Custos Energy has provided an update on the second exploration and appraisal campaign for Blocks 2813A and 2814B in Namibia’s Orange Basin, a rapidly emerging oil and gas hub. These blocks fall under Petroleum Exploration License 83 (PEL 83), operated by a subsidiary of Galp Energia. Custos and Namibia’s National Petroleum Corporation (NAMCOR) each hold a 10% working interest in PEL 83. The PEL 83 Joint Venture partners have successfully drilled, cored, and logged the
OPEC Secretary-General Haitham Al-Ghais has called on Africa to capitalize on its vast oil reserves, which exceed 120 billion barrels, emphasizing the continent’s crucial role in the global energy landscape. Speaking at the Nigeria International Energy Summit 2025 in Abuja, Al-Ghais delivered a keynote address titled “Driving Cross-Continental Investments: Scaling Africa’s Energy Frontier.” The summit’s eighth edition is themed “Bridging Continents: Connecting Investors with Africa’s Energy Potential.” Al-Ghais highlighted Africa’s extensive natural gas reserves, estimated
The construction of the Fouta Refinery, located about 30 kilometers from Pointe-Noire, is on track for completion in 2025. The project aims to reduce Congo’s reliance on fuel imports, which totaled $140 million in 2023. Developed by Chinese firm Beijing Fortune Dingheng Investment, the refinery will have an annual production capacity of 2.5 million tons of petroleum products, including diesel and gasoline. Congo currently operates only one refinery, the Congolaise de Raffinage (CORAF) in Pointe-Noire,
Dubai-based renewable energy company AMEA Power has signed agreements with the Egyptian government to develop standalone battery energy storage systems (BESS) with a total capacity of 1,500MWh. The project will see 500MWh installed in Zafarana and 1,000MWh in Benban, enhancing grid stability and supporting the integration of renewable energy sources. This initiative aligns with Egypt’s efforts to accelerate its energy transition. Hussain Al Nowais, Chairman of AMEA Power, stated that the project will not only
B2Gold’s Otjikoto Mine in Namibia, in which the company holds a 90% interest, had a strong performance in 2024, producing 198,142 ounces of gold, nearly at the midpoint of its guidance range of 185,000 to 205,000 ounces. For the year ending December 31, 2024, the mill feed grade was 1.87 g/t, with mill throughput at 3.34 million tonnes, and a gold recovery rate averaging 98.6%. In the fourth quarter of 2024, the Otjikoto Mine produced
BW Energy has confirmed that the drilling program for the Kharas appraisal well in Namibia is on track for the third quarter of 2025. The company has received rig bids, and the selection process is currently underway. The Kharas appraisal well is located in the northern part of the Kudu licence, and BW Energy is collaborating closely with other operators in the Orange Basin to optimize the use of available resources. BW Energy holds a
Importers of Premium Motor Spirits (PMS), commonly known as petrol, are reportedly unsettled by the Dangote Refinery’s recent decision to reduce its petrol price. On Wednesday, the Dangote Refinery announced a price cut, reducing its ex-depot (gantry) price of petrol from N890 to N825 per liter, effective from February 27, 2025. This move has caused a ripple effect across the fuel market, with importers now compelled to adjust their prices accordingly. The Dangote Refinery, however,
The governments of Uganda and Tanzania have rejected claims made by civil society organizations (CSOs) opposing the construction of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP). The two nations have jointly appealed to the Appellate Division of the East African Court of Justice (EACJ) to dismiss a case filed by four CSOs from Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, which seeks to halt the project. On February 24, 2025, Uganda’s Deputy Solicitor General, Mr. Charles Ouma, and
Rio Tinto has successfully completed its first renewable diesel trial across its Pilbara iron ore operations, marking a significant milestone in its efforts to reduce emissions and integrate alternative fuels into its supply chain. The trial, conducted in partnership with renewable diesel producer Neste and Australian fuel supplier Viva Energy, provided Rio Tinto with critical insights into the scalability of biofuels across its operations. The four-week trial (January–February 2024) resulted in a 27,000-tonne reduction in
Alberta, Canada’s top oil-producing province, has forecast a C$5.2 billion ($3.5 billion) budget deficit for the 2025/26 fiscal year, citing potential U.S. tariffs as a major threat to government revenues and economic growth. This marks a sharp reversal from Alberta’s current fiscal surplus of C$5.8 billion, highlighting the uncertainty facing policymakers as they navigate the evolving trade landscape. Finance Minister Nate Horner acknowledged the difficulty in planning a budget amid unpredictable U.S. policies. “How do
