Platts To Provide Daily Spot Assessment Of Top Nigerian Crude Grades

Platts a part of S&P Global Energy has confirmed its plan to commence daily publication of spot assessments for Nigerian crude grades Amenam Blend and CJ Blend on a FOB Nigeria basis, to replace the current Market Parity Prices, effective October 1, 2026.

The FOB, (Free on Board) basis means the seller is responsible for the goods, including export clearance and loading, until the cargo is safely on board the vessel at the named port of shipment

This follows feedback from market participants on the spot market liquidity of both grades and subsequent demand for an assessment reflecting spot market values.

Platts currently publishes calculated MPPs for Amenam Blend and CJ Blend reflecting the gross product worth of each grade on both an outright basis and as a differential to Dated Brent.

Under the proposal, the assessment codes would be unchanged, with the methodology changed to a spot market assessment reflecting the observed value of each grade on the open market.

The Amenam Blend and CJ Blend FOB Nigeria assessments would reflect standard cargo sizes of 950,000 barrels and 650,000 barrels, respectively, loading 25-55 days ahead from assessment date and pricing five days after bill of lading as standard.

This follows the same assessment period and pricing basis as Platts’ existing West African crude oil spot assessments.

For assessment purposes, Platts would publish bids and offers for cargoes of 950,000-1.05 million barrels inclusive for Amenam Blend, and 650,000-1.05 million barrels inclusive for CJ Blend.

Cargoes differing from the standard 950,000-barrel and 650,000-barrel sizes may be subject to normalization for assessment purposes.

Both Amenam Blend and CJ Blend would be assessed as a differential to the 30-60 day forward Dated Brent strip and published as an outright price.

This proposal would impact the following codes and include assessment name changes:

Amenam Blend and CJ Blend have sulfur contents of 0.11 per cent and 0.118 per cent and API Gravity readings of 38.7 and 33.5, respectively, according to assays seen by Platts.

The assessments would continue to reflect a 1630 London time stamp and follow the London publishing schedule.

The assessments would complement Platts’ existing suite of spot assessments for West African crudes, and would be published on Platts Crude Alert pages 1230 and 1231, and in Crude Oil Marketwire.

 

 

 

 

 

Nigeria, Other African Countries Sustain LNG Projects As IEA Lowers Global Supply Outlook

 

Nigeria through the NLNG is spearheading growth of Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) sector, topping other African countries in efforts to increase export capacity.

The $4.3 billion Nigeria LNG (NLNG) Train 7 project on Bonny Island, Rivers State, is 90 per cent complete and on track for commissioning in 2027. The massive infrastructure expansion will boost Nigeria’s liquefied natural gas output by 35 per cent increasing overall production capacity from 22 million to 30 million tonnes per annum (mtpa).

In Nigeria, UTM Floating LNG signed a 15-year wet gas agreement with the NNPC and Seplat joint venture on 8 July, ahead of a decision expected in the fourth quarter.

In other developments TotalEnergies has brought more than 4,000 workers back at Afungi with first cargoes due in 2029 while Eni has approved Coral Norte.

The IEA, has removed around 120 billion cubic metres from projected growth by the end of the decade.

More than 4,000 workers are back on site at Afungi in Cabo Delgado. Patrick Pouyanné and President Daniel Chapo announced the full restart of Mozambique LNG on 29 January, four years after force majeure was declared, with construction around 40 per cent complete and first cargoes expected in 2029. The revised budget stands at roughly $20.5 billion.

Mozambique is not the only project moving. Eni’s Coral Sul floating facility is producing 3.4 million tonnes a year, and the $7.2 billion Coral Norte development approved to sit alongside it would roughly double that by 2028. ExxonMobil is working towards a final investment decision on Rovuma in the same province this year.

Tanzania continues to pursue an agreement on its $42 billion Likong’o-Mchinga development with Shell and Equinor.

Those commitments were made against an expectation of a comfortably supplied market. A large wave of new liquefaction capacity had been due to arrive from 2025 onwards, and the question being asked of frontier African projects was whether they could compete on cost once it did.

The International Energy Agency’s assessment has since changed. Its April gas report found that the conflict in the Middle East had altered the medium-term outlook, with damage to liquefaction infrastructure in Qatar reducing projected supply growth by a cumulative 120 billion cubic metres between 2026 and 2030. Asian buyers have been competing for a smaller pool of cargoes, prices have risen, and some countries have introduced gas rationing. New capacity elsewhere is expected to offset the losses over time, though the agency expects markets to remain tight through 2026 and 2027.

The conclusion the agency draws is about investment rather than advantage. Its position is that supply security depends on sustained investment across the whole liquefaction chain and on closer cooperation between producing and consuming countries, and that importers holding a diversified portfolio of long-term contracts are better placed to manage price volatility. Read alongside the African pipeline, that is an argument for exactly the kind of long-dated offtake the Mozambican and Tanzanian projects are built on.

None of the African developments moved because of what happened this year. Mozambique’s consortium lifted force majeure in November, Coral Norte was approved before that, and the Nigerian project has been in development for years. What has changed is the market they will supply, and the first cargoes from Afungi are still three years away.

 

 

Dangote JSE Listing Tops Conversation As Refinery Boosts Europe’s Jet Fuels Supply

 

Dangote Group’s speculated plan to invest in a refinery in South Africa has gathered pace following reports that the company is considering a secondary listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE).

However, there is currently no evidence that the group plans to develop or acquire refining assets in South Africa.

Reuters reported that the JSE confirmed that it has been engaging with Dangote Group and expects the company’s petroleum refinery business to list in Nigeria before seeking a listing in South Africa.

“They will list in Nigeria first but with strong intent to hopefully bring the listing to South Africa,” the JSE said in an emailed response to Reuters.

Reuters reported that Dangote Group is targeting a US$5 billion initial public offering for its refinery business. Sources familiar with the matter said the company has made a preliminary filing with Nigeria’s securities regulator and is aiming for an October listing.

The group is also understood to be exploring broader regional participation, with Kenya potentially contributing around US$500 million to the capital raise.

Built by Africa’s richest businessman, Aliko Dangote, the Dangote Refinery was developed at an estimated cost of US$20 billion.

The 650000 barrel per day facility began producing fuel in 2024 and reached full operating capacity earlier this year. It is the largest refinery in Africa, while the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited holds a stake of just over 7 per cent.

The prospect of a South African listing has prompted questions about whether Dangote could pursue opportunities in the country’s refining sector, particularly following the closure of the former SAPREF refinery in Durban.

The 180000 barrel per day SAPREF refinery, previously jointly owned by BP and Shell, has remained idle since 2022 after being shut down because of operational challenges and flood damage.

The South African government, through the Central Energy Fund, subsequently acquired the facility for a nominal amount and transferred ownership to the South African National Petroleum Company, which plans to redevelop the site as a modern refinery.

Despite market speculation, Dangote has made no announcement regarding investment in the SAPREF redevelopment or any other South African refining project.

Instead, the group’s next major refining investment is expected to be in Kenya, where Dangote Industries has confirmed plans for a new refinery at the Port of Lamu.

The proposed facility is expected to process 700000 barrels of crude oil per day, making it the largest refinery in East Africa and the second largest on the continent. The project is valued at between US$15 billion and US$17 billion, with construction expected to begin in 2026 and take between 30 and 36 months to complete.

Located on Lamu Island, the refinery will leverage the deep water port and the strategic Lamu Port South Sudan Ethiopia Transport corridor to supply refined petroleum products across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan and Ethiopia.

Early engineering studies, site surveys and geotechnical investigations are already under way. Dangote plans to fund the development through a combination of internal cash flow, bond issuances and proceeds from its planned initial public offering.

The project is expected to strengthen regional energy security by reducing East Africa’s dependence on imported refined fuels while reshaping petroleum trade across the Indian Ocean corridor.

For now, the JSE listing represents a capital markets opportunity rather than a signal of refinery investment in South Africa. Any future expansion into the country’s downstream sector would require a separate investment decision, and no such plans have been announced.

Meanwhile, the refinery accounts for one fifth of Europe’s jet fuel imports, reinforcing its position as a major force in global aviation fuel trade

Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals has strengthened its position as a global supplier of premium aviation fuel after emerging as Europe’s largest jet fuel supplier for the second consecutive month, overtaking the United States and underscoring the refinery’s growing influence on international energy markets.

Latest European import data compiled by global commodities intelligence firm Kpler show that more than 400,000 tonnes of jet fuel produced by the 700,000 barrels per day Dangote Petroleum Refinery were delivered into Europe in July, accounting for approximately 20 per cent of the continent’s total jet fuel imports during the month. The performance follows a record 466,000 tonnes exported to Europe in June, when Nigeria first displaced the United States as the region’s leading supplier of imported jet fuel.

 

The sustained export performance marks a significant milestone for the refinery, demonstrating its ability to consistently supply one of the world’s most demanding fuel markets with aviation fuel that meets stringent international quality specifications. Europe imported approximately 2.06 million tonnes of jet fuel in July, with Dangote accounting for the single largest share of those imports, ahead of traditional suppliers from the United States and the Middle East.

 

Industry observers say the refinery is rapidly reshaping established Atlantic Basin fuel trade flows by offering a competitive alternative to long standing suppliers. While European buyers have traditionally relied on refiners in the United States, the Middle East and Asia, Dangote’s strategic location on Nigeria’s Atlantic coast, combined with its scale, modern technology and export capability, has enabled it to become an increasingly important source of aviation fuel for European markets.

 

The refinery’s export momentum has been supported by steadily rising production. Jet fuel loadings at Dangote’s Lekki export terminal reached a record 550,000 tonnes in June, while crude deliveries to the refinery climbed to an all time high of 660,000 barrels per day, providing the throughput required to sustain growing exports of refined petroleum products to international markets.

 

The latest figures come at a time of shifting global energy flows. Although Europe received limited volumes of jet fuel from Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Oman in July, market disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz and evolving geopolitical dynamics have encouraged buyers to diversify supply sources. Against this backdrop, Dangote Refinery has emerged as a reliable and competitive supplier, reinforcing Nigeria’s growing importance in global refined products trade.

 

“Beyond aviation fuel, the refinery has continued to expand exports of diesel, gasoline and other refined petroleum products to destinations across Europe, Africa and other international markets, further strengthening Nigeria’s position as a net exporter of high value petroleum products,” noted David Bird, MD/CEO, Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NCDMB Unveils 2026 Technology Innovation Challenge For Tertiary Institutions, Firms

 

 

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has launched the Technology Innovation Challenge (TIC) 2026, with 30 innovation teams from tertiary institutions and leading technology firms in the country set to begin a five-day “Entrepreneurship and Research Commercialisation Bootcamp.”

Themed “Physical Boot Camp: Bridging Research to Commercialisation,” the TIC, an initiative of the Board aimed at identifying and selecting indigenous technologies to address key oil and gas industry pen points – operational problems and hazards (both to humans and the environment) – is for appraisal of ‘Technology Readiness Level’ and ‘Commercial Readiness Level,’ among other things.

The Boot Camp is in preparation for the Challenge Grand Finale, which holds between 10th and 12th August, when the innovators will be finetuning their respective solutions, demonstrating to oil and gas industry stakeholders what specific challenges of the sector could now be addressed in-country through indigenous technologies.

In opening remarks at the event, the Manager, Facilities and Logistics, of the NCDMB, Engr. Kamsalem Mohammed, who represented the Executive Secretary of the Board, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, expressed satisfaction with the originality of ideas exhibited by the innovators, noting that the TIC is to encourage participation of indigenous tech firms in the industrialisation of the country and in the production of local technologies that could be globally competitive.

“You are not lacking in knowledge; you are not lacking in capacity, but you need the tools, you need the guidance through the mentorship [to be provided in the Boot Camp],” he stated, adding, “Most of all, you need the funds.” He advised them all to remain focused as they proceed into the next stages of the programme.

In his own remarks, Dr. Kingsley Uzor, of the Research and Development Division (RSDD), NCDMB, said the TIC aligns with the Board’s Nigerian Content 10-Year Strategic Road Map, and that it is intended to encourage the participants to be ambitious in their innovations.

“We can’t continue doing the same things over and over again; we have to innovate,” he declared, pointing out that the innovators must “pay attention to standards that will be accepted internationally, while we start from solving local problems.” “Charity begins at home, but it shouldn’t end there,” he stated.

Speaking on the successive stages undergone in the Technology Innovation Challenge 2026, the Consultant, Engr. Chika Chinwah, said the 30 innovation teams were selected from an original shortlist of 100 institutions and tech firms. The 30 underwent an online mentorship programme spanning 30 days before the current stage, from which 10 teams are expected to proceed to NCDMB’s Technology Innovation and Incubation Centre (TIIC) at the NCT.

Engr. Chinwah explained that the TIIC is where “solutions [from the innovation teams] will be incubated to prototype, to MVP [minimum viable product], and for possible IP [intellectual property] licensing for their products, so that they can be put to use in the oil and gas industry.” The end goal of the TIC, he emphasised, is “bridging research to commercialisation.”

He commended the NCDMB for conceptualisation of the TIC programme and for the enormous investments made toward actualising its aims and objectives for the growth of indigenous technologies and the oil and gas industry.

In his own remarks, the TIIC Administrator at the NCDMB, Engr. Ghali Jubril, noted that the innovators had demonstrated resilience and commitment to innovation. He assured them that there are top-flight mentors at the Centre that would take them through the required mentorship.

The TIC Project Manager, Dr. Obichi Obiajunwa, for his part, explained to the innovators what Technology Readiness Level and Commercial Readiness Level entail as they make their presentations.

In turns, all the innovators stated their respective innovations, and what benefits they would bring to the oil and gas industry and the country. Dr. Guiliano Fossong and Professor Kingsley O. Okongwu, said their innovation was PetroEdge AI, an “AI-powered Edge computing software for real-time analysis and interpretation of well log and drilling data at the rig site for hydrocarbon identification and anomaly detection.”

Professor O.M. Adesope, of the University of Port Harcourt, and Mr. Chikaike Mbonu, of Haimzera, whose institutions are in a collaboration, described their innovation as FRASSPLUS, “an AI-enabled low-cost, BSF Frass, green technology for hydrocarbon bioremediation.”

Dr. Omar Umar Ahmed, of Bayero University, Kano, and Dr. Zaharaddeen Sani Gano, of National Research Institute for Chemical Technology (NARICT), Zaria, said their organisations are collaborating on “Design, development and fabrication of solid oxide electrolysis cell for hydrogen production.”

Others include Professor Iheoma Adekunle, of Federal University, Otuoke, team lead, for a group working on “an indigenous nature-based solution platform that transforms blended invasive aquatic plants into commercially viable high-performance liquid and solid biostimulants.”

Edward Essien Ndiyo, of Speedlink Hi-tech Solutions Limited, and his own team have ESS-1000 as their own innovation. He explained that it “transforms portable power into an intelligent field operations platform by integrating energy storage, connectivity, edge computing, real-time gas sensing and AI-driven analytics.”

The Entrepreneurship and Research Commercialisation Bootcamp continues at the NCT and ends on Friday, after which 10 teams would be selected for the grand finale, which holds between 10th and 12th August. The three best teams are to be announced at the finale

 

 

 

 

 

Seplat Points To Asset Integrity Fixing As Key To Boost Output By Independent Producers

 

 

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Seplat Energy, Engr. Effiong Okon has said that independent energy producers can grow output, optimize the value of their assets, boost returns on investments and ensure resilient systems if they get asset integrity right, fix obsolescence in their operations and consciously work on life extension of their assets.

Engr. Okon said this during the Panel Session Two (2) of the 49th Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition (NAICE) organised by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) in Lagos themed “Building Resilient Energy Systems in a Rapidly Evolving Energy Landscape”.

According to him, critical equipment must be maintained at top quartile performance of 95 per cent, meaning that 95 per cent of the time, equipment should be running. “When you do all that, you drive down unscheduled deferment. In fact, you must follow your oil and gas molecules from reservoir to export. The approach is all encompassing – you must understand your reservoir capacity, well capacity, your flow line and surface facilities. These mean a total understanding of the asset,” he emphasized.

On ways of further reducing cost in operations, he said effective water treatment, ending routine flares and monetizing every gas molecule as against paying penalties on flares, cutting a few redundancies for evacuation routes, and building capacity around logistics and outsourcing would significantly impact operations.

The Seplat CEO equally called for deliberate investment in human capital to really understand the sub-surface, wells and facilities. According to him, the right knowledge could then be driven by requisite capital raising, which ultimately drive value optimization. He, therefore, called on SPE to raise more engineers to cover the skills gap and drive efficiencies in the Nigerian oil and gas space.

Speaking on Seplat Energy’s commitment to advancing shareholders’ value, Engr. Okon said the company had returned massive value to shareholders in form of share appreciation and dividend payouts over the year whilst also balancing that with capital allocation targeted at further building the company for the future.

He said the company had distinguished itself in the area of gas development and performance domestically, saying that the shallow water business has got about 12TCF of gas, which will be unlocked, accelerated and monetized more than the company had ever done.

“We are indeed trailblazers when it comes to domestic gas development. We are also doing a lot of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in the domestic market t

Nestlé Nigeria Opens Applications for 2026/2027 Community Scholarship Programme

 

Nestlé Nigeria Plc has opened applications for its 2026/2027 Community Scholarship Programme, continuing its commitment to supporting young people in its host communities and helping students achieve their academic goals. Since its launch in 2020, the programme has supported more than 250 students, helping to reduce the financial challenges associated with education and creating opportunities for young Nigerians to succeed.

 

The scholarship programme is designed specifically for Science and Technology students and provides financial support for tuition, books, and other school-related costs. Through this initiative, Nestlé aims to support young people in developing the skills and knowledge needed to contribute to Nigeria’s future growth while creating greater opportunities for students within its host communities.

 

Over the years, the impact of the programme has been reflected in the strong academic performance of its beneficiaries, with more than 70% of tracked students currently maintaining or graduating with First Class honours. Beyond financial support, the programme gives students the opportunity to focus on their education and pursue their goals with greater confidence.

Applications are open to eligible students from Agbara, Sagamu, and Abaji.

For the Tertiary Education category, applicants must be current 100-level students studying Science or technical courses and must have scored 200 or above in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

For the Secondary Education category, applicants must be SS1 Science students who obtained a minimum of five credit passes in their Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

Eligible candidates who meet the requirements are encouraged to apply through 2026/2027 Nestlé Nigeria Community Scholarship link.

 

Applicants are advised to complete the application form carefully and provide all required information. Submitted applications will undergo verification by relevant educational institutions, community unions, and community leaders to ensure a fair and transparent selection process. Applications close on 28th of August 2026.

One of the programme’s beneficiaries, Kazeem Fatai, a recent graduate of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), who earned a First Class Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, credits the continued support he received throughout his academic journey as a major motivation that helped him remain focused on achieving his goal. “Receiving the Nestlé Community Scholarship was more than financial support; it was a vote of confidence in my future. Knowing that Nestlé continued to invest in my education year after year motivated me to stay committed to my goal of graduating with a First Class. Today, I am proud to have achieved that dream, and I hope my story inspires other young people to remain focused, work hard, and make the most of every opportunity they receive.”

 

Speaking on the initiative, Victoria Uwadoka, Corporate Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainability Lead, Nestlé Nigeria, said the scholarship reflects Nestlé’s belief that business growth and community progress must go hand in hand.

“At Nestlé, we believe that stronger communities are built by creating opportunities for people to thrive. Through the Community Scholarship Programme, we are supporting young people with access to education while investing in the future potential of our host communities. By empowering students today, we are helping to develop the knowledge and skills that will contribute to Nigeria’s growth tomorrow.”

She added that the scholarship programme forms part of Nestlé for Good, the company’s broader commitment to creating shared value by empowering individuals, strengthening communities, and contributing to a healthier and more sustainable future through education, skills development, nutrition education, and youth empowerment initiatives.

 

 

 

 

African Governments Accelerates Power Investment Models As Electricity Demand Grows

 

 

Governments across Africa including private developers are advancing major electricity projects to meet rising demand, support industrial growth and expand energy access.

From utility-scale renewable energy developments to gas-fired power projects and regional electricity networks, countries are developing new approaches to attract capital and strengthen power markets.

The financing models, offtake structures and infrastructure partnerships needed to accelerate this growth will be explored during the Renegade Intel Platform’s Roundtable: PPAs, Grid Access and Bankable Energy Models at African Energy Week 2026.

The session will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, financiers and project developers to discuss how stronger power purchase agreements (PPAs), improved grid access and innovative financing models can support the delivery of scalable energy projects.

Recent developments across African markets demonstrate the scale of opportunity and the evolving investment models shaping the sector.

In South Africa, the launch of new renewable energy projects is increasingly highlighting the importance of pairing generation growth with grid expansion.

The country’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Program continues to attract private capital, while projects such as TotalEnergies’ 216 MW solar and 500 MWh battery storage Hydra hybrid facility in the Northern Cape which came online last week demonstrate how long-term PPAs and new storage solutions are being used to strengthen power reliability.

However, transmission constraints remain a critical focus, with renewable-rich provinces requiring significant grid investment to connect new generation capacity.

Nigeria’s electricity market is also undergoing significant structural reform following the Electricity Act 2023, which opened the door for greater state-level participation and private-sector investment.

By 2026, 15 states had transitioned to regulating their own electricity markets, creating new opportunities for decentralized generation, embedded power solutions and local investment models.

The transition is expected to reshape how electricity projects are developed and financed, while ongoing efforts focus on aligning federal and state frameworks, improving grid reliability and creating conditions for sustainable private investment.

Across West Africa, new financing structures are also demonstrating how innovative models can unlock renewable energy investment.

In Ivory Coast, the Africa Finance Corporation reached financial close in 2026 on a €65 million dual-currency green bond to finance the 66 MW Poro Power solar project, creating a new model for mobilizing African capital into bankable infrastructure projects.

Egypt continues to expand its renewable energy pipeline through international financing partnerships.

In July 2026, the African Development Bank approved up to $66 million for the first phase of the 500 MW Dandara solar project, including a 100 MWh battery storage system, supporting the development of large-scale renewable generation backed by blended finance structures.

These developments reflect the changing requirements for successful power investment across Africa, where generation capacity must be matched with credible offtake agreements, grid infrastructure and financing structures that can attract long-term capital.

“Africa does not lack energy resources or opportunities; it needs the investment frameworks, infrastructure and partnerships to convert those opportunities into reliable power and economic growth. Creating bankable projects, reducing investment barriers and strengthening private-sector participation will be essential to building the energy systems Africa needs,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber

 

 

 

 

 

Morocco To Site Africa’s First Large-Scale Waste-to-Electricity Facility In Casablanca

 

 

Morocco has awarded a $1.5 billion concession to build Africa’s first large-scale waste-to-electricity power plant, according to Reuters.

The project which is at present projected to be the largest waste-to-energy power plant would be sited in Casablanca.

The facility will process 1.5 million metric tons of waste annually and generate 115 megawatts of electricity, enough to supply nearly one million people.

The project is expected to reach full commercial operation by mid-2030, although construction remains contingent on financing.

African cities generate millions of metric tons of waste each year, yet they continue to leave much of its energy potential untapped.

According to information published by Reuters a consortium led by Swiss-Japanese company Kanadevia Inova has signed a 33.5-year concession agreement with the city to develop the project with an investment of $1.5 billion.

Under the agreement, the consortium will build the facility at the Mediouna landfill, Morocco’s largest landfill site. The landfill, which rises nearly 70 meters high, has almost reached full capacity and has caused chronic pollution to surrounding farmland for decades.

The consortium includes Kanadevia Inova, which specializes in waste recovery, Moroccan energy company Nareva, Japanese trading house Itochu, and Moroccan construction company Somagec.

The partners will build a plant that will generate electricity by incinerating municipal waste.

Once operational, the facility will process approximately 1.5 million metric tons of waste each year.

The plant will generate 115 megawatts (MW) of electricity by combining energy from waste incineration, solar panels installed on the site and landfill gas.

According to Itochu, the project will generate enough electricity to supply nearly one million people, or almost one-quarter of Casablanca’s population.

The consortium has signed power purchase agreements with Morocco’s National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE) and regional utility SRM Casablanca-Settat, according to an Itochu statement.

However, the parties have not disclosed the financial terms of those agreements.

Bruno-Frédéric Baudouin, Chief Executive Officer of Kanadevia Inova, said Moroccan banks will finance the project, although he did not identify the lenders.

“Construction will begin as soon as financing is fully secured, which we expect in the fourth quarter of this year,” Baudouin said.

The consortium expects the plant to reach full commercial operation by mid-2030.

The Casablanca project would become Africa’s first large-scale facility designed to convert municipal waste directly into electricity.

The only comparable large-scale project on the continent is New Horizons Energy in Athlone, Cape Town, South Africa. That facility, commissioned in 2017, processes between 500 and 600 metric tons of waste per day to produce biomethane rather than electricity.

Morocco has already developed smaller waste-to-energy projects.

A facility built in Fez for approximately $11 million has operated since 2015. According to Agenzia Nova, the plant processes about 900 metric tons of waste per day, supplies roughly 30 per cent of local energy demand and has reduced public street-lighting costs by 40 per cent.

However, waste-to-energy technology remains controversial.

According to Zawya, some scientists, climate activists and community organizations argue that waste incineration discourages recycling and generates particulate emissions and greenhouse gases.

 

 

 

Nigeria Promotes Electrification Of Health Facilities With New Institutional, Financing Framework

 

 

 

The Federal Government has given approval for an institutional reform and financing framework to accelerate the electrification of health facilities nationwide, in a move officials say will bring reliable, 24-hour power to hospitals long hampered by erratic electricity supply.

The decisions were reached at the third meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee (IMSC) of the Nigeria Power for Health Initiative (NPHI), a presidential programme jointly coordinated by the Federal Ministries of Power and Health and Social Welfare, which is targeting reliable electricity for at least 30 per cent of Nigeria’s health facilities by the end of 2027.

The meeting, chaired by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Isiaq Salako, and co-chaired by the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, drew top government officials, development partners and members of the Inter-Agency Technical Committee (IATC), which presented the recommendations under consideration.

Speaking at the meeting, Tegbe declared that the initiative must now move from announcements to actual project delivery.

Describing the NPHI as one of the Tinubu administration’s flagship programmes, he said the emphasis should shift toward commissioning completed projects that Nigerians can see for themselves, rather than further groundbreaking ceremonies and public messaging.

He emphasized the need for teaching hospitals, state hospitals and primary healthcare centres fully energized, noting that the Rural Electrification Agency has already energized 5 Federal Teaching Hospitals and several other health facilities nationwide.

He also tied the initiative directly to patient outcomes, arguing that dependable power would end hospitals’reliance on emergency generators, and pledged that the Ministry would continue to prioritize the initiative’s funding needs while ensuring value for money.

Salako, who disclosed the outcomes of the meeting, said the Steering Committee approved a financing framework to mobilize investment for healthcare electrification, alongside a facility energy management framework requiring participating hospitals to build sustainable systems for managing their energy infrastructure.

He said the committee also cleared eight (8) private sector proposals for further engagement, drawn from about 70 submissions received during the National Healthcare Electrification Investor Matchmaking Week in Lagos.

He added that Energy Management Teams are already in place at federal tertiary hospitals, with state governments being encouraged to set up similar structures, and that the initiative will now be institutionalized through dedicated budgetary provisions and a full-time Project Coordination Unit to oversee implementation going forward.

The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Power, Mahmud Mamman, underscored the stakes for the health sector, noting that uninterrupted electricity is essential for powering critical medical equipment, preserving vaccines, supporting laboratories and strengthening emergency response systems.

He described the NPHI as a landmark collaboration bringing together government, development partners and the private sector to tackle one of the health sector’s most pressing infrastructure gaps.

The Nigeria Power for Health Initiative signals the Federal Government’s intent to treat reliable electricity as a pillar of healthcare delivery.

As the NPHI moves from framework to delivering projects, it expresses the importance of healthcare reforms in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, where functional healthcare is defined not only by the personnel and equipment within it, but also by the power that keeps them running.

 

 

 

 

Sunbeth Global Concepts Receives Investment Grade Ratings From Agusto & Co. And Intelligence Africa.

 

 

Sunbeth Global Concepts Limited has received investment grade national scale credit ratings from two SEC-regulated African credit rating agencies, Agusto & Co. and Intelligence Africa, reinforcing confidence in the company’s financial strength, operational performance and long-term growth strategy.

Agusto & Co., Nigeria’s foremost indigenous credit rating agency, regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission, assigned Sunbeth an A2 Short-term and Bbb long-term rating.

In a separate first-time assessment dated 9 July 2026, Intelligence Africa assigned Sunbeth a BBB+.NG national scale long-term issuer credit rating and an A2 Short-term rating; with a Stable Outlook. According to the agency, the rating reflects Sunbeth’s position as one of Nigeria’s leading non-oil exporters, supported by its strong foreign currency earnings generation, integrated business model and strong market position, robust operating profitability, diversified funding base and substantial undrawn committed credit facilities supporting liquidity.

The ratings come at a significant stage in Sunbeth’s growth. Since its establishment in 2017, the company has exported more than 200,000 metric tonnes of cocoa and over 60,000 metric tonnes of cashew, steadily expanding its footprint across international agricultural commodity markets while strengthening its operational capacity.

As trading volumes have grown, Sunbeth has continued to strengthen its financial structure to support the increased working capital requirements associated with large-scale commodity sourcing, inventory management and international trade finance.

Commenting on the ratings, Nzubechukwu Anisiobi, Chief Operating Officer of Sunbeth Global Concepts Limited, said: “These ratings represent independent validation of the business we have deliberately built over the years. They reflect not only our financial discipline and operating performance, but also the confidence that respected rating agencies have in our strategy, governance and long-term outlook.”

He added, “As we continue to expand across the agricultural commodities value chain, we remain focused on building a resilient institution that creates lasting value for our partners, financiers, customers and the broader Nigerian economy.”

 

Beyond its core trading operations, Sunbeth participates across the agricultural commodities value chain through affiliated businesses under common ownership. Sunbeth Shipping and Logistics Limited supports logistics and shipping, Sunbeth Global Concepts Ghana Limited and Sunbeth Global Concepts Cameroon Limited facilitate regional commodity sourcing, and SFI Agri Commodities UK Limited supports cross-border trading with a focus on Europe and Asia. Sunbeth Food International Limited is expected to manage proposed cocoa and cashew processing facilities as part of the company’s forward integration plans.

These affiliated entities operate independently under distinct mandates and transact with Sunbeth on a commercial basis. Accordingly, the ratings are based solely on the standalone credit profile of Sunbeth Global Concepts Limited.

The ratings provide additional confidence to financial institutions, trading partners and other stakeholders as Sunbeth continues to scale its operations, broaden market access and pursue sustainable growth across regional and global markets.