The President and Chief Executive of the Pan-African conglomerate, Dangote Group (www.Dangote.com), Aliko Dangote, has called on African business leaders to take the lead in transforming the continent.

Speaking at the just concluded African Renaissance Retreat held in Kigali, Rwanda, Dangote pointed out that despite significant challenges besetting Africa, its youthful population and abundant resources, including about 30% of the world’s mineral reserves and the largest reserves of gold, cobalt, uranium, platinum, and diamonds, offer opportunities for substantial and inclusive growth.

“Additionally, we have 65% of the world’s arable land and 10% of the planet’s internal renewable freshwater sources. Together these present a myriad of opportunities for robust, inclusive growth that harness our abundant human potential and natural resources to increase prosperity, not just in Africa but across the globe,” he said. Dangote added that Africa is at a crucial inflection point, with the world’s youngest and fastest-growing population, rapidly expanding cities, and a growing embrace of innovation and new technologies, including Artificial Intelligence.

Dangote noted that despite dealing with multiple barriers such as visas, inconsistent change in government policies, inadequate technical talent, lack of critical infrastructure, foreign exchange crises, inflation, cost of capital and other conflicts of differing dimensions, the Dangote Group has expanded from Nigeria to 14 countries across the continent, spanning multiple sectors from cement to fertilizers, sugar to oil refineries, petrochemicals, agriculture and more. “The good news is that despite these challenges, we have succeeded in building a pan-African Group that employs over 50,000 people and generates revenues that should exceed $30bn by the end of 2025,” he said.

Dangote who initiated the retreat noted that he had long contemplated bringing together a group of dedicated African business leaders to address the continent’s challenges, identify concrete solutions, and showcase Africa as a viable investment destination despite its obstacles. He emphasized that the objective of the retreat was to offer an opportunity for collective action in tackling various issues, including persistent conflicts, energy and food security, supply chain disruptions, the debt crisis, and access to long-term concessional funding for development.

“This small private and high-level gathering to discuss these issues and align on how we will own and shape our narrative for development is long overdue. With the foremost entrepreneurs on the continent, the leaders of the largest pan-African companies, those at the helm of the most important development institutions in Africa, our brothers and sisters leading global institutions, our leading investors, our pre-eminent civil society activists and a few of our most respected political leaders, this first step will be an opportunity to have a frank and honest dialogue amongst ourselves to consolidate what we see as our common ground” said Dangote. He added “we are coming together not just as leaders in our respective institutions but as visionaries and catalysts for transforming our societies. It is our collective responsibility to play our role in transforming our continent. Nobody will do it for us but us – especially us in this room”.

While expressing his hope that the retreat would produce initiatives capable of significantly shaping Africa’s future and benefiting its people, Dangote acknowledged the contributions of President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, and former Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn. However, he cautioned that it is crucial for the leaders present to move beyond dialogue to decisive implementation and tangible impact.

The Retreat participants resolved to urge African private sector and political leaders to engage in regular high-level dialogue. Additional proposals included supporting the ratification of the free movement of people protocol, launching the African Renaissance Companies Gender Compact, and convening top global business leaders of African descent. The leaders also aimed to champion an initiative aimed at significantly reducing logistics costs across the continent and one focused on ensuring internet access for a broader segment of Africa’s population.

Participants at the retreat , which took place from September 6 to 8, included Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations; Prof. Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the African Export-Import Bank; former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf; Adebayo Ogunlesi, Chairperson of Global Infrastructure Partners; former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn, Samaila Zubairu of the African Finance Corporation, Makhtar Diop of IFC, and Jeremy Awori, CEO of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated.

Others were Bernie Mensah of Bank of America; Dr. James Mwangi of Equity Group Holdings; Alain Ebobisse of Africa50; Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede of Access Holdings; Genevieve Sangudi of Alterra Capital Partners; Jim Ovia of Zenith Bank; Tony Elumelu of Heirs Holdings; Naguib Sawiris of Orascom Telecom Holding; Dr. Vera Songwe; Jonathan Oppenheimer of Oppenheimer partners; Dr. James Manyika of Google;  Clare Akamanzi of NBA Africa; Fred Swaniker of Africa Leadership Group; Professor Hakeem Belo-Osagie of Harvard Business School; Myma Belo-Osagie of Harvard Africa Studies Centre; Patrice Motsepe of African Rainbow Minerals; Mohammed Dewji of METL; Moussa Faki Mahamat of Africa Union; Graca Machel of the Graca Machel Trust; Wamkele Mene of African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat;  Tope Lawani of Helios Partners; Masai Ujiri of the Toronto Raptors; Mimi Alemayehou of Three Cairns Group; Dr. Donald Kaberuka of Southbridge Group; Precious Moloi-Motsepe of Africa Fashion International; Richelieu Dennis of Sundial Group of Companies; Louise Mushikiwabo, Secretary General of Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie; Hassanein Hiridjee of Axian Group; Kate Fotso of Telcar Cocoa; Nkosana Moyo of Mandela Institute for Development Studies; Nku Nyembezi of Standard Bank Group.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Dangote Group.

Libya’s economy relies heavily on its upstream oil and gas sector, which holds Africa’s largest proven oil reserves – over 48 billion barrels – and substantial natural gas reserves. To stabilize and increase current and future production levels, the country is rolling out a dynamic project pipeline that presents new opportunities for investment and partnership with industry stakeholders. The Libya-Italy Roundtable and VIP Networking Evening – taking place in Rome on September 23 – will bring together top executives from Libyan and European energy firms for an Oil&Gas Roundtable to discuss the country’s current exploration and development prospects, as well as celebrate the Libyan-Italian connection in the upstream space.

Latest Sector Developments

In partnership with the country’s leading operators, Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) is seeking to enhance production capacity (https://apo-opa.co/3MIAHAh) through the rehabilitation and exploration (https://apo-opa.co/3zhGMR6) of at least 36 wells, carrying out maintenance works at key fields. To drive new exploration activity, Libya is preparing to launch an oil and gas licensing round in early-2025 targeting concessions in the Murzuq, Ghadames and Sirte basins. The NOC has already received interest from more than 30 companies in its marginal assets alone, as well as identified 45 greenfield and brownfield projects that will help meet its production goals.

In parallel, Libya is launching a robust gas monetization drive to diversify crude oil revenues, meet rising gas demand and reduce routine flaring. While often overshadowed by its dominant oil sector, Libya’s natural gas sector is substantial, holding 53 trillion cubic feet of proven reserves and playing a critical role in supplying gas to Europe. In May this year, $1.23 billion (https://apo-opa.co/3zig9eP) was allocated to develop the NC-7 block – operated by a consortium led by Italian multinational energy company Eni – with a view to monetizing 2.7 trillion cubic feet of gas in the Ghadames Basin. Meanwhile, Libya’s Greenstream Pipeline transports gas to Sicily and onto European markets, with plans underway to increase the utilization of pipeline capacity up from 25%. Libya is aiming to further boost energy supplies to Europe via an $8-billion gas production deal signed between Eni (https://apo-opa.co/4e6MaWE) and Libya’s NOC to develop two offshore gas fields – Structures A and E – set to produce 750 million cubic feet of gas per day by 2026.

Italy’s Role in Upstream Sector 

Italy plays a major role in Libya’s oil and gas sector as both a major investor and export market. As one of the largest foreign operators in the country, Eni has a long-standing presence in Libya and is involved in major projects across the oil and gas value chain. Libya’s gas output is largely concentrated in offshore fields including the Bahr Essalam and Bouri fields (https://apo-opa.co/3ZiXhaj), which are operated by Mellitah Oil&Gas – a joint venture between Eni and the NOC – as well as onshore fields in the Sirte Basin. To advance Libya’s gas production and exports, Mellitah Oil&Gas is leading development of the one-billion-dollar, offshore subsea Bouri Gas Utilization Project, which serves to capture associated gas from two offshore platforms at the Bouri field development. The gas will then be transported to the Mellitah Complex – a major hub for gas production, processing and export – and delivered to European markets via the Greenstream pipeline, with production expected to start in 2026. Eni’s continued investment in onshore and offshore fields signals its long-term commitment to Libya’s oil and gas industry, as well as Italy’s strong energy ties with Libya and potential for expanded cooperation going forward.

The Libya-Italy Roundtable and VIP Networking Evening takes place in Rome on September 23, featuring a half-day program that unites Libyan and Italian business leaders and government officials. If your company is interested in participating, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com

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

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) hosted, from 4 to 6 September last week, a Dialogue Session focused on the theme: “Justice, Development, and the Geopolitics of the Horn.”

The event attracted scholars and academics from various countries, all gathered to explore critical mechanisms for bolstering Eritrea’s legal framework.

The primary aim of the dialogue was to discuss initiatives set forth by the MoJ as part and parcel of its ongoing efforts to enhance Eritrea’s legal framework for sustainable development. These measures are integral to the broader nation-building process, and involve strengthening the legal framework; expanding access to justice; improving the competence of justice personnel; maintaining institutional integrity; and, fostering active public participation.

The Minister of Justice, Ms. Fawzia Hashim, underlined at the opening of the Dialogue Session that the task of building a strong Eritrea was intensified from the outset since the country’s independence, driven as it was, by a clear vision where peace, development, and justice prevail. This vision aims to fortify national harmony, encourage socio-economic development, promote social justice, enable meaningful public participation, and enhance regional and international cooperation.

Minister Fawzia emphasized that justice in Eritrea was not merely an abstract notion but a principle enshrined in the nation’s core values. It is a social concept deeply rooted in the country’s ethical viewpoints and beliefs, anchored on the sustainable wellbeing of its citizens and fostering the nation-building process.

Mr. Sium, Director of the Legal Services Department at MoJ, pointed out that the justice system in Eritrea is under continuous reform. The Ministry’s reform process encompasses revising laws, expanding access to justice, enhancing the overall competence of personnel involved in the administration of justice, maintaining institutional integrity, and ensuring active and effective public participation.

In October 2023, the Ministry introduced an Action Plan that incorporates a dialogue mechanism divided into three interconnected clusters: values, geopolitics, and geography.

The first of these dialogues, centered on “Values and Justice,” took place from April 29- 30, 2024, and yielded significant insights into Eritrean values and their relevance to the reform process. During this initial session, participants reflected on the principles, values, and realities surrounding the concept of development.

Following this reflection and extensive dialogue, the MoJ recognized the need to adopt a more pragmatic approach to the idea of development.

A taskforce was established by the MoJ in October last year to elaborate on the Action Plan for greater articulation of the Eritrean legal framework for sustainable development. The taskforce determined that the most effective way to implement the Action Plan would be to proceed phase by phase. Each phase is designed to address specific areas of regulation, acknowledging that not all areas can be reformed simultaneously. Particularly, some regulatory areas require socio-economic assessments, which informed the taskforce’s decision to adopt a phased approach.

The dialogue session conducted in April 2024 was part of the first phase. The Action Plan finalized in October 2023 covered regulatory areas focusing on investment, mining, environmental issues, maritime security, and labor concerns, identified as key priorities in this initial phase. After elaborating on the Action Plan, the taskforce realized the necessity of engaging in dialogue regarding the values, principles, and objectives that should guide the reform of Eritrea’s legal framework for sustainable development.

Professor Makane M. Mbengue, a lecturer on International Law at the University of Geneva and the Director of the Department of Law and International Organizations, was among the key speakers and moderators of the dialogue. He noted that one of the challenges African countries face is “legislative inflation, where governments engage in continuous reforms of legal frameworks that do not align with their actual needs, leading to ineffective legislation”.

The MoJ was cautious to avoid this issue. This caution led to the establishment of mechanisms for dialogue to clarify the objectives, values, principles, and the context in which reforms should occur. Three major aspects were considered essential components of the dialogue mechanism: the values that reflect Eritrean identity; how these values operate within the broader African context; and how they inform the reform of Eritrea’s legal framework.

During the initial session of the dialogue mechanism on April 29- 30, 2024, the MoJ convened discussions to explore how to integrate these values into the reform of Eritrea’s legal framework for development.

While the reform of the justice system must be based on national values and domestic realities, it must also consider regional dynamics. This approach ensures that Eritrea’s national justice system can positively affect regional peace and security, facilitate cooperation among neighboring states, and reduce the risks of conflict and environmental degradation.

Under the action plan for operationalizing the dialogue, the discussion on geopolitics covered a wide range of topics aimed at understanding the geopolitical challenges and opportunities in the region. This included a critical examination of the geopolitical dynamics in the Horn of Africa, the Red Sea region, and beyond, along with their historical contexts. The dialogue also sought to foster regional intellectual collaboration, creating consensus on an alternative theory of development and mechanisms for synergy among countries in the Horn of Africa and the continent at large.

In line with these objectives, distinguished academics and legal experts presented research papers on various issues; delved into roundtable discussions as well as expert presentations. Topics raised included a historical account of Eritrea’s engagement in the geopolitics of the Horn and beyond, the implications for the socio-economic and political landscape, historical and geopolitical dynamics of the region, changes in international relations and their effects on Africa, and assessments of regional economic integration processes in Africa.

Mr. Sem Eyasu and Amir Hassen illuminated how Eritrea has evolved from a victim of geopolitical struggles to a pivotal player in the dynamics of the Horn of Africa. Their presentation provided a historical overview of Eritrea’s journey in state and nationbuilding, emphasizing the lessons learned from past experiences.

They discussed how Eritrea’s historical context can inform its future developments and engagements in regional geopolitics. They highlighted the collaborative efforts Eritrea has made with neighboring countries to foster better cooperation and development. Furthermore, they addressed Eritrea’s active role in resolving regional conflicts, which is essential for paving the way for sustained development and regional security.

Mr. Sem and Mr. Amir elaborated on Eritrea’s commitment to redefining the concept of development; emphasizing the importance of establishing and reconfiguring regional institutions that support these efforts. Their insights underscored the potential for Eritrea to shape a more cooperative and secure regional landscape, reinforcing its status as a key actor in the Horn of Africa’s geopolitical arena.

Fawaz Gerges, a Lebanese- American professor of Middle Eastern politics and international relations at the London School of Economics, emphasized the shifting global dynamics of international relations and their implications for the Horn of Africa. He described the current global landscape as undergoing a “tectonic change,” which he conceptualized as an inflection point where geopolitics converges with geoeconomics.

In his remarks, Gerges articulated how this convergence could significantly impact the region, urging attendees to consider the broader context of these changes. He underscored the importance of understanding the intersection of political and economic forces as critical to navigating the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Eritrea and its neighbors. His insights highlighted the need for strategic engagement in multi-lateral platforms in light of these evolving dynamics, reinforcing the relevance of the dialogue session in addressing contemporary geopolitical issues.

He also highlighted how important it is to take an independent path in the current development where economic and national sovereignty have never been as important as before. In today’s world, many countries are not economically independent that hinders them from taking independent political standings. Therefore, it’s very important to consolidate national interests with like-minded states that look for independent path and navigate the future. Other topics addressed during the dialogue included the integration of values, with Professor Makane M. Mbengue providing an assessment of the African experience. Professor Salvatore Mancuso contributed insights on customary laws, land, and development in Africa, supported by a detailed historical context. Dr. Rahel W. Sbhatu focused on decolonizing the concept of development and integration in Africa; while Prof. Harry Varhouven explored the evolution of synergies in development across the Horn of Africa, the Red Sea region, and the Nile Basin.

Roundtable discussions were integral to the session, allowing participants to engage in dialogue about the historical and geopolitical dynamics of the Horn of Africa and beyond. The discussions included assessments and reassessments of Africa’s integration processes—evaluating what has succeeded and what has not—as well as fostering a common understanding of development synergies through shared experiences.

Participants also engaged in roundtable discussions, actively sharing their opinions and experiences, fostering a rich exchange of ideas aimed at enhancing the future of justice and development in Eritrea and the wider region.

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

On September 10, Ambassador Zhao Weiping was invited to speak at the Official Opening of the 3rd Session of the 3rd Junior National Council (JNC). The event was attended by about 100 people including Her Excellency Namibian Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Honorable Lukas Sinimbo Muha and all the JNC members.

In his remarks, Ambassador Zhao highlighted the outcomes of the recently concluded 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), particularly the “Ten Partnership Actions” proposed by President Xi Jinping. Zhao said that under the guidance of the summit’s spirit and the important consensus reached by the two heads of state who held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the summit, China-Namibia relations will embrace even more promising future. The Chinese side has always been keen to contribute its part to Namibia’s efforts of advancing youth related programs, and is determined to do more to benefit the Namibian young people.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Namibia.