The Angola Oil&Gas (AOG) 2024 conference has been granted Continuing Professional Development (CPD) accreditation for its multi-track program. The accreditation provides attendees at both the pre-conference technical program and primary event – taking place on October 2-3 – with the unique opportunity to develop and enhance their professional development points. AOG 2024 event organizer, Energy Capital&Power, is a member of the CPD Certification Service and the AOG accreditation underscores the quality and value of the event as an internationally recognized energy sector forum. 

As the country’s premier industry event, AOG 2024 returns to Luanda with an expanded program that provides a strategic platform for dialogue, deals and industry collaboration. This year, the event features a multi-track conference agenda, designed to showcase the most promising opportunities in the sector while addressing emerging challenges and industry trends. Covering three primary tracks while featuring an array of presentations, on-stage interviews, workshops and networking functions, the event targets the entire oil and gas value chain in Angola.

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; the National Oil, Gas and Biofuels Agency; the Petroleum Derivatives Regulatory Institute; national oil company Sonangol; and the African Energy Chamber; 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.

In line with national efforts to Drive Exploration and Development Towards Increased Production in Angola – the theme of this year’s event – the AOG 2024 main conference agenda addresses a number of strategic topics, projects and investment opportunities. The AOG 2024 Leadership Roundtable Track features panel discussions examining synergies and the country’s downstream opportunities, while the Strategic Track will examine Angola’s investment outlook, strategies for enhancing local content and the role of women in the oil and gas industry. The 2024 edition of AOG will also feature a Technical Track, covering innovative solutions to fast-tracking project development and reducing emissions, while enhancing efficiency in transport and logistics.

In addition to panel discussions, on-stage interviews with major operators will provide first-hand insight into projects, investment outlooks and ongoing collaborations. This unique program offers a strategic opportunity for companies, investors and service providers to gain exclusive information on some of the country’s largest oil and gas projects.

Serving as a prelude to the main conference, AOG 2024 will host a pre-conference technical program on October 1. Led by a roster of distinguished industry experts, the pre-conference technical program will feature a series of workshops and technical presentations and is designed to provide in-depth strategic insight into the technical aspects of Angola’s oil and gas industry. This strategic platform will feature presentations on a variety of technical topics from professionals across the oil and gas value chain including engineers, lawyers, service providers, logistics companies, financiers and more. Featured topics include Angola’s onshore prospectivity; opportunities for incremental production; sustaining upstream investment; optimizing infield exploration, and more.

Interested in participating in Angola’s premier event for the oil and gas industry? Or looking at enhancing your professional skills development? Join the AOG 2024 conference today. Visit the full program at https://apo-opa.co/467grBj.

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

The African printing and signage industry is on the brink of a transformative journey, and SGI Dubai 2024 is at the heart of this revolution. As the largest and most influential B2B event in the Middle East and Africa, SGI Dubai (http://apo-opa.co/3X9qVMo) is set to take place from 24th to 26th of September at the prestigious Dubai World Trade Centre. This year’s show is poised to be a game-changer, offering African businesses a unique opportunity to explore cutting-edge innovations, forge strategic partnerships, and unlock unprecedented growth. Register today and join us at SGI Dubai 2024: https://apo-opa.co/4dQ6z22.

The African printers market, valued at approximately USD 204.1 million in 2020, is expected to reach USD 235.3 million by 2031, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5%. This growth is driven by the increasing shift towards digital printing, the rising demand for colour printing, and the adoption of advanced technologies like 3D printing and cloud-based solutions. SGI Dubai 2024 will be the ideal platform for African businesses to explore these trends, connect with global leaders, and secure the tools needed to drive their growth​.

Why SGI Dubai 2024 is a Must-Attend for African Stakeholders

With the African printing industry projected to reach a staggering value of USD 235.3 million by 2031, now is the time for African businesses to leverage the opportunities presented by SGI Dubai 2024. The continent is home to approximately 2,000 commercial printing companies, predominantly small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs), with a growing demand for advanced printing and signage solutions. SGI Dubai 2024 offers a platform for these businesses to access the latest in printing technology, from digital displays and 3D printing to artificial intelligence and advanced labelling systems.

A Platform for Innovation and Growth

SGI Dubai 2024 (http://apo-opa.co/3X9qVMo) will showcase ground-breaking solutions across a range of industries, including digital display technologies, metal cutting&engraving, software, spare parts&consumables, and more. This is not just an exhibition; it’s an ecosystem of innovation and knowledge where African sign-makers, print and production manufacturers, media agencies, real-estate developers, and brand consultants can discover new possibilities and elevate their businesses to new heights. During the previous edition, SGI Dubai (http://apo-opa.co/3X9qVMo) welcomed over 200 global exhibitors from 40+ countries and registered thousands of trade visitors from 70+ countries worldwide. The influence of SGI Dubai extends beyond the Middle East, making it a pivotal event for Africa’s growth trajectory.

Join Industry Leaders and Visionaries

African economies are on the cusp of becoming global powerhouses, and SGI Dubai 2024 is the gateway to realizing this potential. Abdulrahman Falaknaz, President of International Expo Consults (IEC), emphasized, “Africa is at the dawn of a new era in the printing and signage industry, and SGI Dubai 2024 is the perfect platform to ignite this transformation. We are committed to supporting African businesses in their journey towards growth and innovation. The solutions and technologies showcased at SGI Dubai will empower African stakeholders to not only meet the rising demand in their markets but also to set new benchmarks for excellence. This event is more than an exhibition; it is a catalyst for change, fostering collaborations that will define the future of the industry across the continent.”

Strategic Networking and Competitive Advantages

SGI Dubai is strategically positioned to attract a significant number of African trade visitors, including key decision-makers from nations such as Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, Cameroon, South Africa, Sudan, Ghana, Namibia, Congo, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Egypt, and Libya. The proximity of Dubai to Africa ensures easy access for business owners looking to connect with top global exhibitors and manufacturers, securing competitive rates and fostering meaningful business relationships.

Unmatched Business Insights and Market Research

SGI Dubai (http://apo-opa.co/3X9qVMo) is more than just a trade show; it’s an invaluable opportunity for African visitors to conduct comprehensive market research and make informed business decisions. The event’s influence extends beyond the Middle East, positioning it as a critical platform for Africa’s growth trajectory. The 27th edition of SGI Dubai is set to redefine the future of the African printing and signage sector, unlocking new opportunities for growth and prosperity. Don’t miss this chance to be part of a transformative experience that will propel your business into the future.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Expo-Consults (IEC).

Africa’s upstream sector is not short on opportunity, with oil and gas tenders being launched for onshore, deepwater, greenfield and brownfield acreage in Angola, Nigeria, Mozambique, Kenya, Tanzania and Liberia, among other markets. Yet for African countries to better compete for global exploration capital, their respective licensing processes, frameworks and terms must encourage new investment. Featuring up to seven African licensing rounds, the Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2025 Forum in Paris will explore strategies for designing more competitive oil and gas tenders on the continent, as well as highlight the markets that have already implemented successful upstream reforms.

Creating Stable Regulatory Frameworks

The establishment of transparent and stable regulatory frameworks is crucial for attracting upstream investors, who are more likely to commit capital when they have clarity on the legal and regulatory environment. This includes ensuring that laws governing oil and gas exploration, production and taxation are well-defined and consistently applied, as well as establishing independent regulatory bodies that can enforce regulations impartially. Angola (https://apo-opa.co/4dJwg4j) – which will launch a 10-block limited public tender in 2025 – has been recognized for both. Its Petroleum Activities Law provides investors with a clear understanding of their obligations and rights, while its National Agency of Oil, Gas&Biofuels independently oversees the award of licenses and has gained the trust of upstream investors.

Following overwhelming interest in its prolific offshore Orange Basin, Namibia (https://apo-opa.co/3Z7sblO) adopted a more streamlined licensing system at the start of this year, restricting open-door negotiation to a two-month period to eliminate bottlenecks and accelerate the evaluation of bids. Similarly, Liberia (https://apo-opa.co/4dDMnQJ) opened a direct negotiation licensing round earlier this month, featuring 29 offshore blocks in the Liberia and Harper basins and supported by over 26,000 km² of 3D data. The upcoming forum will explore licensing opportunities in both countries and their commitment to a stable and favorable investment environment.  

Ensuring Transparent Bidding Processes

To enhance the attractiveness of oil and gas tenders, bidding processes must be competitive and transparent. A well-structured, open bidding process can build investor confidence and encourage participation from a broad range of companies, allowing them to compete on equal terms. Nigeria’s Marginal Fields Bid Round in 2020 was one of the most transparent in the country’s history, attracting a diverse range of bidders, with over 600 companies (https://apo-opa.co/4ebAHVn) registering to participate and licenses awarded to Nigerian companies including Matrix Energy, SunTrust Oil, Shoreline Natural Resources, Seplat Petroleum Development Company and Green Energy International. As the country launched its latest bidding round in April 2024 – placing 36 blocks on offer across the onshore Niger Delta, Continental Shelf and deep offshore for a period of nine months – the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission has promised transparent evaluation processes and competitive entry fees, specifically inviting the participation of indigenous companies with sufficient technical expertise and financial resources.

To ensure transparent and efficient tenders, Kenya (https://apo-opa.co/4e2HiRC) utilizes e-bidding platforms for various procurement processes, including in the oil and gas sector, which electronically manages the entire process from the advertisement of tenders to the submission and evaluation of bids. The country’s Ministry of Energy and Petroleum plans to launch its first licensing round (https://apo-opa.co/4ebyt8p) in late-2024 or early-2025 offering 45 onshore and offshore blocks.

Offering Competitive Fiscal Terms

African licensing rounds should establish competitive fiscal terms, which encourage investment and adapt to changing market conditions, while providing contractual stability and safeguarding government revenues. Angola’s reforms to its fiscal regime, including reduced taxes and royalties for marginal fields, have made the development of marginal fields more economically viable and led to the first-time inclusion of five marginal fields in the 2025 bid round. Meanwhile, incentives for high-risk or frontier areas such as tax breaks and reduced royalties can catalyze investment in emerging markets. Uganda’s fiscal regime – which includes stabilization clauses that protect oil companies from adverse regulatory changes, as well as joint and several liability to ensure tax recovery – have attracted major investors including TotalEnergies and China National Offshore Oil Corporation to the Albertine Graben, a highly prospective yet frontier basin. The regime also features progressive royalty structures that increase with production, ensuring revenue responsiveness to market conditions. Contract stability is another key incentive. Mozambique (https://apo-opa.co/3Z9bPsV) – which is preparing the launch of its seventh licensing round in 2025 – has been able to attract large-scale upstream investment in part due to its ability to secure long-term LNG offtake agreements.

Prioritizing Local Content and Capacity Building

Designing realistic local content policies (https://apo-opa.co/3AK3JN8) (LCPs) that gradually increase over time, while being beneficial to the host country, is also critical to attracting upstream investment at an early stage. Following its world-class offshore discoveries, Namibia has fast-tracked the development of its Namibian Content Policy, which is nearing finalization, focusing on facilitating market access and financing for Namibians. Tanzania has also prioritized the development of comprehensive local content requirements – expected to drive interest in its fifth oil and gas licensing round to be launched later this year – as well as encourage joint ventures between international companies and local firms to build local expertise. The Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation is collaborating with Indonesia’s state-owned Pertamina to provide human resource training and upskilling, following Pertamina’s interest in Tanzania’s upstream oil and gas exploration scene.

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

About Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2025:
IAE 2025 (www.Invest-Africa-Energy.com) is an exclusive forum designed to facilitate investment between African energy markets and global investors. Taking place May 13-14, 2025 in Paris, the event offers delegates two days of intensive engagement with industry experts, project developers, investors and policymakers. For more information, please visit www.Invest-Africa-Energy.com. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

Dr Akinwumi Adesina, the president of the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org), has praised Saudi Arabia for its generous “support, dedication and friendliness” to Africa where it is supporting a host of projects touching virtually all aspects of people’s everyday life on the continent. 

Adesina was speaking at the Saudi Fund for Development’s 50th anniversary celebration in Riyadh on Sunday.   

He said the fund translated the pulse of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia into development support in Africa. 

“Its work covers 407 projects in 41 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, with support of over $5.3 billion,” he declared, in an address congratulating the Fund on the landmark occasion of its golden jubilee.  

Projects the country has financed range from irrigation to produce food, dams for energy, hospitals for mothers and their babies, electricity to light up schools and enhance learning, airports and roads to link countries, counties and communities. 

The Bank Group president said the Fund was part of an ongoing attempt to forge a deeper friendship and engagement of Saudi Arabia with Africa. He said this “was evident during the Saudi-Africa Summit held by the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, attended by over 40 heads of state and government.” That landmark summit in November 2023 set out a blueprint for Saudi-Africa cooperation. 

Adesina said one thing that makes the Saudi Fund for Development to stand out in the development financing landscape was its “unlimited territorial scope”. What is important to it is: “countries need”, making it different from the approaches of other developmental partners. 

“That means: Open heart. Open hands. Open purse. Its success is rooted in its values, reflected by its acronym, SDF, which I call: Supportive. Dedicated. Friendly. That’s why countries appreciate the SDF,” he said.  

Adesina noted he had visited the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia more than any president in the history of the African Development Bank since 1964 and had forged strategic alliances with major Saudi institutions delivering billions of dollars of co-financing for projects in Africa.  

“The African Development Bank is your friend and strategic partner in Africa…I wish the Saudi Fund for Development another 50 exciting years ahead, as we partner together to support Africa with renewed dedication to accelerate Africa’s development,” Adesina concluded. 

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

FLickr link: https://apo-opa.co/3XsrH8v

Contact:
media@afdb.org 

About the African Development Bank Group
The African Development Bank Group 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 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org