The Republic of the Congo (ROC) is making significant strides in its energy sector, with the successful start-up of its Congo LNG development – transforming the country into an LNG exporter – and Moho Nord field expansion project. The Invest in the Republic of Congo Energies Country Spotlight – taking place at the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energy 2024 conference, hosted by the Congo’s Ministry of Hydrocarbons and national oil company Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo (SNPC) – will showcase the country’s hydrocarbon prospects and latest industry developments.  

The Invest in the ROC session will feature a keynote address by Minister of Hydrocarbons, Bruno JeanRichard Itou. Notable speakers include Maixent Raoul Ominga, Managing Director SNPC; Gerd Nji, CEO of Kariya Energy; and representatives from companies operating in country such as Trident Energy. These experts will discuss the lucrative energy prospects in the Republic of Congo during a roundtable  

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. 

The Congo LNG project is central to ROC’s vision to become a major regional LNG hub. Led by Italian multinational Eni, the project aims to export 4.5 billion cubic meters per year of LNG by 2025. The project’s first phase began in late-2023 with the deployment of the Tango FLNG plant at the Marine XII offshore block, which successfully exported its first LNG cargo to Italy in February. The second phase of the project will see the introduction of a new vessel, increasing production capacity to 3.5 billion cubic meters. With this expansion, the country aims to generate an estimated €44 million in state revenues in 2024, with most exports directed to European markets.  

Though ROC holds 1.8 billion barrels of proven oil reserves and 10 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves, the country’s hydrocarbon resources remain underexplored. Recent initiatives have sought to create dynamic opportunities for exploration investment and have been met with success. Local player Trident OGX Congo is leading a $300-million, seven-year development program in the Mengo-Kundji-Bindi oilfields, projected to increase crude oil production by 30%. Meanwhile, oil and gas independent Perenco is advancing exploration activities based on recent seismic data from its Tchibouela II, Tchendo II, Marine XXVIII and Emeraude permits.  

Multinational energy company TotalEnergies has committed $600 million by the end of 2024 to boost in-country exploration and production activities, particularly in the deep offshore Moho Nord field. The Moho Nord field currently produces 140,000 barrels per day (bpd), accounting for nearly half of the country’s total crude output. TotalEnergies aims to increase production by 40,000 bpd, supporting the nation’s goal of doubling total production to 500,000 bpd. In addition to its efforts at Moho Nord, TotalEnergies is advancing operations at the Niamou-1 well within the Marine XX permit, targeting an estimated 1.4 billion barrels of oil and over 2.7 trillion cubic feet of recoverable gas resources. 

ROC is also making strides in gas utilization and monetization as part of its broader energy strategy. A key project within this framework is the Banga Kayo block, operated by China’s Wing Wah Oil Company. Initially focused on oil production, the project has evolved into a major gas monetization initiative aimed at reducing flaring and producing LNG and LPG. The signing of an amended PSC between SNPC and Wing Wah in April marks the start of the project’s first phase, which targets the production of one million cubic meters of gas per day. Two subsequent phases, scheduled for March and December 2025, aim to increase gas production to five million cubic meters per day, supporting ROC’s goal to drive LNG production and transition to a more sustainable future.   

In addition, ROC is set to receive $8 million in carbon credits, a critical milestone amid ongoing efforts to monetize its natural resources while contributing to global environmental goals. This achievement is part of the country’s broader strategy to leverage its oil and gas reserves in a sustainable manner, supporting economic diversification and environmental conservation initiatives. 

“The ROC’s commitment to optimizing its hydrocarbon resources and expanding its LNG capabilities underscores its growing significance in the global energy market. This year’s country spotlight will showcase the ROC’s investment potential and the dynamic opportunities available in the gas and refining sectors,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber. 

The Invest in the Republic of the Congo Energies Country Spotlight at AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024 will connect global investors with the Congo’s available opportunities in offshore exploration, gas processing, LNG trade, refining infrastructure and more. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) is engaging local communities in Yambio, in productive activities, nurturing their potential as peace ambassadors.

With the objective of building peace, the Zanunga (meaning “wipe your tears”) Women’s Group has 50 members and was formed in collaboration with the UN peacekeeping mission’s Gender Affairs Unit to support its members at times of both challenges – like deaths and sickness – and happy occasions.

The aim of the group is to unite, build social cohesion and disseminate peace messages among women and the community at large. The group also believes that their small but regular monetary contributions will help them start small scale businesses that will generate income for the sustainability and growth of the group and its activities.

“We formed this group to wipe our tears as some of us don’t have relatives and we always come together to support each other in case someone is facing a challenge. Whenever women get together there is peace and when you are alone there is no peace. Women are the source of peace in the country. We meet twice a month and whenever we do, we contribute money to some cause. Currently we have about 200,000 SSP (approximately 40 dollars) in our account,” said Rejoice Mamundu Elinama, Chairperson of the Zanunga Women’s Group.

Leilah Abdu, a member of the group, has experience of benefitting from its small but growing cash fund.

“This group has helped me a lot. I was sick and didn’t have money to buy medication. The Zanunga Group contributed some money and delivered it to me at the hospital, and I was able to buy my medication. Now I am back home healthy and selling groundnuts I bought using the balance of the money I received. I encourage women in our area to join us in Zanunga so we can grow together, and, in the future, we will be able to build a hospital and buy things that can help us in the community, like chairs, and utensils for rent,” stressed Leilah.

For UNMISS, the work of the Zanunga women is in line with several components of its mandate, not least protecting civilians.

“Women are the backbone of peace in the community. Women are the backbone of development in the community. Women suffer more when it comes to conflict. So, their role in peacebuilding is very important and we are here to promote their activities and outreach on peacebuilding. Issues of women, peace and security, these women have touched on. We have young girls in the group, and this is also to prevent sexual gender-based violence in the community,” said Margret Joshua, a Gender Affairs Officer serving with the UN peacekeeping mission.

Ms. Joshua believes that the women’s group can also contribute to a more inclusive society.

“It is very important for women here to know their rights. First of all, their contributing to the constitution-making process is essential. They need to know also that elections are coming: what are their roles at that time? We need women to participate but their capacity to do so needs to be built.”

In the near future, as the funds of the Zanunga Women’s Group grow, its members plan to invest in small-scale businesses that, hopefully, can finance other developments that will benefit their communities.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at fostering economic independence and social reintegration, the Office of the Resident Representative of the President of ECOWAS Commission in Liberia has distributed start-up kits to thirteen (13) At-Risk Youths in Monrovia on Friday 13th September 2024.

The initiative was designed to provide support to at-risk youths who have successfully completed a full rehabilitation cycle and had acquired vocational skills at their respective Rehabilitation Centers in Montserrado and its environs. Each start-up kit included essential tools tailored to various small business ventures ranging from arts and crafts, sewing, general construction, basic electrical training, soapmaking, landscaping, and baking.

As part of the project design, the beneficiaries received training on Small Business and Financial Management. The training will serve as a tool to enable them adequately manage their small businesses.

During the distribution, several high-profile personalities graced the occasion; including Hon. Edwin Melvin Snowe, Senator of Bomi County and Head of the Liberian delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament, representatives from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Labour, Youth and Sports, and the Head of the ECOWAS National Office. Attending the event were also the heads of the various Rehabilitation Centers.

In her remarks, H.E. Josephine Nkrumah reminded the beneficiaries that they have been given a change through entrepreneurship to transform their lives, and urged them to remain resilient and contribute to the economic vitality of their communities and the nation.  The beneficiaries thanked ECOWAS for their generosity and promised to be better citizens and make use of the opportunity given them by ECOWAS.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

A seminar focusing on protecting children’s rights and eradicating harmful practices was conducted for residents of Tiravolo sub-zone in the Central Region. The seminar was organized in collaboration with the Ministries of Health and Labor and Social Welfare branches in the region.

Sister Ariam Eden, a public health expert at the health office in the sub-zone, underscored the need for community and family protection for underage children until they reach the age of maturity. She also emphasized that female genital mutilation is prohibited by Eritrean law and that legal measures could be taken against offenders.

Sister Ariam, also called for respecting the educational rights of children and urged the community to play a due role in eradicating harmful practices, particularly underage marriages.

Ms. Letu Abraha, a social welfare expert, called for due attention to children living with various disabilities.

Ms. Leul Asrat, administrator of the sub-zone, noting the significance of the seminar, called on the participants to strengthen their participation in these efforts.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.