General
Africa Needs Technological Expertise to Unlock Full Potential of Energy Resources—Ayuk
By Kestér Kenn Klomegâh
The Russian Energy Week International Forum is a key global platform for discussing current trends in the development of the modern energy sector. This event is traditionally held at the highest level, featuring the participation of leaders from the largest companies in the energy industry. In 2023, the forum attracted over 3,000 participants from more than 80 foreign countries.
On the sidelines of the forum, the Executive Chairman of the South Africa-based African Energy Chamber, Mr NJ Ayuk, acknowledged in an exclusive interview that Africa is developing as the fastest-growing energy market in the world. That, however, substantial investment and infrastructure development are required to realize this market potential.
In this interview, NJ Ayuk further explained the necessary steps African countries are adopting to ensure sustainable energy development, how the activities of Russian companies fit into this context, as well as existing challenges and financial support measures for projects in the energy sector across Africa. Here are the excerpts of the discussion:
After participating in the Russian Energy Week in mid-October, what are your objective views (especially during the special Russia-Africa energy sessions) about exploring business and investment in the energy sector with Russia?
There lies significant opportunities for both bilateral and multilateral cooperation between Russia and African countries. Russia represents the third largest oil producer worldwide and has effectively utilized its substantial gas reserves for the development of its economy. At the same time, the country is exploring renewable energy solutions and is looking at expanding its footprint in other markets worldwide.
With substantial expertise and resources in various energy domains, lessons learnt by Russia will be highly strategic for emerging oil and gas producers in Africa. And already, there is strong interest by both sides to foster strong ties and partnerships, evident during the Russian Energy Week this October. Russian companies such as Gazprom – which organized an event with the African Energy Chamber this year in South Africa – represent ‘global energy companies’, and as such are eager to play a greater role in investing and developing international markets. Gazprom has vast expertise is all segments of the value chain. The same can be said for Russia’s state-owned Rosatom. Africa represents both a strategic and highly attractive market in this regard. With over 125 billion barrels of proven oil reserves, 620 trillion cubic feet of natural gas and unparalleled solar, wind and hydro potential, the continent has all the ingredients to become a major global player.
What Africa needs to unlock the full potential of its energy resources is investment and technological expertise. Russia offers both. Now, what is left is for Africa to improve its business environment and prioritize engagement with its East European partner.
By the way, how do you estimate Russia’s engagement in the energy sector across Africa? What has been achieved over the past few years in Africa?
Russia’s engagement with Africa has been gradually growing over the years and we see this predominantly in the energy sector. For years, there have been strong trade and cooperative ties with countries such as South Africa, Morocco, Egypt, Algeria and many more, primarily in the food, machinery and chemical product industries. However, energy cooperation has presented newfound opportunities for both Russia and the African continent. Changes in global supply-demand dynamics, coupled with energy transition impacts, have led to a new focus placed on the strategic Russia-Africa partnership.
In recent years, Russian companies have advanced their engagement with Africa, with several agreements signed across various segments of the value chain. While historical ties have been largely trade-based, these agreements showcase a commitment by the country to expand its technological expertise worldwide. In the nuclear industry, for example, Russia’s Rosatom has signed a wave of agreements with burgeoning nuclear power producers in Africa. These include memoranda of understanding signed with South Africa in 2014 and 2023; Rwanda in 2019; Burkina Faso in October 2023; Burundi in July 2023; and Mali in October 2023. Additional agreements were signed with Zimbabwe and Uganda. And while oil and gas engagement has been minimal to date, going forward, a shift in priorities is expected to see Russia-African cooperation rapidly expand.
Do you think Russia lags in supporting Africa with energy compared to other external players such as China? Can ‘energy mix’ help to drive Africa’s industrialization and economic growth?
It is not about comparing support but rather about exploring future engagement and partnerships. Russia has been a strong partner for Africa for many years and will be an important part of Africa’s energy future. Russia is looking at playing a much larger role in Africa, going further than operating as a project developer. The country’s efforts to share insights, expertise and technology will represent a key driver of Africa’s future energy mix, which in itself is an important feature for alleviating energy poverty and industrializing the continent. Africa is promoting a diverse, inclusive energy mix, one in which oil, gas and renewable energy play a central role. Russia has been highly successful in this area, with natural gas and nuclear making up a significant portion of its energy matrix. In the same sense, African countries have all the resources needed to implement a diverse energy mix, and Russian support will be strategic in achieving this objective.
Is Russia participating in the formation of the proposed African Energy Bank? And finally what potentials are there to develop this sphere of energy business, especially with the heightening dynamics of the global situation?
The African Energy Bank is an initiative spearheaded by the African Petroleum Producers Organization and the African Export-Import Bank that aims to significantly improve access to financing for African oil and gas projects. The bank is an Africa-led energy transition strategy that takes into account Africa’s need for oil and gas. Support from major players such as Russia will be critical, strengthening the bank’s capacity to finance a new future of hydrocarbon development in Africa. The changing global energy situation calls for the establishment of an institution of this nature. Africa has long relied on foreign finance to develop large-scale energy projects. From oil to natural gas to power and infrastructure, the continent is faced with navigating the complexities of global market trends. The establishment of the bank aims to counter this reliance, offering an alternative for project developers, countries and companies seeking finance.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Anambra State Executive Council (ANSEC), under Governor Charles Soludo, has taken a bold step to address the pressing issue of erosion in the state, while also recovering government lands and awarding strategic projects aimed at boosting the state’s economy and improving the quality of life of its citizens.
The Commissioner for Information, Mr Law Mefor, made this known after the 25th ANSEC meeting held recently at the Lighthouse, Awka.
He revealed that the meeting noted with grave concern the existential threat posed by erosion in Anambra, citing the careless actions of communities and regulatory bodies that have disregarded environmental regulations.
“The council has decided to step up enforcement measures to force individuals to build and manage storm waters from their houses and for communities to follow specific guidelines, such as building erosion barriers and excavating sand only in designated locations,” Mr Mefor stated.
He emphasised that the government will not hesitate to take stern action against individuals and communities that fail to comply with environmental regulations.
To address the issue, the government will enforce strict adherence to environmental regulations, mandate the construction of erosion barriers and proper sand excavation practices, and collaborate with relevant agencies to hold those responsible for the erosion menace.
It is also confident that with the support of the people, it will overcome the challenges posed by erosion and achieve its vision of making Anambra State a destination where economic and business activities thrive.
Furthermore, the council has resolved to form a committee to reclaim government lands in and around Anambra State that have been intruded upon and built upon without permission.
“The government will not stand idly by while its lands are being grabbed and misused. We will take all necessary steps to recover these lands and ensure that they are used for the benefit of the people of Anambra State,” Mr Mefor said.
ANSEC has also awarded several strategic projects aimed at enhancing the state’s infrastructure development.
The projects include the provision of a water supply to the Ekwulobia Flyover Bridge Fountain and the ornamental garden for Double NC Construction & Logistics Ltd; the installation of a 3-way traffic light, including pedestrian lights, at the Ifite-Amenyi intersection within the Awka metropolis to S.N.U. Ventures, and the supply and installation of two 10 kVA inverters with 15 kW lithium batteries at the Anambra State Civil Service Commission Building in Awka to Kennolly Enterprises.
Others include the supply and installation of transformer substations at Nnewi and Umueze-Anam communities for Aries and Gold Ventures Limited, and Aljovic Construction Limited; and the landscaping of the car park for the Trauma Centre at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Amaku, Awka, for Triseconds Resources Limited.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The free delivery of premium motor spirit (PMS), otherwise known as petrol, across the country by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery will finally begin in January 2026. This was earlier scheduled for August 2025
This move, according to the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), will bring down the price of the product in Nigeria.
The group has, therefore, urged all its members nationwide to patronise the Lagos-based private oil facility because it offers the best affordable price for all marketers.
Dangote Refinery has agreed to directly supply PMS to registered members of IPMAN, according to a statement signed and issued by the organisation’s president, Mr Abubakar Maigandi Shettima.
At a press conference held in Abuja yesterday on recent happenings in the oil and gas sector, IPMAN also applauded the support of the Chairman of Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Mr Aliko Dangote towards the federal government, which it noted has become evident in the regular reduction of the petroleum pump price.
“The association has the highest percentage of the supply chain of the PMS downstream sector, controlling over 80 per cent of the petrol retail market. We therefore declare that there will be no gap or scarcity in PMS supply to Nigerians.
“We are also excited at the recent agreement by the Dangote Refinery to begin the supply of PMS products directly to registered IPMAN members, and its free delivery to our filling stations anywhere and everywhere in Nigeria which will commence in January 2026.
“This will again, certainly lead to further decrease in the pump price of the products at our filing stations.
“Therefore, I am calling on all IPMAN members nationwide to prioritise patronising the Dangote Refinery in their purchase of PMS products, as they already offer the best affordable prize for all marketers today,” the group stated.
“At IPMAN we have no doubt as to the viability of the oil and gas policies being initiated by the federal government, and we have ceaselessly called and sought for enhanced cooperation across all levels of governance in the oil and gas sector. Hence, our repeated persuasion to always partner the Dangote refinery, to ensure the steady availability of PMS products.
“The focus of the Dangote & IPMAN partnership, has always been geared towards making life better for Nigerians. And of course, this blooming partnership would never have been possible without the pragmatic leadership of President Bola Tinubu, and his sound judgment in readjusting the leadership of the NMDPRA and the NUPRC.
“Our position has always been to deepen domestic refining in order to eradicate imports of petroleum products. Continuous import is NOT an acceptable parallel business model, because issuing import licenses recklessly distorts market dynamics, drains foreign exchange, enthrones poverty, destroys jobs, and scares potential investors away,” Mr Shettima was quoted as saying in the statement.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
About $20 million has been put down by Swedfund to support efforts that limit climate change in Africa and help communities adapt to its effects.
The funds would be deployed by the Helios Climate, Energy, Adaptation and Resilience (CLEAR) Fund to back African companies that reduce emissions, strengthen resilience and create green jobs.
Swedfund’s investment is expected to contribute to significant cuts in greenhouse gas emissions and to help businesses and small farmers adapt to a changing climate.
The investment strengthens Swedfund’s work to drive a sustainable and inclusive green transition in Africa.
Africa contributes less than 3 per cent of global carbon emissions but faces some of the most severe climate impacts. At the same time, the continent’s energy demand is expected to triple by 2050.
Swedfund’s investment in Helios CLEAR will help channel capital to businesses that drive low-carbon growth in areas such as renewable energy, sustainable transport, climate-smart farming, efficient use of resources and digital climate solutions.
“By investing in this sector, we can reduce emissions, build resilience and create green jobs, all vital for sustainable growth that benefits more people.
“Africa currently receives only a small share of global climate investment, yet the potential for climate-smart business is enormous.
“Through Helios CLEAR we help build the next generation of African climate-focused businesses,” the Investment Director for Energy and Climate at Swedfund, Ms Gunilla Nilsson, stated.
Helios CLEAR Fund is a Pan African growth equity fund managed by Helios Investment Partners, one of Africa’s leading private equity firms.
The fund targets investments that deliver measurable climate mitigation and adaptation outcomes. The fund is supported by multiple development finance institutions.
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