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Despite calls from some governments for sub-Saharan Africa to use its natural gas resources and build more gas-to-power plants, it is hydroelectric power that will drive the biggest growth in electricity generation in the region over the next five years, according to analysis of African Energy Live Data’s project pipeline to 2027.

China Energy Engineering Corporation expects to start implementing its green ammonia (GNH3) production facility in May, showing there is still momentum behind Cairo’s promotion of its green hydrogen (GH2) prospects, even if the current financial situation is dire.

QatarEnergy’s pursuit of large minority stakes in African acreage has continued with a 40% interest in Mauritania Block C-10, bought from Shell in another sign of the ambitious Gulf player’s strategy of building up a sizeable upstream footprint around the globe.

A continued flow of renewable energy and green hydrogen deals, a planned upstream licensing round and LNG exports from two liquefaction terminals suggest business is operating as usual, but Egypt’s debt crisis and the extent of expected reforms mean investors should brace themselves for upheaval, writes John Hamilton.

A surge of new mining projects in Zimbabwe – encouraged by a government keen to raise more export revenues – is leading to a rapid increase in demand for electricity, but persistent supply deficits threaten to derail the ambitious plans for the sector.

The International Monetary Fund has trimmed its economic growth expectations for sub-Saharan Africa in its latest World Economic Outlook to 3.6% for 2023. Low-income countries are expected to outperform most of their richer neighbours, but some analysts have warned the IMF is being overly optimistic.

Geothermal Development Company (GDC) is seeking bids from consultants for a six-month feasibility study on the Paka geothermal field, part of the larger Baringo-Silali exploration block which also includes the Korosi and Silali fields.

The parastatal Ethiopia Investment Holdings (EIH) and the Ministry of Finance said in March the tendering process to sell eight state-owned sugar companies was progressing. An initial expression of interest was launched in August 2022. A request for proposals (RfP), building on investor feedback, is expected soon.

London AIM-listed Savannah Energy said on 13 April that its 250MW Parc Eolien de la Tarka project had made “significant progress”, with environmental and social impact (Esia) and grid connection studies in progress or completed.

The continent’s main crude grades are finding themselves priced out of the largest Asian markets including China and India, although in the longer term there may be a way for African players to benefit from the advent of cheaper Russian supplies.

Amid considerable difficulties, a series of financial and trade agreements are underpinning the government’s hopes for economic recovery following the recent end of devastating conflict with Tigray rebels. Liberalising reforms may encourage more private investment in the power, agriculture and other sectors, while the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam’s construction continues apace, but with debts weighing heavy and peace still fragile Ethiopia’s challenges remain daunting.

A project to build a €430m ($475m) gas-to-power (GTP) plant in the northern coastal city of Saint Louis by the previously obscure local developer Ndar Energies has attracted criticism by civil society and academic figures for the lack of transparency around the contract award.

The rapid development of five lithium projects bodes well for Zimbabwe’s potential as a minerals exporter and demonstrates China’s central role in mineral developments, as Harare takes steps to promote domestic processing industries. But serious governance concerns remain over artisanal mining and customs-evading exports.

Strong resistance from the public has prompted the government to abandon a national state of disaster for electricity sector announced in February and to reverse a controversial decision to loosen reporting rules on spending by national utility Eskom

Expanding energy access is one key to the government’s strategy to spur economic growth by way of industrialisation. The strategy is also expected to include privatisation of some state-owned enterprises (SOEs), notably in the sugar industry.