Energy and commodities company Vitol will participate at the Angola Oil&Gas (AOG) 2024 conference (https://apo-opa.co/4b9OwCw) – scheduled for October 2-3 in Luanda – as a silver sponsor. The sponsorship demonstrates the company’s dedication to fueling the expansion of the Angolan oil and gas market by leveraging its extensive expertise and services.

Vitol operates at the core of global energy transactions. With a daily trading volume exceeding seven million barrels of crude oil and products, the company utilizes its expertise and logistical networks to distribute energy around the world efficiently and responsibly. Currently, Vitol has investments in six refineries worldwide, boasting a refining capacity of 480,000 barrels per day.

Organized by Energy Capital&Power, AOG is the largest oil and gas event in Angola. Taking place with the full support of the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas; the National Oil, Gas and Biofuels Agency; the African Energy Chamber; and the Petroleum Derivatives Regulatory Institute, the event is a platform to sign deals and advance Angola’s oil and gas industry. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

In Angola, Vitol has operated for several years, distributing petroleum products to the local and regional market. The company secured a tender from Angolan national oil company Sonangol for the one-year supply of gasoline to the nation in 2021. This strategic move not only highlights Vitol’s burgeoning influence within Angola’s oil and gas sector but also underscores its pivotal role in ensuring consistent fuel availability. Furthermore, this partnership underscores Angola’s collaborative approach with major industry players to meet its energy demands efficiently.

Previously, Vitol entered into a multi-year LNG sales agreement with Angola LNG, signifying a significant development in the LNG market. Under this agreement, Angola LNG committed to delivering cargoes to Vitol at destinations worldwide. The history of Vitol procuring LNG cargoes from Angola LNG underscores a robust and ongoing partnership between the two entities. Additionally, Vitol aims to bolster its portfolio and play a role in meeting global energy demands, with a particular focus on Angola.

Vitol’s commitment to Angola extends beyond sponsorship, evident in its collaborative ventures with African entities to optimize the value of crude oil and ensure a steady supply of fuels to burgeoning markets. While recent investments span various African nations, including Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, Vitol’s sponsorship for AOG demonstrates its active involvement in Angola’s oil and gas sphere.

This year’s AOG 2024 conference will serve as a premier platform for stakeholders to address pressing issues within Angola’s oil and gas domain, encompassing strategies to mitigate production decline, bolster exploration efforts, diversify the economy and spearhead a just energy transition by harnessing natural gas resources

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&Power.

Ethiopia’s Minister of Water and Energy Habtamu Itefa Geleta will participate at the South Sudan Oil&Power (SSOP) 2024 conference and exhibition. Minister Geleta is expected to share his country’s experience in developing clean energy capacity and call for more power infrastructure investments.

Ethiopia is Africa’s largest hydropower market and has embarked on a strategic diversification of its energy mix. As such, the minister’s attendance during this year’s summit is poised to showcase an efficient, secure, affordable and sustainable power sector as vital to Africa’s economic growth and transformation.

Organized by Energy Capital&Power, SSOP 2024 positions South Sudan at the center of investments and partnership in the East African energy landscape. Taking place in Juba on June 25-28, the conference and exhibition invites investors to explore and engage with opportunities across the hydrocarbons, renewable energy and power sectors. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

In April 2024, the Ethiopian government and the World Bank signed loan agreements worth $1.72 billion to enhance the country’s electricity and water supply. Under the agreement, $523 million will be allocated to expand the country’s electricity network and boost renewable energy generation. $500 million will be directed towards facilitating the movement of food to markets.

Meanwhile, the African Development Bank approved a $104 million grant to finance a transmission project to improve Ethiopia’s electricity supply. The project will involve the construction of 157km of transmission lines and will include associated substations near the cities of Harar, Jijiga and Farem.

Ethiopia, along with Zimbabwe, signed intergovernmental agreements with Russia in July 2023 to establish a legal framework for the development of nuclear energy in the African country. Additionally, Ethiopia’s government signed a grant agreement with Denmark during the same month which would see the mobilization of $10 million towards developing the Danish-Ethiopia Energy Partnership and phase one of the Ethiopian Danish Water Sector Cooperation.

At SSOP 2024, Minister Geleta is expected to discuss the Ethiopian government’s plans to diversify its energy mix while delivering a consistent supply of power and unlocking opportunities that will stimulate public and private sector participation in the East African energy landscape. For more information about how you can participate in South Sudan’s biggest energy event, visit https://SouthSudanOilPower.com.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&Power.

Tunisia’s economic recovery slowed in 2023, due to a severe drought, tight financing conditions and a modest pace of reform, leaving the country’s growth below pre-COVID levels, and making it one of the slowest recoveries in the Middle East and North Africa region, according to the Spring 2024 edition of the World Bank’s Economic Monitor for Tunisia.

The report, Renewed Energy to the Economy, forecasts growth rates of 2.4 percent in 2024 and 2.3 percent in 2025-26, assuming easing of drought conditions and some progress in fiscal and pro-competition reforms. The report emphasizes Tunisia’s improved external balance, its narrowing trade deficit supported by favorable international prices, and its external financing needs that remain significant. The report underscores the urgency of addressing the drivers behind the external financing challenges, including energy deficit, debt service, and level of capital inflows.

Despite gains in the tourism and export sectors, Tunisia’s economy was affected by the impacts of drought-related losses that led to an 11 percent drop in agriculture, underlining the need for adaptation to climate change. These losses have been compounded by limited domestic demand, penalizing sectors such construction and trade. This has led to a rise in unemployment, which reached 16.4 percent in the fourth quarter of 2023, and a drop in labor force participation.

The report delves into the details of the country’s current economic challenges and opportunities. Despite limited demand, inflation remains at 7.8 percent. In particular, food price inflation stands at 10.2 percent. Most of this inflation can be attributed to rising profits and import prices, underlining the significant impact of competition and trade policies on inflationary pressures. On the positive side the trade deficit fell from 17.5 percent of GDP in 2022 to 10.8 percent in 2023, with the current account deficit also narrowing from 8.6 percent to 2.6 percent of GDP over the same period.

Faced with tighter external financing conditions, Tunisia has increasingly relied on domestic banks — and more recently to the Central Bank – to finance its budget. This shift has heightened financial system vulnerabilities and led to a crowding-out effect, where banks devote an increasing share of lending to the government over the private sector.

“Despite ongoing challenges, there are significant opportunities for Tunisia to transform and strengthen its economy. With strategic investments, particularly in renewable energy, Tunisia could significantly enhance its economic resilience and sustainability,” said Alexandre Arrobbio, the World Bank’s Country Manager for Tunisia. “We are committed to helping Tunisia tapping into its rich renewable energy resources, and our report identifies clear pathways to growth and stability. Developing these resources is essential to reducing import dependency and fiscal costs while enhancing energy security and fostering a sustainable economic future.”

A major focus of the report is on Tunisia’s ambitious plans for renewable energy as a solution to its economic and environmental challenges. The country aims to increase the share of renewables in its electricity mix from the current 3 percent to 35 percent by 2030. At present, 2,200 MW of private generation projects have been launched, which are expected to bring the share of renewables up to 17 percent by 2025. The report highlights the large economic benefits of deepening this transition through an ambitious decarbonization agenda. The total investment required is estimated at US$ 4.5 billion by 2030 and could come mainly from the private sector should adequate regulatory conditions be in place. One of the flagship projects on this agenda is the electricity interconnection between Tunisia and Italy (Elmed). This project aims to improve the resilience of the Tunisia’s electricity system and transform it into a net exporter of electricity. This would significantly reduce the country’s dependence on costly natural gas imports and improve its balance of payments.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The World Bank Group.

The livestock sector in Africa faces numerous challenges that hinder its growth and have significant implications for food security, economic development, and social stability across the continent. These challenges include high rates of child stunting, dependence on cheap imports, ongoing resource-based conflicts, and the unaffordability of nutrient-dense foods. It is crucial that urgent attention is given to these complex issues and strategic interventions are implemented.

Meeting the nutrition targets set in the Malabo Declaration has proven to be consistently difficult. The 4th Biennial Review Report (BRR) data shows that reducing child stunting remains a long-standing challenge in Cameroon. Alarmingly, 28.7% of children in Cameroon suffer from chronic malnutrition. This not only has a negative impact on the health and well-being of future generations, but also places significant socio-economic burdens on communities and the nation as a whole.

Cameroon heavily relies on cheaper imports of livestock-sourced foods, which hampers the growth of domestic livestock industries. This dependence undermines local producers and deprives African economies of valuable opportunities for job creation, especially for young people. Recent estimates reveal that this reliance has resulted in a staggering loss of USD 110 billion, representing 21.3% of potential economic growth.

Resource-based conflicts, often driven by competition for land, water, and grazing resources, persist in Cameroon. These conflicts directly affect communities that rely on livestock for their livelihoods, contributing to insecurity, displacement, and loss of lives and livelihoods. With 19.3% of the population affected by such conflicts, it is urgent to establish sustainable mechanisms for conflict resolution. Despite the crucial role that nutrient-dense livestock-sourced foods play in combating malnutrition and improving food security, they remain inaccessible for a significant portion of the population due to high prices. Efforts to enhance affordability and accessibility of these essential foods are crucial to addressing nutrition challenges in the continent.

The dairy sector plays a crucial role in Cameroon’s economy, supporting food security, employment, rural development, and poverty alleviation. However, the sector faces market failures due to feed and fodder shortages, which impact milk production. Currently, Cameroon has a cattle herd of 10 million that operates under traditional extensive pastoralism and emerging semi-intensive systems. Both systems face challenges of low milk production and fodder scarcity. Local breeds such as Goudali, White Fulani, and Red Fulani have lower productivity compared to exotic breeds like Holstein, Montbeliard, and Simmental, producing an average of 2 liters per day over a lactation period of 168-171 days, much lower than exotic breeds.

Cameroon’s current milk consumption is 6.67 liters per person per year, falling short of the FAO standard of 22 liters per person annually. With a population of approximately 25 million, this deficit translates to an annual milk shortage of approximately 383,250 tons. To address this, the Government of Cameroon implemented an import-substitution policy and established the National Milk Sector Development Plan (PNDFL).

However, the sector faces challenges such as livestock feed and fodder shortages due to various factors, including seasonal natural pastures, climate change-induced droughts, limited access to water sources, low breed productivity, difficulties in accessing plant genetic resources, land constraints, and inadequate financial services. Addressing these challenges requires investment in pasture management, climate-resilient agricultural practices, infrastructure development, breeding programs, and improved access to financial resources. Overcoming these challenges is vital for the dairy industry in Cameroon to achieve self-sufficiency in milk production, contribute to national development, and ensure food security.

The issue of food and fodder shortage in Africa, particularly in the Sahel and Savanna regions, requires urgent attention as we address climate change, population growth, and socio-economic challenges. Adopting innovative approaches to promote food security is crucial. The Association for the Promotion of Livestock in the Sahel and Savanna (APESS) offers practical solutions to address some of these issues.

In an effort to enhance food security and increase livestock productivity in Cameroon, stakeholders have convened in Yaoundé to launch Cameroon’s Multi-Stakeholder Feed and Fodder Platform (MSP). This initiative is a significant step in tackling the challenges facing the feed and fodder sector, particularly in light of the triple C crises of COVID-19, Climate change, and Conflicts. During the meeting, participants discussed strategies to promote collaboration, foster innovation, and address systemic obstacles that hinder the sector’s growth. The establishment of the MSP signifies a joint commitment to transforming the feed and fodder sector for sustainable development.

To assess the impact of these crises on feed and fodder systems, the Resilient African Feed and Fodder Systems Project (RAFFS Project) conducted a comprehensive study across six key African countries, including Cameroon. The findings showed the urgent need for strategic interventions to strengthen the resilience and efficiency of these systems, which are crucial for sustaining livestock-based livelihoods and ensuring food security.

During the meeting, Mr. Jaji Manu Gidado, the Secretary General of the Ministry of Livestock, Fisheries, and Animal Industries (MINEPA), emphasized the significance of feed and fodder development. He highlighted its role in driving livestock productivity and mitigating conflicts between farmers and herders. Globally, 60% of grain production is dedicated to animal feed, but this figure remains alarmingly low in Africa, posing challenges to livestock farming.

In response to these challenges, African Union Heads of State and Government have endorsed decisive actions to address feed shortages and prevent future disasters. These actions include formulating guidelines for the development of the feed and fodder sectors, establishing emergency response mechanisms, creating multi-stakeholder platforms, and implementing monitoring frameworks.In order to tackle the challenges in the feed and fodder sector, it is essential for the government, policymakers, and stakeholders to take a comprehensive approach to revitalize the livestock sector and harness its potential as a catalyst for sustainable development.

This approach should prioritize investments in local livestock production systems, promote sustainable practices, and enhance productivity in order to reduce dependence on imports and stimulate economic growth. Moreover, efforts to address resource-related conflicts should be intensified by fostering dialogue, promoting social cohesion, and implementing fair resource management strategies that can ease tensions and promote stability. Additionally, initiatives to promote the consumption of nutritious foods derived from livestock should be given priority. Strategies to empower youth and create job opportunities within the livestock sector, such as vocational training, support for entrepreneurship, and improved access to finance and markets, should also be implemented.

The MSP aims to bring together stakeholders from various sectors in order to establish a structured and resilient feed and fodder sector that supports increased livestock productivity, facilitates trade, and creates jobs. Mr. Gidado emphasized the crucial role of feed and fodder in livestock production, highlighting its significance in the development strategy for rural areas. He praised the efforts of stakeholders in advancing animal nutrition and expressed optimism about the sector’s potential for growth and innovation.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The African Union – Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR).