Zimbabwe has entered a new era in its energy sector with the confirmation of its first commercial natural gas discovery in the Cabora Bassa Basin. This milestone positions the country to join the growing list of emerging natural gas producers in Africa. The discovery was made by Invictus Energy, which has now secured approval to begin pilot production. As part of this initial phase, the company plans to supply gas to the Eureka Gold Mine—a
Botswana has announced a 16% reduction in diamond production for 2025, a strategic move in response to ongoing turbulence in the global diamond market. As Africa’s leading diamond producer and a country heavily reliant on diamond revenues, the decision reflects growing economic pressures and the need for long-term adaptation. The global market for natural diamonds has weakened, driven by slowing demand and the rapid rise of affordable lab-grown alternatives. For Botswana—where diamonds account for approximately
Angola and Nigeria are taking center stage in Africa’s quest for energy security, with the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) projecting that the continent could meet up to 90% of its fuel demand through domestic refining—up from just 45% in 2024. This bold projection is outlined in the AFC’s newly released State of Africa’s Infrastructure Report 2025, which highlights Angola’s rising role as a strategic refining hub alongside Nigeria. Angola is increasingly recognized as a major
Angola’s Secretary of State for Energy, Arlindo Bota Manuel Carlos, has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to expanding oil exploration while also accelerating the transition to cleaner energy sources. Speaking to Lusa on the sidelines of the 2nd CPLP Energy Conference in Estoril, Portugal, Carlos said Angola values the support of Portugal and Brazil in the development of energy projects. “Oil exploration should not be seen as a threat. We will not abandon the use of
Uganda has once again delayed the start of oil production from the Albertine Graben, now setting a new target for June 2026. This marks yet another postponement in the country’s two-decade-long pursuit to become a commercial oil producer, after previously aiming for first oil by June 2025. The updated timeline was announced by Frank Mugisha, Assistant Commissioner at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, who spoke on behalf of Minister Ruth Nankabirwa during the
South Africa has officially launched the South African National Petroleum Company (SANPC), a new state-owned energy enterprise formed through the consolidation of three entities—PetroSA, iGas, and the Strategic Fuel Fund. All were previously part of the Central Energy Fund. The move is aimed at creating a financially sustainable national oil and gas leader. SANPC, led by CEO Godfrey Moagi and chaired by former PetroSA CEO Sipho Mkhize, began operations in May 2025. The new company
Egypt began producing natural gas from two new wells in the Mediterranean’s Raven gas field in February 2025—three months ahead of schedule, according to the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources. British Petroleum (BP) completed the drilling using the ultra-deepwater drillship Valaris DS-12, marking a swift and efficient expansion of the Raven field. This development aligns with Egypt’s broader strategy to ramp up natural gas production, drive economic growth, and attract foreign investment. The two
South Africa has proposed a long-term agreement to import liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the United States over a ten-year period, aiming to enhance trade relations and support its energy transition. The proposal was detailed in a ministerial statement signed by Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, and published on the South African government news agency website. According to the statement, South Africa plans to import between 75 and 100 petajoules (PJ)—equivalent to approximately 75
Nearly half of South Africa’s oil refining capacity remains idle, reflecting a sharp decline over the past five years due to a combination of plant accidents and chronic underinvestment. This has forced the country to rely on imports for more than 60% of its fuel needs, according to state-owned logistics firm Transnet SOC Ltd. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, South Africa imported 4.2 million tons of refined petroleum products, with annual imports projected
Authorities have confirmed a third fatality resulting from the oil platform accident that occurred on May 20th off the coast of Cabinda. The latest victim, one of the 17 individuals injured in the incident, passed away in South Africa, where four of the injured were transferred for specialized medical care. This marks the second death recorded in South Africa linked to the accident. In addition, a worker who had previously been reported missing was found
