International News

Burkina Faso is on track to increase industrial gold production in 2025, driven by the ramp-up of operations at Soleil Resources International’s Youga mine and the anticipated launch of West African Resources’ Kiaka project. According to Aristide Belemsobgo, Director General of Mines and Geology at the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Quarries, output from large-scale mining operations is projected to rise by 4% to 55.7 tonnes this year. Gold remains Burkina Faso’s top export earner,

Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) and Debswana Diamond Company have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to collaborate on the use of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)—a move that supports Botswana’s push toward a more sustainable energy future. Debswana, jointly owned by the Government of Botswana and De Beers Group, operates four diamond mines across the country: Orapa, Letlhakane, Damtshaa, and Jwaneng. This partnership will enable Debswana to access and demonstrate its use of renewable electricity, sourced

South Africa has proposed a long-term agreement to import liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the United States over a ten-year period, aiming to enhance trade relations and support its energy transition. The proposal was detailed in a ministerial statement signed by Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, and published on the South African government news agency website. According to the statement, South Africa plans to import between 75 and 100 petajoules (PJ)—equivalent to approximately 75

Nearly half of South Africa’s oil refining capacity remains idle, reflecting a sharp decline over the past five years due to a combination of plant accidents and chronic underinvestment. This has forced the country to rely on imports for more than 60% of its fuel needs, according to state-owned logistics firm Transnet SOC Ltd. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, South Africa imported 4.2 million tons of refined petroleum products, with annual imports projected

The Republic of Congo has secured funding from the African Development Bank (AfDB) to carry out feasibility studies for potential hydropower projects at Mbandza Ndounga and Linzolo. The support is provided through the Middle-Income Country Technical Assistance Fund, managed by the AfDB. The Mbandza Ndounga site, located in the southern region of the country, has been prioritized for immediate study. Meanwhile, the Linzolo site—about 20 kilometers south of Brazzaville—is included on a conditional basis. The

Italian oil major Eni, global energy trading firm Vitol, and Ghana’s state-owned Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) have launched drilling operations for the Sankofa East 1X Side Track 2 well, located offshore Ghana. This new phase is part of efforts to sustain output from the Sankofa field and strengthen Ghana’s domestic energy supply. Drilling is underway near the John Agyekum Kufuor FPSO and forms part of the ongoing development of the Offshore Cape Three Points