economic growth
Sonatrach-Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) Research and Development (R&D) Partnership Signals Africa’s Energy Future is Innovation-Led
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Algeria's state-owned oil company Sonatrach and the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under the auspices of the African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO), formalizing plans for a strategic partnership focused on research, development and innovation (R&D) in the oil and gas sector. Signed in Brazzaville, the Republic of Congo - the headquarters of APPO - and in the presence of APPO's recently appointed Secretary General Farid Ghezali, the MoU establishes a framework for assessing joint opportunities, sharing expertise and creating structured working mechanisms to support the development of hydrocarbon resources for energy security and sustainable development across Africa.
The African Energy Chamber (AEC) welcomes the agreement and expresses its full support for Sonatrach and GNPC in advancing African-led R&D collaboration. The agreement signifies APPO as not only an instrumental part in facilitating the partnership but a central force in bringing all parties together to ratify this important deal. Under the leadership of Ghezali, APPO continues to showcase its commitment to unifying nations - as well as the broader industry - to reach decisive agreements such as this one. The partnership also reflects a growing recognition among national oil companies (NOC) that innovation, technology and knowledge-sharing are essential to unlocking value, reducing costs and ensuring Africa remains competitive in a rapidly evolving global energy market. The AEC believes that this collaboration is expected to move the entire industry into its next phase of development.
The scope of cooperation outlined in the MoU is both comprehensive and forward-looking. It includes advanced onshore and offshore seismic technologies such as high-definition processing and interpretation, artificial intelligence-enabled subsurface analysis, 4D seismic and real-time reservoir modeling. The agreement also covers digital wells and digital oilfields, enhanced and improved oil recovery, stratigraphic exploration objectives, integrity and corrosion management and oil and gas valorization - capabilities that directly improve recovery rates, extend the life of producing assets and maximize returns from existing infrastructure. The partnership also integrates energy transition and environmental priorities alongside core upstream development. Areas of cooperation include carbon footprint reduction, low-carbon industrial solutions, hydrogen and green technologies, as well as water and waste treatment and air pollution mitigation. This reflects a pragmatic African approach: developing hydrocarbons responsibly while embedding sustainability and emissions management into project design and operations from the outset.
The agreement comes at a critical time for both markets. For Ghana, the MoU signals a commitment to leveraging innovation to revitalize oil production as the nation looks to revive oilfields, diversify the industry through gas and support broader regional energy growth. With 17 oil and gas projects scheduled for development by 2027, Ghana is working to expand exploration, ramp up production and deepen private sector participation. Recent milestones point to a strong resurgence across the market. Just this month, Kosmos Energy announced that it successfully drilled and completed the J-74 well - part of the larger 2025-2026 Jubilee field development campaign. In partnership with the GNPC and Tullow, the company plans to drill 20 wells at Jubilee under a $2 billion upstream expansion plan, five of which are planned for 2026. Alongside oil Ghana is advancing gas developments under efforts to monetize its over 2.1 trillion cubic feet of available resources. Projects such as a planned second processing plant - with a capacity of 150 million standard cubic feet per day - are underway and will complement operational facilities such as the Atuabo Plant.
As one of Africa's biggest oil and gas producers, Algeria is well-positioned to support Ghana's hydrocarbon goals. The country is advancing its own ambitious hydrocarbon strategy, anchored by a five-year plan endorsed by Sonatrach that will mobilize up to $60 billion in investment. The program prioritizes sustained exploration and production to offset natural decline, alongside the modernization and expansion of downstream infrastructure to strengthen value addition, boost export capacity and enhance long-term energy security. Through this strategy, Algeria is reinforcing its role as a continental energy leader while generating technical expertise and operational know-how that can be leveraged through partnerships with peers such as GNPC. By prioritizing R&D, embracing technology and aligning hydrocarbons development with sustainability objectives, Sonatrach and GNPC are setting a strong precedent. The AEC commends both companies and APPO for advancing an African-led model that supports energy security, economic growth and sustainable development across the continent.
“APPO continues to showcase a commitment to advancing Africa's hydrocarbon development. This MoU shows that African NOCs are investing in innovation to secure the continent's energy future. Research and technology are critical to producing oil and gas more efficiently and sustainably, while supporting the broader energy transition. Africa needs oil and gas to develop, and partnerships like this ensure those resources deliver long-term value for our people,” stated NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, AEC.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.APO Group Congratulates Clients and Partners Named on New African’s 100 Most Influential Africans List
APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), the leading multi-award-winning, pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service, congratulates its clients and partners recognised by New African magazine on the 2025 “100 Most Influential Africans” list, including Afreximbank, the African Development Bank (AfDB), Africa Finance Corporation, the Roman Catholic Church, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the African Energy Chamber, the Merck Foundation, and the UN Global Compact, as well as all honourees recognised for their leadership and impact on Africa's progress.
The New African list serves as a leading benchmark of influence across the continent, highlighting individuals and institutions whose work significantly contributes to Africa's economic growth, social development, and global standing.
APO Group celebrates the accomplishments of its clients and partners, whose leadership, innovation, and resilience continue to drive Africa's advancement across finance, energy, healthcare, public health, faith-based leadership, and international cooperation.
In finance and development, Dr. George Elombi, President and Chairman of Afreximbank, and Prof. Benedict Oramah, whose decade-long tenure concluded in October 2025, are recognised for their leadership in strengthening intra-African trade and economic resilience. Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), is honoured for his role in financing development and promoting inclusive and sustainable growth across the continent. Samaila Zubairu, President and Chief Executive Officer of Africa Finance Corporation, is noted for his contribution to Africa's infrastructure development and economic transformation.
In the business category, NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber, is recognised for advancing Africa's energy agenda and championing pragmatic, Africa-led energy solutions. Dr. Rasha Kelej, Chief Executive Officer of the Merck Foundation, is honoured for her transformative leadership in expanding healthcare access, education, and medical capacity building across Africa.
Faith-based leadership is also recognised, with the Head of the Roman Catholic Church in Africa, Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, acknowledged through its institutional leadership for its long-standing contribution to education, healthcare delivery, peacebuilding, and community support across the continent.
In the public health category, Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), is recognised for his decisive leadership in strengthening Africa's health security architecture. Under his stewardship, Africa CDC has enhanced epidemic preparedness, coordinated continental responses to public health emergencies, and reinforced Africa's capacity to respond to an era increasingly shaped by complex and persistent health threats.
In the public and international cooperation category, Sanda Ojiambo, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and Chief Executive Officer of the UN Global Compact, is recognised for advancing sustainable development, responsible business practices, and global partnerships aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard (www.Pompigne-Mognard.com), Founder and Chairman of APO Group, who was himself named on the New African “100 Most Influential Africans” list in both 2024 and 2025, said:
“We are proud to see our clients and partners recognised for their impact across business, finance, healthcare, faith-based institutions, public health, and international cooperation. APO Group is honoured to serve as a communications partner to organisations and leaders driving meaningful change across the continent, ensuring their voices are heard and their contributions recognised worldwide.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of APO Group.Media contact:
marie@apo-opa.com
About APO Group:
Founded in 2007, APO Group (www.APO-opa.com) is the leading award-winning pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service. Renowned for our deep-rooted African expertise and expansive global perspective, we specialise in elevating the reputation and brand equity of private and public organisations across Africa. As a trusted partner, our mission is to harness the power of media, crafting bespoke strategies that drive tangible, measurable impact both on the continent and globally.
Our commitment to excellence and innovation has been recognised with multiple prestigious awards, including a PRovoke Media Global SABRE Award and multiple PRovoke Media Africa SABRE Awards. In 2023, we were named the Leading Public Relations Firm Africa and the Leading Pan-African Communications Consultancy Africa in the World Business Outlook Awards, and the Best Public Relations and Media Consultancy of the Year South Africa in 2024 in the same awards. In 2025, Brands Review Magazine acknowledged us as the Leading Communications Consultancy in Africa for the second consecutive year. They also named us the Best PR Agency and the Leading Press Release Distribution Platform in Africa in 2024. Additionally, in 2025, we were honoured with the Gold distinction for Best PR Campaign and Bronze in the Special Event category at the Davos Communications Awards.
APO Group's esteemed clientele, which includes global giants such as Canon, Nestlé, Western Union, the UNDP, Network International, African Energy Chamber, Mercy Ships, Marriott, Africa's Business Heroes, and Liquid Intelligent Technologies, reflects our unparalleled ability to navigate the complex African media landscape. With a multicultural team across Africa, we offer unmatched, truly pan-African insights, expertise, and reach across the continent. APO Group is dedicated to reshaping narratives about Africa, challenging stereotypes, and bringing inspiring African stories to global audiences, with our expertise in developing and supporting public relations campaigns worldwide uniquely positioning us to amplify brand messaging, enhance reputations, and connect effectively with target audiences.
MIR Holding: Mouhamad Dieng and President Adama Borrow lay the groundwork for collaboration
MIR Holding (https://MIRHolding.Odoo.com), a global investment group, is exploring potential investments in The Gambia after its Chief Executive Officer, Mouhamad Dieng, held talks with His Excellency President Adama Barrow.
The meeting focused on the role of private investment in supporting economic growth, improving infrastructure and strengthening key productive sectors, as the Gambian government seeks to attract long-term capital to diversify its economy.
MIR Holding identified several sectors of interest, including digital infrastructure and urban infrastructure, real estate and tourism. These sectors are central to The Gambia's development strategy, given their potential to boost productivity, employment and foreign investment.
According MIR Holding's guiding principles, any potential investment would be subject to due diligence and structured in close coordination with public authorities and local partners. The group emphasised governance, regulatory clarity and long-term project viability as key criteria in its investment decisions.
Digitalisation was discussed as a cross-cutting priority, with a focus on strengthening digital infrastructure and improving service delivery. Infrastructure development was also highlighted as a prerequisite for enhancing connectivity and supporting private sector growth.
Real estate and tourism were also identified as areas with significant upside potential, particularly projects aligned with global standards and sustainability principles, while responding to local market needs.
“Governance and policy predictability were central to the discussions. Investors require clear regulatory frameworks and institutional stability to commit long-term capital, MIR Holding's CEO Mouhamad Dieng noted.
“Public-private dialogue is critical to building investor confidence and this visit to The Gambia is part of MIR Holding's broader pan-African strategy to expand its footprint across the continent while aligning investments with national development agendas.” He added.
The group operates across investment, real estate, services and infrastructure, and positions itself as a long-term partner rather than a short-term financial investor.
MIR Holding and Gambian authorities are expected to continue technical discussions in the coming months to assess specific project opportunities and partnership structures, the sources said.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of MIR Holding.Press contact :
Elisabeth TINE
Communication officer
contact@brainz-sn.com
Tel. 00 33 843 99 47
About MIR Holding:
MIR Holding is a global investment group with operations across several strategic sectors, including investment, real estate, services and infrastructure. The group focuses on long-term value creation, governance and sustainable impact, working in partnership with public and private stakeholders. MIR Holding aims to contribute to Africa's economic transformation by developing projects aligned with national priorities and international investment standards.