The issue leads with a special report on Uganda, where oil field developments are proceeding at pace and the East African Crude Oil Pipeline is nearing financial close. The Kampala government has signalled its intention to play a more robust role in economic management, with plans to renationalise the electricity distribution network and take an expensive majority stake in the Kabalega refinery development.
African Energy also examines the swiftly deteriorating security situation in Mali, with security forces and their allies from the Russian Wagner mercenary group struggling to contain the jihadist insurgency and renewed attacks from a coalition of Tuareg-dominated northern separatist groups.
Power coverage leads with a closer look at the long-delayed Baynes hydropower project, which is undergoing further changes to its design, amid fast-changing market conditions on both sides of the Angolan-Namibian border and in the wider region.
The African Energy View appraises the future of the independent power producer (IPP) era, as actors that have dominated private electricity developments struggle to make a return on investment. A lack of trust and transparency are among key issues that need to be addressed in an undoubtedly tough market, along with a deeper overhaul of governance. As grid-linked IPPs suffer, the rise of distributed commercial and industrial power projects continues to attract finance.
Oil and gas coverage leads with Morocco, where UK-headquartered independents are leading the way in developing onshore and offshore gas resources, as the government seeks to boost domestic supplies and reduce its reliance on expensive imports via Spain. African Energy also looks at an expected fresh burst of activity in Namibia’s Orange Basin.
Downstream coverage looks at the current state of sub-Saharan Africa's refining capabilities amid reports that Nigeria’s Dangote refinery appears to have missed its expected start date.
