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African Energy Developments Demand Sustained Investment With New Projects in Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda, and Senegal

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In the past twelve months, the African energy sector has seen several encouraging developments – in the form of both Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and strategic partnerships – that have advanced the sustainable development of its natural resources. In fact, despite a global downturn in investment in 2020, FDI flows to developing economies accounted for 72% of global FDI, the highest share to date. Given the magnitude of Africa’s oil and gas reserves – not to mention its abundant renewable resource wealth – the continent remains a highly attractive market for inbound investment, which is vital for its growth.

Take Uganda, for instance, which is home to one of the largest onshore discoveries in sub-Saharan Africa. Following multiple petroleum discoveries in Uganda’s Albertine Graben – estimated to contain 6.5 billion barrels of oil, of which 1.4 billion are considered recoverable – foreign investments into the country are expected to reach nearly $20 billion. Last April, Total E&P Uganda B.V. signed a Sale and Purchase Agreement with Tullow Oil PC, through which Total will acquire Tullow’s entire 33.34% interests in Uganda’s Lake Albert development project and the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP). Five months later, the Ugandan Government and Total signed a host government agreement for EACOP, representing a significant step toward reaching a final investment decision. The deal pushes along an extended development process – slowed by infrastructure issues, tax complications, then COVID-19 – that not only promises to bring first oil by 2022, but also provides a pathway to monetization via associated transport infrastructure.

In addition to developments at Lake Albert, the Ugandan Government has proven its commitment to attracting FDI to its hydrocarbon sector through its second licensing round held last year, as well as its invitation to local and foreign entities to forge joint-venture partnerships with the Government. By prioritizing the establishment of mutually beneficial partnerships, the emerging East African producer aims to facilitate the successful transfer of skills, knowledge and technology, initiating an influx of technical expertise and working capital into the country.

“Those who have been locked out from access to opportunity want the same from the energy sector that the energy sectors want from governments.  We must not forget local content, local jobs, local opportunities especially for young people and women” Stated NJ Ayuk Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.

Meanwhile, in West Africa, Senegal has been reaping the rewards of a long-standing partnership with Germany, which has resulted in more than one billion Euros in funding, including significant support for small-scale power plants and renewable energy projects. Holding sizeable potential for solar and wind energy development, Senegal serves as a regional leader in renewable deployment as a means of rural electrification. Indeed, energy is a central component of poverty alleviation across Africa, with electricity access enabling greater independence, clean cooking and potable water, as well as dramatically improving the well-being of individuals, businesses and communities alike.  Rural populations are cognizant of the challenges posed by a lack of stable electricity supply – increased urban migration, lack of access to basic services, low economic competitiveness, to name a few – and distributed renewables can represent the fastest and least expensive path to electrification.

European interest in Senegal has shed light on and served as a model for co-operation opportunities between renewable-rich African countries and developed partners, which offer cutting-edge technologies and technical expertise to transform raw resources into viable off-grid and mini-grid solutions.

Furthermore, while the cost of deploying renewable technology has never been lower, the availability of renewable-focused capital has never been higher. Investment in commercial and industrial solar has demonstrated resilience against the pandemic, continuing to be seen as a safe investment in light of rising utility costs and increasing distribution of both solar and financial technologies. Yet resource potential and low costs of equipment are not enough; Senegal and other resource-rich African nations require active investor interest and strong government support to unlock diversified energy mixes. In turn, a lack of investment represents a pointed threat to the achievement of long-term energy security.

“Young people and women have shown their great resilience, and it is our hope we close these deals in the renewable energy sector, Africans can have a sense of some hope that they will be included in the industry contracts and opportunities. It is no longer correct for the African to be the last hired and the first fired” Concluded Ayuk.

Moreover, without sustained levels of FDI continuing to move the needle on oil, gas and renewable developments, energy export revenues run the risk of being stranded and resources left undeveloped. For emerging producers like Uganda – as well as Tanzania, Kenya, Mozambique, among several others – this would mean foregoing critical government revenues that could aid in a much-needed, post-COVID-19 economic recovery. FDI is vital to Africa’s growth, and while it may be challenging to procure capital in a tepid global economy, it is even more difficult not to. Yes, COVID-19 has put emerging producers in a tough spot: new exploration is seen as risky, and new producers lack existing assets or low-cost development of marginal fields on which to fall back. However, it is not an option to slow or postpone time-sensitive developments that promise to harness natural resource wealth and make sustainable improvements in standards of living across the continent. Africa requires a sustained flow of investment and has proven time and again that it offers the scope of projects and magnitude of resources that are worthy of foreign capital.

Is the CEO/Founder of Investors King Limited. A proven foreign exchange research analyst and a published author on Yahoo Finance, Nasdaq, Entrepreneur.com, Investorplace, and many more. He has over two decades of experience in global financial markets.

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Energy

Nigeria and Germany Ink $500 Million Agreements for Renewable Energy and Gas Exports

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Nigerian and German companies have sealed two pivotal agreements in Berlin, valued at $500 million.

The accords, announced by Presidential spokesperson Ajuri Ngelale, include a renewable energy pact and a gas export deal, marking a significant milestone in bilateral cooperation.

The first agreement formalized a Memorandum of Understanding on renewable energy between the Union Bank of Nigeria and Germany’s DWS Group.

This strategic partnership seeks to attract $500 million in investments dedicated to renewable energy projects, with a primary focus on rural communities across Nigeria.

The second Memorandum of Understanding solidified a gas export partnership between Riverside LNG of Nigeria and Germany’s Johannes Schuetze Energy Import AG. Under this deal, Nigeria commits to supplying 850,000 tons of natural gas annually to Germany, with projections indicating an increase to 1.2 million tons.

The initial shipments are scheduled for 2026, addressing both nations’ commitment to environmentally conscious practices and sustainable energy solutions.

This gas export agreement is particularly significant as it contributes to processing approximately 50 million cubic feet per day of natural gas that would otherwise be flared, aligning with Nigeria’s goal to harness its abundant gas resources for sustainable energy projects.

President Bola Tinubu, attending the G20 Compact with Africa conference in Berlin, expressed his approval of the agreements, emphasizing Nigeria’s commitment to reforms. Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany also announced a 4 billion euro investment in green energy projects in Africa by 2030, aligning with Germany’s transition to carbon neutrality.

Despite challenges such as oil theft, Nigeria, under President Tinubu’s leadership, has undertaken significant reforms to attract investors and revitalize its economy.

These agreements signify a step toward sustainable energy solutions, addressing environmental concerns and fostering economic growth in both nations.

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Sun Africa Commits $2.2 Billion to Transform Nigeria’s Power Sector

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Sun Africa LLC, a global entity dedicated to supporting Africa’s energy needs, has announced a commitment of approximately $2.2 billion for the development of Nigeria’s power sector.

The pledge follows a meeting between the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and representatives from Sun Africa, led by Chairman Goran Rajsic.

In the initial phase, the project will concentrate on delivering 961 MWp of solar PV infrastructure and 455 MWh of battery energy storage, marking a transformative venture valued at $2.2 billion.

This strategic collaboration aims to address Nigeria’s growing demand for new power infrastructure, aligning with the nation’s economic needs and transitioning toward sustainability.

Adelabu emphasized Nigeria’s significant requirement for new power infrastructure to support economic growth and sustainability.

The commitment from Sun Africa and its partners signifies a crucial step toward achieving Nigeria’s electricity goals.

Goran Rajsic expressed gratitude to the project partners, highlighting the support in designing a comprehensive solution featuring cutting-edge solar PV and battery storage technologies.

Sun Africa’s collaboration with Sterling & Wilson Renewable Energy Limited as its EPC partner represents a milestone in advancing sustainable and reliable energy solutions for Nigeria.

This initiative aligns with the nation’s commitment to driving positive change through innovative renewable energy solutions.

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Niger Delta Power Holding Company Reveals N190bn Debt Owed by Government Entities

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The Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) has disclosed that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET), and the Nigerian Electricity Liability Management Company owe a cumulative sum of N190 billion for electricity supply.

Chiedu Ugbo, the Managing Director and CEO of NDPHC, shared this information during a media briefing in Lagos.

Ugbo highlighted that the N190 billion debt has accumulated from 2015 to May 2023. While the exact amount owed by NBET wasn’t specified, Ugbo emphasized that the huge indebtedness to NDPHC runs into hundreds of billions, affecting the company’s operations and financial obligations.

He stated, “NDPHC is also not paid for availability but only as dispatched, thereby depriving NDPHC of hundreds of billions since 2015 when the Transitional Electricity Market was declared, and the government has so far been denied revenue as high as N3trn.”

Ugbo emphasized the challenging situation the debt has created, making it difficult for NDPHC to meet operational expenditures, pay gas suppliers, and maintain regular power generation.

To overcome these challenges, he called for urgent private capital mobilization and explored independent transmission projects, involving Gencos as investors.

Executive Director, Generation, Engr. Abdullahi Kassim, highlighted the ‘Light-up Nigeria Initiative,’ a program aimed at leveraging NDPHC’s generation assets to provide reliable power supply to eligible customers, distribution companies, and third-party project developers, ultimately achieving over 97% power distribution to the masses.

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