World Diamond Day 2026: GIA Reveals History and Science Behind Legendary Diamonds In honor of World Diamond Day on April 8, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has showcased some of the world’s most famous and fascinating diamonds it has examined over the decades. Since its founding in 1931, GIA has become the global authority in gemology, assessing over four million diamonds annually and uncovering the science, history, and rarity behind stones that have captivated
ExxonMobil plans $10B investment in Nigerian deepwater oil to boost production to 180,000 bpd ExxonMobil is moving closer to a $10 billion investment decision in Nigeria, Africa’s largest oil producer, aiming to expand its deepwater oil production in the country to 180,000 barrels per day (bpd). The company first announced the plan in September 2024 following a meeting in New York between its executives and Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima. The initial phase focuses on
Middle East conflict pushes global oil prices higher, threatening African currencies, debt, and food security A surge in global oil prices driven by the ongoing Middle East conflict is intensifying pressure on African economies, weakening currencies, raising debt costs, and fueling fears of a broader cost-of-living crisis. A joint report by the African Union, the African Development Bank, and the United Nations Development Programme highlights that at least 29 African currencies have depreciated since late
BRICS Plus gold reserves surpass 6,000 tonnes as central banks boost purchases and dollar share declines Members of the BRICS Plus trade bloc now hold more than 6,000 tonnes (t) of gold, representing about 17.4% of total global central bank reserves, up from 11.2% in 2019, according to a market note by financial services group EBC Financial Group. Russia leads the bloc with 2,336 t of gold reserves, followed closely by China with 2,298 t,
Somalia Begins First Offshore Oil Drilling as Türkiye Deploys Deepwater Vessel to Unlock Potential Billion-Barrel Reserves Somalia is set to begin its first-ever offshore oil drilling campaign, marking a significant step in its long-delayed entry into the global energy market as the country seeks to unlock billions of barrels in potential hydrocarbon reserves. The East African nation has confirmed that a Turkish government-owned drilling vessel will arrive off its coast on Friday to commence deepwater
Kenya Seeks Long-Term Gas Imports from Mozambique as Rising Demand and Global Conflicts Disrupt Supply President William Ruto has announced plans for Kenya to secure long-term natural gas imports from Mozambique, as the country moves to stabilize energy supply and reduce reliance on distant markets affected by geopolitical tensions. The announcement followed a meeting at State House in Nairobi between President Ruto and Daniel Chapo, President of Mozambique, who is on a three-day state visit
Algeria Opens Seven Oil and Gas Blocks to Investors in New Licensing Round Starting April 19 The government of Algeria will launch a new international oil and gas licensing round on April 19, offering seven exploration blocks to energy companies as part of efforts to attract investment and expand activity in its upstream sector. The announcement was made by the National Agency for the Valorisation of Hydrocarbon Resources, the country’s official oil and gas licensing
EACOP Hits 82% Completion, Moves Closer to First Oil from Uganda to Tanzania The East African Crude Oil Pipeline has reached 82% overall completion as of April 2026, with construction progressing steadily across pipeline sections, pump stations, and export infrastructure in Tanzania and Uganda. The update was disclosed by the project company in its latest construction report, confirming that the 1,443-kilometre heated pipeline, designed to transport crude oil from Uganda to Tanzania’s coastline, is advancing
BP Commits $1.5B to Boost Natural Gas Production in Egypt’s North Coast and Nile Delta BP has announced plans to invest $1.5 billion in natural gas exploration in Egypt during the 2026–27 fiscal year, signaling its intention to expand operations while supporting Egypt’s goal of strengthening its energy sector and increasing export capacity. The investment will fund the drilling of new exploration wells along the North Coast and in the Nile Delta, areas critical for
Dangote Petroleum Refinery Receives $2.5B Afreximbank Loan to Boost Nigeria’s Fuel Production Nigeria’s Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has secured $2.5 billion from the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) as part of a $4 billion syndicated term loan, strengthening the financial position of Africa’s largest oil refinery and supporting its next phase of expansion. Afreximbank and Access Bank acted as co-mandated lead arrangers for the five-year facility, which is intended to refinance existing debt and align
