Burkina Faso Increases Stake in West African Resources’ Gold Projects Under New Mining Code Burkina Faso’s largest gold producer and one of its biggest foreign investors, West African Resources (WAF), has implemented the revised 2024 mining code, raising the government’s free carried equity in its gold projects from 10% to 15%. The adjustment was confirmed in WAF’s interim financial report for the first half of 2025. WAF executive chairman Richard Hyde said the equity transfer
DRC Oil Prices Rise 1.8% to $67.7 per Barrel Despite Yearly Decline The price of a barrel of oil, one of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) key export commodities, rose to US$67.7 on August 22, 2025, up from US$66.9 the previous week, marking a 1.8% increase, according to the Central Bank of Congo’s latest economic report. As of August 21, oil prices were still 9.1% lower than at the end of 2024 and down
Zambia Mandates ZCCM-IH to Formalize and Transform the Gold Mining Industry ZCCM Investments Holdings Plc (“ZCCM-IH” or “the Company”) announces that the Government of the Republic of Zambia has officially mandated the Company to spearhead the formalisation, development, and transformation of the country’s gold sector. This appointment represents a historic milestone in unlocking the full potential of Zambia’s gold mining industry. For decades, the sector has remained largely informal, characterised by limited structure, minimal value
88 Energy Sells Texas Oil Stake to Boost Exploration in Namibia’s Offshore Energy Sector Namibia is set to benefit from 88 Energy Limited’s recent decision to sell its non-core oil and gas interests in the United States and reinvest the proceeds into exploration projects within the country. The Australian-listed company announced it has divested its 75% non-operated working interest in Project Longhorn, a producing asset in Texas’ Permian Basin, for US$3.25 million (approximately N$59 million).
Republic of Congo Plans to Boost Oil Production to 500,000 BPD by 2030 The Republic of Congo has announced plans to increase national oil production to 500,000 barrels per day (bpd) by 2030 to meet growing domestic demand. Bruno Jean-Richard Itoua, Minister of Hydrocarbons, reported that cumulative oil production from January 1 to July 31 reached 56,945,552 barrels, averaging 268,000 bpd over 212 days—a 5.2% increase compared with the same period in 2024. The Minister
Nigeria Launches Licensing Round for 220+ Oil Blocks to Boost Energy Production The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) is set to award more than 220 oil blocks in its upcoming licensing round, aiming to attract fresh investment and accelerate exploration across the country. The allocation includes 59 unlicensed offshore deepwater blocks, 41 in the Benue Trough, 40 in the Chad Basin, 28 in the Sokoto Basin, 16 in the Bida Basin, 13 in the
Senegal to Stop Gas Imports in 2026, Saving 140 Billion CFA and Lowering Electricity Costs Senegal will cease importing natural gas starting in 2026, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko announced, citing projected annual savings of 140 billion CFA francs and a reduction in electricity costs. Local production will replace expensive imports used for power generation. This move comes as Senegal emerges as a new oil and gas producer, with operations beginning at the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim
Uganda Greenlights 100 MW Solar Plant With 250 MWh Battery Storage in Kapeeka The Government of Uganda has approved the construction of a 100-megawatt solar photovoltaic plant with a 250 MWh battery energy storage system in Kapeeka. The project will be developed by U.S.-based Energy America, with its East Africa subsidiary, EA Astrovolt, serving as the lead developer and execution partner. EA Astrovolt will oversee project development, regulatory compliance, stakeholder engagement, and long-term system performance.
Namibia Diamond Sales Reach N$3.4 Billion in 2024 Through Local Beneficiation Program Namibia’s diamond beneficiation strategy generated N$3.4 billion in rough diamond sales to 13 local Sightholders in 2024, according to the De Beers Group’s latest Sustainability Report. The sales were conducted through the Namibia Diamond Trading Company (NDTC), a 50:50 joint venture between De Beers and the Namibian Government. “Namibia’s beneficiation highlights include $191 million in sales of rough diamonds to 13 local Sightholders
Namibia Should Prioritize Gas Over Oil to Create Jobs and Drive Economic Growth, Says Economist Economist Robin Sherbourne has urged Namibia to place greater emphasis on gas development, arguing it offers far more potential for job creation and local economic benefits than oil. Speaking on BW Energy’s Kudu gas project, Sherbourne noted that while oil may generate significant government revenue, it creates limited direct employment opportunities. In contrast, gas development can play a transformative role
