In 2023, several landmark industry deals were signed at Energy Capital & Power (ECP) events in South Sudan, Mauritania, South Africa and Angola. These included three deals signed at South Sudan Oil and Power (SSOP), seven at Angola Oil and Gas (AOG), and a headline pledge made at Critical Minerals Africa (CMA). From new exploration to local capacity building, these deals mark a significant stride in Africa’s energy, power and infrastructure sectors, setting the stage for collaborative growth and future prosperity.
SSOP 2023: SFF, Nilepet Collaboration for Aerial Exploration in Block 2
The Strategic Fuel Fund (SFF) of South Africa and South Sudan’s national oil company, Nilepet, signed a partnership for aerial exploration in Block 2. The collaboration involves utilizing South Sudan’s geophysical planes to conduct environmentally friendly aerial surveys, marking the commencement of a highly anticipated upstream program.
SSOP 2023: Nile Drilling & Services, Tianjin DFXK Petroleum Sign MoU
Serving as South Sudan’s first locally-owned petroleum drilling company, Nile Drilling & Services inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with petroleum drilling manufacturer, Tianjin DFXK Petroleum, aimed at enhancing service delivery and technical support for local companies. The agreement outlines the acquisition of two drilling rigs for exploration and development in Blocks 3 and 7, while contributing to training and capacity building of local engineers.
SSOP 2023: South Africa’s DMRE Ready for Mining Sector MoU with South Sudan
South Africa’s Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) expressed its readiness to sign an MOU with South Sudan for collaboration in the mining sector, and is currently seeking partnerships with South Sudanese companies. The mining sector is seen as a crucial avenue for trade and investment between the two countries, with South Africa home to the continent’s largest and most sophisticated mining industry and South Sudan in the early stages of building its sector.
AOG 2023: Azule Energy, Sonangol Collaborate on Decarbonization
Azule Energy and Angola’s national oil company, Sonangol, signed a deal for collaborative efforts on decarbonization initiatives in Angola, with a focus on environmental sustainability. Representing a joint venture between bp and Eni, Azule Energy is Angola’s largest independent equity producer of oil and gas, holding two billion barrels equivalent of net resources.
AOG 2023: ANPG Signs Agreement with Universities for Energy Development Support
Angola’s National Agency of Oil, Gas and Biofuels (ANPG) forged partnerships with three universities to establish programs for providing technical support across the fields of energy development, oil and gas production, biofuels and renewable energy. The first agreement with Agostinho Neto University aims to bolster the energy industry’s technical and engineering capabilities, while the second agreement with the Catholic University of Angola extends production support to ANPG. The third agreement with Instituto Superior Politécnico de Tecnologias e Ciências involves the provision of services related to the evaluation, development, production and transportation of Angola’s hydrocarbon resources.
AOG 2023: Ambipar, Kini Energias Partner for Environmental Management
Environmental management company, Ambipar, and energy company, Kini Energias, joined forces to install an industrial unit for waste suction equipment assembly and testing, spill control and waste management in Angola. The partnership focuses on the recruitment of Angolan technicians, professional development and door-to-door services for the oil and gas sector.
AOG 2023: Etu Energias, SLB Sign Technical Services Agreement
Etu Energias and global technology company SLB signed a technical services agreement outlining collaboration in the development of Block 2/5. The agreement covers engineering wells and end-to-end technological complementary services.
AOG 2023: Protteja Seguros, Petromar Ink Business Partnership
Insurance company Protteja Seguros and Petromar signed an MOU to develop a business partnership and collaborate on social responsibility initiatives. Under the agreement, Petromar and its operations in Angola will engage further within the Environmental, Social and Governance standards of the country’s sustainability and development goals.
CMA 2023: UK Pledges R20 million to Africa’s Critical Minerals
During the first edition of CMA, the UK announced a R20-million commitment to enable African nations to develop their critical mineral supply chains. The emphasis of the pledge is on promoting mineral exploration and processing, fostering value-added activities and generating local employment opportunities.