Italy’s Top Court Clears Prosecutors in OPL 245 Case, Marking New Twist in Nigeria’s Biggest Oil Scandal Italy’s highest court has acquitted two prosecutors who led the failed corruption case against energy giants Eni and Shell over Nigeria’s controversial OPL 245 oil block, bringing another chapter of one of Africa’s largest and most protracted oil scandals to a close. The Court of Cassation overturned the convictions of Milan prosecutors Fabio De Pasquale and Sergio Spadaro,
Dangote Refinery Reshapes West Africa’s Fuel Market as Imports Plunge and Trade Routes Shift The rapid ramp-up of production at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery is transforming fuel trade across West Africa, significantly reducing the region’s reliance on imported refined petroleum products. According to recent industry data cited by S&P Global, West Africa’s imports of clean refined petroleum products fell sharply to 765,000 barrels per day (bpd) in May, down from approximately 997,000 bpd in April.
Qatar-Backed Cascade Advances $165 Million Pensana Investment as Sheikh Dr Badr Al-Hajri Joins Board Qatar-backed Cascade Natural Resources has appointed Sheikh Dr Badr bin Dalhim Al-Faheid Al-Hajri to its board of directors, a move that underscores the company’s growing international profile and Qatar’s support for its expansion in the critical minerals sector. The appointment comes as Cascade advances its strategic $165 million investment in rare earths developer Pensana and its flagship Longonjo rare earth project
De Beers CEO Says Sale Could Be Finalized Within Weeks as Global Diamond Giants Compete for Anglo American Stake The sale of De Beers, the diamond unit of Anglo American, is closer than ever to completion, according to Chief Executive Officer Al Cook, who said a deal could be concluded within weeks. Anglo American placed De Beers one of the world’s leading diamond companies with operations and exploration assets across Botswana, Namibia, Angola, South Africa,
Angola’s Sonangol Deepens Critical Minerals Strategy With Swakop Uranium Partnership Angola’s national oil company Sonangol has signed a Project Development Agreement (PDA) with Namibia-based Swakop Uranium, marking a strategic step in Angola’s push to diversify beyond hydrocarbons into the global critical minerals sector. While financial details were not disclosed, the agreement is expected to cover exploration, project development, and technical cooperation focused on minerals essential to the energy transition, including uranium and other strategic resources.
Equinor Enters Angola’s Offshore Block 16/21 With 30% Stake in Exploration Deal Norwegian energy company Equinor has acquired a 30% participating interest in Angola’s offshore Block 16/21, marking its official entry into the exploration asset through a partnership with operator TotalEnergies. The agreement was signed on June 11, 2026, in the presence of the National Oil, Gas & Biofuels Agency (ANPG). The transaction forms part of ongoing efforts to attract international investment into Angola’s upstream
Eni Secures Offshore Exploration Licence in Gambia, Expanding West African Energy Footprint Italian energy major Eni has officially entered Gambia’s upstream oil and gas sector after securing an offshore exploration licence for Block A1, marking a significant expansion of its operations across West Africa’s emerging energy frontier. The company signed a petroleum exploration, development, and production licence agreement with the Government of The Gambia on June 5. The agreement was signed by the country’s Minister
Dangote Refinery Boosts Nigerian Crude Purchases as Iran Conflict Disrupts Global Oil Markets Aliko Dangote’s refinery is significantly increasing its purchases of Nigerian crude oil as geopolitical tensions linked to the Iran conflict continue to reshape global energy markets. The disruption in Middle Eastern supply routes has created new trading dynamics, positioning Africa’s largest refinery as a key beneficiary of shifting oil flows. According to market reports, including Bloomberg, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has stepped
Afentra Advances Angola Oil Exploration as Rising Crude Prices Boost Development Plans Afentra is advancing both offshore and onshore exploration activities in Angola as the company seeks to expand production and grow its reserves in one of Africa’s leading oil-producing nations. According to CEO Paul McDade, higher global crude oil prices driven by tensions involving Iran and disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz are strengthening the company’s investment outlook in Angola, Sub-Saharan Africa’s
US Diamond Demand Shifts as Gen Z Fuels Growth in Natural Diamond Purchases, De Beers Reports Diamond producer De Beers has released new findings on US consumer behaviour in its latest US Diamond Acquisition Study, revealing that jewellery featuring natural diamonds remains the most desirable luxury choice among American consumers. The study, based on a survey of 18,500 women across the United States the world’s largest diamond market provides detailed insights into purchasing trends, motivations,
