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Consultancy Firms Join African Energy Chamber G20 Forum Amid Rise in African Oil and Gas Transactions
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Leading consultancy companies have joined the African Energy Chamber's (AEC) (https://EnergyChamber.org/) G20 Africa Energy Investment Forum, taking place November 21 in Johannesburg. Acha Leke, Chairman, McKinsey & Company Africa, and Simon Van Wyk, Director of Sustainability & ESG, Deloitte Africa, are expected to shed light into Africa's evolving energy landscape, examining how global investors perceive African opportunities and strategies for advancing investment across the continent.
Their participation comes as Africa enters a period of rapid growth, driven by increased Merger & Acquisition (M&A) activity and continental efforts to alleviate energy poverty. Heightened M&A activity is expected to be fueled by strategic realignments among global independents, international oil companies and indigenous operators. At the same time, a slate of upcoming licensing rounds is expected to attract new investment across the oil and gas market, increasing spending across both mature and frontier basins. As international companies turn their focus on the continent, consultancy companies with a deep understanding of the market are expected to play a role in facilitating transactions, instilling investor confidence and supporting companies as they navigate the changing dynamics of the industry.
McKinsey & Company Africa has been a long-standing advisor to governments, national oil companies and investors across the continent, providing strategic guidance on industrial policy, infrastructure and energy transition planning. The company helps clients pursue sustainability, inclusion and growth, aligning closely with Africa's broader goals of advancing both an energy transition and strengthening energy security. By integrating robust analytics and policy insight, the firm is helping African governments create data-backed pathways toward industrialization and energy diversification. Its work underscores the importance of transparency and competitiveness in making African markets more attractive to global financiers.
Meanwhile, Deloitte continues to support the growth of Africa's energy sector through a range of services – from audit and assurance to consulting to tax and related services. The company currently has offices in 12 African countries and a presence in 17 as well as the ability to serve 52 nations across the continent. The company is committed to supporting clients navigate Environmental, Social and Governance trends, providing clients with the tools to align their operations and investments with international standards. As Africa's oil and gas sector continues to grow, these services will be instrumental in supporting companies as navigate the complexities of the global energy transition.
“Improved market intelligence and clearer risk perception are transforming how investors view Africa's oil and gas markets. For too long, outdated assumptions and incomplete data have inflated Africa's perceived risk profile. Firms like McKinsey and Deloitte are changing that narrative, providing the insights, analytics and governance frameworks that allow investors to see the continent for what it truly is: a dynamic, high-return opportunity. By driving transparency and data-led decision-making, they are helping unlock the capital Africa needs to develop its resources responsibly and competitively,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.
As the continent positions itself at the center of global energy supply diversification, collaboration with strategic advisors such as McKinsey and Deloitte will be essential. Their insights on risk management, policy innovation and ESG alignment will help ensure that Africa's oil and gas growth story is not only profitable but also sustainable and inclusive.
To register for the Forum click here (https://apo-opa.co/3LFpsLN).
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.African Development Bank approves $310 million financial package for FirstRand Bank to scale up lending to MSMEs, women entrepreneurs and agribusinesses in South Africa
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The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) has approved a $310 million financial package to FirstRand Bank, one of the largest financial institutions in Africa. This support will significantly increase access to finance for micro, small, and medium-sized business enterprises (MSMEs), with a particular focus on women-led businesses and agribusinesses in South Africa.
FirstRand Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of the FirstRand Group.
This comprehensive financing package demonstrates the African Development Bank's continued support for private-sector-led growth and its confidence in FNB, FirstRand's leading commercial banking franchise, to support South Africa's socio-economic transformation and inclusive growth, particularly through empowering women entrepreneurs and agricultural businesses nationwide.
The package comprises three strategic components: a $200 million line of credit for on-lending to MSMEs across various sectors; a $100 million gender-focused line of credit dedicated to women-led and women-owned MSMEs; and a $10 million concessional line of credit from the Agri-Food SME Catalytic Financing Mechanism targeting women-owned agricultural small business enterprises.
“This approval highlights the African Development Bank's dedication to bolstering the private sector and fostering inclusive economic growth in South Africa,” said Kennedy Mbekeani, African Development Bank's Director General for Southern Africa. “By channeling these resources through FirstRand and, in particular, its commercial banking franchise, FNB, we are working with trusted partners with extensive reach to ensure that MSMEs —particularly those led by women —have access to the capital they need to grow, create jobs, and contribute to South Africa's economic development.”
A defining feature of this approval is its strong gender focus: $110 million — more than one-third of the total financial package – is explicitly earmarked for women MSMEs. This intentional gender approach aligns with AfDB's Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) and the Agri-Food SME Catalytic Financing Mechanism (ACFM) initiatives, demonstrating AfDB's commitment to closing the gender financing gap in Africa.
The concessional funding is, by design, ring-fenced for women-owned small business enterprises operating in South Africa's agriculture sector to significantly increase their access to affordable credit on favorable terms. Most smallholder farmers in South Africa remain excluded from accessing bank credit, yet they make up a significant proportion of the farming population.
The Financial Package will be complemented by technical assistance and Performance-Based Incentives from ACFM and AFAWA initiatives of the African Development Bank. The Technical assistance packages are intended to enhance the bankability of women-led/owned small business enterprises; support FNB's (FirstRand's commercial banking franchise) agriculture offerings; and explore alternative credit scoring.
“The approval of this financing package represents a significant milestone and elevation of this impactful partnership between the African Development Bank and FirstRand. It demonstrates both institutions' shared commitment to driving inclusive economic growth and empowerment of the heavily credit-deprived business communities of South Africa by deliberately channeling credit to women entrepreneurs and smallholder farmers”, stated Ahmed Attout, Director of the Financial Sector Development Department at the African Development Bank
“MSMEs are significant contributors to South Africa's economic growth, supporting job creation and community upliftment. FirstRand's commercial banking arm, FNB, has demonstrated a strong track record in providing capacity to women-owned businesses and small businesses in the agricultural sector, which in turn supports community development,” said Bhulesh Singh, FirstRand Group Treasurer.
This operation aligns with the African Development Bank's Four Cardinal Points development priorities. It also supports the Bank's Ten-Year Strategy (2024-2033), which focuses on inclusive growth, private sector development, and gender equality.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group is Africa's premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org
Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Experts to Speak at MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 in Dakar
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Two senior officials from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) – Dr. Ali Dehghan, Senior Supply Analyst, and Eng. Mohammed Attaba, Senior Downstream Oil Industry Analyst – have been confirmed as featured speakers at the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference and exhibition. Taking place in Dakar from December 9-10, the event will be held under the High Patronage of Senegal's President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye.
Energy supermajor Chevron (https://apo-opa.co/3WSqAhr) officially entered Guinea-Bissau's offshore sector in November 2025 through a landmark agreement to operate Blocks 5B and 6B. The move marks a significant expansion of Chevron's West African exploration portfolio, strengthening its presence across one of the continent's most promising frontier regions. As such, Dr. Dehghan and Eng. Attaba's participation exemplifies OPEC's growing engagement with the rapidly developing energy markets of the MSGBC basin, where major oil, gas and hydrogen projects are reshaping the regional energy landscape.
Explore opportunities, foster partnerships and stay at the forefront of the MSGBC region's oil, gas and power sector. Visit www.MSGBCOilGasAndPower.com to secure your participation at the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.
This year's edition marks a moment of historic progress across the region. Senegal has emerged as an oil producing nation, with first oil from the 100,000-barrel-per-day Sangomar field (https://apo-opa.co/4nSepMG) achieving first oil in June 2024. Production forecasts for 2025 have since been revised upward to 34.5 million barrels, up from the previous forecast of 20.53 million barrels. Meanwhile, Mauritania and Senegal recently achieved first gas production from the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) LNG project in December 2024 – followed by its first LNG export in April 2025 – strengthening the countries' integrated gas-to-power strategies and domestic refining capabilities.
Meanwhile, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau and Guinea-Conakry are intensifying exploration efforts to attract investment. Chevron's entry into Guinea-Bissau, ongoing data acquisition campaigns in Mauritania and Guinea-Conakry and new partnerships across the basin mark a rising confidence in the MSGBC region's frontier potential.
As such, Dr. Dehghan, who plays a key role in analyzing global oil supply dynamics within OPEC's Research Division, is well-positioned to offer insights into production forecasts and market trends while contributing to discussions on new production and export milestones across the basin. Furthermore, Eng. Attaba – a leading voice in refining and downstream analysis at OPEC – regularly represents the OPEC Secretariat at international forums, providing expertise on the medium- and long-term outlook for the downstream sector.
“Having OPEC representatives join the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference underscores the basin's growing significance in global energy discussions. Their insights will provide valuable context as the region transitions from exploration to large-scale production and export. This engagement reflects OPEC's recognition of the MSGBC basin as one of Africa's most dynamic emerging energy frontiers,” states Sandra Jeque, Events and Project Director, Energy Capital & Power.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.AFRICA NEWS ROOM – Gabon: Trial of Sylvia and Noureddin Bongo
In Gabon, the trial in absentia of former First Lady Sylvia Bongo Ondimba and her son Noureddin Bongo Valentin promises to be a major test for the independence of the judiciary. Accused of embezzlement of public funds and money laundering, they are scheduled to stand trial before the Special Criminal Court on 10 November 2025.
The Africa24 Group brings you an exclusive debate in the Africa News Room, exploring the issues at stake in this trial of major symbolic significance. It reflects the new authorities' commitment to breaking with the practices of the former regime, while representing a crucial test for the credibility and independence of the Gabonese justice system on the international stage, as well as a decisive step towards restoring citizens' confidence in judicial institutions..
Tune in to this special programme,
Africa News Room - Sylvia and Noureddin Bongo's trial
- Broadcast on 15 November 2025 from 17:15 and 23:15 GMT.
- Rebroadcast on 16 November 2025 from 17:15 and 23:15 GMT.
These programmes are exclusively rebroadcast on www.Africa24TV.com, on the myafrica24 app, Africa's leading HD streaming platform, on Africa24 TV (Canal+ 249) and Africa24 English (Canal+ 254).
The Africa24 Group 360° coverage and global broadcasting to 120 million households
Watch ‘Gabon: Trial of Sylvia and Noureddin Bongo' live, on replay and on demand on all your screens at :
- AFRICA24 in French (channel 249) et AFRICA24 English (channel 254) of the Canal+ Africa bundle
- On myafrica24 Africa's first HD streaming platform.
- On www.Africa24TV.com which offers you a full access to all our programmes.
Africa24 Group, Transforming Africa Together.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of AFRICA24 Group.Contact:
Communication Department – Africa24 Group
Gaëlle Stella Oyono
Email : onana@africa24tv.com
Tél. : +237 694 90 99 88
Follow us:
@ africa24tv
www.Africa24TV.com
ABOUT THE AFRICA24 GROUP :
Launched in 2009, the Africa 24 Group is the continent's leading TV and digital media publisher, with four full HD channels broadcast in the major cable packages. A leader among decision-makers and senior executives on the continent, Africa24 in French and Africa24 English, the Group is the pioneer and leader in African news channels. Africa24 has strengthened this leadership through sport with Africa24 Sport, Africa's leading channel dedicated to sports news and competitions, and Africa24 Infinity, the first channel dedicated to creative industries that showcase the creative genius of African youth in art, culture, music, fashion, design and more.…
The leading audiovisual brand on the continent, the AFRICA24 Group has four full HD television channels, each a leader in its segment :
- AFRICA24 TV : Leading French-language source for African news, published by AMedia
- AFRICA24 English : Leading African news source exclusively in English.
- AFRICA24 Infinity : The creative talent channel dedicated to music, art and culture.
- AFRICA24 Sport : Leading sports and competition news channel.
The AFRICA24 Group publishes myafrica24 (Google store and App Store), the world's first HD streaming platform on Africa available on all screens (television, tablet, smartphone, computers) ... More than 120 million households have access to Africa24 Group channels through major operators such as Canal+, Bouygues, Orange, Bell, etc., and more than 8 million subscribers on various digital platforms and social networks.
S&P Global Ratings’ Samira Mensah Joins African Energy Chamber (AEC) G20 Forum as Africa Seeks to Close Investment Gap
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With an energy finance gap estimated between $30 billion and $50 billion per year, Africa is pursuing diversified sources of financing to address this shortfall and advance strategic projects. Aligned with goals by the continent to make energy poverty history, the African Energy Chamber's (AEC) (https://EnergyChamber.org/) upcoming G20 Africa Energy Investment Forum seeks to close this gap by connecting global capital to African projects. Samira Mensah, Managing Director, Regional Head Africa & Country Head South Africa, S&P Global Ratings, is speaking at the forum, where she is expected to share insight into investment trends, credit ratings and strategies for securing capital in an ever-changing global context.
While Africa's energy potential is well-known – with over 125 billion barrels of proven oil reserves, 620 trillion cubic feet of proven gas and abundant renewable energy potential – high borrowing costs, perceived credit risks and limited access to long-term financing remain an impediment to project development. In tandem, global pressures to advance the energy transition has seen funding for oil and gas projects significantly fall, delaying African projects and impacting efforts to enhance energy security across the continent. Within this scenario, organizations such as S&P Global Ratings plays a crucial role, shaping market confidence and supporting capital access through transparent risk evaluation. The organization's research has consistently highlighted the importance of developing robust domestic capital markets, enhancing sovereign creditworthiness and leveraging blended finance and guarantees to reduce the cost of borrowing for African issuers.
While perceived credit risk continues to impact projects in Africa, recent trends have seen a continental push toward closing Africa's energy financing gap. The $5 billion Africa Energy Bank – spearheaded by the African Petroleum Producers Organization and Afreximbank – is making rapid gains in raising funds, offering an alternative, home-grown solution to raising capital. Development finance is gaining traction, evidenced by the U.S.-Export-Import Bank re-approving a loan of up to $4.7 billion to support the development of the TotalEnergies-led Mozambique LNG project. The African Development Bank also reached a record of $11 billion in new investments approved in Africa between 2024 and 2025. International energy companies are ramping-up their spending. Eni is investing $8 billion in Algeria, backed by a deal signed with Sonatrach, while ExxonMobil could invest as much as $15 billion in Angola's Namibe basin following successful drilling. African M&A transactions also saw a significant increase, totaling $2.7 billion in H1, 2025 alone.
The upcoming G20 Africa Energy Investment Forum builds on this momentum by offering insight into Africa's energy opportunities. The forum follows the African Energy Week 2025 conference, where a Premier Invest-led Deal Room identified up to $13.4 billion project opportunities across the upstream, midstream, downstream and renewable energy segments. By connecting global financiers with African stakeholders, the G20 Forum aims to drive projects forward while addressing challenges such as perceived risk and market uncertainty. Mensah's participation will bring technical depth to discussions on how sovereign and corporate ratings can catalyze investment in Africa's oil, gas and power sectors, particularly as countries pursue both expansion and transition agendas.
“Closing Africa's energy investment gap is not only about mobilizing capital, it is about changing perceptions, improving credit risk assessments and creating confidence in African markets. Institutions like S&P Global Ratings play a vital role in helping investors see the full picture: that Africa is not a risk to be avoided, but an opportunity to be embraced,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, AEC.
To register for the Forum click here (https://apo-opa.co/443y98Q).
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.Marriott Bonvoy Research: South Africans Plan More Holidays in 2026 with Artificial Intelligence (AI), Lux-Scaping and Passion Pursuits on the Rise
- Research among over 2,000 South African travellers reveals that nearly seven in 10 plan to take more or the same holidays in 2026
- The use of AI to plan and research holidays has now gone mainstream, and 59% would trust it to book holiday accommodation
- Lux-scaping - travellers booking a luxurious stay, like a spa or luxury hotel, at the start or end of their holidays - identified as a key travel trend for 2026 alongside passion pursuits
Nearly seven in ten South African travellers (69%) plan to take the same or more holidays in 2026 compared to 2025, including 49% who intend to travel more frequently, according to Marriott Bonvoy's Ticket to Travel research (www.Marriott.com). Younger generations are leading demand, with 66% of Gen Z planning on taking more holidays next year and embracing AI planning tools, luxury add-ons, and passion-driven trips.
The research, conducted among more than 22,000 adults across 11 key travel markets in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa—including over 2,000 South Africans—reveals that South Africans are planning an average of six holidays in 2026. This includes two domestic breaks, two short-haul trips (four hours or less), and two long-haul getaways.
Among those planning holidays, the top travel destinations are South Africa (25%), England (10%), Mauritius (10%), USA (9%), Mozambique (9%), France (7%), Botswana (7%), Zanzibar (7%) and Italy (6%).
AI Goes Mainstream in Travel Planning
Artificial intelligence has become a key tool for South Africans planning their next getaway. Nearly half (49%) of travellers have used AI to plan or research a holiday, with 15% using it all the time. Younger travellers are leading adoption—66% of Gen Z and 53% of Millennials have used AI for trip planning, compared to 27% of Gen X and 22% of Baby Boomers.
Confidence is also growing: 59% say they would feel comfortable booking accommodation through AI platforms such as ChatGPT, rising to 67% among Gen Z. Only 12% say the idea makes them uncomfortable.
‘Lux-Scaping' Emerges as a Defining 2026 Travel Trend
‘Lux-scaping'—booking a luxurious stay such as a spa retreat or five-star hotel at the start or end of a holiday—has emerged as a defining 2026 trend. Two-thirds (64%) of South Africans have lux-scaped before, surpassing the EMEA average of 59%. The trend is especially popular among younger generations, with 74% of Gen Z and 67% of Millennials embracing the approach.
Travellers cite the top benefits of lux-scaping as helping them relax and get into the holiday mindset (49%), return home refreshed (46%), give themselves a treat (41%) and enjoy a level of luxury they might not afford for a full trip (33%).
When asked what experiences and services they expect from a 5-star escape, luxury travellers in South African prioritise curated activities such as adventure excursions, wine tastings or private chef experiences (41%), followed by exclusive access to beaches and pools (36%) and all-inclusive stays (34%).
Passion Pursuits Take Centre Stage
Another major trend shaping 2026 travel is the rise of ‘passion pursuits'—holidays built around personal interests such as music, sport, or adventure. Over seven in ten (73%) South Africans have taken a passion-led holiday, higher than the EMEA average (68%), and one in five (19%) do so several times a year.
This trend is especially strong among Gen Z (84%) and Millennials (76%), who are using travel to deepen their engagement with the things they love. The most popular passion pursuits are travelling to see or participate in a music or cultural event (58%), watching or playing a sport (56%), and adventurous explorations like a safari or trek (39%).
Together Time Tops Travel Priorities
When choosing accommodation, the ‘brilliant basics' remain top priorities: cleanliness (96%), customer service (95%), and price (93%) lead the list. South Africans are strongly family-orientated, preferring to travel with family or children (44%) rather than with partners (35%) or friends (12%) while only seven percent prefer to travel alone.
‘Spending time with family and friends' (53%) remains the top travel priority, followed by ‘great food and drink options (48%), treating themselves (40%), and time in nature (40%).
Smart Spending, Savvy Travellers
South Africans remain financially savvy, finding ways to make their money go further. Price is a key driver, with 51% saying they'll book a holiday if a special price is available – the highest across the EMEA region.
Travellers are also making smart use of loyalty programmes to maximise value: 42% say hotel loyalty programmes influence where they stay (compared to 32% across EMEA), while 27% would go ahead and book, if they could earn loyalty points.
South Africans are equally focused on maximising experiences once travelling. ‘Country hopping' – visiting multiple countries on one trip – is on the rise, with 45% saying they will ‘probably' or ‘definitely' do this next year, increasing to 52% among Gen Z.
Sustainability Continues to Shape Decisions
South Africans continue to place sustainability at the heart of their holiday choices. Three-quarters (76%) of South African travellers have looked into the environmental impact of their holidays, while 59% checked the sustainability credentials of their accommodation before booking — the highest proportion across EMEA.
“South African travellers are entering a new era of exploration — planning their holidays with sustainability in mind, while being more selective about how they spend and who they travel with,” said Dorcas Dlamini Mbele, Senior Director, Commercial - Sub-Saharan Africa, Marriott International.
“Younger generations are especially enthusiastic, taking more trips and embracing new ways of planning — from using AI to building multi-country itineraries. At the same time, holidays are increasingly centred on what matters most, whether that's spending time with friends and family, enjoying great food, pursuing their passions through music, sport or adventure, or adding a touch of luxury to a getaway. The clear message is one of optimism, with travel continuing to be a top priority across South Africa.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Marriott International, Inc..Notes to Editors:
*Research conducted by Mortar Research amongst 2,045 adults in South Africa between 14th-21st July 2025, as part of wider research among 22,266 adults in the UK, Italy, Spain, Germany, France, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Poland, Türkiye, South Africa, and Egypt. There is a minimum of 2,000 respondents per market.
When referencing the Generations, please see below the age groups that are referenced:
- Generation Z: 18 to 28 year-olds
- Millennials: 29 to 44 year-olds
- Generation X: 45 – 60 year-olds
- Baby Boomers: 61 – 79 year-olds
- Silent Generation: 80 – 97 year-olds
For more information, please contact:
Birgit Deibele
Senior Director of Communications for Sub-Saharan Africa
Marriott International
Email: Birgit.Deibele@marriott.com
Travelers can also connect with Marriott Bonvoy on:
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/47OllUV
X: https://apo-opa.co/4nOXx9G
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/4nRxkqZ
TikTok: https://apo-opa.co/3XrkBAg
About Marriott Bonvoy®:
Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International's award-winning travel program and marketplace, gives members access to transformative, eye-opening experiences around the corner and across the globe. Marriott Bonvoy's portfolio of more than 30 extraordinary hotel brands offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, as well as through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments™, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques®. With the Marriott Bonvoy app, members enjoy a level of personalization and contactless experience that allows them to travel with peace of mind. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit www.MarriottBonvoy.com. To download the Marriott Bonvoy app, go here (https://apo-opa.co/4nKdzkZ).
