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  • Nigeria’s Petroleum Minister Timipre Sylva to Engage investors at Invest in African Energy Reception in London

    Nigeria’s Petroleum Minister Timipre Sylva to Engage investors at Invest in African Energy Reception in London

    Timipre Sylva, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources of Nigeria, will be attending the African Energy Chamber-organized Invest in African Energy Reception in London on January 26.

    The African Energy Chamber (AEC) is proud to announce that Timipre Sylva, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources of Nigeria, will lead investment-focused dialogue during the Invest in African Energy Reception set to take place in London on January 26. With the Nigerian energy market on the precipice of another transformation on the back of diversification and market-driven policy implementation, the participation of Minister Sylva is key for securing new capital for Nigeria’s rapidly growing market, while enabling new players and financiers to expand their footprint in one of Africa’s biggest oil producing countries.

    Nigeria has emerged as one of the most attractive destinations for foreign investment owing largely to the signing into law of the Petroleum Industry Act in 2021. With the Act having overhauled the country’s regulation and governance, addressing key growth inhibitors by prioritizing transparency, procedural clarity and attractive fiscal terms for regional and international players, the Nigerian energy market is more enabling for business than ever, and the Minister will showcase opportunities in the sector during the Invest in African Energy Reception in London.

    The Act itself has already unlocked tangible benefits, with the country positioning itself as the biggest oil producer in Africa in 2023, despite a year of production declines owing to challenges associated with oil theft and reduced exploration. With the state-owned company, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation identifying and shutting down an illegal pipeline responsible for the loss of up to 600,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil, production has rapidly increased to approximately 1.2 million bpd in December 2022, setting the country up for an exciting year in 2023. The country is more ambitious than ever when it comes to expanding the oil and gas market even further, with the government incentivizing E&P activity in a bid to boost production levels further. As such, opportunities for upstream players have opened up and Minister Sylva will be making a strong case for hydrocarbon exploration during the reception in London.

    Opportunities in the oil industry, over 200 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of proven natural gas reserves – and opportunities to increase this figure to 600 tcf with advancements in exploration – have positioned the country as the destination of choice for financiers and project developers from across the natural gas landscape. At a time when global markets are urgently seeking alternative gas supplies in light of ongoing supply constraints, Nigerian gas has emerged as a top solution, and investors are encouraged to capitalize on the opportunities present across this rapidly growing market.

    However, Nigeria’s oil and gas market opportunities transcend exports, with the country well-positioned to feed into regional supply chains. Having signed a deal with Equatorial Guinea that would see Nigerian gas being processed at the country’s Punta Europa facilities while making steady progress to complete the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and breaking ground of new project developments, Nigeria is opening new opportunities for electrification and industrialization in Africa on the back of intra-African gas trade, made possible through initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Agreement and the progressing Central African Pipeline System.

    “Through his participation at the Invest in African Energy Reception in London – taking place in partnership with the African Export-Import Bank and Rystad Energy – Minister Sylva has made clear his commitment to securing new capital for a suite of large-scale projects across the entire energy value chain in Nigeria. During the event, the Minister will be driving market-focused dialogue on why investing in Nigeria is so critical, both for the African economy and for the global energy market at large. The London event provides financiers and energy players with the unique opportunity to directly engage and connect with a leading government representative from the biggest oil producer in Africa, and the AEC is encouraging all of those interested in expanding their footprint in Africa to join us at this high-level event,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.

    Source; Africa Energy  Chamber 
    Editor’s Note(Published unedited)
  • UAE: Crypto Oasis lists over 1,650 blockchain firms by Q4 2022

    UAE: Crypto Oasis lists over 1,650 blockchain firms by Q4 2022

    More than 8,300 individuals currently work in organisations in the crypto, blockchain, metaverse and Web3 ecosystem of the UAE

    Crypto Oasis has now surpassed their goal of identifying 1,500 organisations in the ecosystem by the end of 2022. As of December 31, there were over 1,650 organisations, and the ecosystem has experienced a 13.8 per cent growth.

    Crypto Oasis has added more than 200 new organisations in Q4 2022. These firms have brought in over 1,300 skilled professionals to the ecosystem, bringing the total number of individuals working in this industry to over 8,300. This 19 per cent growth in employment numbers can be attributed to the UAE being a force to reckon with in the global blockchain landscape.

    A total of 78.2 per cent (approx. 6,500) of these individuals work in native blockchain organisations, i.e. those focused on blockchain and related decentralised technologies. Meanwhile, 21.8 per cent (approx. 1,800) work for non-native companies, i.e. those that offer blockchain-related services or products but do not have blockchain as their primary focus.

    Ralf Glabischnig, Founder of Crypto Oasis, stated: “We’re thrilled to have identified these new organisations in our ecosystem that are contributing to a diverse community of stakeholders. The possibilities for Web3 technology are vast, from finance and supply chain management to gaming and social media.”

    “However, as it’s a relatively new and emerging technology, its full potential hasn’t been reached yet and the industry is facing challenges such as scalability, security, and user adoption. It’s an exciting and rapidly evolving field to watch and we’re eager to collaborate and learn from each other as we work to improve Web3 and decentralised technologies.”

    Crypto Oasis supports blockchain and Web3 organisations to access resources and expertise that can help them navigate the complex and rapidly evolving landscape. In addition, joining the ecosystem allows them to network with potential partners and customers and showcase their work to a wider audience.

    “The UAE is the perfect amalgamation of Talent and Capital built on a world-class infrastructure,” said Saqr Ereiqat, co-founder of Crypto Oasis.

    “The Ministry of Economy (MoE) has become one of the first government entities in the world to be active in the metaverse. In 2022 the MoE published its Digital Economy Strategy, which aims to double the contribution of the digital economy from 9.7 per cent to 19.4 per cent in the next decade.

    The inception of regulators like VARA and various industry events like the Abu Dhabi Finance Week and Dubai Fintech Week, as well as the launch of the Dubai Economic Agenda ‘D33’, demonstrate UAE’s commitment in taking an active step to becoming the centre of digital economy globally.“

    Crypto Oasis Ecosystem Report 2022
    Meanwhile, in the inaugural version of the Crypto Oasis Ecosystem Report 2022, published in partnership with Roland Berger in October’22, the ecosystem identified over 1,450 Web3 organisations in the UAE at the end of Q3 2022.

    This report aimed to establish the first quantitative and qualitative study of the Crypto Oasis ecosystem.

    Credit: (Gulf Business)

  • About Ghana’s Electric Vehicles Industry related Minerals Potential

    About Ghana’s Electric Vehicles Industry related Minerals Potential

    Castle Minerals Leads the Charge in Graphite Exploration in UWR.

    Story: Mohammed Abu

    Kambale Graphite Project RC Drilling Completed Diamond Core Metallurgical Samples is now in Perth, Castle Minerals Ltd disclosed in a recent official statement.

    Phase 2 Test Work, the statement said, was about to commence. Castle Minerals, Managing Director, Stephen Stone, commented, “It’s been a very busy Christmas and a great start to 2023 with the completion at the Kambale Graphite Project in Ghana of a 30-hole, 2,290m RC drilling program and the arrival this week in Perth of 300kg of diamond drill core samples for Phase 2 metallurgical test work that will commence in coming days”.

    “The independently estimated exploration target of 16.82-50.46 million tonnes at a grade range between 6.74% and 10.40% TGC, Mr. Stone noted, indicates the Kambale Graphite project has a possible scale and grade to warrant progression to the next phase of assessment.

    Phase 2 test work using samples obtained from the now underway diamond core drilling will assess if a commercial grade concentrate can be produced which would then be evaluated for possible use in the manufacture of electric vehicle batteries anodes.

    A follow-0n infill RC drilling program will primarily focus on defining recently confirmed multiple grade graphic zones and will also facilitate a maiden JORC 2012 Mineral Resource for delivery around end-Q1 2023.In addition to the large amount of news flow in coming months from the Kambale Graphite Project there will also be a steady stream of updates from Castle’s battery and future metals project in Western Australia

    Mr. Stone noted with satisfaction, “Our Ghana team and drilling contractor have worked through the Christmas period to ensure we remain on schedule to tick several important Project milestones this March Quarter including to confirm if we can produce a commercial grade concentrate that can then be evaluated for possible use in the manufacture of electric vehicle battery anodes.”

    “It’s going to be a very interesting year for the Project underpinned by the many forecasts for a looming graphite supply deficit on the back of the predicted increase in worldwide sales of electric vehicles and stationary power storage units.” “With Castle also having interests in several other active battery metals projects, base metals and gold projects shareholders can look forward to a busy and exciting 2023.”

    The drilling, the release said, was designed primarily to better define the high grade zones intercepted in the previous round of drilling and to facilitate a maiden JORC 2012 Mineral Resource estimate scheduled for delivery around end-Q1 2023, subject to timing of receipt of assay results.

    The program was fast tracked with Castle’s geological team and contracted drilling crew working through the Christmas period.

    A prior 52 hole, 5,353m RC drill program had extended the deposit’s foot print to 2.5km north-south over a combined width of up to 0.5km with several holes intercepting thick, multiple graphitic zones such as 14m at 8.1% TGC from 47m and 45m at 11.2% TGC from 66m in 22CKRC052.

    An independently estimated JORC 2012 Exploration Target of 16.82 million tonnes to 50.46 million tonnes at a grade between 6.74%TGC and 10.40%TGC (Total Graphitic Carbon) was subsequently reported (refer ASX release 28 November 2022).

    The Exploration Target has been prepared and reported in accordance with the 2012 edition of the JORC Code. The potential quantity and grade of the Exploration Target is conceptual in nature. There has been insufficient exploration to estimate a Mineral Resource. It is uncertain if further exploration will result in the estimation of a Mineral Resource.

    The Exploration Target was limited to a vertical depth of 100m below surface and highlights that Kambale may have the scale, grade and other attributes to justify its continued evaluation as a possible producer of a commercially acceptable fine flake graphite concentrate. In addition, ~300kg of half core samples from a 4-hole 365m diamond drilling program have just arrived in Perth.

    These will be used for Phase 2 metallurgical test work to assess the amenability of the graphitic schist to produce a fine flake graphite concentrate as a base for EV battery anode manufacture. The test work, which will commence in coming days at the facility of Metallurgy Pty Ltd, Perth, will comprise a series of beneficiation, flotation and grinding cycles on composited core aimed at producing a quantity of as near-to commercial grade fine flake graphite concentrate as possible.

    The Phase 2 concentrate produced in Perth will then be assessed by a specialist European metallurgical laboratory for its ability to be upgraded and processed (micronised, purified, spheronised and coated) into a battery-grade fine flake concentrate for possible application in electric vehicle battery anode manufacture.

    The diamond drill core has been obtained from four locations to provide a broad representation of the graphitic schist material and its variability, especially below the weathering profile. Subject to the success of the test work, the Mineral Resource estimate and other related studies and commercial factors, a development Scoping Study will be considered for Q2 2023.

    In 2012 Castle commenced graphite exploration on the Wa Project. A historic graphite occurrence about 5km west of Wa was first noted by Russian geologists whilst prospecting for manganese in the 1960’s.

    Castle located the historic trenches and completed mapping, RAB, aircore and RC drilling during the first half on 2012. In July 2012 Castle announced a maiden resource estimate for its Kambale Graphite of 14.4mt @ 7.2% C (graphitic carbon) for 1.03mt contained graphite (Inferred Resource). Flotation testwork was conducted on samples of fresh and weathered graphitic schist from the Kambale deposit. Microscopic examination of some flotation concentrates indicated that the graphite flakes were up to 250 microns long.

    Castle Minerals, decades long exploration under its Wa Gold Project, has since won for the region in international gold exploration industry circles the accolade, “The Emerging North Western Gold Province” and a possible commercial graphite deposits find and eventual production could further beef up its minerals deposit profile.

     

  • Who invented jollof rice?:Senegal beats Ghana and Nigeria to the title

    Who invented jollof rice?:Senegal beats Ghana and Nigeria to the title

    Published: January 18, 2023 5.08pm SAST-Credit(The Conversation)

    The authorship – and therefore origins – of jollof rice (called ceebu jën in Senegal according to the Wolof spelling) is the subject of a spicy debate between West African nations. In particular, Senegalese, Nigerians and Ghanaians claim ownership. And each believes their recipe surpasses all others.

    In a bid to settle the issue we explored the subject in our book. In it we point out the “Senegality” of this dish. The word jollof refers to an ancient kingdom that was a part of Senegal between the 12th and the 13th centuries.

    More broadly, we found that the origin of the dish is linked to a particular period in history – the entrenchment of colonial rule in West Africa. Between 1860 and 1940 the French colonisers replaced existing food crops with broken rice imported from Indochina.

    In time, broken rice came to be much more prized by the Senegalese than whole rice grain.

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    This was followed by what we call le ceebu jën, un patrimoine bien sénégalais – the genius of the natives, especially the Saint-Louisians who set about creating something completely new. Ceebu jën consists of rice and fish, accompanied by vegetables and sometimes tomatoes.

    As it happens in history, when an art reaches a certain fame or notoriety, its paternity becomes an object of controversy. This is what has indeed happened with jollof rice.

    Colonial legacy

    The first act of the settlers was to make all those disconnected from agricultural activities dependent on rice. This included the men and women who had come to try to make their fortune in the markets of Saint-Louis, one of the gateways to the West and, for a good period, the capital of French West Africa.

    If we add teachers, various agents of the administration and the military, we can better understand the pernicious process of rice promotion.

    Overflowing in urban centres, rice was consumed in practically all of the colony of Senegal.

    The success of the rice promotion strategy resulted in the entrenchment of an economy that became increasingly dependent on crops preferred by the colonisers. To this day efforts continue to be made to grow rice in Casamance and the Saint-Louis region.

    At the same time, the exploitation of the market garden areas of Niayes and Gandiol contributed to meeting the population’s need for vegetables.

    Another intriguing part of the history of the dish is the myth that’s developed over centuries around the role of a Senegalese cook called Penda Mbaye who is regularly attached to the name of rice with fish.

    Although no one disputes the connection between the dish and Penda Mbaye, serious information on her identity, on the place and time she lived and on the conditions in which the dish was created is cruelly lacking. This is why we have stated in our book that she left history very quickly to take her place in legend.

    Why the passion?

    To understand the importance of ceebu jën in the diet and imagination of the Senegalese, it would be wise to point out that its attractiveness can’t be reduced to its nutritional value or its intrinsic delicacy.

    This culinary art is closely linked to a know-how and a way of life. Thus, the consumption of the dish is strongly linked to the ceremonial – the aesthetics of the presentation and the service.

    A woman serving ceebu jën. Cellou/AFP via Getty Images.

    The women of Saint Louis, a port city in the northern part of Senegal, are singularly credited with remarkable know-how in this area. Their finesse and elegance is expressed in the way they dress, their speech and their gestures. All are put to good use so that the meal is a moment when they give pleasure by being pleased themselves.

    Stamp of approval

    At the end of 2021 Unesco included the Senegalese version of jollof rice – ceebu jën – on the intangible heritage of humanity list. This certification was recognition of the know-how of the Senegalese of an integral part of an intangible heritage.

    The labelling should also have a positive impact on the economy, particularly tourism, agriculture, fishing and catering. Or, as some would describe it, gastro-diplomacy.

    But to make the most of all these advantages, Senegal must pay more attention to its fishery resources and, above all, settle the recurrent question of self-sufficiency in rice production for good, in order to put an end to the scandalous perversion of feeding on what is not produced.

    Senegal, whose reputation is based more on its cultural influence and diplomacy, has every interest in capitalising on this trend. Thus, in addition to rice with fish, it will have to promote its broader gastronomic heritage to make it an additional asset for the role it intends to play in the concert of nations.

    In this spirit, Senegal’s Food Technology Institute would be given a new lease of life. This public establishment, created in 1963, was assigned the mission of research and development in food and nutrition.

    In its efforts to enhance the rich Senegalese heritage, the institute could set itself the objective of promoting all the remarkable Senegalese consumables based on millet, cowpea, bissap, ditax and (monkey bread) bouye. And to take up this challenge Senegal would be well advised to make use of all the proven expertise of researchers as well as economic players.

    This article was written with the contribution of Alpha Amadou Sy, co-author of the book Ceebu jën, un patrimoine bien Sénégalais.

     

  • Decarbonisation of Hospitality Industry Gets Major Boost

    ……As Studio Moren and EAA Join Hands

    9th January 2023

    Hospitality design specialist Studio Moren has announced a strategic partnership with the Energy and Environment Alliance (EEA) – an international not-for-profit coalition driving the decarbonisation of the hospitality industry – to provide expertise on sustainable architecture and interior design practices across the sector.

    The EEA’s mission is to develop the first universal sustainability standard for the hospitality industry, including the design, build and operation of buildings. Studio Moren, working in collaboration with EEA and its other partners, will utilise its substantial knowledge and experience designing effective and energy-efficient hotel and hospitality projects to help steer the ongoing development of the new BREEAM in Use Hospitality (BiUH) standard.

    Studio Moren Senior Designer and Certified Passive House Designer, Bryan Oknyansky, AIA, will sit on the EEA Technical Committee to work with the EAA and BRE Group in the development of hospitality-specific standards, metrics and methodologies, embracing all lifecycle stages of hotel or apart-hotel development, including design, construction and operations to redevelopment or decommissioning.

    As a world-renowned hotel and hospitality architect and interior designer, Studio Moren has a long-term commitment to both sustainability and the hospitality industry and shares EEA’s mission to improve sustainable outcomes in the sector. Whilst it is well understood that hospitality operations require a considerable amount of energy to ensure the comfort of guests and offer individualised experiences and services, in addition to generating a considerable amount of waste from consumables, Studio Moren believes a lot can be done to decarbonise the hospitality sector to enable sustainable growth.

    Bryan Oknyansky says: “According to U.N data, the built environment is currently responsible for about 40% of global energy-related carbon emissions. As architects and designers, we have a key role to play in driving a reduction in carbon emissions, as the greatest opportunity for impact on building performance and energy efficiency comes at the design stage.

    “Measures being more widely adopted by the hospitality industry include designing out the excess energy demands of operating buildings and recovering heat from both plant equipment and wastewater for reuse elsewhere in building services. Additionally, exploiting opportunities for circularity will lead to the use of materials and products that have lower embodied carbon through sourcing locally, recycling and reuse. We look forward to working collaboratively with the EEA and its partners to further increase the uptake of such measures, whilst also helping asset owners and managers in the hospitality industry mitigate climate risk and meet net zero targets.”

    Ufi Ibrahim, CEO & Founder, the Energy & Environment Alliance (EEA), said: “Studio Moren stands out as a hospitality focused architectural and design practice that puts sustainability at the heart of its creative philosophy. We are therefore delighted to have its input into our Technical Committee, helping to determine the most relevant and useful standards and metrics for ESG in the industry.”

    ENDS

    For media enquiries, please contact Zoe Couch:

    zoe@satellitempr.com / +44 (0)777 159 8483

    Notes to Editors

    All images © Studio Moren

    Studio Moren

    Studio Moren is an award-winning practice of 70 architecture and interior design specialists, working right across the hospitality spectrum. Over the past 30 years in business we have established a world-renowned reputation as leaders in hospitality design, based on our ability to deliver intelligent, creative and bespoke solutions which meld both developer and operator requirements. With a design-led ethos of ‘creating places people want to stay’, we have taken our hospitality experience into other sectors including resorts, serviced apartments, build-to-rent, co-living and co-working. We are passionate, commercially astute and committed to producing beautiful buildings and interiors that respond to location and context.

    About Energy & Environment Alliance (EEA)

    The Energy & Environment Alliance (EEA) is a company limited by guarantee, run by its members for the benefit of its members. A small executive team is responsible for running and growing the organisation, it is supervised and directed by an advisory board, comprised of leading figures from the hospitality industry. The EEA’s immediate priority is to achieve faster carbon reduction rates in the hospitality industry. It will help its members do so in three practical ways: first by bringing the industry together with renowned experts, regulators and specialist services, to share knowledge and implement new technologies; second, by enabling member companies to purchase their energy 100% sustainably; and third by helping members drive energy productivity levels in a highly cost-effective manner.

  • Making Compelling Case for Natural Gas

    Opinion Piece

    By: NJ Ayuk

    When most people hear the word “gas,” they’re automatically inclined to think about the type of gas that pumps directly into their fuel tank. But although petroleum gas is the most common gasoline fuel we encounter daily, it is only one “type” of gas.

    By speaking of gas, we also may refer to “natural gas,” which (although it shares similarities) is intrinsically different from petroleum-based gasoline as a whole.

    Like oil, natural gas is a resource that is extraordinarily abundant in Africa and many other countries around the globe. As a result, I’ve observed a renewed interest in natural gas in the last several months.

    The need for alternative energy doesn’t require us to overlook fuel sources at our fingertips entirely. For example, despite being commonly roped in with petroleum-based fuel, natural gas burns significantly cleaner than oil and coal.

    Being an emission-friendly fuel, natural gas can absolutely serve us in our objective of building a greener future.

    Redefining Natural Gas

    It’s easy to overlook things that we don’t have direct involvement with. For example, most people only think about natural gas when their stove or water heater ceases working.

    As a result, many people aren’t even aware of how natural gas is derived — let alone its molecular composition.

    In my objective to help educate people and empower them with knowledge about the vast and varied world of energy, it wouldn’t hurt to provide a refresher on what natural gas actually is and how it is obtained.

    Put simply, natural gas (like crude oil) is an energy source formed by fossil fuels under pressure deep beneath the earth’s surface. Natural gas is made up of many different compounds, but the largest of these is methane, a compound composed of one carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms.

    The process of extracting natural gas involves drilling into subsurface rock formations. Modern advancements in hydraulic fracturing (colloquially known as “fracking”) have allowed us to draw upon immense volumes of subsurface natural gas.

    Natural gas can be used as a clean-burning fuel to power many of the same devices and operations as oil-based petroleum and can burn with significantly higher efficiency and cleanliness.

    Electricity Powered by Natural Gas

    Electricity is the end product needed for our lifestyles to carry on in the way we’re used to. But what are the sources required to generate electricity?

    Solar may be highlighted as the most renewable energy source of them all. Still, natural gas-powered plants can produce vast amounts of electricity with much higher output than coal-burning power plants.

    Although natural gas is a hydrocarbon that produces the pollutant carbon dioxide, it outputs around 50-60% less carbon dioxide than coal and approximately 30% less carbon dioxide than oil.

    Working With Today’s Materials to Build Tomorrow

    Natural gas reservoirs are abundant and ready to serve our objectives in developing manageable, environmentally friendly energy technologies.

    While we sculpt our plans to build a more energy-efficient future via solar and other innovative technologies, we can make intelligent use of the materials at our disposal today — resting comfortably with the knowledge that they are also serving our goals toward lowering global emissions.

    Hearing global leaders and corporations carry out more serious discussions about natural gas’ role in our future’s ecosystem offers reassurance that there may indeed be a way to make a just transition between our present and future.

     

  • Namibia and Equatorial Guinea Youth-Focused Local Content, Gas Monetization a Boost for Intra-African Energy Growth

    Namibia and Equatorial Guinea Youth-Focused Local Content, Gas Monetization a Boost for Intra-African Energy Growth

    Following an agreement forged during the Namibian International Energy Conference in 2022, a youth training initiative launched by Namibia and Equatorial Guinea has set the tone for an ambitious local content drive that will position Namibia as a competitive hydrocarbon producer
    JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, January 4, 2023/ — Namibia, as an upcoming hydrocarbon producer, and Equatorial Guinea, as one of Africa’s top natural gas producers, have taken the lead towards positioning Africa as a globally competitive oil and gas producer, leveraging intra-African partnerships and cooperation to scale up the local workforce.

    Following sizable oil and gas discoveries made in Namibia in 2022, the two countries forged an agreement during the Namibian International Energy Conference (NIEC) 2022 that saw four Namibian engineers receive training at the Equatorial Guinea Liquefied Natural Gas (EG LNG) facility. This program has been significant, both for Namibia’s future oil and gas industry and for Africa’s energy sector at large, and the African Energy Chamber (AEC) commends both countries on this bold initiative.

    During the NIEC 2022, Hon. Tom Alweendo, Namibia’s Minister of Mines and Energy, announced the training partnership with H.E. Gabriel Mbaga Obiang Lima, Equatorial Guinea’s Minister of Mines and Hydrocarbons. Hon. Minister Alweendo visited Equatorial Guinea and worked with his counterpart to kick off the training of Namibians.

    To date, four Namibian engineers have received training at EG LNG, owned by Marathon Oil, Chevron and the Equatorial Guinean government. In addition to receiving exploration and production training at the facility, the engineers were trained at the associated Methanol Facility and the Turbo Gas Facility at the Punta Europa Complex.

    The Namibian engineers also received training on various operational matters from British independent Trident Energy, known for operational efficiency and production improvements. Trident is the operator of Block G, which includes the producing Ceiba and Okume Complex fields — made up of six oil fields in the Gulf of Guinea, in shallow and deep water in the Rio Muni basin.

    This training has not only signaled a new era of intra-African energy collaboration and partnerships but has opened up significant opportunities for Namibia to position itself as a globally competitive oil producer on the back of south-south cooperation.

    With both countries having placed local content at the center of their developmental strategies, this training initiative marks the start of a new era of hydrocarbon growth in Africa on the back of cooperation and collaboration. Long-term, Equatorial Guinea is committed to establishing itself as a regional energy hub, leveraging ambitious local content initiatives to develop a strong and competitive hydrocarbon market in-country. Similarly, Namibia, at the start of its hydrocarbon journey, has recognized the role local content will play in making energy poverty history while kick starting industrialization and economic prosperity. As such, the country has introduced proactive local content policies, with the Equatorial Guinean training initiative only furthering this agenda.

    “It is good to see energy companies in Equatorial Guinea taking the lead in the training and development of Namibian youth. EG LNG, Trident Energy, Chevron, Marathon Oil should be given huge credit, incentive and encouraged to do more. It is important for young Africans. Energy companies are our partners, and we must support them as we push for Namibian energy growth,” stated NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman at the AEC.

    The training initiative followed Shell’s Graff-1 discovery and TotalEnergies Venus discovery made merely weeks apart in February 2022, unlocking up to four billion barrels of recoverable reserves combined. The discoveries were significant, with their associated developments set to double Namibia’s GDP by 2040. Shortly thereafter, the country took a proactive approach to get advanced training from U.S. and regional firms, with the government eager to bring these projects online as soon as possible. In this scenario, Equatorial Guinea emerged as the obvious partner, with the country hosting a suite of global energy majors and large-scale hydrocarbon developments alike.

    Owing to sizeable domestic oil and gas reserves, as well as an accelerated drive by the government to monetize regional untapped reserves, Equatorial Guinea has put in motion a series of large-scale projects such as the Punta Europa LNG Terminal – comprising Train 1, producing 3.7 million tons per annum (mtpa) of LNG, and Train 2, set to produce up to 4.4 mtpa once completed – the wider Punta Europa Gas Complex – comprising Methanol and Turbo Gas Facilities – and the Central African Pipeline System. These projects have enabled the country to export gas worldwide, with Equatorial Guinea serving as a key supplier of gas to Europe in the ongoing gas crisis. In this scenario, companies such as Marathon Oil, Sonagas, ExxonMobil and Panoro have been key, and offer Namibia unparalleled insight into developing and operating large-scale projects.

    “What Minister Alweendo and Obiang Lima have done should be commended. They have demonstrated the role that intra-African energy cooperation will play in Africa’s energy future. Equatorial Guinea, with its expertise as an oil and gas player, offers Namibia the knowledge and training that the country needs to develop a thriving domestic oil and gas industry. Through this training initiative, both countries have prioritized local content, developing the local industry and getting young people ready to lead oil and gas exploration and production. At the AEC, we are proud to see what Namibia and Equatorial Guinea are doing and want to see more African states following suit,” concluded Ayuk.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Week (AEW).

    SOURCE
    African Energy Week (AEW)

     

  • Graduate Mentorship Coaching Programme,4th Cohort Gets Set

    Graduate Mentorship Coaching Programme,4th Cohort Gets Set

    …….As 40 Africans from 15 African Countries Enrolled!!!

    Story: Mohammed Abu

    The Africa Graduate Mentorship and Coaching Programme (AGMCP), which is facilitated by the Interconnections for Making Africa Great Empowered and Sustainable (IMAGES) Initiative, has enrolled 40 Africans from 15 countries into the mentorship and coaching programme for the 4th cohort, according to a Press Release issued in Ibadan, on Tuesday.

    “Interested organizations working on agriculture and food systems in Africa may contact us for mutually-rewarding partnership to develop the capacity of the mentees”, said, Dr Olawale Olayide the President of IMAGES while also adding, “Please join us to congratulate the mentees, and wish them a successful Fellowship Year”.

    The mentees, the Release said, are in three categories namely, Master, Doctoral and Post-doctoral, representing the five economic regions and countries of the continent.

    For the North Africa region, the release added, the beneficiary country is, Algeria, for Central Africa region, Cameroon and Democratic Republic of Congo, for Western Africa region, Benin, Ghana, Niger and Nigeria and while for Southern Africa region, Malawi, South Africa and Zimbabwe were the beneficiary countries.

    The AGMCP Fellowship Year runs from January to December. The 40 mentees will be assigned to renowned mentors, and will conduct research and capacity development training on the Sustainable African Food Systems.

  • Emirates Health Services to use metaverse technology to deliver healthcare services

    Emirates Health Services to use metaverse technology to deliver healthcare services

    The new initiative aims to promote telemedicine practices in virtual clinics and provide consultation services and medications through robotic pharmacies.

    JANUARY 1, 2023

    Emirates Health Services (EHS) has launched a metaverse-based virtual telemedicine solution using 3D virtual reality technology.

    Through the project, EHS aims to deliver virtual medical consultation services supported by advanced technologies.

    This technology enables members of society to access e-services via smart devices.

    Through the new virtual channel, patients can effortlessly access psychiatric consultation services, family health promotion clinics, and customer happiness centres, according to a report mentioned on the state news agency, WAM.

    Dr Yousif Mohammed Al-Serkal, director general EHS, said it is the first global healthcare provider to apply metaverse technology to provide advanced services and promote sustainable health development goals by adopting best practices that leverage AI, IoT and Blockchain technologies.

    The new initiative aims to promote telemedicine practices in virtual clinics and provide consultation services and medications through robotic pharmacies.

    The project will provide psychiatric consultation services for different age groups in addition to accessing the Customer Happiness Centre and family-centred health promotion services.

    The metaverse provides a 3D interactive space that allows customers to engage with healthcare professionals through a secure link using their devices equipped with a camera, microphone, and speakers. This way, patients need not purchase equipment such as headphones or controllers. Doctors can assess conditions, discuss treatment plans, and provide treatment and other clinical services.

    Credit(Gulf Business)

  • New Year Message 2023 by the President of the Republic of Seychelles, Mr Wavel Ramkalawan

    New Year Message 2023 by the President of the Republic of Seychelles, Mr Wavel Ramkalawan

    31 December 2022 |

    Seychellois sisters and brothers,

    Like the song says ‘a year ends and another begins.’ The year 2022 has already passed into history. Each of us will note certain dates with joy, pain, sadness, a feeling of accomplishment as well as missed opportunity. 2022 is a book already written and 2023 offers us this new page on which to write another year of our personal story, the story of our country and the story of the world.

    Allow me in the first place to use that very important little word, but which sometimes comes out of the mouths of humans with great difficulty – thank you.

    I wish first and above all to thank Almighty God for protecting our nation and our country.
    I say thank you to all who have taken our country to heart and given all their energy to make it progress. I say thank you to the public sector which has served our people with devotion and the private sector, which has created wealth for our nation and people to enjoy.  Thank you to all Seychellois and foreign workers who have permitted our country to continue on its march to prosperity. To everyone in voluntary and community organisations working hard to raise the standards of morality, spiritual and mental strength, the Seychellois nation expresses its gratitude and extends all of its encouragement for you to continue doing so.

    Thanks also go to all the youth who have done well in their studies and brought pride to themselves as well as their parents and to their teachers. To our athletes and sportspersons who have hoisted our flag to its highest and brought joy amongst our people, I say thank you.

    Thanks also go to our retirees who have contributed towards bringing us to where we stand today, and who continue to reflect and encourage us who are younger along this life’s journey.

    My special thoughts at this time also go to all of our families who have gone through misfortune and who are still walking with eyes filled with the tears of separation. I say to you ‘Courage and strength in each step you take. We will walk in solidarity with you and give you our shoulders to lean on in your difficult moments.’

    Brothers and sisters, my wish is that this new year will bring new and positive energy, fresh inspiration and new strength for us to advance even further ahead. It is we, each individual, who will write on each and every page of this new year, from 1 January to 31 December. The majority of things will be in our hands, but there will also be also chapters which will be written for us, and outside of our control.  And so, I ask that we do as well as is possible with all that is within our control. Let us not only think of ourselves, but move away from that spirit of self-centeredness and at all times, think of others and do that little thing which you should.

    I invite all Seychellois and all workers to reflect on that little extra something which I can do to bring relief to a brother, a sister, and make a compatriot progress. Often it is not big things that brings us frustration but the little things. The student who lacks one point to pass and the person who misses a bus by one minute is frustrated. And so it is the little things which we need to do in order to improve our own personal lives and the lives of our people.

    I invite you to make a resolution that we will give importance to doing little things. A long journey starts with a small step, the construction of a large building commences with a first brick, writing starts off with a small letter ‘A’ and counting commences with a little number ‘0’ (zero). Attach ourselves to those little things and we will accomplish major transformation where we are.
    If we make those little gestures, like saying ‘good morning’, our community will be more fraternal, a small ‘thank you’ raises morale, a little smile makes friendship grow, a little help to one who is weak brings relief, and a moment taken to listen to someone can save a life. Reflect also that somehing negative, however tiny, can also destroy lives, just like a matchstick can spark a major fire, a tiny lie cause a major argument.

    For our civil servants, working in government, I invite you to reflect on those small things which during 2022 made people frustrated :  that little call that you did not make, the letter you did not reply to, that piece of paper you kept in your drawer, the offensive tone you replied to a client with, that postponing to tomorrow what you could do today,  that little word you did not say to someone to help them. Let us change this and let us bring our people out of pointless frustration and know joy on their faces.

    What I have said applies for all workers of course, whether you are in the public or private sector. Deliver a good service in all that you do. And perhaps, – why not ? – whilst you are doing your work, put yourself in the place of the client you are serving.   Would you be happy with the tone that you replied to him with ? Would you be happy with the language used in that letter you wrote ? If you would not be happy, don’t make another unhappy.  Serve others as you would be happy to be served.

    I have no doubt that we can do this for our country. That, in 2023, each one of us can do better and render the best service to our people and in doing this, raise our country to the highest.  I ask that each one of us reflect deeply on those two little remarks that I have made.  Let us stop making our neighbour live in anger and frustration. Why should I throw my waste out in public and dirty my country ? Do I need to blast my music out loud to the detriment of my neighbour ?  Why do I need to sell poisonous drugs to Seychellois children ?  Why do I need to be akward and make others angry ?  Please, let us change those poor mindsets and truly live as brothers and sisters in this blessed land, Seychelles.

    Yes, like Ton Joe sings for us, ‘Seychelles is our blessed country.’ And so I invite all of us to become more patriotic. Let us love our country even more. Consider her like our mother, forever grateful that when we strengthen our country and put ourselves at her service, she returns so much more to us. The higher we raise country, the more we, Seychellois, as a nation, will rise. Encourage each other, show more love for your community, adhere to the law and walk in solidarity with each other. Take a brother’s, a sister’s misfortune as our own misfortune and this will allow us to have and live in more love.  Take care of your neighbour and he will take care of you too.

    I dedicate once again all of my strength in lifting our beautiful country Seychelles. I give all of my energy to work for all of Seychelles’ children and to make us progress as far as is possible. Let us continue to along this route together for the love of our beautiful country, Seychelles.

    Let our God shower our beautiful country with his blessings and his love. We are one people, one nation who is living in the world’s most beautiful country. May God bless you and your family.

    Happy New Year 2023.

    Thank you