Latest news with #YvesOllivier
Zawya
27-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) 2025: Legal, E&P Experts Say Congo Ready for Increased Hydrocarbon Investment
With the upcoming establishment of a National Gas Company, the launch of a new Gas Code and development of a Gas Master Plan, the Republic of Congo is on a clear path to mobilizing capital to drive growth in its natural gas sector. Congo is home to an estimated 10 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, which is located in offshore fields such as Litchendjili, Néné, Minsala and Nkala, within the Marine XII license. As such, a strong lineup of legal and hydrocarbons experts participated in a panel session – Revitalizing the Hydrocarbons Sector by Unlocking Investment – at the inaugural Congo Energy&Investment Forum (CEIF) on March 26 in Brazzaville where they discussed how investors can drive growth in Congo's natural gas sector through favorable policies and emerging trends. 'The government [of Congo] is planning to establish a national gas company to encourage private investment and build up public-private partnerships,' stated Yves Ollivier, Managing Director of legal firm CLG Congo, adding, 'This will be the equivalent to the SNPC [ Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo ] in terms of gas.' Congo's regulatory framework has evolved to support major developments in the natural gas sector, which include energy major Eni's Congo LNG project – Congo's first natural gas liquefaction initiative. As such, the upcoming Gas Code aims to establish a legal and regulatory framework to attract investment in gas exploration and production. 'We are in an environment where conditions are united so that we have the potential for returns on investment,' stated Yannick Mouamba, Country Director of Congo, Gabon and Sao Tome and Principe, SLB, adding,' Looking at the landscape of opportunities, this is the right place to run technology and show the value of what the country can offer.' Meanwhile, the Gas Master Plan – launching this year – will provide a strategic roadmap for investment, infrastructure development and resource management in the gas industry. This initiative is designed to create a robust framework for investors, laying the groundwork for sustainable growth and the achievement of the country's industrial goals. 'When investors want to invest their money, they are looking for sustainable returns,' stated Rene Awambeng, Founder and Managing Partner, Premier Invest, adding, 'Africa is richly endowed in hydrocarbons and for Congo to attract investments, you need to create the right enabling environment.' In addition to natural gas, Congo's National Oil Company SNPC has ambitious plans to increase the country's oil production to 500,000 barrels per day (bpd) by 2027. To attract new investment in exploration and production, Congo is leveraging new policy reforms and plans to launch a new licensing round this year, which will focus on onshore and offshore fields. 'In complex geological domains, such as onshore Congo, we look at the impact of decreasing cost to the customer. Most importantly, we also look at an increase in accuracy of data, which leads to a reduction in risk,' stated Jevon Hilder, Senior Business Development Manager, TGS. 'The ambition is there,' stated Anastasia Deulina, CFO, Afentra, adding, 'The production objective of 500,000 bpd is admirable, and we very much would love to be part of that story. There is a lot of support from the government.' 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. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&Power.
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.
Zawya
18-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) 2025 to Feature Top Legal, Commercial Workforce Experts
Working in close collaboration with oil and gas companies operating in the Republic of Congo's hydrocarbons industry, pan-African legal and business advisory group CLG served as a key provider of commercial services for the acquisition of a number of operating fields by Trident Energy in January 2025. As part of the acquisition, Trident Energy acquired a 15.75% interest in the Lianzi Field, an 85% interest in the Nkosa and Nsoko 2 fields and a 21.5% interest in the Moho-Bilondo field from energy supermajors Chevron and TotalEnergies. Having recently opened an office in Pointe-Noire, CLG is well-equipped to offer direct support for energy professionals operating in the country. As such, CLG will participate as the official Legal Partner to this year's inaugural Congo Energy&Investment Forum (CEIF) 2025, which takes place in Brazzaville from March 24-26. CEIF 2025 will feature the participation of CLG Congo Managing Director Yves Ollivier and Director of Tax and Legal Daodou Mohammad as speakers. 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 nationales 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. Congo's upcoming Gas Master Plan is expected to be a major focus at CEIF 2025, providing a robust framework for gas exploration, production and commercialization. This regulatory reform is set to boost investor confidence and unlock the country's full natural gas potential. As such, CLG Congo is expected to lead discussions on the country's transforming regulatory structure while offering expertise on new commercial opportunities in the sector. Meanwhile, with over 28 years' experience in Africa's energy and workforce development space, pan-African career management firm iCUBEFARM CEO Yolanda Asumu will also participate as a speaker at CEIF 2025. Under Asumu's leadership, iCUBEFARM has become one of Africa's most transformative professional networks, bridging talent with opportunity and driving economic growth. With a reach that spans over 10,000 professionals across Central Africa, the company is a strategic partner for businesses, delivering workforce development solutions to startups, small- and medium-sized enterprises and major companies alike. In line with its economic goals, the Congolese government has established policies to ensure that Congo's energy sector benefits local businesses and workers. The Minister of Hydrocarbons Bruno Jean-Richard Itoua recently launched a registration campaign for subcontracting and service companies in the oil and gas industry. The initiative is designed to enhance transparency and improve the integration of local companies into the industry. As such, Asumu's participation at CEIF 2025 is expected to support Congo's strategy to encourage partnerships between foreign oil companies and local enterprises, with a focus on capacity building and knowledge sharing. Her participation as a speaker showcases the company's dedication to supporting Congo's approach to maximize domestic benefits from its vast energy resources, with a focus on job creation, technology transfer and building local expertise. 'The combined expertise of these speakers in legal, commercial and workforce development in Congo's energy sector will be instrumental in driving discussions on the country's energy future. Their insights at CEIF 2025 will foster important dialogue on how to align local and international efforts, build capacity and maximize the benefits of Congo's vast energy resources, ensuring sustainable growth and economic development for the country,' stated Energy Capital&Power Events&Project Director Sandra Jeque. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&Power.
Zawya
12-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Congo: CLG Experts Unpack Upcoming Gas Code and Investment Opportunities
The matter of the gas code will undoubtedly be discussed at the Congo Energy&Investment Forum, taking place from March 24-26, 2025, in Brazzaville. This regulatory milestone aims to provide a clear and structured framework for gas exploration, production and commercialization, boosting investor confidence and unlocking the full potential of the country's vast natural gas reserves. As part of the forum, CLG Congo, a leading legal and commercial advisory firm in the energy sector, will play a key role in discussions surrounding regulatory reforms. In an interview with Energy Capital&Power (ECP) ( Yves Ollivier, Managing Director and Daoudou Mohammad, Director of Tax&Legal at CLG, shared their insights on the country's upcoming Gas Code, regulatory landscape and upcoming opportunities. Please provide an overview of CLG's current activities in the Congo, particularly in relation to the energy sector? CLG Congo is a leading provider of legal, tax, and commercial advisory services, working closely with oil and gas companies. In 2024, CLG was involved in Trident Energy's acquisition of Chevron and TotalEnergies' interests in the Lianzi, Nkosa and Nsoko 2 and Moho Bilondo fields. Trident now holds15,75% in Lianzi field, 85% in Nkosa and Nsoko 2 fields and 21.5% in Moho-Bilondo. To expand our client base, we actively participate in major energy events, such as African Energy Week in Cape Town and are honored to partner with Capital Energy&Power as legal counsel for CEIF 2025. How does the Republic of Congo's legislative framework impact foreign investment in hydrocarbons? Historically, about 80% of direct investments in the country come from oil and gas, reflecting its economic dependence on hydrocarbons. To enhance investment conditions, the government has created investment promotion structures, including a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Agency and a dedicated Ministry for International Cooperation and for Public-Private Partnership. The 2016 Hydrocarbons Code introduced competitive bidding for exploration rights, increasing transparency and investor confidence. However, a Gas Code is still needed to provide a specific legal framework for natural gas investments. The current draft, developed with international institutions, aims to secure foreign capital and streamline regulations for a more competitive and structured industry. What fiscal incentives does Congo offer to attract energy investments? The government provides among others, corporate tax exemptions and progressive tax reductions for oil and gas projects, negotiated within the Production Sharing Contracts. Companies also benefit from customs incentives, such as the IM5 temporary import regime, allowing tax-free equipment imports under the condition of re-export. These measures lower entry costs for investors and enhance profitability. What are the key expectations from the Gas Code and how could the regulatory framework improve investment conditions? The Gas Code, expected in 2025, will provide a clear legislative framework for gas monetization, fiscal terms, and resource management. The draft was presented to gas companies in late 2023, and after modifications, is set for final approval. Additionally, the Gas Master Plan, developed by SNPC and McKinsey, aims to boost investment and expand gas utilization in Congo. Another key issue is the VAT decree (2023-1337), which extends VAT to previously exempt oil and gas operations. There are ongoing discussions between the government and industry players to find a compromise that suits all parties. How does the regulatory framework impact local content development in the oil and gas industry? Despite 2019 local content decrees, enforcement remains a challenge. The law mandates 70% Congolese employment in management roles, but lacks clear compliance mechanisms. Companies try to follow the guidelines, but without effective monitoring, implementation varies. Strengthening verification processes is essential for sustainable workforce development in the sector. What are your key expectations for the Congo Energy&Investment Forum 2025? We see this as an opportunity to engage with foreign investors and showcase Congo's gas potential, which includes proven reserves of 284 billion cubic meters and significant ongoing projects such as Eni's Tango FLNG and Wing Wah's Banga Kayo Gas Project. The forum will allow direct dialogue with policymakers, enabling us to propose solutions for industry challenges such as the Gas Code finalization and fiscal reforms. We also aim to highlight investment opportunities and regulatory reforms. Discussing topics like the Gas Code, VAT decree, and Hydrocarbons Code updates is crucial to ensuring a competitive and attractive investment environment. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&Power.
