National Oil Corporation of Kenya (NOC Kenya) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2025 Ahead of Inaugural Oil and Gas Licensing Round
Leparan Gideon ole Morintat, CEO and Managing Director of the National Oil Corporation of Kenya (NOC Kenya), will speak at this year's edition of the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference – taking place September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town. During the event, Morintat will share insight into the company's growth strategy in the country, highlighting frontier oil and gas prospects and opportunities for global investors. Morintat will also participate in the event's first-ever National Oil Company (NOC) and International Oil Company (IOC) Forum, which brings together key public and private sector stakeholders into direct conversation to drive investment and deals in Africa.
Morintat's participation comes ahead of the country's inaugural oil and gas licensing round, which is set to launch in September 2025. Offering ten exploration blocks to investors, the licensing round aligns with national objectives of unlocking the frontier potential of the country's oil and gas sector. The ten blocks were selected using geoscientific data to ensure a transparent allocation process. The government – through the NOC - provides comprehensive seismic surveys and geological reports, thereby supporting exploration and future discoveries. As the head of the country's NOC with a participating interest in all acreage, Morintat will detail opportunities available in the round at AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025.
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 http://www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.
The upcoming oil and gas licensing round aims to drive investment in the country's Lamu and Anza basins. Known for their hydrocarbon potential, the basins offer significant opportunities for frontier explorers. NOC Kenya manages all of the data for the basins through the National Data center, including geoscientific data, seismic surveys and well-logs. The blocks are available via Production Sharing Contracts and offer tax incentives to entice participation. Currently, NOC Kenya is developing a Seismic Processing Center and Geochemical-Petrophysical Analyais Laboratory, aimed at supporting future oil and gas campaigns.
To further entice investment, Kenya introduced a Petroleum Act in 2019, offering a comprehensive framework for the exploration, development and management of the country's petroleum resources. Key provisions in the act include a transparent revenue-sharing model; stringent environmental protection measures; and streamlined licensing processes. The act served to offer a much-needed boost to the country's oil and gas sector, which has long-faced project delays due to regulatory challenges. By providing a transparent framework, Kenya seeks to boost investment while facilitating greater collaboration between the NOC and global operators. At AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025, Morintat is expected to outline the impact the Petroleum Act has had on the sector. Through his participation in panels and the NOC-IOC Forum, he is also anticipated to share insight into the country's investment prospects.
'Kenya is putting all the right measures in place to attract investment and fuel oil and gas development. By assessing the challenges that have plagued the industry, implementing mechanisms to address them and aligning industry policies with global standards, the country is supporting greater investment by foreign operators. NOC Kenya plays an instrumental part in driving oil and gas development in the country and has emerged as a strong partner for global firms,' stated Tomás Gerbasio, VP Commercial and Strategic Engagement, African Energy Chamber.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The National
6 hours ago
- The National
UAE-Serbia trade to accelerate as Cepa comes into effect
The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between the UAE and Serbia came into force on Saturday, as the Emirates continues to strengthen its trade relations globally. The UAE's 10th Cepa is expected to boost trade and investment flows, and remove or significantly reduce tariffs, which will all lay the foundations for enhanced co-operation across a spectrum of critical industries, the Ministry of Foreign Trade said in a statement on Saturday. The deal is also leading to projections that bilateral trade between the two nations will contribute around $351 million to the UAE's gross domestic product by 2031, it added. The UAE is Serbia's leading trading partner in the Gulf, accounting for approximately 55 per cent of its total trade with the region in 2023, according to government data. The UAE-Serbia Cepa is another "new chapter in our economic relations, creating new avenues for collaboration, investment and trade that will benefit both our nations", Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, said in the statement. "Through this agreement we are committed to unlocking significant opportunities that will create jobs, strengthen supply chains and facilitate a thriving environment for businesses in both countries," he added. Cepas that the UAE has already signed with nations from Colombia to Australia have contributed Dh135 billion ($36.8 billion) to the country's non-oil trade, an increase of 42 per cent compared with the previous year, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, said previously. The UAE's non-oil foreign trade hit a record Dh3 trillion last year − up 14.6 per cent year-on-year − as the country continues to diversify its economy and forges closer trade ties with countries around the world. The Cepa programme is key for the UAE's economic growth. The Arab world's second largest economy aims to boost its gross domestic product to $800 billion by 2030, with a target of more than $1.1 trillion in total non-oil trade by 2031. Overall, the UAE has concluded 27 deals as part of the Cepa initiative. In 2025 alone, and counting Serbia's, the UAE has signed seven new deals with Malaysia, New Zealand, Kenya, Ukraine, Central African Republic, Costa Rica and Mauritius. The UAE and EU are also in discussions for a Cepa, with both sides moving closer to an agreement, Maros Sefcovic, EU Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, told The National this week. The UAE's Cepa with Serbia is projected to further boost non-oil trade between the two countries, which hit about $121.4 million in 2024, twice that compared to 2021 levels, according to government data. Serbia is positioned as a key partner for the UAE, with its diverse economy and strategic location providing a vital gateway into Eastern Europe and the Balkans. "The Cepa is expected to not only enhance trade but also increase private sector collaboration and promote investments in priority sectors such as renewable energy, agriculture, logistics and technology," the statement said. The bilateral relationship has been further strengthened by increasing flows of FDI [foreign direct investment], which has been directed towards high-growth sectors, enhancing shared economic interests."
Zawya
9 hours ago
- Zawya
Breaking News: African Leadership Magazine Announces Winners for the 2025 African Business Leadership Awards (ABLA)
The African Leadership Magazine (ALM) ( is pleased to announce the winners of the 2025 African Business Leadership Awards (ABLA), following the conclusion of a rigorous, four-tier, points-based selection process. In keeping with our established tradition, this year's evaluation combined 65% of the final score from the global online poll with 35% from verified documentation, including evidence of institutional growth, innovation, sustainability, and measurable impact. The African Business Leadership Awards (ABLA) is the continent's premier platform for recognising exceptional corporate practices, impact-driven leadership, and transformative contributions to Africa's evolving business and economic ecosystem. The ABLA selection process includes public nominations, editorial board screening, a global public vote, and a final evaluation based on verifiable metrics to ensure that each honoree reflects the highest standards of African excellence, innovation, and measurable impact. In line with African Leadership Magazine's unwavering commitment to amplifying Africa's underreported success stories, often overlooked by mainstream global media, the African Business Leadership Awards (ABLA) celebrate policymakers, industry leaders, and resilient brands that are setting standards in corporate governance, innovation, and sustainable development. Dr. Ken Giami, Founder&CEO of the African Leadership Organisation, said in an official statement: ' On behalf of the Board, we warmly congratulate the winners of ABLA 2025 for their unwavering commitment, groundbreaking achievements, and visionary leadership. Their exemplary contributions are not only transforming Africa's business landscape but also inspiring a new era of sustainable growth and opportunity across the continent. ' The winners and runners-up will be formally presented with award trophies and other honours during the African Business Leadership Awards (ABLA) Ceremony—the major highlight of The Africa Summit London 2025—scheduled for 9–10 July 2025 at The Landmark Hotel and the UK House of Lords. Additionally, all honourees will be featured in the highly anticipated ABLA 2025 Honourees Edition of African Leadership Magazine, a prized collector's item unveiled during the event and distributed globally. Below is the complete list of winners and runners-up in the various categories of the African Business Leadership Awards (ABLA) 2025: African Business Leader of the Year Ntombi Felicia Msiza, CEO, Raubex Group Ltd, South Africa – Winner Mohamed Ould Bouamatou, Founder&Chairman, Bouamatou Société Anomyme (BSA), Mauritania – Co-Winner African Female Business Leader of the Year Esther Muchemi, CEO, Samchi Group, Kenya – Winner Jesca Mhoja Nkwabi, CEO, KOM Group, Tanzania – Co-Winner African Regulator of the Year Brima M. Baluwa Koroma, Director General, National Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Sierra Leone – Winner Leonilde dos Santos, President, Multisectoral Economic Regulatory Authority (ARME), Cape Verde – Co-Winner Business-Friendly Governor of the Year Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, Governor, Enugu State, Nigeria – Winner Oscar Mabuyane, Premier, Eastern Cape, South Africa – Co-Winner Africa CSR&Community Development Impact Award Standard Chartered Bank, South Africa – Winner Ashanti Goldfields Corporation, Ghana – Co-Winner African Finance Minister of the Year Ahmed Kouchouk, Minister of Finance, Egypt – Winner Bihi Iman Egeh, Minister of Finance, Somalia – Winner Marial Dongrin Ater, Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, South Sudan – Co-Winner Trade&Investment Promotion Agency of the Year Agency for Private Investment and Export Promotion (AIPEX), Angola – Winner Moroccan Agency for Investment and Export Development (AMDIE), Morocco – Co-Winner Central Bank Governor of the Year Mohamed Lemine Dhehby, Governor, Central Bank of Mauritania – Winner Johnson Asiama, Governor, Bank of Ghana – Co-Winner Rama Krishna Sithanen, Governor, Bank of Mauritius – Co-Winner Trade&Investment Minister of the Year Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Nigeria – Winner Chipoka Mulenga, Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Zambia – Co-Winner African CEO of the Year Armstrong Takang, CEO, Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), Nigeria – Winner Jeremy Awori, Group CEO, Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI), Togo – Co-Winner African Brand of the Year Ethiopian Airlines – Winner Commercial International Bank (CIB), Egypt – Co-Winner African Company of the Year Bidco Africa, Kenya – Winner Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing, Nigeria – Co-Winner Industry Personality of the Year Ally Edha Awadh, CEO, Lake Oil Group, Tanzania – Winner Jemal Ahmed Abdu, CEO, MIDROC Investment Group PLC, Ethiopia – Co-Winner Africa Business Integrity Leader Award Arab Contractors, Egypt – Winner Coris Bank International, Togo – Co-Winner Young Business Leader of the Year Mamotake Matekane, Chief Operations Officer, MGC Matekane Group, Lesotho – Winner Martha Namundjebo-Tilahun, Co-founder, United Africa Group, Namibia- Co-Winner African Tech&Digital Economy Leader of the Year Mastercard Africa – Winner MTN Group, South Africa – Co-Winner Lifetime Achievement Award Kwabena Kesse, CEO, Kessben Group of Companies, Ghana – Winner Special Commendation Award for Regulatory Excellence Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria, Director General, Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Kenya – Winner Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Leadership Magazine. For media enquiries, please contact: Ehis Ayere +44 23 9265 8276 ehis@ About African Leadership Magazine: The African Leadership Magazine is the flagship publication of the African Leadership Organisation (UK) Limited. For the past 19 years, the organisation has been dedicated to promoting impactful leadership in Africa and showcasing African opportunities globally. Through its various initiatives, including quality Afro-positive content, trade facilitation, market entry solutions, business networking platforms, and public sector training and consulting, the African Leadership Magazine plays a vital role in driving positive change and development across the continent.
The National
17 hours ago
- The National
Madagascar looks to deepen investment ties with the UAE, says country's top diplomat
Madagascar is seeking to deepen investment co-operation and strengthen ties with the UAE, the country's top diplomat said during a visit as part of a high-level delegation to take part in a two-day business forum. The Madagascar Business Forum was held in Dubai this week. It brought together more than 60 Malagasy business owners and entrepreneurs to connect with Emirati counterparts. 'This forum is part of our efforts to reinforce both economic and diplomatic ties between our two nations,' Madagascar's Foreign Minister, Rafaravavitafika Rasata, told The National. 'These two days are dedicated to expanding our economic partnership with the UAE.' Over the past nine years, Madagascar and the UAE have cultivated a growing relationship marked by strategic co-operation across various sectors, including infrastructure development, humanitarian aid, economic investment and digital innovation. Madagascar views the Emirates as a strategic partner for economic recovery and development, while the UAE sees the island nation as a gateway to African markets and a partner in advancing sustainable development initiatives in the Indian Ocean region. Emirates Airline launched direct flights from Dubai to Antananarivo last year and increased its services from four weekly flights to six as of April, responding to demand for both passenger and cargo transport. 'This demonstrates growing confidence in our market,' said Ms Rasata. 'It is a huge opportunity to position Madagascar not only as a tourist destination but also as a land of opportunity for investors.' Untapped potential Situated in the western Indian Ocean, Madagascar is the fourth-largest island in the world – larger in land mass than Germany and Spain combined. Despite its size and natural wealth, the country remains relatively undiscovered by international travellers. Surrounded by well-known Indian Ocean holiday destinations like the Maldives, Seychelles and Mauritius, Madagascar stands out for its biodiversity and eco-tourism appeal. 'Our country has won the Indian Ocean's Leading Green Destination award seven times,' noted the minister. 'We're prioritising sustainable and community-based tourism that highlights local culture and biodiversity.' She also pointed to agriculture as a key area for potential Emirati investment, particularly in the context of food security. 'Madagascar is a vast country – I would even call it a quasi-continent,' she said. 'With nearly 600,000 square kilometres of land, and 36 million hectares of arable land, there is immense potential for agribusiness and agricultural transformation.' Regional engagement Madagascar sits at a strategic location along key Indian Ocean shipping lanes, serving as a maritime crossroads between Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Its position near major east-west trade routes makes it a potential hub for maritime commerce, naval logistics and regional connectivity. 'We're extending our main port in Toamasina, and this expansion, expected to be completed by 2026, will further cement our role as a trade hub,' Ms Rasata said. She added that the country's natural assets, including housing 5 per cent of the world's biodiversity, position it uniquely on both the economic and ecological fronts. 'Madagascar has a major role to play – not only as a strategically located country but also as a dynamic market with investment opportunities in agriculture, tourism and renewable energy for Gulf countries and other partners.' Challenges at home Despite these ambitions, Madagascar faces domestic hurdles. A February 2025 World Bank report said that Madagascar's economy is recovering, but growth remains insufficient and too uneven to significantly improve living standards. 'Economic growth remained at 4.2 per cent in 2024. Growth is expected to gradually pick up this year, with projections averaging 4.7 per cent over 2025–2027,' the report said. Ms Rasata emphasised the need to tackle rural poverty, noting that around 80 per cent of the Malagasy population lives in rural areas and depends on agriculture for survival. 'Our focus is on transforming the agricultural sector to support food security, create jobs and add value,' she said. 'Madagascar is already Africa's third-largest rice producer after Nigeria and Egypt. Our goal is to become the first, and to meet local demand, which still requires importing 500,000 tons annually.' She also underscored the importance of attracting both foreign and domestic investment to support this transformation. The World Bank has stressed the urgency of accelerating structural reforms in energy, digital infrastructure and mining to sustain higher growth. Among the most pressing concerns is Madagascar's struggling energy sector. Only about one third of the country's 30 million people have access to electricity, according to the IMF. Critics cite mismanagement, poor governance, and corruption at the state utility Jirama as core obstacles. 'Our energy challenge is existential and we're treating it as such,' said Ms Rasata. 'There is strong political will to ensure our national utility can meet local demand and expand investment in renewable energy.' She outlined the government's target to double the country's energy generation capacity by 2030, with 70 per cent coming from green sources. 'All our efforts are aligned with this goal,' she added.
