Latest news with #CEIF2025
Zawya
27-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) 2025: Collaboration Key to Achieving 500,000 BPD Target
Collaboration was identified as being a key pillar for achieving the Republic of Congo's oil production goals during a Congo Energy&Investment Forum 2025 panel discussion sponsored by Weatherford – an Associate Sponsor of CEIF 2025. Operators and service providers underscored the value of partnerships in maximizing output at mature fields as well as the need for aligned priorities, including exploration and supply chain development. Targeting 500,000 barrels per day (bpd) within the next three years, the Republic of Congo is seeking investment across the upstream sector, from greenfield to brownfield assets. In a keynote address ahead of the panel, Omar Yordi, EUA Product Line Director Production, Digital and Well Services, Weatherford, emphasized the value of mature field development in achieving production goals. 'It is vital to address field challenges in mature assets, where we work together in collaboration with service providers, plan accordingly and maintain the outcome of the job. The most successful jobs we have undertaken in recent years have been through intrinsic collaboration,' he said. Companies active across the broader region have been highly successful in maximizing output at mature fields. According to Osayande Igiehon, CEO of Heirs Energies, the company 'doubled its production in Nigeria after taking over an asset in 2021. We used a unique approach called brownfield excellence. Our goals were maximizing oil potential, optimizing facilities and sustainably maximizing production. Today, we have over 90 wells producing.' Through collaboration, companies active in Congo can unlock addition value at mature fields. Collaboration will not only enable operators to share risk and reduce working costs, but leverage the expertise of other players to drive projects forward. Antoine Berel, Managing Director Sub-Saharan Africa, Halliburton, said that, 'The priority must be to make sure that the cost of operation remains low, to ensure that Congo remains competitive in international markets. Halliburton aims to collaborate to find solutions that maximize the value of producing assets.' Yachtze Luchin, President&CEO, Unite Oil&Gas – a Silver Sponsor of CEIF 2025 – added that, 'Partnerships are important because no one person by themselves has the answer. When you bring a collective gathering of people together, you give yourself a better chance to be successful.' Achieving the target of 500,000 bpd will require a strategic approach, incorporating both investment in frontier exploration as well as field intervention and redevelopment. As one of sub-Saharan Africa's biggest oil producers, the Republic of Congo has a diverse slate of oilfields, with opportunities in shallow water acreage, onshore blocks and deepwater basins offering enticing prospects for major operators. Tim O'Hanlon, Senior Adviser, Panoro Energy, said that 'The country has everything: onshore, offshore, big assets, small assets, brownfields, gas and blocks yet to be developed. It has ambitious targets and there is a lot of talent in the oil industry, with cutting edge [solutions].' He added that Congo will not achieve its production goals with existing assets alone, but 'should promote exploration in new fields. Congo has a lot of potential. What is important is to be flexible and have an attractive fiscal framework. Congo is a safe and pleasant place to work.' Echoing these remarks, Jean-Michel Jacoulot, CEO of Trident Energy, said that 'If you want to achieve these objectives in three years, we need to focus on exploration prospects that are not far from infrastructure. Congo must promote attractive fields in order to attract investment. We are competing with other countries in the sub-region and Congo needs to promote visibility, transparency and policy.' Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&Power.
Zawya
26-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) 2025: Reviving Mature Fields Key to Congo's Hydrocarbon Future
Industry leaders at the Congo Energy&Investment Forum (CEIF) 2025 emphasized that revitalizing the Republic of Congo's mature oil fields is key to sustaining production and attracting new investment during the Entering The Next Era Of Oil And Gas Production In Congo session. The country aims to increase crude production to 500,000 barrels per day (bpd) and is seeking new investment across its diverse portfolio of oil and gas assets. 'Congo offers opportunities in both oil and gas. We are actively developing offshore and shallow-water fields in partnership with SNPC and Bomoko Oil&Gas,' stated Yachtze Luchin, President&CEO of Unite Oil&Gas – a Silver Sponsor of CEIF 2025. He added that, 'Through strategic partnerships, technological innovation and a comprehensive approach, we can maximize efficiency of mature assets.' Echoing Luchin's comments, Miguel Baptista, Managing Director for Central, East&Southern Africa at SLB, said, 'Mature fields remain a critical component of Congo's hydrocarbon industry. The vast majority of production comes from these fields, and maintaining output requires a collaborative perspective, knowledge-sharing, digital tools to harness data and advanced technology deployment.' Service providers have a key role to play in supporting the revitalization of Congo's mature fields. According to James Richardson, Weatherford's Europe, Africa&Caspian Sales Director, 'We need to collaborate with other service providers to optimize recovery and extend field life.' Meanwhile, Massimiliano Mignacca, Managing Director of Ammat Global Resources – a Platinum Sponsor of CEIF 2025 -, underscored the necessity of modernizing operations. 'Many offshore fields have been in production since the late 1970s and 1980s. To sustain efficiency, we need to remove outdated infrastructure and introduce new technology while ensuring minimal environmental impact.' The session also highlighted Congo's emergence as a gas exporter and the need for continued investment in onshore projects. 'Projects like Wing Wah's onshore development are providing a significant boost to hydrocarbon expansion,' Baptista noted. 'The key is to ensure that production is maintained through a holistic strategy.' Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&Power. The inaugural Congo Energy&Investment Forum, taking place March 24-26, 2025, in Brazzaville, under the highest patronage of President Denis Sassou Nguesso and supported by the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo, brings together international investors and local stakeholders to explore national and regional energy and infrastructure opportunities.
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
24-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF): CLG Workshop Offers Insight into Congo's Legal Framework
Pan-African legal firm CLG – formerly Centurion Law Group – led a workshop during the inaugural Congo Energy&Investment Forum (CEIF) on the country's legal and fiscal frameworks. The workshop – Mastering Business in Congo: Challenges and Strategic Solutions for Success – delved into strategies investors can deploy to navigate the Republic of Congo's business environment as the country prepares to launch an international licensing round. As a leading provider of specialized legal and tax advisory services, CLG – a Legal Partner of CEIF 2025 - caters to a diverse portfolio of multinational energy companies. With offices in the Republic of Congo, Germany, South Africa, Nigeria, Mauritius, Ghana, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Namibia and South Sudan, the firm delivers bespoke solutions for a variety of challenges faced by oil and gas companies. The CLG workshop underscored how the firm's expertise can support oil and gas projects in the Republic of Congo as the country targets 500,000 barrels per day of oil. 'Our goal is to provide solutions by interpreting regulations, ensuring companies can operate freely. We have advisors across several African countries,' stated Zion Adeoye, CEO and Group Managing Partner, CLG. The country's strong Central African presence and deep knowledge of the associated legal frameworks gives it an edge in the region's energy landscape. According to Yves Ollivier, Managing Director, CLG Congo, the firm's services in the region include M&A transactions, due diligence, legal secretariat services for oil and gas companies and expertise in intellectual property and immigration laws. 'We provide legal opinions in various fields, including employment law, corporate structuring and contract negotiations,' he explained. In addition to these services, CLG has strong expertise in taxation. Daoudou Mohammad, Director: Tax and Legal, CLG Congo, explained that the firm assists companies with tax compliance, fiscal advisory services and global tax audits. 'We conduct comprehensive tax reviews and offer targeted training upon request,' he said. For the Republic of Congo, these services will play a key role in facilitating investment, advancing projects and realizing the country's energy production goals. Given the complexity of the oil and gas sector, understanding the potential challenges associated with the industry is vital. Oneyka Cindy Ojogbo, Deputy Managing Director&Partner, CLG, explained that, 'Understanding all contractual details is crucial, especially in the gas sector. We have encountered cases where disputes arose due to poorly negotiated agreements. Anticipating potential legal issues is key to mitigating risks.' Additional challenges include misunderstanding of the requisite taxation laws. Mohammad pointed out that many companies fail to consider available tax exemptions, leading to missed opportunities for fiscal optimization. 'A thorough assessment of tax incentives can significantly reduce financial burdens. Companies should proactively evaluate their eligibility for exemptions,' he advised. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&Power. The inaugural Congo Energy&Investment Forum, set for March 24-26, 2025, in Brazzaville, under the highest patronage of President Denis Sassou Nguesso and supported by the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo, brings together international investors and local stakeholders to explore national and regional energy and infrastructure opportunities.
Zawya
21-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
CLG to Share Legal, Regulatory Insights at Inaugural Congo Energy & Investment Forum
With expertise spanning multiple industries, a delegation from pan-African legal and advisory firm CLG (formerly Centurion Law Group) will speak at the inaugural Congo Energy&Investment Forum (CEIF) in Brazzaville this March. CLG, the official legal partner for CEIF 2025, is set to leverage this platform to address the unique challenges within Congo's energy investment sector. The delegation will include Zion Adeoye, CEO and Group Managing Partner; Yves Ollivier, Managing Director of CLG Congo; Grace Yella, Tax and Legal Director for Cameroon and Achare Takor, Senior Associate for Cameroon at CLG. 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. At CEIF 2025, CLG will host the Legal&Regulatory Frameworks for Congo's Energy Market Development technical workshop. This session aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the current frameworks governing natural gas, including licensing requirements, fiscal policies and gas monetization strategies under the country's Hydrocarbons Code. A panel of legal experts from CLG will discuss how legal factors influence investment decisions and contribute to the growth of Africa's energy sector. Congo is also set to unveil its Gas Master Plan and new Gas Code at CEIF 2025, which will advance the country's gas monetization agenda and catalyze new infrastructure development. In parallel, Congo will launch an international oil and gas licensing round aimed at attracting investment in both marginal and deepwater blocks as part of its strategy to double oil production by 2027. With its recent office opening in Pointe-Noire, CLG is poised to offer direct support to energy professionals operating in or entering the Congolese market. CLG's Pointe-Noire office, managed by Ollivier, is focused on providing legal support for current and upcoming hydrocarbons projects in the region. Under Ollivier's leadership, CLG's local presence will help energy players navigate Central Africa's complex legal landscape, minimizing risks and protecting assets. With expertise spanning energy, infrastructure, mining, agriculture and ESG standards, CLG offers comprehensive guidance to clients operating across Africa's dynamic business environments. The firm combines technical excellence with an understanding of local markets and regulatory frameworks, helping clients achieve their business objectives and capitalize on growth opportunities. 'CLG's expertise across energy, legal frameworks and regulatory issues is invaluable, particularly as we work to unlock the immense potential of Congo's energy sector. The insights from CLG's distinguished team will play a pivotal role in shaping discussions around the future of energy investment in Congo and Africa at large, providing crucial perspectives on the legal and regulatory complexities that will guide the region's growth,' states Sandra Jeque, Events and Project Director at Energy Capital&Power. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&Power.
