The MoU outlines the areas of common interest between partners. (Image source: SONATRACH)

With an aim to mutually explore oil and gas opportunities in Kenya, SONATRACH and National Oil Company of Kenya have signed a Memorandum of Understanding as part of the Intra African Trade Fair 2025

The MoU outlines the areas of common interest benefiting from SONATRACH’s expertise at the service of the Kenyan party in promoting its oil sector. It deals in particular with cooperation in hydrocarbon exploration and production activities as well as the opportunity to supply Kenya notably with LPG and oil products, as well as the feasibility of developing a commercial LPG oil products, lubricants and petrochemicals.

Furthermore, the memorandum of understanding provides for examining the feasibility of developing LPG distribution mechanisms as a fuel for motor vehicles and households. Furthermore, this memorandum aims to strengthen the professional skills of employees of the National Petroleum Corporation of Kenya through training provided by SONATRACH.

This memorandum of understanding is concluded as part of the implementation of the memorandum of understanding between the Algerian and Kenyan governments aimed at promoting bilateral cooperation in the oil, gas, and energy sectors. It represents a qualitative milestone in the bilateral energy cooperation process. It reflects SONATRACH‘s ambition to expand its activities at the continental scale and assert its role as a major player in the energy sector.

Afentra eyeing operatorship in Angola block.

Africa-focussed oil and gas company, Afentra plc, has signed heads of terms with Angola's National Agency of Petroleum, Gas and Biofuels (ANPG) for the risk service contract (RSC) for offshore Block 3/24, located adjacent to its existing Block 3/05 & 5A interests in Angola

The development is currently awaiting approval from government.

The terms include an initial five-year period to review the development potential for existing discoveries and exploration prospectivity; 25-year production period that would subsequently be awarded when a discovery is developed, and Afentra as operator with a 40% interest in the block, alongside Maurel & Prom Angola S.A.S. (40%) and Sonangol E&P (20%).

Afentra's gross offshore acreage position has increased considerably to 810 sq km.

While Block 3/24 already consists of five shallow water discoveries, several exploration prospects were identified within the acreage on existing 3D seismic. Adjacent to Afentra's existing producing oil fields and undeveloped discoveries in Blocks 3/05 and 3/05A, Block 3/24 spans an area of 545 sq km.

CEO Paul McDade said, "We are pleased to announce this Heads of Terms and excited to progress towards Operatorship of Block 3/24, which represents the next step in our strategy to build a material production business in Angola. We look forward to reviewing the most efficient development options for the numerous discoveries, utilising the extensive Block 3/05 infrastructure. This will provide upside potential to enhance the overall redevelopment plan for the Block 3/05 area where we expect to significantly increase production and reserves, delivering long-term value and cashflows. Furthermore, we see potential for future infrastructure led exploration given the prospectivity of the area.

We appreciate the trust invested in Afentra by the ANPG and our joint venture partners and we look forward to building on the successful collaborative working relationship with Block 3/05 Operator Sonangol to ensure we deliver the full potential of this multi-billion barrel area."

Invictus' Cabora Bassa gets National Project Status.

The Cabora Bassa Project by Invictus Energy Ltd has received National Project Status by the Zimbabwe Finance Minister, Mthuli Ncube, and following a series of constructive meetings, the parties have finalised terms of the Petroleum Production Sharing Agreement (PPSA), which is now being prepared for execution

National Project Status is reserved for projects deemed of strategic importance to the country and considered critical to Zimbabwe’s economic growth and development. NPS status provides a range of fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, including duty exemptions, fast-tracked permitting and streamlined access to key infrastructure and services as the project moves towards the development phase.

Invictus, managing director Scott Macmillan, said, “Agreement of the PPSA terms and the granting of National Project Status represent two pivotal milestones for Invictus and the Cabora Bassa Project.

“The PPSA provides the stable and transparent framework required to progress development, while NPS delivers tangible fiscal benefits to reduce costs and accelerate execution.

“This recognition underscores the strategic importance of our discovery and the potential it holds to transform Zimbabwe’s energy landscape.

“These outcomes highlight the Government of Zimbabwe’s strong commitment to unlocking the country’s energy potential. We are grateful for their support and look forward to executing the PPSA and moving towards development of the Cabora Bassa Project.”

Ncube commented, “The Government of Zimbabwe recognises the economic, energy security and social opportunity Cabora Bassa presents.

“We are pleased to be working closely with Invictus Energy through its recent strategic partnership with Al Mansour Holdings and to finalise the PPSA to ensure a transparent, fair and commercially sound
agreement that benefits the people of our nation.

“The Government is committed to fostering a competitive and attractive investment environment, and we are delighted to partner with Invictus Energy as this landmark project advances towards development.”

James Christie, new regional director for Africa and Europe, STR. (Image source: STR)

With a special focus for expansion across Africa and Europe, Subsea Technology & Rentals has made a fresh appointment of a regional director to address strategic growth and full field development experience 

Operations in these regions will be managed out of Aberdeen, spearheaded by James Christie, who has been with Ashtead Technology previously, bringing in more than 25 years of industry experience. Christie has also spent more than 10 years of his career with Subsea7 in operational roles.

“James joins us at a hugely exciting time for STR as we continue to grow at pace, diversify our product and service offering and enter new markets. Meeting evolving customer demand remains central to our strategy, with more clients choosing to collaborate with us on new product development programmes, partnering with us beyond traditional rental models.

“James brings a highly strategic approach to growth and full field development experience spanning operations, inspection, and maintenance to decommissioning, which will support our ambition to diversify and strengthen our service offering to our customers,” said Steve Steele, CEO of STR. 

Christie's impressive track record of developing strong client relationships and technical prowess will significantly add to STR's consistent market presence with more than US$10mn investments in technology and innovation, and atleast two product launches annually.

“I am thrilled to be joining STR at such a pivotal time as the business has become firmly recognised as a subsea technology leader and continues to invest, creating value for customers and bringing new challenger products to market. I look forward to further strengthening customer partnerships, supporting the growth ambition, and enhancing our focus and footprint across key global regions,” said Christie.