Turkish energy company Aksa Enerji is set to begin operations of the first 25 MW turbine at the Djeno Power Plant in the Republic of Congo by March 2025. This initiative aims to improve electricity access in a country where only about 50% of the population has power, with rural electrification rates as low as 12%. Currently, the country’s primary power source is the Centrale Electrique du Congo (CEC), a joint venture between Eni and
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Renewable energy firm AMEA Power has commenced construction on a 50 MW solar power plant in Bondoukou, Ivory Coast. The $60 million project marks the company’s first operational asset in the country and supports the national goal of increasing renewable energy’s share to 45% of the energy mix. Once operational, the plant will generate 85 GWh of clean energy annually, supplying electricity to 358,000 households and reducing carbon emissions by approximately 52,000 tons. The project
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Africa contributes 60% of global diamond production, the president of the African Diamond Producers Association (ADPA), Wiston Chitando, announced on Thursday in Luanda. Chitando, who also serves as Zimbabwe’s Minister of Mineral Resources, made the statement during the inauguration of ADPA’s new headquarters. He reaffirmed his commitment to advancing Africa’s diamond sector. He emphasized that Africa’s diamond industry remains strong despite global market challenges, particularly the rise of synthetic diamonds. “We are determined to move
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Angola’s Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum, and Gas, Diamantino Azevedo, announced on Friday in Luanda that the Luanda Gold Refinery is expected to be inaugurated in the second half of this year, with 70% of construction already completed. Speaking after an inspection visit, Azevedo confirmed that the refinery—an investment of over $5 million—will initially create 35 jobs across various specialties. According to Endiama E.P., the minister highlighted that construction is progressing steadily, in line with
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The headquarters of the African Diamond Producers Association (ADPA) was officially inaugurated in Luanda on Thursday by Angola’s Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum, and Gas, Diamantino Azevedo, and his Zimbabwean counterpart, Winston Chitando. According to Azevedo, the delivery of ADPA’s new headquarters fulfills the Angolan government’s commitment to providing suitable facilities for the association. “Today, we are formally handing over the ADPA headquarters, the result of joint efforts by three Angolan ministries, namely the Ministry
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Angola’s Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum, and Gas, Diamantino Azevedo, emphasized the need for heightened attention to the challenges currently facing the global and African diamond industry. Speaking at the inauguration of the new headquarters of the African Diamond Producers Association (ADPA) in Luanda, Azevedo pointed to falling natural diamond prices, competition from synthetic diamonds, and increased pressure for diamond traceability as key issues affecting the sector. “We must adapt to this new landscape and
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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,
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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
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A $7.9 billion green hydrogen project has been launched in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, with backing from China. The ambitious initiative will take place within the Liberty Free Trade Zone (LFTZ) at Atabrikang, in the Ibeno Local Government Area. The agreement was formalized in Uyo, Nigeria, with representatives from the Nigerian Federal Government, APPL Hydrogen Limited (AHL), and China’s LONGi Green Energy Technology signing the deal. Idara Ekpo, Chief Visionary Officer of AHL, revealed that
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The president of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses, Yoram Dvash, announced that starting in April, U.S. customs will require the reporting of diamonds’ country of mining origin and details of the country of origin. This mandatory information must be submitted through a signed declaration. Importers will also need to provide a self-certification statement confirming that their shipments do not contain Russian diamonds larger than 0.50 ct. These new requirements apply to all diamonds and
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