gas plays.

Infrastructure Investments to Yield High Returns

Angola’s oil and gas investment opportunities transcend upstream projects, with a national commitment to expanding downstream infrastructure, reflecting new prospects for capital, technology and service providers. As an established producer since the 1950s, Angola already offers a strong infrastructure base for oil and gas operations, yet new investment in refining, distribution and processing promises to yield even greater returns for both upstream operators and downstream service providers.

To expand refining capacity, Angola has three new refineries in development – in Soyo, Cabinda and Lobito – and is upgrading its existing Luanda refining facility. In total, these developments will increase Angola’s refining capacity to over 400,000 bpd. Last March, engineering company KBR won a contract to provide management services for the 200,000-bpd Lobito refinery. The first phase of the 60,000-bpd Cabinda refinery is also on track for production in 2024.

Meanwhile, a $5-billion pipeline deal was sealed with Zambia to enable regional exports. The two countries agreed to fast-track development of the pipeline in 2023. Other key infrastructure developments include the Petromar Fabrication Yard in Soyo; the Paenal Fabrication Yard in Kwanza Sul; and the Barra do Dande Ocean Terminal. Investing in Angola’s infrastructure will not only enable access to regional markets, but also drive further growth of the country’s burgeoning oil and gas sector.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Alfa Romeo (www.AlfaRomeo.com) presents the new Giulia and Stelvio Quadrifoglio Super Sport, a special edition limited to 275 units for the Giulia and 175 for the Stelvio, to be marketed globally; The limited special series pays tribute to the brand’s sporting history by celebrating Alfa Romeo’s first victory at the 1928 Mille Miglia. That legendary feat was accomplished by the 6C 1500 Super Sport; For this special series, the Alfa Romeo Centro Stile has worked on a bold celebratory reinterpretation of the Quadrifoglio logo, now in black for the first time in over 100 years of its history; The interior is devoted to sportiness and the new 3D carbon fiber with a red finish is making its debut. On the front headrests, the red logo stitching and black numbering certify the exclusive limited series; The epitome of technical sophistication and technology: a 2.9-liter V6 engine with 520 hp and mechanical limited-slip differential, for a unique driving experience; Unique and always focused on the driver, the driving dynamics are confirmed as the benchmark in the respective categories, for their perfect weight balance, best-in-class agility and lightness, and extremely direct steering.

Alfa Romeo presents the new Giulia and Stelvio Quadrifoglio Super Sport limited special series, a new chapter in the memorable history of the symbol of noble Italian sportiness that since its inception in 1923 has represented a constant quest for technical excellence applied to competitions and production cars.

Giulia and Stelvio Quadrifoglio Super Sport are a limited edition, in only 275 units for the Giulia and 175 for the Stelvio, to be produced and marketed globally. A total of 450 cars, ambassadors of the iconic sportiness, technical purity, and technology that have always positioned these two cars at the top of their respective segments in terms of handling and power-to-weight ratio, for a unique, direct, and engaging driving experience like a true Alfa Romeo.

A tribute to the 6C 1500 Super Sport and its legendary victory at the 1928 Mille Miglia.

After the RL’s decent placing in the first edition of the “most beautiful race in the world,” in 1928 the 6C 1500 Super Sport (Mille Miglia Speciale) driven by Giuseppe Campari and Giulio Ramponi dominated the Mille Miglia, run between 31 March and 1 April. After a marathon 1621 km, only 40 of the 82 starters reached the finish line, preceded by the streamlined Zagato spider that finished the race in 19 hours, 14 minutes, and 5 seconds at an average speed of 84.128 km/h. For Alfa Romeo, it was the first in a string of 11 victories in the Mille Miglia, a record that will remain unbroken. But it was also the first major win for the new 6C 1500, the forerunner of a new generation of Alfa Romeos designed by Vittorio Jano.

Alfa Romeo Centro Stile reinterprets the Quadrifoglio.

To make this special limited series completely unique, and to celebrates the unbreakable bond with the world of racing, the Alfa Romeo Centro Stile has worked on a reinterpretation of the Quadrifoglio, a symbol that has long identified the most extreme performance in the range. For the first time in over 100 years of the Quadrifoglio’s history, the white background of the triangle that has traditionally framed the green four-leaf clover with a sharp contrast gives way to black, a color that gives further boldness and solidity to the iconic coat of arms. Last year, for its centenary, the Quadrifoglio logo was embellished with a golden frame and the dates (1923 -2023) that define a century of passion for sports, performance, and racing.

Features of the Quadrifoglio “Super Sport” special limited series

The Giulia and Stelvio Quadrifoglio Super Sport are the result of a century-old quest for technical excellence applied to competitions and production cars. The 2.9-liter V6 engine delivers 520 hp and is combined with the mechanical limited-slip differential. As a result of specific tuning derived from the Giulia GTA design experience, this important technical solution contributes to the improvement of the car’s behavior and traction, by optimizing torque transfer and increasing stability, agility and cornering speed.

Powerful personality in the strongly sporty exteriors featuring the new Quadrifoglio logo with a black background and widespread use of carbon fiber, visible on the roof (Giulia opt. only), in the “V” on the shield and on the rearview mirrors. Burnished 5-hole sports alloy wheels, 19” for the Giulia and 21” for the Stelvio, with new, super sporty black brake calipers. They are available in the following liveries: three-layer Rosso Etna, metallic Nero Vulcano, and Bianco Alfa (Giulia only). The look features “3+3” headlights, with new adaptive Full-LED matrix lights with anti-glare and adaptable driving beam for optimal lighting in all conditions. All this ensures energy savings, extensive improvement in safety, and reduced eye strain.

The same sporty features can be found in the interior, where the 3D finish in red carbon fiber makes its debut in the dashboard, central tunnel, and door panels. The front headrests are embellished with stitching of the “Super Sport” logo in red and the car’s number in black to distinguish them as part of the exclusive limited series. The steering wheel is upholstered in leather and Alcantara with black stitching and carbon fiber accents.

Best-in-class driving dynamics, the result of surprising lightness, given the use of ultra-light materials such as aluminum for the engine and carbon fiber for the transmission shaft, bonnet, spoiler and side skirts. In the Giulia, the aerodynamics remain active with the carbon-fiber front splitter: when activated, it controls the quality of air flow under the vehicle, to increase stability and performance. Last but not least, the Akrapovič exhaust system for its unmistakable sound.

From exclusive aesthetics to technology and on-board connectivity that, by definition, are there to ensure the typical Alfa Romeo driving experience. Instrument panel featuring the historical “telescopic” design, including the fully digital 12.3” TFT screen, to access all the car’s data and the settings for the autonomous driving technologies. In the Quadrifoglio, on top of the three layouts available across the Alfa Romeo line-up – Evolved Relax and Heritage, the exclusive “Race” configuration is also offered.

The “Race” layout brings together on the central screen all the essential information every driver wants to keep under control: tachometer, speedometer and shiftlight for manual driving. The layout can be customized by placing additional information in the sidebars, including snapshots of performance. 

Both the Giulia and Stelvio Quadrifoglio Super Sport are equipped with a smooth and intuitive Human-Machine Interface (HMI), to put all the car’s features at your fingertips. The infotainment system also provides content, functionality and the “Alfa Connect Services” platform, consisting of a wide range of practical services for safety and comfort.

6C 1500 Super Sport

The day after winning the World Championship in the Tipo P2, Vittorio Jano responded to the need for a new road car with a medium displacement and brilliant performance with the 6C 1500, the chassis of which was previewed at the 1925 Paris Motor Show under the initials NR (“Nicola Romeo”). However, the new car – equipped with a 1487-cc inline 6-cylinder engine that delivered 44 hp – would have to wait until 1927 to go into production.

It was an immediate success, on the market and in races; versions with continuous evolutions and increases in power came thick and fast, including the top-of-the-range Super Sport with a supercharger and “fixed head” that ran at 84 hp for a top speed of 155 km/h.

In 1928, Alfa Romeo entered six cars in the second run of the Mille Miglia. The drivers were Bruno Presenti, Attilio Marinoni, Giovan Battista Guidotti and, most of all, Giuseppe Campari, who shared with Giulio Ramponi the cockpit of a 6C 1500 bearing the initials MMS (“Mille Miglia Speciale”), souped up by Jano with work on its weight balance. In the first part of the race, it left the threat of the three official Bugattis driven by Gastone Brilli-Peri, Pietro Bordino and Tazio Nuvolari in its wake. At the Rome checkpoint, the Campari/Ramponi duo had taken the lead, a position they maintained at the finish line in Brescia, ending the race in first place overall with an average speed of 84.128 km/h. Between 1927 and 1929, on top of its successes in racing, the various versions of the 6C 1500 also gave Alfa Romeo outstanding commercial results: as many as 1064 units were sold, a perfectly respectable figure for the time. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Alfa Romeo.

By H.E. Younus Al Nasser, Chief Executive Officer of the Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment, part of Digital Dubai. Al Nasser is a globally recognized leader in planning and implementing city-wide digital transformation and building holistic data ecosystems.

Digital Dubai’s participation at GITEX Africa 2024 has presented a great opportunity for us to delve into some of the key themes of the event. With a 50-person strong contingency, representing nine Dubai government entities, our goal is to collaborate, share knowledge and understand what the African public and private sector entities, have developed to support and grow its ecosystems, as well as to understand what they are working on in the technology space. One of the core themes I’d like to explore is AI.

In recent years, the global landscape has witnessed a remarkable surge in the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology across various sectors. Africa, with its rich potential and diverse challenges, stands at the cusp of a transformative era driven by AI innovations. As we delve into the future of AI in Africa, it becomes increasingly evident that harnessing this technology holds immense promise for sustainable development, economic growth, and social empowerment across the continent.

According to a recent report by the International Data Corporation (apo-opa.co/4bS52ac) 1 (IDC), it was predicted that spending on AI in the Middle East, Turkey, Africa (META) region will top $3.0 billion this year, up 32% from 2023. Available data from Statista states that the continent’s AI market will grow 30% annually over the next six years to a value of $17 billion (apo-opa.co/4bYyqM5) 2. This surge takes the continent into the global AI innovation race. According to the AI Everything Expo at GITEX AFRICA, this year centres the world’s attention on Africa’s booming AI phenomenon. This surge is not merely about adopting the latest tech trends; it signifies a strategic imperative for African nations to leapfrog into a future where AI can address pressing societal challenges while unlocking new opportunities.

One of the key areas where AI is poised to make a substantial impact is healthcare. With AI-powered diagnostics, predictive analytics, and telemedicine solutions, healthcare delivery in Africa is likely to become more accessible, efficient, and cost-effective. For instance, AI algorithms can analyze medical imaging data to detect diseases earlier than existing methods, leading to better treatment outcomes and reduced healthcare disparities.

Concerning healthcare, since 2014, Digital Dubai, in partnership with the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), has been on a steadfast mission to enhance healthcare experiences for patients and residents through a fusion of innovation and smart technologies. Their efforts have yielded remarkable progress, with a staggering 98.55% (apo-opa.co/4bTB31I) 3 digital completion rate reflecting comprehensive digitization across healthcare processes. This achievement ensures seamless access to medical services and information, contributing to an improved patient experience.

AI-driven agricultural technologies hold immense promise for addressing food security challenges in Africa. With predictive analytics, precision farming techniques, and smart irrigation systems, farmers can optimize crop yields, mitigate risks related to climate change, and improve overall agricultural productivity. This not only enhances food security but also creates new economic opportunities in rural areas.

Furthermore, education is another critical sector where AI can revolutionize learning experiences and bridge the digital divide. AI-powered, personalized learning platforms can adapt to individual student needs, provide real-time feedback, and enhance overall learning outcomes.

The successful deployment of AI in Africa requires a concerted effort from governments, private sector stakeholders, and civil society. Collaborative initiatives focused on AI research and development, talent development, and regulatory frameworks are essential for creating an enabling ecosystem that fosters AI innovation while ensuring ethical and responsible AI use.

In Dubai, UAE, AI has become the driving force behind our ambitious vision for a smart, sustainable future. By 2030, PwC estimates that AI will generate $320 billion (apo-opa.co/4aEZIpI) 4 for the Middle East region. The UAE will see the largest impact, with the technology contributing nearly 14% to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). This is equivalent to about $97 billion (apo-opa.co/4aEZIpI) 4. This forecast amplifies Digital Dubai Authority’s intense efforts to advance the city’s growth by making AI one of its priorities.

Dubai has launched a series of initiatives to support its AI journey, including the likes of Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence (apo-opa.co/4bqiDWp) 5 which aims to make Dubai and its government the global leaders in implementing Artificial Intelligence (AI), preparing for the world’s evolving technology landscape. In addition, Digital Dubai launched its new DubaiAI Chatbot (apo-opa.co/3yA8JTv) 6 at the Dubai Assembly for Generative AI. The AI chatbot acts as a personal digital assistant for users, designed using generative AI to answer their queries in real-time, with a personalized touch, helping users feel that the answers are tailored specifically for them in an interactive dialogue context.

In April this year, Dubai announced the launch of the Dubai Universal Blueprint (apo-opa.co/4by5jzr) 7 for Artificial Intelligence. This Blueprint aims to achieve key targets of Dubai’s economic agenda D33, which has set out ambitious goals of doubling the size of Dubai’s economy over the next decade and reinforce its position amongst the top 3 global cities. The Blueprint will support in adding Dh100 billion to the city’s economy and increasing economic productivity by 50 percent. Additionally, the Blueprint is designed to enhance quality of life in Dubai. With the adoption of AI across all significant sectors for the future of the city as well as becoming the best and fastest city in employing technology and adopting advance applications.

Embracing AI responsibly and ethically is not just a choice but a necessity, as it empowers countries to unlock unprecedented opportunities while addressing complex challenges. The UAE Strategy (apo-opa.co/3WZ8bk9) 8 for Artificial Intelligence aims to achieve the objectives of UAE Centennial 2071 (apo-opa.co/3WW4eNe) 9, boost government performance at all levels, use an integrated smart digital system that can overcome challenges and provide quick efficient solutions, make the UAE the first in the field of AI investments in various sectors and create a new, vital market with high economic value. By fostering collaboration, investing in talent, and promoting inclusivity, the full potential of AI can be harnessed to build a better world. Together, let us embark on this transformative journey, where AI catalyzes positive change, prosperity, and human advancement.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of GITEX Africa.

Notes to Editor:
Digital Dubai was established by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President&Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, in June 2021 to develop and oversee the implementation of policies and strategies that govern all matters related to Dubai’s information technology, data, digital transformation, and cyber-security.

Digital Dubai brings together the expertise of three entities – Dubai Data&Statistics Establishment, Digital Dubai Government Establishment and Dubai Electronic Security Center, – to ensure a collaborative effort towards achieving the vision of the city’s leadership to make Dubai a globally leading digital economy.

The entity has been entrusted with four key tasks – accelerate digital transformation of the city through strategic partnerships with governments and private sector entities, increase the Emirate’s digital economy contribution to the city’s GDP, build and develop digital competencies of national talent, and, maintain and develop Dubai’s digital wealth whilst accelerating Dubai’s cybersecurity efforts.

1 The Middle East&Africa Will See the World’s Fastest AI Spending Growth Through 2026, According to Latest Forecast from IDC (11 Apr 2023): https://apo-opa.co/4aBZ9N9

2 Business am (May 2024): https://apo-opa.co/4bYyqM5

3 Government of Dubai (19 October 2023): https://apo-opa.co/4bTB31I

4 Economy Middle East (February 6, 2024): https://apo-opa.co/4aIi4WK

5 Dubai Future Foundation: https://apo-opa.co/4bqiDWp

6 Digital Dubai Authority (October 2023): https://apo-opa.co/3yA8JTv

7 Gulf News (April 29, 2024): https://apo-opa.co/4by5jzr

8 UAE Government, UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence (7 Nov 2023): https://apo-opa.co/3WZ8bk9

9 UAE Government, Centennial 2071: https://apo-opa.co/3WW4eNe