Latest news with #BrunoJean-RichardItoua
Zawya
29-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Congo's Hydrocarbons Minister to Advance Licensing Round, Gas Agenda at African Energy Week (AEW) 2025
The Republic of Congo's Minister of Hydrocarbons, Bruno Jean-Richard Itoua, will speak at African Energy Week (AEW) 2025: Invest in African Energies, taking place in Cape Town from September 29 to October 3. His participation reinforces Congo's drive to expand hydrocarbon production and mobilize investment across the oil and gas value chain. Minister Itoua's engagement at AEW comes as Congo prepares to launch its 2025 licensing round – central to its strategy of increasing oil output from 274,000 to 500,000 barrels per day by 2027. The round will unlock exploration and production opportunities across deepwater and marginal blocks, aiming to counter production declines and attract new capital into the upstream sector. In parallel, Congo is implementing an ambitious infrastructure development agenda anchored by its forthcoming Gas Master Plan, set to drive investment in pipelines, processing facilities and gas-to-power assets. Key developments include Eni's Congo LNG project, which targets LNG exports to Europe, and Wing Wah's Banga Kayo gas monetization initiative, aimed at strengthening domestic energy access. Minister Itoua will leverage the AEW platform to engage directly with global investors and partners, presenting opportunities for participation in the sector and reinforcing Congo's role as an emerging gas hub in Africa. Supporting this vision is a new Gas Code, expected to be finalized in 2025, which will establish a clear and transparent legal framework for gas monetization and long-term sector governance. These reforms are designed to enhance investor confidence and support the country's broader industrialization and energy security goals. Recent milestones underscore Congo's growing relevance in the global energy landscape. In February 2024, Eni shipped the country's first LNG cargo to Italy from the Tango FLNG facility under the Congo LNG project, marking a major step in unlocking its gas potential. TotalEnergies continues to lead offshore development with major producing fields such as Moho Nord and Nkossa. With Congo's energy sector already home to world-class operators, AEW 2025 provides a critical venue to deepen commercial engagement, explore partnerships and align with Congo's evolving investment framework. As the country prioritizes local value creation and sustainable development, strategic alliances with global players will be key to unlocking long-term growth. 'Minister Itoua's participation at AEW 2025 signals the Republic of Congo's firm commitment to expanding its hydrocarbon industry and creating new avenues for investment,' states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber. 'As the country ramps up exploration, infrastructure development and gas monetization, Congo is positioning itself as a competitive and strategic player in Africa's energy future.' 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. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
Zawya
15-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
One Month to Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2025: Africa's Energy Licensing Surge to Take Center Stage
With just one month to go to the Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2025 forum, the event is shaping up to be a milestone moment for upstream investment on the continent. IAE 2025 will spotlight Africa's resurgence in exploration activity – with over 150 oil and gas blocks on offer across more than 10 countries on the continent. Backed by national oil companies (NOCs), regulators and government ministries, the forum stands to connect international capital and energy opportunities to investors and developers. Africa's 2025 licensing calendar is one of the most active in recent years, with countries across North, West, Central and East Africa opening acreage and reforming terms to attract global explorers. Dozens of offshore and onshore blocks are being offered through both direct negotiations and competitive bidding, with new rounds in Libya, the Republic of Congo, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Algeria and Angola, among others. A central focus of the upcoming forum, these offerings are supported by revised fiscal frameworks, comprehensive seismic data and digitalized platforms aimed at streamlining investor engagement and lowering entry barriers. IAE 2025 ( is an exclusive forum designed to facilitate investment between African energy markets and global investors. Taking place May 13-14, 2025 in Paris, the event offers delegates two days of intensive engagement with industry experts, project developers, investors and policymakers. For more information, please visit To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@ The IAE 2025 program will feature dedicated sessions that highlight new opportunities, policy reforms and strategic deals. An Energy Reform Briefing on Sierra Leone will explore the structural changes aimed at enhancing the country's competitiveness in upstream oil and gas. A high-profile session from the newly established South African National Petroleum Company (SANPC) will offer insight into the entity's vision, followed by a live investor pitch. An 'In Conversation' dialogue with TotalEnergies will explore the major's evolving investment priorities in Africa and its role in the continent's energy transition. Meanwhile, the Premier Invest Deal Room will showcase six major upstream transactions, providing a curated environment for qualified investors, lenders and project sponsors to engage in due diligence and financing discussions. IAE 2025 will welcome government officials, companies and financiers. Confirmed ministers include the Republic of Congo's Minister of Hydrocarbons, Bruno Jean-Richard Itoua; Nigeria's Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Eperikpe Ekpo; Gabon's Minister of Petroleum, Marcel Abéké; Mauritania's Minister of Petroleum and Energy, Mohamed Ould Khaled; Senegal's Minister of Energy, Oil and Mines, Birame Soulèye Diop; Guinea-Bissau's Minister of Energy, Malam Sambu; and Liberia's Minister of Mines and Energy, Wilmot Paye. Industry participation ranges from leading majors such as TotalEnergies, Eni and Perenco, to NOCs including SNPC, SANPC, Gabon Oil Company and Uganda National Petroleum Company. Junior explorers and independents like Afentra, Trident Energy, Oando, UTM Offshore and EcoAtlantic will also join the conversation, alongside key players in technology and finance such as Technip Energies, NOV, SLB, Wärtsilä, Africa Finance Corporation, Rand Merchant Bank and the Trade and Development Bank. Together, leaders from both public and private sectors will engage in high-level discussions on topics ranging from financing the next generation of energy projects, to optimizing value from mature and mid-life assets, as well as transforming power generation across the continent. As global investors seek scalable growth opportunities and secure supply options, Africa is presenting a compelling case for upstream development and gas-led industrialization. With one month to go, IAE 2025 offers a timely and focused opportunity to engage with the people, projects and policies shaping the next chapter of African energy. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&Power.
Zawya
27-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Congo's Hydrocarbons Minister Endorses Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) 2026, Eyes 500,000 bpd Production Target
H.E. Bruno Jean-Richard Itoua, Minister of Hydrocarbons of the Republic of Congo, has endorsed the continuation of the Congo Energy&Investment Forum (CEIF) through 2026, emphasizing its role in supporting the country's ambitious production targets. During a Fireside Chat with Daisy Portella at the Congo Energy&Investment Forum 2025, Minister Itoua said, 'Considering Congo's objective to reach 500,000 barrels per day in the next three years, I want CEIF to be held annually for the next three years.' Minister Itoua also announced plans to revise the 2016 Hydrocarbons Code to make it more attractive and modern. Minister Itoua announced that the revision is part of the ministry's strategy to enhance oil production by developing marginal fields. 'We are working on revisiting the 2016 Hydrocarbons Code to modernize it and make it more attractive,' he stated. Discussing marginal fields, he outlined opportunities for local companies. 'Marginal fields provide immediate cash flow. They require only minimal additional investment and are within the reach of national companies. 'With the African Petroleum Producers Organization countries, we are considering this approach. Once we master this, we can move on to exploration.' He encouraged local players' participation, adding, 'We want to see national companies become true industrial players. There are opportunities for national oil companies to partner and grow.' Minister Itoua shared the same objective for the Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo (SNPC), stating, 'SNPC holds some marginal fields, such as Konkuala. I want to see SNPC become the Perenco of Congo. I intend to propose new offshore marginal fields to SNPC.' As part of this strategy, Minister Itoua plans to launch a new licensing round soon to attract investment in deepwater, marginal fields, and gas assets. 'There may be a session soon to launch the new licensing round with Energy Capital&Power. We want to give access to deepwater acreage, some marginal fields, and a special bid round focused on gas,' he stated. The Minister also emphasized the growing importance of gas in the country's energy strategy. 'We have accelerated the adoption of a gas code and we intend to create the Office Congolais du Gaz to serve as a local intermediary for stakeholders in the gas value chain,' he said. 'We are ready to discuss and support any gas project.' Minister Itoua sees gas as a transition fuel that will enable Congo to achieve energy security while highlighting the continued need for fossil fuels. 'Studies show that until 2040, the global energy mix will still require 40% fossil energy,' he noted. 'Africa is working for the world, and gas is now recognized as the ideal transition fuel.' Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&Power.
Zawya
25-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Inaugural Congo Energy & Investment Forum Kicks Off, Positioning Congo as a Key Energy Player
The inaugural Congo Energy&Investment Forum (CEIF) officially opened with welcome and keynote addresses by key industry leaders operating in the Republic of Congo's energy sector. With an ambition to double oil production to 500,000 barrels per day by 2027, and with the upcoming launch of a new Gas Master Plan, CEIF 2025 offers a platform for attendees to connect with leaders in Congo's energy market. Speaking during the opening session Congo's Minister of Hydrocarbons Bruno Jean-Richard Itoua outlined Congo's potential as a key driver of energy in Central Africa, highlighting critical reforms and initiatives aimed at maximizing the country's energy potential. 'It is with great pride and happiness that I'm taking the floor today to deliver the official opening of Congo Energy&Investment Forum,' Minister Itoua stated, adding, 'The outline of this forum is in line with Congo's National Development Goal of 2022-2026 and our ambitious vision to modernize infrastructure and create an inclusive investment environment.' Meanwhile, Sébastien Brice Poaty, General Secretary of Congo's parastatal Société National de Pétroles du Congo (SNPC) explained that Congo remains committed to the development of hydrocarbons, as well as renewable energy, to drive access throughout the country. Poaty indicated that the parastatal has finalized the Gas Master Plan – set to launch at CEIF 2025 – and is preparing for the coming adoption of the new Gas Code, which is expected later this year. 'This conference is part of a broader aspect on the future of the Congo. SNPC was created to valorize the energy potential of the Congo and support economic development while engaging in a sustainable transition,' stated Poaty, adding, 'Investing in Africa remains one of the keys to the continent's development. Speaking on Congo's potential to attract investment to the energy market, Haitham Al Ghais, Secretary General of OPEC, stressed the importance of stability in the market. 'Congo is an extremely valuable member of the OPEC family,' Al Ghais said, adding, 'Congo's oil will be essential considering the future growth of oil demand.' Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim, Secretary General, the African Petroleum Producers' Organization (APPO) stressed the importance of the Congolese government to review its strategies and revitalize its hydrocarbons sector. Additionally, Dr. Ibrahim highlighted that, while the global energy landscape is undergoing a massive paradigm shift, Congo must remain committed to driving the development of its oil and gas resources. 'The Republic of Congo has long been a significant player in Africa's oil and gas industry. As the third-largest producer in sub-Saharan Africa, with proven crude oil reserves of 1.8 billion barrels, Congo possesses immense potential for development in frontier basins,' he said. The Opening Ceremony also included keynote presentations by key industry players in Congo's energy industry including energy majors TotalEnergies and Eni, as well as independent producers Imperatus Energy and Ammat Global Resources and the African Energy Chamber. 'With increasing global competition for capital, future success in Congo depends on maintaining a competitive fiscal framework and a stable regulatory and legal environment to ensure long-term viability on investments,' stated Mike Sangster, Senior Vice President for Africa, TotalEnergies E&P. Andrea Berberi, Managing Director, Eni Congo announced during his presentation that the company completed its ninth cargo of LNG on March 24, reaching 1 million cubic meters of LNG produced and exported in the market. 'Today, we are proud to be part of this new sector in the Republic of Congo,' Berberi stated. 'There are great operators in the country working on different projects,' stated Massimiliano Mignacca, Director General, Ammat Global Resources, adding, 'Ammat's activities are notably in upstream, but we are committed along the entire lifecycle of hydrocarbons.' Calling on Congo to replicate the success of neighboring oil producers such as Angola, NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, the African Energy Chamber, expressed his optimism for the country to capitalize on regulatory reforms and improved governance to attract global investment. 'At a time when we look at the energy industry, when we look at global shifts in energy, we look at Congo for energy stability. It is for that reason that Congo takes a very strong position, but we need to recognize that energy reforms need to happen,' stated Ayuk. Meanwhile, Oumar Semega, CEO and Founder, Imperatus Energy Group noted that energy plays a key and strategic role for the Congo. 'At Imperatus, we have a clear vision to create value across every stage of the oil and gas sector, from extraction to commercialization,' stated. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&Power. CEIF 2025 takes places from March 24-26 in Brazzaville. The event is held under the highest patronage of Congo's President Denis Sassou Nguesso and supported by the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and SNPC. For three days, CEIF 2025 brings together international investors and local stakeholders to explore national and regional energy and infrastructure opportunities.
Zawya
06-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Top 5 Reasons to Attend Congo Energy & Investment Forum 2025
Serving as the inaugural edition, this year's Congo Energy&Investment Forum (CEIF) 2025, scheduled for March 25-26 in Brazzaville, underscores the Republic of Congo's growing role in Africa's energy landscape. Under the leadership of Bruno Jean-Richard Itoua, Minister of Hydrocarbons for Congo, the country has affirmed its commitment to maximizing its energy potential and streamlining licensing and regulatory processes, leading to a series of recent acquisitions and project developments. Gain Insights into Congo's Gas Master Plan The Congolese government will unveil its new Gas Master Plan at CEIF 2025, which is designed to consolidate the position of existing companies and attract new investments to the sector. Developed in collaboration with global data and analytics provider Wood Mackenzie, the plan sets out a clear roadmap to capitalize on Congo's gas resources, highlighting gas as a significant economic opportunity to diversify the country's economy. The plan will allow Congo to engage more confidently with advanced regional and international players in the industry. Participate in Congo's 2025 Licensing Round With aims to attract investment in both marginal and deepwater blocks, Congo is set to launch its 2025 international oil and gas licensing round. This initiative is part of the country's strategy to increase oil production from the current 280,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 500,000 bpd and is expected to usher in a new wave of investment in sub-Saharan Africa's fourth largest oil producing market. This licensing round is designed to attract international oil companies (IOCs) with technical expertise and financial capacity to develop deepwater resources, as well as local and independent companies to exploit marginal fields. Explore Congo's Investment Potential Congo is offering a number of investment opportunities for international and local companies and firms across all levels of the value chain. A series of dedicated panel sessions, technical workshops and presentations at CEIF 2025 will provide an in-depth look at Congo's efforts to sustainably increase its oil production. The conference will highlight crucial developments across the country's energy sector as well as the broader strategic importance of Congo's energy ambitions. CEIF 2025 will provide attendees with valuable insights into how ongoing and upcoming projects are helping the country meet its production goals while fostering economic growth and diversification in the sector. Connect with Industry Leaders Supported by Congo's Ministry of Hydrocarbons and national oil company (NOC) Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo, CEIF 2025 will serve as an opportunity for local, regional and international delegates to collaborate and discover new avenues for partnerships. Delegates can connect with top energy investors and executives – from operators, IOCs, NOCs and independents – as well as government officials, industry innovators and financiers to expand their professional network. Help Fuel Sustainable Development Boasting immense potential for renewable energy, Congo is well-positioned to leverage Congo's strong slate of upcoming projects to transform its energy landscape. In recent years, the country has implemented a number of initiatives to diversify its energy matrix and expand the share of renewable energy. The Congolese government is also making strategic investments in downstream infrastructure, including new refineries and gas-to-power projects, which will be on display at CEIF 2025 and are set to help drive electrification and socioeconomic development. The inaugural Congo Energy&Investment Forum, set for March 24-26, 2025, in Brazzaville, under the patronage of President Denis Sassou Nguesso and supported by the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo, will bring together international investors and local stakeholders to explore national and regional energy and infrastructure opportunities. The event will explore the latest gas-to-power projects and provide updates on ongoing expansions across the country. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&Power.
