Afreximbank remains a longstanding financial partner to Oando PLC. (Image source: Afreximbank)

Oando Oil Limited is now closer to its production goals as African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) completes upsizing its reserve-based lending facility in favour of the oil and gas company for US$375mn

The company’s pay down of the original US$525mn facility, secured in 2019, to US$100mn in 2024 created significant headroom for refinancing and enhancing Oando’s financial flexibility.

Alongside Afreximbank, the upsizing was also supported by Mercuria Asia Resources PTE Limited (Mercuria). This will advance Oando’s strategic capital management, aiding the company's ambition to achieve production of 100,000 barrels of oil per day and 1.5 bn cu/ft of gas per day by the end of 2029, effectively boosting Nigeria’s oil output and reinforcing the country’s position in the global energy market.

The upsizing will also lead to local economic growth by creating jobs, upgrading infrastructure, and fostering technological advancements in the oil and gas sector.

“We are pleased to have completed the upsizing of our RBL facility, a strategic milestone that reinforces our commitment as Operator of the Oando-NEPL JV to maximising the value of our expanded asset portfolio. Our Joint Venture holds extensive reserves with the potential to generate over US$11bn in net cash flows to Oando over the assets’ life. This working capital facility is a critical enabler towards efficiently extracting and monetising these resources. We appreciate the continued partnership of Afreximbank and Mercuria, whose unwavering support underscores their alignment with our long-term focus on maximizing production, optimizing asset performance, and delivering sustainable value to all stakeholders,” said Wale Tinubu, group chief executive, Oando PLC and executive chairman, Oando Energy Resources.

“Afreximbank remains a longstanding financial partner to Oando PLC and its affiliates and has consistently supported the company’s growth and expansion initiatives. We are delighted that Mercuria, one of the world’s largest independent energy and commodities groups and one of our partners, has brought its global expertise and financial backing to the transaction, further strengthening Oando’s ability to execute its production growth strategy,” said Haytham Elmaayergi, executive vice president, Global Trade Bank, Afreximbank, as he stressed on Afreximbank's focus in promoting local content in the region's oil and gas sector. 

The Cabora Bassa Project will be receiving National Project Status (NPS). (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Invictus Energy Limited's Petroleum Production Sharing Agreement (PPSA) for its 80%-owned and operated Cabora Bassa Project in Zimbabwe has been consolidated with the Petroleum Exploration Development and Production Agreement (PEDPA) to ensure long-term results 

This comes following close cooperation with the relevant line ministries to finalise the terms of the PPSA. The consolidation will ensure robust, balanced, and transparent agreement that meets international standards.

The Cabora Bassa Project will be receiving National Project Status (NPS) from the Ministry of Finance, recognising its potential to deliver broad-based economic benefits, attract foreign investment, and create employment. This will unlock for Invictus a suite of fiscal and non-fiscal incentives including duty exemptions, fast-tracked permitting, and streamlined access to key infrastructure and services.

Invictus is progressing the contracting and procurement of long lead items and critical services in preparation for the Musuma-1 exploration well, scheduled to spud in the second half of 2025.

Mthuli Ncube, Zimbabwe's Minister of Finance, said, “The Cabora Bassa Project is a nationally significant development, and we are working closely with Invictus to finalise the PPSA and ensure a transparent, fair and commercially sound agreement. The Government looks forward to the successful formalisation of National Project Status and the long-term benefits the project will bring to Zimbabwe.”

Invictus managing director, Scott Macmillan, said, “We are greatly encouraged by the Government’s continued support and the positive momentum towards finalising the PPSA. The Ministry of Finance’s agreement to provide National Project Status is a key milestone, and we look forward to completing the formalities in due course. We remain on track with preparations for Musuma-1 and are excited about the next phase of activity at Cabora Bassa.”

The companies' continued collaboration will fundamentally reshape Nigeria’s energy landscape. (Image source: Heirs Energy)

Heirs Energies Limited and Renaissance Africa Energy Company have expressed mutual commitment to strategic collaboration following a high-level courtesy visit by Osa Igiehon, CEO of Heirs Energies, to Renaissance’s leadership team, led by Tony Attah

The meeting, which marked the first formal engagement between the two companies post-Renaissance’s successful transition, focused on mutual priorities and shared commitment to advancing Nigeria’s oil and gas sector through indigenous leadership and innovation.

Speaking during the visit, Osa Igiehon emphasised the significance of indigenous companies leading Nigeria’s energy transformation. “We are happy to connect with the leadership of Renaissance and congratulate them on their successful deal and transition,” said Igiehon. “As indigenous firms, we all have a duty to the continued development of the industry. The thinking and how we approach things will be different now, as we’re both indigenous companies committed to Nigerian excellence and driving unprecedented production growth.”

The CEO highlighted the natural synergy between the two organiations and the transformative potential of their collaboration. “Heirs Energies and Renaissance are closely linked, and we’re looking forward to continued collaboration that will not only benefit our companies, but fundamentally reshape Nigeria’s energy landscape. Together, we have the capability and commitment to accelerate production across our assets and drive the kind of innovation that will position Nigeria as a global energy leader.”

Tony Attah, Managing Director of Renaissance Africa Energy Company, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating: “We are equally happy to connect and engage with Heirs Energies. This collaboration represents a significant step forward as we pursue our shared vision for the industry.”

He emphasised Renaissance’s commitment to driving transformational change across the energy value chain, “Renaissance is on a journey to drive increased production and development across the entire value chain, and partnering with like-minded indigenous companies like Heirs Energies is fundamental to achieving these objectives.”

The collaboration between these two leading indigenous energy companies signals a new era of homegrown expertise and innovation in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. Both companies bring complementary strengths and shared values that position them to accelerate production growth through innovative approaches, develop local capacity and expertise across the energy value chain, drive sustainable industry practices that benefit Nigerian communities, leverage indigenous knowledge and understanding of local operating environments, and create synergies that enhance operational efficiency and market competitiveness.

Heirs Energies Limited is Africa’s leading indigenous-owned integrated energy company, committed to meeting Africa’s unique energy needs while aligning with global sustainability goals.  Having a strong focus on innovation, environmental responsibility, and community development, Heirs Energies leads in the evolving energy landscape and contribute to a more prosperous Africa.

The Ahara license is vast, ranging approximately 14,900 sq km. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The National Agency for the Valorization of Hydrocarbon Resources (ALNAFT)-hosted Algeria Bid Round 2024 saw TotalEnergies win the Ahara license, alongside Qatar Energy

This was ALNAFT's first call for tender conducted under the hydrocarbon law No.19-13.

The Ahara license is vast, ranging approximately 14,900 sq km, located at the intersection of the prolific Berkine and Illizi Basins.

While both the partners will hold equal shares 24.5% each, TotalEnergies will serve as the operator during the Exploration and Appraisal phases of the license.

The national company SONATRACH will retain a majority interest of 51%, in accordance with Algerian law.

“TotalEnergies is delighted that its joint bid with QatarEnergy has led to the award of the Ahara license, allowing us to write a new chapter in our long-lasting partnership with SONATRACH in Exploration in Algeria”, said Patrick Pouyanné, chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies.