Informa Markets (www.InformaMarkets.com), organisers of the first edition of the Africa Energy Expo (AEE), are pleased to announce that the landmark energy event, taking place from 4 to 6 November 2024 at the Kigali Convention Centre, Rwanda, has been endorsed by the country’s Ministry of Infrastructure.

Rwanda is a prime location for bringing together key energy stakeholders from across the African continent to network and engage in dialogue on matters relating to Africa’s energy and power industries. Underscored by driving progress towards SDG7 (affordable and clean energy), the AEE will also focus on furthering the Africa Power Vision (https://apo-opa.co/3YwuRct) goals and objectives.

“Hosting the Africa Energy Expo highlights Rwanda’s strategic position as a hub for fostering meaningful dialogue and driving actionable outcomes in energy sustainability. It reflects our dedication to building strong regional partnerships and pioneering solutions that transcend borders. We are excited for the launch of this event, as we expect it to catalyse transformative discussions, spur investment in renewable energy projects, and accelerate the adoption of cutting-edge technologies across Africa. Together, we aim to chart a path toward a more resilient and inclusive energy landscape that will benefit generations to come,” said Hon. Minister of Infrastructure for Rwanda, Dr. Jimmy Gasore, who will also be presenting a session at AEE.  

Speaking at the pre-event press conference that took place on 7th August ahead of the expo, Ade Yesufu, Exhibition Director – Energy, Informa Markets, said “The endorsement of the inaugural Africa Energy Expo by the Rwandan Ministry of Infrastructure is not only a vote of confidence in the event but demonstrates a clear commitment by the government to advance the continent’s energy agenda in a meaningful and constructive manner. The opportunity to bring together the industry’s leading energy stakeholders to discuss and debate solutions to challenges facing the sector, as well as create investment opportunities and highlight the expertise that resides on the continent, is invaluable.

Confirmed speakers

Other high-profile speakers include Malawian Minister of Energy, H.E. Hon. Ibrahim Matola; and Namibian Minister of Energy and Mines, H.E. Hon. Tom Alweendo, along with energy industry experts and role-players from across the African continent:

Abdellatif Bardach, President, National Electricity Regulatory Authority (ANRE), Morocco  
Akinwole Omoboriowo II, Chairman and CEO, Genesis Energy Group, Founder and CEO, Africa GreenCo  
Angelique Kantengwa, Managing Director, BDO Corporate Advisory, Rwanda  
Armand M. Zingiro, CEO, Rwanda Energy Group  
Audrey Joe-Ezigbo, Co-Founder and Deputy Managing Director, Falcon Corporation Limited   
Ing. Ebenezer Kofi Essienyi, Chief Executive, Ghana Grid Company   
Ernest Sipho Mkhonta, Managing Director, Eswatini Electricity Company, Kingdom of Eswatini  
Dr. Geoffrey Aori Mabea, Executive Secretary, Energy Regulators Association of East Africa   
Gillian-Alexandre Huart, CEO, ENGIE Energy Access  
Eng. Gissima Nyamo-Hanga, Managing Director, Tanzania Electric Supply Company (Tanesco)  
James Wahogo, Secretary General, Eastern Africa Power Pool (EAPP)  
Kweku Awotwi, Chairman, United Bank for Africa (Ghana) Ltd.  
Marlene Ngoyi, CEO, Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA)  
Muyangwa Muyangwa, Director General, National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA), Zambia   
Ing. Oscar Amonoo-Neizer, Executive Secretary, Energy Commission, Ghana   
Eng. Stephen Dihwa, Executive Director, Southern African Power Pool Coordination Center (SAPP)  
Engr. Dr. Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz, Managing Director/CEO, Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and Chairman of the Executive Board, West African Power Pool (WAPP)  
Dr. Sydney Gata, Executive Chairman, ZESA Holdings  
Dr. Towela Nyirenda-Jere, Head of the Infrastructure and Connectivity Division, AUDA-NEPAD  
Eng. Victor Mapani, Managing Director, ZESCO  

Exhibitors and key programmes

More than 150 exhibitors from the renewable and clean energy, transmission and distribution, energy consumption and management, back-up generators and critical power, and smart solutions industries will be in attendance, showcasing products and solutions aimed at transforming the African energy landscape.  

The paid-for Leadership Summit, themed ‘Investments, integration, infrastructure, and governance to fuel the energy transition,’ will see senior executives engage in dialogue around targeted interventions aimed at transforming Africa’s infrastructure and energy ecosystem. The Technical Seminar will serve as a knowledge hub to learn and share industry best practices and scientific developments, while by-invitation investment and hosted buyer programmes further enrich the multi-day event.

Exclusive AEE 2024 roundtables

Several roundtables will delve into some of the critical issues requiring attention from various stakeholders. The Ministerial Roundtable will focus on actionable solutions to achieve universal electrification across the continent, while the Regulators Roundtable will see Africa’s energy regulators engage on a policy framework to leverage the African Single Electricity Market. . The third roundtable will see African utility leaders discussing key strategies for building a strong, sustainable energy future for the continent. 

Delegate and visitor passes

Various event access options are available. A three-day all-access delegate pass at the special rate of $1000 includes keynote addresses, roundtable sessions, forums and seminars, access to all exhibitors as well as power lunches, tours, travel deals, and conference presentations. Book your delegate pass: https://apo-opa.co/4dAxyOA

A free visitor pass provides access to over 150 local and international exhibitors, including Tanelec, Jinkosolar, Lucy Electric, Sunsynk Limited, Khereji Showrooms, Giza Cables, JA Solar, Terra Energy, and many more. Get your free visitor pass: https://apo-opa.co/46U7pbr

Visit the website for more information: www.Africa-EnergyExpo.com

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Informa Markets: Energy.

Angola’s Cabinda refinery is nearing completion, with operations expected to kick off by the end of 2024. The facility expects the first phase – targeting 30,000 barrels per day (bpd) – to become fully operational by July 2025, while the second phase will increase capacity to 60,000 bpd. As Angola continues to expand its refining capabilities, the upcoming Angola Oil&Gas (AOG) conference will feature a panel discussion on the country’s refining plans and other investment opportunities across the oil and gas value chain.

While Angola represents sub-Saharan Africa’s second largest oil producer, the country’s sole operating refinery – the 65,000 bpd Luanda refinery – only meets 20% of domestic demand. Inadequate investment across the downstream industry (https://apo-opa.co/3WSAmRx) has led to a reliance on imported petroleum. However, the construction of new refining, pipeline and logistics hubs promise to turn this trend around. In addition to the Cabinda refinery, Angola is developing the 100,000 bpd Soyo refinery and the 200,000 bpd Lobito refinery (https://apo-opa.co/4dzcnw3) – both of which target first production in 2025. The Lobito refinery alone will bolster Angola’s refining capacity by 200%. In March 2024, engineering firm KBR won a project management contract for the Lobito facility.

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.

Beyond refining, integrated infrastructure projects promise new opportunities for regional distribution. Angola is constructing an integrated terminal and logistics hub in Soyo, with a capacity to produce 65,000 bpd and store two million barrels. The project will start operations by 2026. Additionally, the Kwanza Terminal Pipeline Routes Project will have a capacity to produce 25,000 bpd and store one million barrels, with operations set to commence by 2029. Existing and upcoming infrastructure aims to support the development of new concessions, particularly as a 2025 Limited Tender (https://apo-opa.co/4cgPWeb) opens a further ten blocks up for exploration.

The expansion of Angola’s downstream industry will not only significantly enhance the availability and affordability of Angolan petroleum products but create newfound economic opportunities for the country. From construction to transportation to research and development to manufacturing, downstream projects can serve as a catalyst for broader economic growth in Angola. As such, the Crude to Commerce panel will explore the role the downstream industry plays in fueling economic development. Speakers will provide project updates, discuss areas of opportunity and outline strategies for connecting Angola to regional markets.

Download the AOG 2024 conference program here (https://apo-opa.co/4dkp2na) or gain insight into the pre-conference technical program here (https://apo-opa.co/4cygqbn).

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

National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) recently held a National Emergency Coordination forum to assess the impact of recent flooding in Nigeria and to improve disaster response strategies. The meeting included stakeholders from various sectors involved in flood management, focusing on implementing mitigation strategies following the seasonal climate predictions and annual flood outlook that indicated a high probability of flooding.

NEMA’s Director General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, reported that floods have affected communities in 42 Local Government Areas across 18 states, resulting in 44 deaths. She emphasized the need for proactive measures to protect citizens and respond effectively to affected areas. Mrs. Umar urged all relevant ministries, departments, agencies, and NGOs to continue their efforts to reduce the impact of disasters, particularly focusing on the ongoing flooding and cholera outbreak.

NEMA has increased efforts to raise public awareness about flood precautions through campaigns at the community level and via media outlets. The agency is also promoting proper waste management practices to reduce flood risks and has activated the National Emergency Operation Center to coordinate responses, share information, and analyze flood data.

The meeting aimed to enhance emergency preparedness and address public health concerns, such as the current cholera outbreak. The Head of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN-OCHA) in Nigeria, Mr. Trond Jensen, expressed support for NEMA, as did representatives from the Nigerian military and other stakeholders.

Lydia Madu, Head of the Emergency Operation Centre, provided further details on the flooding’s impact, revealing that 145,744 people have been affected, 55,030 displaced, 367 injured, 19,660 houses damaged, and 3,473 hectares of farmland affected.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Nigeria.

On August 07, 2024, United States Ambassador to Liberia Mark Toner presented his Letters of Credence to Liberian President Joseph Nyuma Boakai. President Boakai accepted the credentials and warmly welcomed Ambassador Toner to Liberia, expressing his appreciation to President Biden for sustaining the close relationship between United States and Liberia.

Accompanied by Embassy officials, Ambassador Toner expressed his eagerness to work with the Boakai-Koung Administration to foster stronger bilateral relations between the United States and Liberia. He also complimented President Boakai on his leadership and steadfast commitment to maintaining Liberia’s democracy.

Reflecting on his days in Liberia as a U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer in Grand Bassa County, Ambassador Toner fondly recalled the hospitality and generosity of Liberians. He also hopes to travel throughout Liberia to hear, especially from young people, about their prospects for the future and how our bilateral relationship can work to achieve it.

Both President Boakai and Ambassador Toner emphasized the importance of engaging with Liberia’s youth and helping the next generation of leaders reach their maximum potential. Ambassador Toner noted that the United States will continue to support the historic and significant relationship between the two countries so that it evolves into a partnership of equals.

Ambassador Toner affirmed the U.S. government’s willingness and commitment to work with President Boakai’s demonstrated vision to address challenges in the areas of accountability, education, security, health, the economy, rule of law, and governance, which align with the Liberian government’s ARREST agenda. The Ambassador noted that Liberians should be extremely proud of their nation’s demonstration of democratic values through successive peaceful transfers of power.

Ambassador Toner thanked His Excellency President Boakai and members of his cabinet for the warm welcome and expressed his eagerness to work with the President and his cabinet in advancing the strong and enduring U.S.-Liberia relationship.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Embassy in Liberia.