Industrial
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.Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) and Africa’s Gas Future: A Flexible Solution for Accelerated Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Development
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Floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) is rapidly emerging as a cornerstone of Africa's gas development strategy, as the continent prepares for a sharp rise in demand and seeks faster, more resilient pathways to market. According to the African Energy Chamber's (AEC) (https://EnergyChamber.Org) State of African Energy 2026 Outlook, Africa's natural gas demand is projected to increase by 60% by 2050, underscoring the urgency of bringing new supply online efficiently and at scale. At the same time, Africa already hosts the highest concentration of FLNG infrastructure globally, positioning the continent as a natural testbed for floating solutions that monetize offshore resources while mitigating above-ground risks.
Accelerated FLNG Deployment
Early FLNG successes are already reshaping development models across the continent. Cameroon's Hilli Episeyo FLNG project stands as Africa's first operational FLNG facility and a global reference point. Brought online in record time, the project demonstrated how FLNG can rapidly unlock gas exports from relatively modest reserves. Since then, Africa's FLNG market has expanded, with several projects now under development or in operation.
On the maritime border of Senegal and Mauritania, the Gimi FLNG vessel – situated at the bp-led Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG development and operated by Golar LNG – reached its commercial operations date in 2025. As the first FLNG unit deployed in the MSGBC region, the vessel will monetize up to 15 trillion cubic feet of gas through a 20-year Lease and Operate Agreement.
In Gabon, Perenco is developing the Cap Lopez FLNG project with a capacity of 700,000 tons per year, starting in 2026, with the unit being built by Dixstone. Offshore Nigeria, UTM Offshore is developing an FLNG facility at the deepwater Yoho field, a $5 billion project progressing toward FID. As Africa positions itself for the next phase of gas-led growth, FLNG stands out as a practical, future-focused solution – one that aligns technical innovation with the continent's urgent development needs and long-term energy ambitions.
Implications for the Sector
One of FLNG's most compelling advantages is scalability. Unlike onshore LNG developments, which require extensive land acquisition, supporting infrastructure and long construction timelines, FLNG facilities can be deployed in phases and scaled according to reservoir performance and market demand. This modular approach reduces upfront capital requirements and allows producers to accelerate first gas while preserving optionality for expansion. The Congo LNG project illustrates this approach: following phase one operations in 2023, operator Eni moved quickly toward phase two, bringing production online in 2025 – just 35 months after construction began and six months ahead of schedule. With first exports set for 2026, the project demonstrates how FLNG can be developed at speed and scale.
FLNG also helps mitigate above-ground risks – an issue shaping gas development strategies across Africa. Mozambique offers a clear example. Despite hosting some of the world's largest gas discoveries, security challenges in Cabo Delgado caused delays and force majeure declarations on major onshore LNG projects. Offshore FLNG developments, however, have proven more resilient. Eni brought the Coral Sul FLNG project online in 2022, with the Coral Norte FLNG project reaching a $7.2 billion FID in 2025. While projects such as Mozambique LNG and Rovuma LNG faced delays, Coral utilized FLNG to reduce exposure to onshore security threats and logistical bottlenecks, enabling continued operations even in complex environments.
Making Energy Poverty History Through Gas
Beyond speed and resilience, FLNG could become a catalyst for Africa's broader economic development. By reducing capital intensity and shortening development timelines, FLNG improves project bankability and attracts a wider pool of investors. It also supports gas-to-power strategies, petrochemical development and regional energy security by enabling monetization of gas that might otherwise remain stranded for years.
However, FLNG is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Successful deployment requires robust regulatory frameworks, clear fiscal terms and strong collaboration between governments, operators and financiers. When aligned with national gas master plans and long-term industrial strategies, FLNG can serve as a powerful bridge between exploration success and sustainable economic impact.
These discussions will be central at African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, where governments and industry leaders will explore how floating solutions can unlock Africa's vast gas potential while managing risk and accelerating timelines. AEW continues to provide a critical platform for sharing lessons learned, advancing project dialogue and mobilizing capital into innovative LNG developments.
“FLNG is changing the game for African gas producers. It allows countries to monetize resources faster, reduce exposure to security and infrastructure risks, and generate revenues that can be reinvested into broader development. When deployed strategically, FLNG can help Africa turn gas discoveries into energy security, industrial growth and real economic transformation,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, AEC.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.Kenya Engineer Releases Volume 54, Issue 1 (January–February 2026), Now in Circulation
Kenya Engineer Magazine (www.KenyaEngineer.co.ke) has released the January–February 2026 issue, marking the first issue of Volume 54 and reaffirming the publication's long-standing role as a trusted platform for engineering insight in Kenya, East Africa, and beyond.
For more than five decades, Kenya Engineer has documented the evolution of engineering practice, industry, and policy across the region. The latest issue is published at a time when engineering is increasingly central to energy transition, industrial growth, infrastructure development, and sustainability, and it continues the magazine's commitment to professionally grounded, context-driven content.
Focus of the January–February 2026 Issue
The new issue brings together analysis, interviews, and features examining key developments shaping the engineering and industrial landscape, including:
- Power and energy sector developments and their implications for industry
- Grid stability, transmission, and infrastructure readiness
- Manufacturing and industrialisation in Kenya and across Africa
- Engineering leadership, policy alignment, and skills development
- Emerging trends in sustainability and electric mobility
Rather than reporting events in isolation, the issue places emphasis on context, relevance, and long-term implications, offering insight that remains valuable to professionals, institutions, and decision-makers beyond the news cycle.
A Trusted Platform for the Engineering Ecosystem
Kenya Engineer continues to serve a diverse readership that includes practicing engineers, technical managers, utilities, manufacturers, EPC firms, regulators, policymakers, and academic institutions. Its positioning as a credible, independent platform has made it a reference point for industry dialogue and professional reflection across the region.
As engineering challenges grow more complex and interconnected, the publication remains focused on supporting informed discussion that links engineering practice, industry needs, and development priorities.
Availability
The January–February 2026 issue is now in circulation and is available in both print and digital formats, ensuring accessibility for readers locally and internationally. In addition to individual copies, annual print subscriptions covering six issues are also available for professionals, firms, and institutions that rely on Kenya Engineer as a reference publication.
Digital download link - https://apo-opa.co/3N0wueV
Print copy order - https://apo-opa.co/3Yrurmw
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Kenya Engineer.For further information:
www.KenyaEngineer.co.ke
info@kenyaengineer.co.ke
admin@kenyaengineer.co.ke
About Kenya Engineer:
Kenya Engineer is a professional engineering magazine serving East Africa and beyond. It provides news, analysis, and features across power, infrastructure, manufacturing, automation, sustainability, and emerging technologies, with a focus on engineering-led development. The publication has served the engineering community for over 50 years.
Global Service Providers, Industrial Specialists Join the Libya Energy & Economic Summit (LEES) 2026 as Bronze Sponsors
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The Libya Energy & Economic Summit (LEES) 2026 (https://LibyaSummit.com), taking place in Tripoli from January 24-26, continues to attract a broad cross-section of international and regional companies aligned with Libya's upstream growth, infrastructure modernization and economic revitalization agenda. The event has confirmed (Kellogg Brown & Root) KBR , TGS, Bharat Tanks & Vessels (BTV), Go Gas Holding, Regus and SIXT as Bronze Sponsors, underscoring strong private-sector engagement as Libya accelerates toward its production and investment targets.
The participation of these companies reflects growing confidence in Libya's reform-driven energy strategy, which combines aggressive upstream expansion with renewed focus on gas monetization, logistics, infrastructure and investor enablement. Together, the Bronze Sponsors represent the technical depth, advisory expertise and operational support required to translate policy momentum into executable projects.
Global engineering and advisory firm KBR brings decades of experience in Libya, spanning upstream engineering, infrastructure planning and government advisory services. As a strategic partner to Libya's National Oil Corporation (NOC) (https://apo-opa.co/3Ll9nLh), KBR is providing feasibility studies, technical reviews and project delivery frameworks across oil, gas, power and infrastructure. Its long-standing footprint positions KBR as a key enabler of Libya's next investment cycle.
Energy data and intelligence company TGS supports Libya's upstream revival through advanced subsurface analytics and seismic data coverage. With one of the world's largest energy data libraries, TGS provides 2D and 3D seismic datasets that help governments and operators de-risk exploration and accelerate decision-making, particularly relevant as Libya opens new acreage across the Sirte, Murzuq and Ghadames basins.
India-based BTV joins LEES 2026 as Libya prioritizes midstream and downstream infrastructure upgrades. Specializing in ASME-certified pressure vessels, LPG spheres, cryogenic tanks and transport equipment, BTV is positioned to support storage and distribution systems for LNG, LPG, ammonia and emerging fuels. Its capabilities align with Libya's need to modernize fuel logistics while preparing for future energy vectors such as hydrogen and CO₂ handling.
Go Gas Holding, a regional energy company active in Libya's gas value chain, reflects the growing emphasis on gas capture, domestic supply and downstream infrastructure. As Libya advances projects at Waha, Bouri and the Western Libya Gas Project, Go Gas' focus on distribution and logistics complements national efforts to improve power generation and reduce flaring.
Beyond energy operations, Regus and SIXT support the broader investment ecosystem. Regus provides flexible office infrastructure in Tripoli, enabling international firms to establish rapid local presence, while SIXT – operating through its Libyan franchise – delivers secure mobility solutions for executives, project teams and summit delegates.
“The participation of these Bronze Sponsors reflects the depth and diversity of expertise required to support Libya's energy resurgence, from upstream advisory and data to infrastructure, logistics and investor enablement. Their engagement at LEES 2026 underscores growing international confidence in Libya's reform agenda and the opportunities emerging across the entire energy value chain,” states James Chester, CEO, Energy Capital & Power.
Together, the Bronze Sponsors reinforce LEES 2026's role as a convergence point for operators, service providers and investors shaping Libya's energy and economic future.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.