Sonagas Replaces 500 Gas Cylinder Valves Weekly as Consumer Group Warns of Expired and Leaking Cylinders in Angola Sonagas, a subsidiary of Sonangol, stated on Wednesday that leaks in cooking gas cylinders are primarily caused by improper handling during transportation, rather than manufacturing defects or filling processes. The company disclosed that it replaces more than 500 gas cylinder check valves each week as part of routine safety and quality control measures. According to Pedro de
Sotheby’s to Offer 28.88-Carat Internally Flawless Diamond from Botswana’s Jwaneng Mine with $2.8 Million Estimate Sotheby’s is set to auction a rare 28.88-carat diamond sourced from De Beers’ flagship Jwaneng Mine in Botswana, with the gemstone expected to achieve up to $2.8 million at sale. The stone, named the Jwaneng 28.88, is a round brilliant diamond graded D color the highest classification for colorless diamonds and internally flawless, placing it among the rarest categories of
Libya’s NOC Activates First Phase of Farigh–Brega Gas Pipeline to Boost Power Supply and Support 2030 Production Targets Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) has launched the first phase of the Farigh–Brega gas pipeline, marking a significant milestone in efforts to strengthen domestic gas supply and enhance energy security. The initial segment of the pipeline is now operational, with gas pumping and pressure balancing underway as system integration continues across the network. The development reflects Libya’s
Sonangol, Afentra and Maurel & Prom Restructure Ownership of Angola’s Block 3/05 and 3/05A Ahead of 2026 Redevelopment Program Angola’s national oil company, Sonangol, has elected to participate in the acquisition of Etu Energias’ interests in Blocks 3/05 and 3/05A, located in the Lower Congo Basin. The transaction involves the purchase of Etu’s 10% stake in Block 3/05 and 13.33% stake in Block 3/05A. By joining independent oil and gas companies Afentra and Maurel &
Sintana Energy and Pancontinental Gain 12-Month Extension for Namibia PEL 87 Offshore Exploration Sintana Energy Inc. announced that its joint venture partner, Pancontinental Energy Limited, has received approval from Namibia’s Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy to extend the First Renewal Exploration Period for Petroleum Exploration License 87 (PEL 87). The extension grants the partners an additional 12 months, until January 22, 2027, to continue exploration activities on the offshore license. PEL 87 covers blocks
Botswana’s Credit Rating Cut to BBB- as Falling Diamond Demand Pressures Economy and Foreign Reserves Recognized as Africa’s largest diamond producer, Botswana is facing mounting economic challenges as the prolonged downturn in the global diamond market continues to weigh on its financial stability. Reflecting these pressures, S&P Global Ratings has downgraded Botswana’s long-term sovereign credit rating from BBB to BBB-. The ratings agency indicated that the country’s mineral-dependent economy is likely to remain under strain
De Beers Cuts Sightholders to 50 as Diamond Industry Faces Weak Demand, Lab-Grown Competition and Market Volatility Global diamond producer De Beers Group has made one of the deepest reductions to its network of handpicked diamond buyers as the company navigates a prolonged downturn affecting the global diamond industry, according to people familiar with the matter. The company notified its customers known as sightholders on Friday whether they would retain their status through formal letters
Algeria Moves Forward on $13 Billion Trans-Sahara Gas Pipeline Linking Nigeria to Europe via Niger Algeria has dispatched a technical delegation from its state-owned energy company, Sonatrach, to Niger to advance preparations for the long-delayed Trans-Sahara Gas Pipeline, a major regional energy project intended to transport natural gas from West Africa to European markets. Africa’s third-largest oil producer is accelerating efforts to implement the project, which is designed to strengthen export capacity and diversify energy
Shell Moves Forward with Sale of South African Downstream Assets, Ending Century-Long Petrol Station Operations Energy giant Shell has confirmed it is still pursuing the sale of its downstream assets in South Africa, potentially ending more than a century of the company’s petrol station operations in the country. The divestment, first announced in May 2024, follows a global review of Shell’s portfolio and its strategy to reduce downstream exposure while focusing on upstream oil and
Africa’s Energy Deals Reach $13.8B in 2025, Highlighting Need for Bankable Clean Energy Projects Africa’s power sector is attracting increasing global investment, with energy deals estimated at $13.84 billion in 2025, driven largely by clean energy initiatives. However, a significant gap persists between announced projects and those successfully delivered, raising concerns about execution and bankability across the continent. According to Energy Capital & Power, around 74,000 megawatts (MW) of power capacity has been announced in
