The African Energy Chamber (AEC) Partners with Libya's Ministry of Oil and Gas to Advance Youth Empowerment Through Energy Jeel Initiative
The collaboration will promote youth skills development, innovation, entrepreneurship and gender inclusion in the energy workforce, while strengthening Libya's integration into Africa's energy community. The AEC will work closely with the Ministry to facilitate on-the-job training and internships; host joint ventures, workshops and youth summits; provide visibility and endorsement through AEC platforms and publications; and enable access to Africa's vast energy networks.
By investing in youth-led growth, the Energy Jeel Initiative will help address critical challenges in Africa's energy future – including energy poverty, workforce gaps and the need for greater regional collaboration. With over 600 million Africans lacking access to electricity and 900 million still reliant on traditional biomass for cooking, Africa's oil, gas and renewable energy resources pose a strong opportunity to drive industrialization. Building a skilled and inclusive workforce is key to cultivating this sustainable development.
Libya's energy sector offers vast potential for both fossil fuel and renewable energy development. With significant oil and gas reserves, alongside world-class solar and wind resources, the country is uniquely positioned to play a major role in Africa's energy security and transition. Through the Energy Jeel Initiative, the Ministry of Oil and Gas aims to ensure that this development benefits all segments of society, particularly young people and women.
The Energy Jeel Initiative also stands to benefit from Libya's renewed upstream momentum, with recent developments such as ExxonMobil's MoU with the country's National Oil Corporation signaling fresh investment and exploration activity. As global players re-engage with Libya's oil and gas sector, the Initiative will equip young professionals with the technical skills and industry knowledge they need to participate in and lead future projects. This alignment ensures Libya's youth are directly connected to the country's expanding role in Africa's energy landscape.
'The Chamber is committed to empowering Africa's youth to become active participants in the continent's energy future,' states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, AEC, adding, 'Libya's Energy Jeel Initiative is a model for how African nations can prepare the next generation of leaders and innovators who will drive investment, create jobs and deliver real solutions to energy poverty.'
As the Energy Jeel Initiative rolls out, the AEC and the Ministry will focus on creating opportunities that link Libyan youth with regional and global stakeholders, ensuring they are not only prepared for the jobs of today, but also equipped to lead Africa's energy sector into the future.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The National
an hour ago
- The National
Money & Me: ‘My journey to the Dubai boardroom started with selling sanitary ware in Deira market'
Anis Sajan, vice chairman of Dubai-based conglomerate Danube Group, learnt the art of sales when he went door-to-door trying to sell water purifiers in Mumbai in 1991. This was after he had to leave Kuwait in 1990, where he went to join his elder brother Rizwan Sajan − current chairman of Danube Group − in sales, after the country was invaded by Iraq's Saddam Hussein. Although he made good money in Mumbai, Mr Sajan landed in Dubai in 1992 to join the plywood business of his elder brother. The younger sibling started off his Dubai journey by selling sanitary ware. 'My brother liked the Middle East, so he came to Dubai. Within six months, he started his own business using his Kuwait experience and asked me to join him,' he recalls. 'At the time, I was a bit reluctant because I didn't like Kuwait very much. But as soon as I landed in Dubai, I was taken straight to an Indian restaurant called Kamat in Karama. That made me feel right at home and the rest is history.' The Indian businessman, who studied only until the 11th grade, is now in charge of Danube's building materials division and handles the Milano brand, which includes sanitary hardware, electrical tiles and water purifiers. Mr Sajan, 54, currently lives in Emirates Hills with his wife and two children. Did wealth feature in your childhood? What did you learn from it? Not really. I grew up in a middle-class family in a chawl (a large building divided into many separate apartments, offering basic accommodation) in the Ghatkopar suburb of Mumbai, where we just had enough and lived hand to mouth. That upbringing taught me the value of money, how to spend it and respect it. How did you first earn? What did your first job pay? Before I went to Kuwait, I sold festive lights to people during the Indian festival of Diwali. I earned 300 Indian rupees ($3.40) doing this in 1988. My first proper job was with home appliance company Eureka Forbes, after I came from Kuwait. I went door to door selling water purifiers, which offered me a good experience in sales and also taught me to cope with rejection. I earned 25,000 Indian rupees a month in 1991 because I was a good salesman. I would never give up and kept knocking on doors until I clinched a sale a day. Any early financial jolts? The biggest financial setback was losing my father, who worked as a clerk, when I was just eight years old. My father was the family's breadwinner, while my brother was doing a part-time job. After his demise, he shouldered all responsibilities. It was a financial jolt, because we went from a hand-to-mouth existence to a level hard to imagine. When I came to Dubai in 1992, I was earning around Dh2,000 ($544.50) per month, so there wasn't much of a financial shock as such. I was good in sales. So, my brother and I started our own business where I sold sanitaryware and my brother sold plywood in the Deira market. The business took off. We went from being a business comprising two people to a 5,000-member workforce today. How do you grow your wealth? To grow your wealth, you need to invest in the right places. I invested in a few properties in Dubai in the early 2000s, which gave me good returns. I also grow my wealth through my business. Today is the right time to invest in UAE property. UAE real estate is one of the finest places to invest, because the return on investment is at least 8 per cent to 10 per cent, which is not available anywhere else in the world. Also, this country is a home away from home and the safest in the world. Are you a spender or a saver? Initially, I was a spender. But with time and experience, I realised that it's very important to save. Spend only what is required and don't go overboard. I believe it's easy to live rich but difficult to die rich. You need to make sure that you leave wealth behind for your family, so they do not suffer for your mistakes. I teach the same to my children, and I'm glad they have grasped it, especially my younger one who is very careful about spending. What has been your best investment? My house in Emirates Hills as I bought it in 2008 when the real estate market was down. I took a calculated risk, because I believe in a no risk, no gain approach. Today, the property has appreciated considerably. Over time, I also invested in other properties for my sons and my wife. Any cherished purchases? My Casio watch because it taught me the value of time. When I was young, I was always late. I bought it with my first salary in Dubai. Any financial advice for your younger self? Yes, to be prepared for losses when you invest in a property or a business. You cannot expect to make a profit every time. Any key financial milestones? I wouldn't like to brag and let the numbers in the bank define my success. For me, peace of mind has been my biggest milestone. What luxuries are important to you? Spending quality time with my family. Initially I was fascinated by cars, but then I realised that a car is not a luxury. Instead, a comfortable home is a luxury. I prioritise satisfaction over a luxury now. Cars depreciate the moment they come out of the showroom. For instance, I have a Rolls-Royce and a BMW, but I'm more comfortable in the latter. What are your financial goals? To create something long-lasting for my family. I want to give my family financial security even when I'm not around. This has always been the driving force behind my work. I don't like to rest on my laurels.

Zawya
an hour ago
- Zawya
Former Namibian Mines and Energy Minister Tom Alweendo to Speak at African Energy Week (AEW) 2025 as Country's Offshore Oil Boom Accelerates
Tom Alweendo, Former Minister of Mines and Energy, Namibia will participate as a speaker at this year's African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025, taking place in Cape Town from September 29 to October 3. Alweendo – who led Namibia's Ministry of Mines and Energy from 2018 until March 2025 – recently launched Alvenco Advisory, a strategic consultancy aimed at assisting investors in navigating Namibia's political, fiscal, legal and environmental regimes. The firm offers tailored advisory services covering policy and regulatory compliance, alignment with national development priorities, and stakeholder engagement at both community and government levels. By leveraging Alweendo's extensive ministerial experience and network, Alvenco Advisory aims to facilitate responsible investment that unlocks value, drive industrial participation and supports Namibia's long-term socioeconomic objectives. AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit for more information about this exciting event. Namibia's offshore oil and gas sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, marked by a series of world-class discoveries and heightened exploration activity. The most recent milestone came in April this year, when the Capricornus 1-X exploration well in offshore Block 2914A delivered a successful light oil discovery. Operated by Rhino Resources alongside partners Azule Energy, Namcor and Korres Investments, the well encountered 38m of high-quality net pay, flowed over 11,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd) during testing and confirmed the presence of a commercially viable light oil system. Capricornus 1-X mirrors the characteristics of the nearby Venus and Graff discoveries, reinforcing the Orange Basin's position as a globally significant petroleum province. The African Energy Chamber (AEC) – as the voice of the African energy sector – recently commended the PEL85 joint venture partners for delivering one of Namibia's most significant oil discoveries to date, noting its potential to catalyze further investment, fast-track appraisal drilling and accelerate development initiatives. Drilling momentum is set to remain strong throughout 2025, with seven wells planned this year alone. These include Marula-1X by TotalEnergies and a second PEL85 well planned by Rhino Resources, as well as the Kharas prospect within BW Energy's Kudu license. Additional prospects at Olympe and Saturn have also been identified, signaling continued confidence from major international operators. Namibia's Ministry of Mines and Energy has confirmed new licensing opportunities in 2025 under an open licensing regime, spanning deepwater, ultra-deepwater and shallow-water environments. The country's Petroleum Commission has emphasized the government's commitment to attracting fresh investment while ensuring discoveries are fast-tracked to first oil and deliver tangible benefits to the national economy. Beyond exploration, development planning is advancing on two of Namibia's largest finds. TotalEnergies' Venus project in Block 2913B is targeting a 2026 final investment decision and ap planned 150,000-bpd FPSO facility. Galp is progressing appraisal of its Mopane discovery, supported by 3,500km 2 of newly acquired high-density seismic data. 'Tom Alweendo's leadership and deep understanding of Namibia's energy landscape come at a pivotal moment for the country's resource development. His insights will be invaluable in guiding discussions on how to translate world-class discoveries into sustainable economic growth and long-term benefits for all Namibians,' states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber. Namibia's emergence as one of the world's most promising oil frontiers – underpinned by a stable regulatory environment, competitive licensing terms and a strong governance framework – positions the country as a leading destination for global upstream investment. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Zawya
2 hours ago
- Zawya
Libya's Minister of Oil and Gas Joins Cape Town Energy Event as Latest Bid Round Piques Global Interest
Dr. Khalifa Abdulsadek, Minister of Oil and Gas of Libya, has joined this year's African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference as a speaker. This year's event will host a dedicated Invest in Libyan Oil&Gas Summit – highlighting Libya's push to open up its sector for foreign investment. With Libya's latest licensing round drawing interest from over 40 prospective applicants - including leading energy operators - the country is on track to meet its ambitious goal of producing two million barrels per day (bpd) Minister Abdulsadek's participation comes as Libya opens up the sector for foreign investment, with its latest licensing round piquing the interest of over 40 prospective applicants. With leading energy operators announcing that they are competing in the round, Libya is well-positioned to meet its goals of two million barrels per day (bpd). Libya launched its 2025 licensing round in March as part of its 25-year strategy to add 8 billion barrels of crude oil to its proven reserves. The licensing round offers 22 exploration blocks – 11 onshore and 11 offshore – with contracts set to be signed by the end of 2025. Featuring newly-selected blocks based on geological viability and proximity to existing infrastructure, the licensing round represents a compelling opportunity for investors seeking early returns, given the blocks lower entry costs and quicker development timelines. Multinational energy corporation Chevron and integrated multi-energy company TotalEnergies have both announced that they are competing in the round, alongside energy majors ExxonMobil and Eni. Currently producing 1.4 million bpd, Libya's latest licensing round is expected to play an instrumental part in enhancing national output. To support a transparent and streamlined bidding process, the country's National Oil Corporation (NOC) introduced a dedicated online platform for managing the bid round. The platform offers secure, confidential access to technical, legal and financial data. The bid openings and announcement of successful applicants will take place on November 15, 2025, while the contract signings will take place between November 22-30. This clear and structured timeframe has boosted investor confidence in the sector. Further enhancing confidence, Libya has introduced the fifth generation of its Exploration and Production Sharing Agreement (EPSA V). The agreement is a modernized contractual framework designed to attract international oil companies with more competitive fiscal terms, thereby transitioning the country from a concession-based system to state-partnered agreements. The EPSA V balances investor appeal with national interest, offering companies greater predictability and a stronger return on investment. These developments come as Libya sees renewed interest by foreign operators in its oil and gas opportunities. ExxonMobil, for example, returned to the country after a decade-long hiatus, signing an MoU to carry out a technical study evaluating the hydrocarbon potential of four offshore blocks. The geological and geophysical surveys will be conducted along Libya's northwest coast and within the Sirte Basin. Shell and bp entered into agreements with Libya's NOC in July 2025 to carry out studies on hydrocarbon exploration and production at three oilfields in the country. Under the agreement with bp, the company will explore redevelopment opportunities at the Mature Darir and Messla oilfields. bp will also pursue exploration prospects in nearby areas. Meanwhile, the agreement with Shell will see the company conduct a detailed feasibility study for the development of the al-Atshan oilfield and other fields fully owned by the NOC. Beyond greenfield opportunities, Libya is working to revitalize production at legacy assets. Notably, companies to the likes of Waha Oil Company and Mellitah Oil&Gas are breathing new life into mature assets, using advanced technology, well stimulation programs and upgrades to gathering systems and processing facilities. In the infrastructure space, the country is making significant strides towards modernizing projects with a view to bolster exports and reclaim its place as a major global supplier. Key projects include the Structures A&E development led by Eni. The project will transport gas from two offshore fields to the Mellitah complex for processing, with offshore drilling commencing in 2025. Other projects include the Sabratha Compression project and the Bouri Gas Utilization Project. During AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025, Minister Abdulsadek is expected to share further insight into the impact these projects play in Libya. His participation will facilitate new collaborations, support production growth and accelerate development across strategic basins. 'Libya is rapidly positioning itself as a major global supplier, targeting two million bpd through fresh investment in greenfield and brownfield block opportunities. This ambitious strategy has already begun to yield positive results, with a host of foreign operators committing to investing,' states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber. About African Energy Week (AEW): AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit for more information about this exciting event.