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Egypt: Her Excellency (H.E.) Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, Meets Military Attachés Designated for Overseas Assignments
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- Integrated coordination across government policies to stimulate investment, boost production, and empower the private sector.
- Growth expected to exceed 5% in the current fiscal year, with efforts underway to reach 7% to increase employment and deliver citizen-centered development.
- International institution reports confirm the success of government measures in enhancing economic stability and overcoming multiple challenges.
- Completion of the fifth and sixth IMF reviews and the continuation of reforms reinforce positive economic prospects for 2026.
- The government continues to implement incentives that strengthen the contribution of production, exports, investment, and industry to economic growth.
- Public investment governance successfully enforced in FY 2024/2025, adhering to the EGP 1 trillion ceiling to enable private sector expansion.
- Completion of 11 high-level and ministerial joint committees in 2025 with brotherly and friendly countries, and the signing of more than 65 cooperation agreements and protocols.
- Unified horizontal objectives and clear performance indicators across all ministries to ensure coordinated efforts and the achievement of ambitious growth, employment, and export targets.
- Macroeconomic stability and reform are mutually reinforcing paths—reforms enhance stability, and stability enables reform, laying solid foundations for sustainable economic development.
H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, met with military attachés designated for overseas postings.
During the meeting, H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat noted that Egypt's economic growth rates have risen steadily since July 2024, explaining that growth is primarily driven by productive sectors—namely industry, tourism, and information and communications technology—sectors largely led by the private sector. She emphasized that 98% of the tourism sector is private, as is the industrial sector, including automotive manufacturing, chemicals, textiles and garments, household appliances, and broader manufacturing activities, reaffirming that Egypt's economy is driven by productive, private-sector-led sectors.
She explained that industrial production growth has translated into a significant increase in Egyptian exports. In tourism, Egypt is expected to approach nearly 19 million tourists this year, while tourism nights in the last quarter of the previous fiscal year reached record levels. She added that Suez Canal activity recorded positive performance in the quarter ending September and is recovering amid peace efforts sponsored by H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and U.S. President Donald Trump. Despite Egypt being among the countries most affected by regional developments due to declining Suez Canal revenues, the economy has recovered and its indicators have improved. She noted that the Suez Canal accounts for around 12% of global trade, and any disruption has global inflationary implications.
H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat stressed that economic growth followed critical reforms implemented in March 2024, alongside measures to govern public investment and impose a fixed investment spending ceiling of EGP 1 trillion in the budget to create space for private sector expansion. This led to an increase in the private sector's share of total investment, with private enterprises now receiving the largest share of bank credit, particularly in the industrial sector.
She projected that Egypt's economy will achieve growth approaching 5% in the current fiscal year, supported by continued economic and structural reforms, with the government aiming to reach growth rates of 7% to boost employment and ensure development outcomes that positively impact citizens. She highlighted that international institution reports confirm the effectiveness of government measures in strengthening economic stability and overcoming challenges.
H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat affirmed that 2026 will represent a pivotal turning point for the Egyptian economy following fiscal and monetary reforms, the continuation of structural reforms, and efforts to open new economic horizons. The emerging economic model builds on infrastructure investments—particularly in ports and logistics zones—while focusing on higher-productivity sectors. She emphasized that Egypt's policy framework prioritizes industry, tourism, technology, and construction, noting that such reforms cannot be implemented without macroeconomic stability.
She highlighted the role of productive sectors in job creation, stressing that reforms drive employment through private-sector-led growth, particularly in industry, tourism, and ICT. She added that the completion of the fifth and sixth IMF reviews, alongside sustained reform policies, will further strengthen positive economic trends in 2026.
H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat underscored Egypt's Narrative for Economic Development: Reforms for Growth, Jobs & Resilience, which guides the transition toward a higher-productivity economic model.
She noted that the second edition includes a dedicated human development pillar, reaffirming that macroeconomic stability is a cornerstone of development through predictable fiscal and monetary policies, public investment governance, fiscal discipline, and domestic resource mobilization. Structural reforms, she added, reinforce macroeconomic stability, support the green transition, and unlock economic growth channels.
She explained that the national structural reform program follows a defined timeline and is implemented under the Ministry's supervision in coordination with more than 40 national entities. The program includes over 430 measures across sectors such as tax and trade reforms, public investment governance, social protection, private sector participation, labor market reforms, electricity and renewable energy, innovation and startups, and industrial competitiveness.
H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat further noted that the Ministry continues to strengthen partnerships with international institutions, UN organizations, and the private sector to mobilize resources and advance development finance solutions. Egypt's strong international relations, implementation capacity, and effective project design enhance access to concessional financing—lower-cost alternatives to market borrowing—without increasing debt burdens or shortening maturities.
In this context, she highlighted that concessional financing for budget support for 2023–2026 amounts to USD 9.5 billion, while the private sector has received USD 17 billion since 2020. Renewable energy was underscored as a critical alternative to reduce gas and fuel oil imports, with the government targeting 42% renewable energy by 2030.
She noted that through the NWFE Country Platform (Nexus of Water, Food and Energy), approximately USD 5 billion in concessional development financing has been mobilized for domestic and foreign private sector entities to implement renewable energy projects and support investments in the national electricity grid.
H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat emphasized that human development is a core pillar of economic development, with investment in human capital representing a direct investment in a more productive and equitable future. She noted that citizens are the (center of development), adding that 48% of public investments in the FY 2025/2026 plan are directed toward human development sectors.
She explained that the medium-term development plan, prepared in accordance with the State Planning Law, will be developed using the programs-and-performance methodology and will include shared horizontal objectives and clear performance indicators across ministries to ensure unified efforts and the achievement of ambitious targets for growth, employment, and exports.
Finally, H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat highlighted the importance of high-level and ministerial joint committees overseen by the Ministry, describing them as a key mechanism for strengthening Egypt's economic, trade, and investment relations, as well as cultural, scientific, and technical cooperation with partner countries. The Ministry oversees around 55 joint committees with countries across the globe. In 2025 alone, Egypt completed 11 high-level and ministerial committees and signed more than 65 cooperation agreements and protocols to enhance trade and investment relations.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation - Egypt.Natural Gas and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG): Building a Bridge to African Energy Security and Prosperity (By NJ Ayuk)
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By NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber (https://EnergyChamber.org).
Africa is awakening to the power of its natural gas reserves, recognizing that among its many resources, natural gas offers a reliable and expedient track to economic growth and energy independence.
In our “State of African Energy: 2026 Outlook Report," the African Energy Chamber (AEC) details how the energy matrices of several gas-producing nations are pivoting from holding gas back as mainly an export product to building gas-centric domestic markets.
We regard this crossover not as some hopeful economic gamble, but as an essential step that all gas-producing nations on the continent must take if Africa is to benefit fully from its fossil fuel reserves and build up true self-reliance — without apology — just as the developed nations of the world did when it was their time.
As our report makes clear, domestic gas demand in Africa is ready to surge in the coming years, driven primarily by rising power needs. At this pivotal juncture, several African nations serve as prime case studies on how forward-looking investments in gas production can power whole industries, create new jobs, and stabilize grids in places where such improvements are desperately needed. Additionally, their stories exemplify how, amid a global energy transition, natural gas will serve as a bridge fuel that will power Africa into its own sustainable future.
Angola's Gas Renaissance: From Exports to Domestic Growth
In Angola, the oil and gas sector has seen its economic footprint shrink over the last decade amid declining output. Regardless, Angolan policymakers are well aware of the vast untapped value in the country's gas reserves, and recent industry moves reflect a commitment to realizing their potential.
Angola's journey into the global gas arena began with the construction of the Angola LNG liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility in 2008. This transformed associated gas (gas found in wells alongside crude oil), which was previously flared or reinjected, into exportable LNG — slashing upstream emissions in the process.
The raw natural gas (or feedstock) that is processed and liquefied to produce LNG initially came from key offshore blocks operated by ExxonMobil, Total, and Eni/BP, and was augmented later with gas from other blocks operated by Eni/BP and Chevron. Though half of the associated gas produced in Angola today is still reinjected into wells to maintain pressure and enhance oil recovery, recent progress — like the December 2024 achievement of first gas from the Sanha Lean Gas project — aims to boost supply volumes to the Angola LNG plant.
Angola has also begun to pivot toward non-associated gas fields in areas like the Lower Congo basin. The New Gas Consortium, a joint venture headed up by Azule Energy, is targeting numerous developments on multiple blocks that are expected to ramp up LNG capacity by 2026.
Post 2010 exploration in the southern Kwanza Basin offshore led to giant non-associated gas discoveries. While exciting, we at AEC are frustrated that those finds remain stranded due to a lack of gas export infrastructure in the area and the high cost and difficulty of deepwater drilling where they're located.
The Kaminho project, which targets condensate-rich pre-salt discoveries in the Cameia and Golfinho fields, is the first operation under development in block 20 of the Kwanza basin. Condensate/light oil recovery is the current priority at the site, and the extent of development will depend on the completion of the Kaminho floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) unit expected in 2028. As our report speculates, the possibility of a network between Kaminho and the appraisal programs at the Lontra, Zalophus, and Bicuar fields in the same region could encourage development of gas transport infrastructure leading to Angola LNG at Soyo or central Angola.
The Angolan government seeks to expand its pipeline network, which may involve gas evacuation from Cameia-Golfinho to the coastal point of Caboledo and an onshore pipeline to Luanda and Soyo to satisfy local demand, but project costs and the necessary transportation tariffs are holding up investment. Funding for such developments could potentially come from upstream firms or international banks with added tax breaks to make them viable.
In the long term, gas blowdown operations at maturing oil fields in the Congo Fan could also supply Angola LNG, leveraging existing midstream infrastructure for extended production into the 2030s.
Domestically, Angola is allocating more gas to power generation, with supplies feeding the 750-megawatt (MW) Soyo combined-cycle gas turbine (CCGT) plant that has been balancing hydropower fluctuations since its start in 2018. But ambitions extend further: the Angola Gas Master Plan calls for fertilizer (ammonia) and methanol facilities by 2030, which would spur a massive increase in gas demand. The proposed ammonia plant, set for construction in 2025 and operations by 2027, could demand up to 80 million cubic feet per day (MMcf/d) by 2035. Power expansions and conversions from oil will also drive demand, while opportunities in petrochemicals, direct gas exports, or mining electrification could diversify use.
By integrating LNG exports with local needs, Angola exemplifies how Africa can benefit from its resources while encouraging economic diversification and reducing dependence on imports.
Emerging LNG Exporters: Mauritania and Senegal's Shared Success
Shifting north, Mauritania and Senegal have stepped into the LNG scene. They became exporters in 2025 with the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) project, a shared deepwater startup. This cross-border venture, featuring subsea infrastructure, an FPSO, and a floating LNG (FLNG) unit, has already generated approximately 3,000 local jobs and engaged roughly 300 domestic companies.
In 2015, developers overcame unitization hurdles through discussion, arriving at equitable terms, including domestic gas obligations. The project reached a final investment decision (FID) and agreed to a FLNG model, inspired by proven tanker conversions that have kept costs competitive on previous projects despite deepwater challenges.
Future expansions could double output through low-cost vessel upgrades; however, our report cautions that market oversupply risks and pledges from Senegal's new nationalist government to audit contracts may introduce additional risks.
Domestically, each country claims about 35 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscf/d) from the project — with delivery of Senegal's portion going to the Saint-Louis CCGT for power generation expected in 2026. Infrastructure initiatives, like gas networks and a proposed 366 MW power plant in Cap de Biches, aim to electrify close to 500,000 homes. Beyond power, other uses in petrochemicals and fertilizers could broaden the economic impacts, demonstrating how LNG can facilitate other industries.
Country-level initiatives like these align with the broader continental trends also outlined in our 2026 Outlook report.
Harnessing Regional Power Pools for Continental Integration
As of 2025, Africa's gross natural gas production is set to hit 331 billion cubic meters (bcm), led by the major producers: Algeria, Nigeria, and Egypt. Natural gas already powers 40% of the continent's electricity, with North Africa's 32% share doing most of the heavy lifting.
By 2050, gas-fired capacity could swell by more than 77 GW, yet its share of the total energy mix should stay around 40%. This demonstrates how gas can fill in as a transitional fuel during the expected growth in renewables, as well as its flexibility in supporting solar and wind during downtime.
Numerous nations are phasing out coal and oil — implementing gas-to-power in their national strategies while looking toward LNG imports or domestic sources. For instance, Nigeria has made gas-to-power a centerpiece of its master plan. South Africa's plans emphasize converting gas to electricity during its coal retirement. Senegal aims to have 3 GW of gas-to-power in place by 2050, and Ghana and Tanzania have similar gas-powered ambitions.
Though challenges like infrastructure gaps, import vulnerabilities, and environmental concerns will surely arise, we at the AEC are confident that targeted investments can overcome them.
These efforts are amplified by regional power pools — collaborations that allow neighboring countries to connect to each other's power grids. Five pools cover the continent:
- Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) leads as the most mature and serves as a model for strong interconnections and competitive trading.
- West African Power Pool (WAPP) has advanced cross-border links but grapples with regulatory and financial issues.
- Eastern Africa Power Pool (EAPP) is also making progress on interconnections despite political hurdles.
- Central African Power Pool (CAPP) is the furthest behind due to instability, limited infrastructure, and a lack of investment.
- North African Power Pool (NAPP) has arguably the most advanced infrastructure but limited trade as it has more of a focus on integration with European markets.
The African Single Electricity Market, an effort to combine these five pools into a single continental power market, has sights on full integration by 2040. Although barriers like physical distances and technological and political compatibility issues are expected, finding ways around these barriers could further unlock the potential of gas by linking exporters to importers and boosting access and cooperation.
"The State of African Energy" spells it out: Natural gas is a catalyst for African prosperity, not merely a commodity on the market. By expanding LNG and domestic uses, nations can drive growth, cut emissions, and assert their energy independence. As a transitional fuel, it offers a comfortable route to an eventual conversion to renewables and can ensure that no African is left in the dark during the process.
Africa deserves to thrive on the wealth of its own resources, and the developments outlined in our latest report prove that outcome is possible.
"The State of African Energy: 2026 Outlook Report" is available for download. Visit https://apo-opa.co/3YH75ct to request your copy.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) launches new Interim Forest Stewardship Standard for Mozambique
FSC (www.FSC.org) is pleased to announce the publication of the new Interim Forest Stewardship Standard (IFSS) for Mozambique, marking a significant step toward sustainable forest management in the country. This standard applies to all forest management units, including Small or Low Intensity Managed Forests (SLIMFs), but excludes Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs). While domestic demand for certified products remains low, interest from environmentally conscious buyers and donors is growing. FSC certification through the new IFSS can open doors for communities and businesses to benefit from sustainable forest products and ecosystem services.
Importance of forests in Mozambique and steps toward sustainable management
Mozambique's forests, covering nearly 40% of the country, are primarily Miombo woodlands and play a vital role in biodiversity conservation, supporting climate resilience and socio-economic development. The forestry sector supports millions of rural Mozambicans through timber, charcoal, employment, and other forest-based activities. However, unsustainable practices like illegal logging and slash-and-burn agriculture have led to the degradation of nearly 60% of forest resources, with an annual forest loss rate of 0.58%, costing the economy around $500 million annually.
Mozambique has been fully engaged in combating illegal logging and committing to climate and sustainable timber-related targets over the past years. The implementation of a comprehensive ban on raw log exports has restricted the export of 22 “first class species” in raw form, making concession holders legally required to process timber locally, ensuring more economic value remains within the country, promoting domestic timber processing, and creating jobs. Furthermore, as part of the Paris Agreement (http://apo-opa.co/4aYNQ5x) and with international support, Mozambique is aiming to meet its climate goals, as set out in its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) (http://apo-opa.co/494KpYB) - a reduction of 76.5 million tonnes of carbon emissions by 2030. The country was the first to receive payments from the World Bank's Forest Carbon Partnership Facility for REDD+ efforts. Sustainable timber production is now integrated into climate mitigation strategies, reinforcing forests' role in reducing emissions and supporting biodiversity.
Regardless of these efforts, illegal logging remains a significant challenge. Between 2017 and 2020, 2.6 million tonnes of logs worth $900 million were illegally exported, violating Mozambique's log export ban. The government has intensified enforcement efforts, including international cooperation with the US Forest Service, and improved monitoring systems. However, limited resources remain a barrier to effective enforcement. The new FSC standard, therefore, offers forest operators a credible system for demonstrating sustainability, improving transparency, and accessing higher-value markets.
Role of the new IFSS in climate and economic goals
Mozambique began engaging with FSC certification in 2005. Despite challenges such as low domestic demand and limited resources, FSC-certified wood products are gaining recognition in European markets. Organizations like WWF, FSC Denmark, and FSC South Africa have supported the development of FSC standards, leading to the creation of AGREF (Associação pela Gestão Responsável das Florestas).
The new IFSS was developed through a transparent and inclusive process. It included public consultations, field visits to provinces such as Sofala and Manica, community meetings, interviews, and input from over 160 stakeholders, including community leaders, government agencies, NGOs, and businesses. It supports Mozambique's climate goals and efforts to adapt to climate change under its Climate Promise and NDCs, while also promoting green jobs, rural development, and sustainable timber use, aligning with broader initiatives such as AFR100 (http://apo-opa.co/495DJJw), the Maputo Declaration (http://apo-opa.co/3L73i53), and community-led forest management. These efforts aim to restore degraded landscapes, protect Miombo ecosystems, and empower local communities.
The official English version of the IFSS is available for download at the FSC Document Centre (http://apo-opa.co/491Hi3t). A Portuguese version will be available soon to help with its implementation.
If you have further questions about the IFSS and the standard approval process, please contact the FSC Country Requirements team at country_requirements@fsc.org.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Forest Stewardship Council.Media contacts:
Southern Africa
Benjamin Rafemoyo
Market Development Officer, Southern Africa
b.rafemoyo@fsc.org
Phone: +263 86 440 00618
Mobile: +263 77 521 4160
Africa:
Israel Bionyi
Senior Regional Communications Manager
FSC Africa
i.bionyi@fsc.org
FSC Africa
www.Africa.FSC.org
T: +49 (0) 228 367 66 0
F: +49 (0) 228 367 66 65
Volunteer Opportunity: Website Developer & Designer – Volunteer Program for the Roman Catholic Church in Africa’s Communications Volunteer Programme
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As part of the voluntary communications programme managed pro bono by APO Group (https://APO-opa.com) to support the Roman Catholic Church in Africa, we are seeking an experienced Website Developer & Designer.
Location: Remote (Europe or Africa)
Type: Volunteer (Unpaid)
Commitment: 2 days per week, for at least 6 months
About the Role
The Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), the governing body of the Roman Catholic Church in Africa, is inviting applications for a Website Developer & Designer to strengthen and enhance its digital presence.
This is a hands-on, execution-driven volunteer role focused on the design, development, and ongoing maintenance of SECAM's websites and digital platforms. While content will be provided by other team members, the position centres on ensuring technical implementation, smooth functionality, consistent and professional design aligned with SECAM's brand standards, user-friendly navigation, and strong site performance.
We are seeking a dedicated individual who can work independently on clearly defined tasks, follow established brand guidelines and UX best practices, and collaborate effectively with content creators, communications teams, and project stakeholders. This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by shaping SECAM's digital presence and ensuring its platforms remain accessible, engaging, and reliable.
This role is part of the pro bono volunteer programme facilitated by APO Group (https://APO-opa.com). Learn more about the initiative: SECAM Africa Newsroom (http://apo-opa.co/3KMxBOx).
The programme operates within European and African time zones. For this reason, applications are only open to candidates based in these regions.
As a Website Developer & Designer, you will:
- Develop and launch websites, landing pages, and enhancements based on provided requirements.
- Implement responsive, cross-browser compatible designs.
- Customise CMS themes, templates, and components.
- Translate design mock-ups and supplied content into functional, high-quality web pages
Website Administration & Maintenance
- Apply SECAM brand guidelines to ensure visual consistency and professional design quality.
- Ensure strong usability, accessibility, and clear visual hierarchy.
- Maintain reusable templates and design components.
- Collaborate with content owners to ensure layouts support communication objectives.
Performance, SEO & Accessibility
- Implement technical SEO best practices and page-level optimizations.
- Optimise site speed, performance, and responsiveness.
- Apply accessibility standards (WCAG) and usability best practices.
- Support analytics, tracking, and performance monitoring where required.
Collaboration & Process
- Work closely with content creators, communications leads, and project managers.
- Provide practical input on technical feasibility and timelines.
- Document site structures, updates, and maintenance processes.
Required Skills & Experience
- 3–5 years of professional experience in website development and web design.
- Strong working knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
- Experience with at least one CMS platform (e.g. WordPress, Webflow, Drupal).
- Proficiency with design tools such as Figma, Adobe XD, or similar.
- Solid understanding of responsive design and UX/UI principles.
- Familiarity with hosting environments, DNS, and deployment workflows.
- Strong communication skills in English (French or Portuguese is an advantage).
Nice-to-Have
- Experience with modern frameworks or libraries (React, Vue, etc.).
- Basic back-end knowledge (PHP, Node.js, or similar).
- Experience with e-commerce or membership-based websites.
- Version control experience (Git).
Requirements
- 3–5 years of professional experience in website development and web design.
- Strong working knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
- Experience with at least one CMS platform (e.g. WordPress, Webflow, Drupal).
- Proficiency with design tools such as Figma, Adobe XD, or similar.
- Solid understanding of responsive design and UX/UI principles.
- Familiarity with hosting environments, DNS, and deployment workflows.
- Strong communication skills in English (French or Portuguese is an advantage).
What We Offer
- The opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the mission of the Roman Catholic Church in Africa.
- Hands-on experience supporting international digital platforms in a mission-driven context.
- A multicultural, collaborative, and purpose-driven volunteer environment.
- The chance to strengthen your CV and expand your international professional network.
This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the Church's noble mission, while also enhancing your professional experience, strengthening your CV, and broadening your international network.
I M P O R T A N T: Only applicants who complete the form below will be considered.
APPLY here: https://apo-opa.co/4b0eVoW
The Catholic Church operates 82,235 Catholic Schools in Africa, educating 30,629,476 pupils. Its extensive network of care includes 13,880 facilities such as hospitals, clinics, dispensaries, leprosy centres, homes for the elderly and chronically ill, centres for disabled people, orphanages, kindergartens, and marriage counselling centres.
According to the 2022 State of the World's Volunteerism Report compiled by the United Nations, the global number of volunteers stands at 862.4 million. Embracing volunteerism provides individuals with unparalleled firsthand professional experience, allowing them to enrich their CVs with valuable expertise gained through meaningful contributions.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of APO Group Jobs.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 Agency of the Year South Africa in 2024 and again in 2025 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.
African Energy Chamber’s (AEC) NJ Ayuk Recognized as One of New African’s Most Influential Africans of 2025
The African Energy Chamber's (AEC) (https://EnergyChamber.org) Executive Chairman, NJ Ayuk, has been named among The Most Influential Africans of 2025 by New African, the pan-African magazine published by IC Publications. The recognition places Ayuk among a distinguished cohort of leaders, innovators and change-makers whose work continues to shape Africa's political, economic and social trajectory across the continent and beyond.
New African's Most Influential Africans (MIA) list has become one of the publication's most widely read and enduring features. Compiled with input from correspondents and collaborators across Africa, the list identifies individuals whose impact transcends borders and sectors – whether through global visibility or transformative leadership within their own fields.
Among those recognized are Angola's President João Lourenço; South African President Cyril Ramaphosa; Ghana's President John Mahama; Burkina Faso's President Ibrahim Traoré; Botswana's Minister of Youth and Gender Lesego Chombo; Ugandan-born New York City Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani; Afreximbank President and Chairman Dr. George Elombi; as well as Kojo Annan, Steven Bartlett, Samaila Zubairu, Aliko Dangote, Jennifer Zabasajja, Cynthia Erivo, Sim Tshabalala, Hassanein Hiridjee and African Development Bank President Dr. Sidi Ould Tah. For many, inclusion on the list not only celebrates achievement but also elevates African voices, restores pride and provides role models for current and future generations.
Ayuk's inclusion reflects his emergence as one of the continent's most prominent advocates for Africa's right to determine its own energy future. At a time when Africa's energy choices are increasingly politicized on the global stage, Ayuk has consistently highlighted the continent's distinct challenge: energy poverty. With more than 600 million Africans lacking access to electricity and nearly a billion without clean cooking solutions, he maintains that hydrocarbons – particularly natural gas – remain essential to Africa's development pathway.
“If you really believe in what you do and stay at it, sooner or later, the world and the critics will cross over to you rather than you cross over to them. Admiration has an expiration date but commitment never expires. We have shown that with our unapologetic believe in oil and gas for Africa's development. Many were not always with us but now they feel proud about #DrillBabyDrill and Africa's unapologetic right to produce every drop of hydrocarbons it can find to get our people out of energy poverty,” Ayuk stated.
Through his leadership at the AEC, Ayuk has helped unify Africa's oil and gas industry around a development-focused narrative. He has challenged what he describes as global energy double standards, where continued investment in oil and gas in Western economies is paired with pressure on African nations to abandon their own resources. By reframing the debate, Ayuk has anchored Africa's energy conversation around fairness, sovereignty and realism – asserting that the energy transition must reflect Africa's starting point, infrastructure gaps and development needs.
“I accept this recognition on behalf of the hardworking men and women at the AEC and the African energy industry. From Namibia to Nigeria, from Uganda to Mauritania and from Cape to Cairo, oil and gas workers are lifeblood of many African economies. Our team at the AEC rock. Amazing people and they put up with me. The hits, attacks and the heat that we take in doing our work, are nothing compared to the hardships that many Africans experience every day of their lives - especially those without electricity and clean cooking fuels like LPG. We must defend the oil and gas industry like a junkyard dog in the face of a hurricane. Western nations only care about climate change or global warming - Africans want energy and to industrialize then transition to something else,” Ayuk added.
Over the years, the Chamber has become a platform for African producers, policymakers, investors and service companies, creating spaces where African priorities are articulated by Africans themselves. From flagship events such as African Energy Week to sustained media engagement and policy advocacy, Ayuk has amplified Africa's voice in global energy discussions, helping to re-energize investment conversations across the continent.
“We must continue in 2026 to defend and support the energy industry and protect the millions of good-paying jobs it creates for Africans. Thank you for this prestigious nomination. As long as I am the Chairman of the AEC, Africans and the energy sector will always have a champion fighting the good fight. No fight is bigger than Making Energy Poverty History. We need to continue championing free enterprise and limited government and push for financing of energy projects in Africa,” he concluded.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.