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Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas has received formal Ministerial approval from the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy of Namibia for the Section 11 assignment relating to the Company's previously announced farm-out of its 85% participating interest in Petroleum Exploration Licence 98 (PEL 98), offshore Namibia, to Namibian company, Lamda Energy

The receipt of this approval demonstrates continued regulatory progress within Namibia's highly prospective offshore sector and reflects the Ministry's ongoing commitment to advancing commercial transactions and exploration activity across the country.

The Company also confirms that the Section 11 application relating to its recently announced farm-out transaction with BP Namibia Energy Limited ("bp Namibia") across Petroleum Exploration Licences 97, 99 and 100 has now been submitted to the Ministry and will be the next key regulatory milestone in progressing that transaction. Eco is also pleased to confirm that the Section 11 application relating to the Company's recently announced farm-out transaction on Block 1 CBK to Navitas Petroleum LP ("Navitas") was formally submitted and received by the Petroleum Agency South Africa ("PASA") on 26 June 2026.

Gil Holzman, co-founder and chief executive officer of Eco Atlantic, said, "Ministerial approval for the PEL 98 transaction is a significant milestone for Eco and our partners as we move the Farm-Out towards completion. Eco would like to express its sincere appreciation to the Ministry, the Upstream Petroleum Unit, and all parties involved in facilitating this process.

"It is also highly encouraging to see broader momentum across Namibia's upstream sector continue to grow. Ministerial approvals are progressing, providing increased confidence for companies operating in the country and supporting the advancement of exploration and commercial transactions across Namibia's offshore acreage.

"With our farm-out from PEL 98 in its final stages and the Section 11 applications for both our Block 1 CBK transaction with Navitas, and PEL97,99 & 100 transaction with bp Namibia submitted, we look forward to continuing to advance our portfolio of world-class assets in one of the world's most prospective offshore exploration regions."

Viridien has started a seismic reimaging project in the Tano Basin, Ivory Coast, called CDI25, which explorers can refer to as a drill-ready multi-client dataset to unlock opportunities along the West African Atlantic margin

Viridien has been active in the Ivory Coast since the last four years, and CDI25 comes as an upgrade to this longstanding subsurface reimaging programme. With the deployment of digital processing and imaging workflows, including Ghost Wavefield Elimination, advanced de-multiple, and Time-Lag Full-Waveform Inversion will help deliver high bandwidth, enhanced deep imaging and sharp structural and stratigraphic details.

Covering an area of 6,555 sq km, the fast-track CDI25 results are expected by Q4 2026, before final deliverables by Q2 2027. Once out in the market, explorers will be able to access a seamless, basin-scale 3D seismic volume across 16,000 sq km of the Tano Basin.

With the recent discovery in the Calao Channel complex, explorers can use the dataset for invaluable subsurface insights to increase their chances of success in the region. To top it off, it can also be used to gain regional context into the adjacent acreage of the Baleine field for further opportunities such as lead maturation, de-risking, and further exploration delineation.

Dechun Lin, head of Earth Data, Viridien, said, “The recent Murene South and Baleine field discoveries highlight the growing importance of Tano Basin and the industry value of our multi-year reimaging programme. Viridien is proud to support exploration offshore Ivory Coast with cutting-edge data that is generating new insights to reveal further opportunities in this prolific basin.”

Energy technology company, Baker Hughes, has secured a comprehensive lifecycle services deal from Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) to support turbomachinery equipment at its liquefaction plant in Bonny Island, Nigeria

Baker Hughes and NLNG collaboration has aged two decades now and continue to run strong with the current agreement that comes with scope for 13 years. The agreement ensures operational support for the new Train 7 project, which is set to increase the facility’s total LNG production capacity from 22 to 30 MTPA once completed. The scope covers comprehensive services for Baker Hughes’ equipment awarded in 2021: four heavy duty gas turbines and associated centrifugal compressors, along with two additional gas turbines for power generation. The new service agreement includes the support of a local Baker Hughes engineering team and iCenter digital services, powered by Cordant, for remote monitoring and diagnostics to enhance equipment reliability and availability.

“Utilising Baker Hughes’ industry-leading lifecycle services and digital expertise will help support the successful long-term operation of our Train 7 project,” said Nigeria LNG Limited Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Adeleye Falade.

“As we expand our production capacity, we are strengthening Nigeria’s role as a competitive global energy supplier, creating greater economic value for our stakeholders, and supporting a practical energy transition through the delivery of lower-carbon energy solutions. This partnership reflects our commitment to operational excellence, innovation and sustainable growth.”

“This agreement reinforces the strength of our long-standing collaboration with NLNG and our commitment to the region,” said Baker Hughes Chief Growth & Experience Officer and interim Executive Vice President of Industrial & Energy Technology, Maria Claudia Borras.

“Our advanced lifecycle services and regional expertise can help NLNG ensure efficient and reliable operations at its Bonny Island facility, while bolstering energy reliability as Nigeria continues to harness its proven gas reserves to meet growing global energy demands.”

In a major step towards the development of its first project in Egypt, Arcius, in collaboration with the Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company, has reached final investment decision (FID) on the Harmattan gas field in the El Burg Offshore concession area

Approximately half a billion dollars investment by the bp and XRG venture, the project aims to boost natural gas production.

This comes following Arcius’ acquisition of the El Burg Offshore concession area in February 2026. The project's execution phase will be led by ENPPI delivering engineering, procurement, construction and installation (EPCI) contract for Pharaonic Petroleum Company on behalf of El Burg Offshore Petroleum Company. Petroleum Marine Services and Petrojet will be providing services in the capacity of subcontractors.

Speaking on the FID and acknowledging the project's purpose to primarily meet domestic market needs, the chief executive officer of Arcius, Naser Al Yafei, said, "The Final Investment Decision to develop the Harmattan field marks an important milestone in advancing one of our first projects in Egypt toward production. It reflects our confidence in the potential of Egypt’s energy sector and our commitment to close cooperation with the Egyptian government, EGAS, and our execution partners to strengthen Egypt’s natural gas supply, support energy security, and reinforce Egypt’s position as a regional energy hub in the Eastern Mediterranean.” 

The FID was announced during the EGYPES 2026 with the participation of EGAS, Arcius as the Operator of El Burg Offshore Concession, PhPC, ENPPI, and in the presence of Karim Badawi, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources.

In line with Nigeria's strategy to expand reach in export market, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has globally released its new crude grade – Cawthorne 

With an API gravity of 36.4 that denotes the light and sweet kind, the Cawthorne crude rules global market demand because of its unmatched petrol and diesel yields. Comparable to Bonny Light, Cawthorne crude blend is the latest from Nigeria’s basket of crude grades, building on recent additions such as Nembe and Utapate. 

The consistent market launches come from optimised production, helping Nigeria to solidify its base in the export market with diverse offerings. The Cawthorne Floating Storage and Offloading (FSO) vessel, which is strategically positioned offshore Bonny, Rivers State for enhanced energy security and operational efficiency in easy crude evacuation from OML18, comprised the maiden 950,000 barrels cargo for export. Loaded on an MT Eburones vessel, it headed to the Netherlands, and unto the global market. 

As Nigeria aims to attain crude production of three million barrels per day and gas output to 12 billion cubic feet per day by 2030, the international launch of Cawthorne will unlock value from its asset base and deepen market competitiveness.

“This milestone reflects the direction we have set for NNPC Limited—one anchored on execution, partnership, and value creation. We are moving decisively from resource potential to resource monetisation, ensuring that every asset delivers measurable commercial outcomes.

"The successful export of the Cawthorne crude grade is not an isolated achievement; it is part of a broader, deliberate strategy to grow production, deepen market relevance, and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a reliable global energy supplier. We remain firmly focused on delivering sustainable growth in line with national objectives and global market expectations,” said Bashir Bayo Ojulari, Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, as he acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership and OML 18 partners' strong collaboration in achieving the milestone. 

Technological innovation, strategic partnerships, and operational discipline will remain central to NNPC Limited's vision as the organisation works towards value creation from Nigeria's vast hydrocarbons resources.

Oil Review Africa catches up with Christopher Hudson, President of dmg events, ahead of ADIPEC 2025

Excerpts from an interview: 

Energy across Africa, as elsewhere in the world, is seeing major shifts and advancements. How does ADIPEC 2025 reflect this changing industry landscape and help meet the needs? 

Energy is one of the most dynamic and rapidly evolving sectors. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global energy demand rose by 2.2% last year, outpacing the average annual increase of 1.3% recorded over the last decade. At the same time, the global population is projected to reach 9.8 billion by 2050, with over 750 million people still lacking access to electricity, and more than 2.1 billion people remain without access to clean cooking. Rising urbanisation and living standards are reshaping energy demand, with air conditioning alone expected to be one of the largest contributors to electricity demand growth in the coming decades. This reveals the sector’s increasing need to not only produce more energy but to produce it in a way that is equitable and sustainable.

In this context, ADIPEC 2025 is being held under the theme of ‘Energy. Intelligence. Impact’. It reflects a simple but powerful truth: meeting the world’s growing need for secure, affordable and sustainable energy will depend on how intelligently we harness every resource – human, technological and natural – to deliver meaningful results for economies and communities alike.

At its core, the theme recognises that intelligence – both human and artificial – is transforming the way energy is produced, managed, and consumed. From AI-driven optimisation and digital integration to advances in hydrogen, LNG, and decarbonisation, intelligent innovation is reshaping the global energy landscape. ADIPEC serves as the meeting point for these forces, where ideas translate into action and impact can be measured in investment, policy, and progress.

AI is a major topic of discussion in the context of energy, due to its high demand. How is ADIPEC responding to the challenges and opportunities of the AI-energy nexus? 

Artificial intelligence is reshaping both global energy demand and the industry’s ability to respond. Data centres already consume around 1.5% of global electricity, and with AI workloads, that demand could more than double by 2030, rising from 415 TWh to 945 TWh. A single advanced AI model can require as much electricity to train as 100 households use in a year, while an AI query may consume 10 times more energy than a standard search.

This convergence is both a challenge and an opportunity. AI requires enormous energy, but it can also optimise grids, cut waste, improve operational efficiency, and accelerate decarbonisation. At ADIPEC 2025, we have expanded our AI Zone into five experiential areas showcasing how AI is transforming systems, people, and infrastructure. Alongside this, more than 80 conference sessions are dedicated to the AI–energy nexus, from predictive analytics to governance frameworks.

For Africa, this is particularly significant. Many countries are rapidly digitalising while also expanding power systems. The ability of AI to enhance reliability and reduce costs could be transformative for energy access and economic growth.

How is the diversity of the African continent and its vast energy sector reflected across ADIPEC 2025’s programme? 

Africa is a core part of ADIPEC’s community. This year, we are proud to welcome a strong delegation of African ministers and leaders, including those from Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Sierra Leone, Zimbabwe, Gambia, Equatorial Guinea, and Egypt. Their participation enriches ADIPEC’s Strategic Conference and exhibitions, ensuring Africa’s perspectives are reflected in discussions on natural gas, hydrogen, downstream, and low-carbon solutions.

dmg events is also the largest organiser of energy and infrastructure events across Africa, with long-standing operations in Nigeria, Mozambique, Kenya, Ethiopia, Ghana, Tanzania, South Africa, Egypt and Morocco. This presence gives us a unique vantage point to bridge African priorities with global dialogue.

Africa holds some of the world’s largest reserves of natural gas, oil, and minerals, as well as enormous potential in renewables. ADIPEC is committed to supporting this potential by convening African voices alongside global leaders, unlocking partnerships that can expand access, accelerate industrialisation, and strengthen Africa’s contribution to global energy progress.

Some of ADIPEC 2025’s notable African speakers include: Honourable J. Opiyo Wandayi, Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum, Kenya; Honourable Sen. Dr. Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister for State (Oil), Petroleum Resources, Nigeria; Rt. Honourable Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister for State (Gas) Petroleum Resources, Nigeria; Honourable Chief Adebayo Adelabu, Minister of Power, Nigeria; Honourable Julius D. Mattai, Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Republic of Sierra Leone; Honourable Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu, Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Uganda; His Excellency Karim Badawi, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Arab Republic of Egypt; His Excellency Antonio Oburu Ondo, Minister of Mines and Hydrocarbons, Equatorial Guinea, Honorable Julius D. Mattai, Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Republic of Sierra Leonne; Honourable July Moyo, Minister of Energy and Power Development, Zimbabwe; His Excellency Nani Juwara, Minister of Petroleum and Energy, Gambia; Honourable Cheikh Niane, Deputy Minister of Petroleum and Energy, Senegal, and Mathias Katamba, board chairman, Uganda National Oil Company.