The African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) has appointed Dr Babatunde Samson Omotosho, an economist and statistician, as Director of the Statistics Department, effective June 16, 2024.

Dr Omotosho, a Nigerian national, has more than 21 years experience in developing data strategies to align with the strategic objectives of organisations. He also brings expertise in data compilation, data analytics, macroeconomic research, and policy analysis.

Omotosho previously served as Director of Research and Statistics at the West African Monetary Agency (WAMA) in Sierra Leone, where he was seconded from the Central Bank of Nigeria. At WAMA, he provided advice on monetary and economic integration within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Prior to that he held various positions within the Statistics and Research Departments of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

As an Assistant Director in the Statistics Department, he led the data analytics team and managed the Central Bank’s strategic initiatives on big data and data analytics. He oversaw projects aimed at enhancing data analytics capabilities for policymaking, automating surveys and statistical systems, improving data sharing infrastructure and developing social media listening tools. His leadership fostered a culture of data analytics within the Central Bank, driving innovation and efficiency in operational and policy processes.

Dr Omotosho holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Glasgow, United Kingdom (2021); a master’s degree in Applied Statistics and Datamining from the University of St Andrews, United Kingdom (2011); a master’s degree in Economics from the University of Benin, Nigeria (2008); and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Ilorin, Nigeria (2000).

He has contributed extensively to academic literature, with publications in reputable journals, including the Journal of Economic Dynamics&Control, Journal of International Money&Finance, Macroeconomic&Finance in Emerging Market Economies, and the Central Bank of Nigeria Journal of Applied Statistics. His research covers big data, econometrics, monetary and fiscal policy interactions, business cycle drivers, and the macroeconomic implications of resource shocks for small open, emerging economies.

Omotosho is a member of the Nigerian Statistical Association, the International Association for Official Statistics, and the Royal Statistical Society.

Commenting on his appointment, he said, “I am grateful to President Adesina for this appointment, and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the continued success and growth of the African Development Bank Group, an institution that plays such a pivotal role in the economic and social development of our beloved continent, Africa. I am fully committed to fulfilling the responsibilities of the position while collaborating effectively with the Bank’s senior leadership team, colleagues, and other strategic partners.”

Dr Akinwumi A. Adesina, President of the African Development Bank Group, commented: “I am pleased to appoint Dr Babatunde Samson Omotosho, a respected statistician, as Director of the Statistics Department. Dr Omotosho brings to this role an impressive track record in statistics, economics, and data analytics. He will support the Bank in building a robust data ecosystem to achieve our strategic objectives and sustain our long-term development goals.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Contact:
Kwasi Kpodo
Communication and External Relations Department 
media@afdb.org

The African Union of Broadcasting (AUB) (www.UAR-AUB.org), in partnership with Media for Peace, will host a training seminar for journalists on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the Sahel on July 9-10, 2024, in Maroua, the capital of the Far North Region of Cameroon.

This initiative by Media for Peace, supported by the AUB within the framework of its AI Observatory in Africa, aims to strengthen the skills of media professionals in the use of AI, an increasingly essential tool in the contemporary media landscape.

Chaired by the Governor of the Far North Region of Cameroon, Mr. Midjiyawa Bakari, the seminar will bring together training experts, media and communication professionals, as well as representatives of the African Union of Broadcasting and Media for Peace.

The importance of AI in the revolution of journalistic practices, through the collection and analysis of information, fact-checking, and the personalization of content for audiences, has become essential in the practice of journalism.

The AUB, whose main mission is to support African media in their development, is committed to the success of this project.

Grégoire NDJAKA
Director General

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union of Broadcasting (AUB).

Media Contact: 
Email: contact@uar-aub.org
Tel: +221 338 21 16 25

Multinational energy company TotalEnergies acts as a key contributor to economic growth and tax revenues in the markets in which it operates, extending beyond its core oil and gas exploration and production activities. In 2023 alone, the company’s production taxes and current income taxes across all activities amounted to just over $24.7 billion, with an average tax rate of 38.2%. Additionally, its extractive entities paid $28.3 billion in taxes and production fees to the governments of the states and territories where it operates.

In Africa, TotalEnergies has activities in over 40 countries, where it contributes to both economic and social development across its portfolio. In Uganda, TotalEnergies is spearheading the Tilenga and Kingfisher oil field development in the Lake Albert Basin – developed in partnership with China National Offshore Oil Corporation and the state-owned Uganda National Oil Company – which involves substantial investments in local infrastructure and community development.

Last year, TotalEnergies EP Uganda selected 200 Ugandan youths for the Tilenga Massive Open Online Course and Tilenga Academy training program. The objective was to equip local youth with the knowledge and skills needed to work on the TotalEnergies-operated Tilenga project during its production phase, aiming to develop local capacity and encourage youth participation in the sector. Training was conducted at the Uganda Petroleum Institute in Kigumba and other international oil and gas training centers, providing hands-on experience during the installation and completion of the Tilenga project, which comprises nine oil fields, a processing facility, underground pipelines and infrastructure. Moreover, TotalEnergies is leading rural electrification efforts in the East African country, having built the 10 MW Soroti solar power plant that was one of the largest grid-connected, privately-funded solar plants in Africa at its commissioning.

TotalEnergies serves as the largest operator in Angola, with interests in Blocks 17, 32, 0, 14 and 14K. Last May, the company announced FID for the Cameia-Golfinho field development, and anticipates the Quiluma and Maboqueiro gas fields to come online in 2026, which will feed into the country’s Angola LNG plant. The company holds a 41% market share and accounts for just short of 45% of Angola’s production, as well as holds key stakes in Angola LNG and the New Gas Consortium. Its substantial investments in Angola reflect the company’s historic contributions to the national economy through associated infrastructure development and export revenues, in addition to taxes, royalties and other levies.

In neighboring Namibia, TotalEnergies’ light oil discoveries with the Mangetti-1X and Venus-1X wells in the Orange Basin present a major economic boost for the country. Once fully appraised, these discoveries hold the potential to stimulate creation, local procurement and an influx of foreign investments from other international players, thereby enhancing Namibia’s economic growth and development.

In Nigeria, the company’s activities extend beyond oil and gas exploration and production to renewable energy, electricity, green gas and retail activities. The company has over 1,800 employees in the country and 530 service stations. TotalEnergies also carries an interest in the Nigeria LNG plant and is pursuing several carbon-neutral initiatives, including the Zero Routine Flaring by 2030 program. It also operates two lubricant blending plants and several petroleum product depots. Moreover, the company markets its products and services through its service stations and sells decentralized solar solutions to low-income populations. These activities have generated substantial income that flows through the country’s economy, as well as targets underserved communities.

Across the continent, TotalEnergies conducts its operations under various contractual frameworks, typically either concession contracts or production sharing contracts (PSCs). Under concession contracts, the company owns the assets and facilities, receives all production, bears all risks and costs and pays royalties and taxes to the state. Under PSCs, the company finances and executes exploration and production at its own risk, receiving a share of the production to cover costs and profits, with the remainder shared with the state or national company. These agreements demonstrate TotalEnergies’ commitment to long-term business partnerships that profit the company and the host countries equally by sharing revenues and managing resources responsibly.

Beyond its operational footprint, TotalEnergies has made clear its plans to enhance energy accessibility and sustainability. By 2030, the company aims to provide clean cooking access to up to 100 million people in Africa and India. This initiative includes a $400-million investment in the development of LPG and the production of pay-as-you-cook digital technologies to make clean cooking affordable. Access to cleaner energy like LPG can improve health, reduce gender inequalities and decrease CO2 emissions and deforestation. Already a major player in the distribution of LPG in bottles, TotalEnergies stands to benefit over 50 million people in Africa and Asia through this initiative.

Moreover, TotalEnergies actively contributes to socioeconomic development through its wide range of citizenship initiatives. Focused mainly on youth, these programs are funded by the TotalEnergies Foundation and support the company’s broader community engagement efforts. Employees are encouraged to dedicate up to three days of work time annually to community engagement projects, promoting these values globally through the TotalEnergies Foundation program. These initiatives not only uplift and empower local communities, but also position them as vital components of TotalEnergies’ operations.

“TotalEnergies’ contributions beyond oil and gas are transformative for Africa. By driving local capacity building, economic diversification and sustainable development, they are not only investing in the continent’s future but also ensuring that African communities reap the benefits of their natural resources. This strategic approach is essential for fostering long-term growth and prosperity across the region,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Advancing efforts to direct energy investments to Africa, Susan D. Maples, Partner at New York-based firm Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt&Mosle, will moderate the upcoming Invest in African Energy reception in London.

Specializing in high-stakes, complex international arbitrations and corporate transactions, Maples’ experience spans multibillion-dollar disputes and negotiations in over 30 countries across energy, oil and gas, and mineral resource sectors. A high-level, technical legal perspective will enhance discussions on negotiating PSCs and farm-in opportunities, designing competitive oil and gas tenders, conducting legal framework assessments, executing cross-border deals and advancing inter-governmental and host government agreements, among other key dynamics currently shaping Africa’s energy sector.

AEW: Invest in African Energy is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

Serving as a precursor to African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energy 2024 (www.AECWeek.com) in Cape Town this November, the reception will support global investment across Africa’s energy value chain, allowing participants to explore new avenues for project financing across the continent’s mature and emerging markets. As global capital for oil and gas projects tightens, African hydrocarbon producers are reassessing their legal and regulatory frameworks, with a view to prioritizing transparency, incentivizing private participation and ensuring their competitiveness in the global energy arena.

“The legal acumen and expertise of firms like Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt&Mosle will help inform strategies for enhancing the competitiveness and commercial viability of Africa’s energy prospects. We welcome the high-level expertise and support that will be shared in London and which will place Africa’s energy industry in an even stronger position to maximize outcomes from Cape Town this November,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.

The Invest in African Energy London reception takes place at the Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane from 17:00 to 21:00. Register now at https://apo-opa.co/3zw6DVn or contact register@aecweek.com.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.