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While imposing macroeconomic problems continue to weigh on developers, Zimbabwe is seeking ways to attract investment to independent power producers and commercial and industrial (C&I) projects. And among recent schemes to overcome being ostracised by international capital markets Zimbabwe is looking to use its wealthier C&I power consumers to provide corporate guarantees to raise capital for new projects.

The issue leads with Libya where NOC has launched its growth-oriented upstream strategy and there is political, social and legal opposition to Eni’s multi-billion-dollar upstream gas development deal. The Focus section includes an examination of the results of Nigeria's presidential election and what it means for the country's energy industries. Power coverage leads with an analysis of the latest information on the African Energy Live Data platform that shows power generation capacity in Central Africa should expand by 2.4GW by 2027. Oil and gas coverage leads with Algeria, where Sonatrach is courting IOCs to capitalise on the potential to ramp up deliveries to Europe. The issue also looks at Tunisia following the World Bank’s decision to suspend new projects in response to President Kaïs Saïed’s anti-immigrant stance. The African Energy View focuses on Green hydrogen (GH2) and examines European ambitions of using GH2 to reach net zero and the role Africa might be asked to play. Coverage includes a map of proposed projects across the continent.

The BP-Eni joint venture has kickstarted the process of contract awards on the offshore Agogo oil scheme, with some $7.8bn signed to date following a final investment decision.

The first 2.4MWp phase of the Diego solar PV plant in Antsiranana has been completed, according to the local Group Filatex.

The Opec Fund for International Development (Ofid) is providing $25m for the Niger Solar Plant Development and Electricity Access Improvement Project (Ranaa), which is supporting 40MW of solar-hybrid capacity across three developments.

Belgian construction firm BESIX said on 9 March that the first two cofferdams in the spillway openings of the 420MW Nachtigal hydroelectric power (HEP) plant have been lowered.

Nigeria’s National Council on Privatisation (NCP) has named the local Mainstream Energy Solutions Ltd (MESL) as preferred bidder for two hydroelectric power (HEP) plant concessions. African Energy understands that negotiations are expected to start soon to finalise terms between the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) and MESL.

Published March 2023, this map illustrates 30-plus green hydrogen (GH2) projects planned across Africa. Project locations are indicated on the map alongside notes detailing project developers and renewable energy capacities.

Plans by Eskom to build a 3GW CCGT plant at Richards Bay may yet go ahead, following reports that regulator Nersa had reversed its previous opposition to the scheme. A Nersa spokesman told African Energy the energy regulator had yet to make a final decision on the matter.

Rössing Uranium, operator of Namibia’s oldest uranium mine, is inviting expressions of interest (EoI) for electricity supply, with three potential options on offer to bidders.

National Oil Corporation has relaunched its growth-oriented upstream strategy and is encouraging international companies to help Libya achieve the 2m b/d crude oil production target mooted for at least 15 years. Eni’s recent huge gas development agreement with NOC suggests the market’s need for Libyan hydrocarbons has trumped more pessimistic assessments of the government’s capabilities, but widespread political, social and legal opposition to the Italian deal is a reminder that, while huge growth in oil and gas production is technically feasible, developments remain prey to Libya’s volatile politics.

A Lagos court ruling against the leadership of ambitious independent oil and gas company Seplat could reinforce concerns that, even with an apparently pro-business president-elect, Nigeria may not prove an easy market for international oil companies.

Its wealth of renewable energy resources, availability of land and proximity to markets mean Africa holds the key to Europe’s vision of a net zero future based on green hydrogen (GH2) use. The manufacture of carbon-free liquid fuels could also transform the continent, but project sponsors, financers and offtakers need to ensure this is done fairly, while contributing to economic and social development. The establishment of the European Hydrogen Bank can be a crucial step in that direction.

United Arab Emirates state-owned Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) has signed a framework agreement with Côte d’Ivoire’s Ministry of Mining, Petroleum and Energy to explore the potential for solar PV plants.

Political, social and legal opposition to Eni’s multi-billion-dollar upstream gas development deal is driven by an alliance of fief holders who may not be able to stop the deal, but could make it harder and more expensive to complete. The opposition reflects continuing dysfunction, raising the prospect of more blockades and disruption, writes Mohamed Eljarh*, with John Hamilton.