Benin

Axian investit $670mn dans un projet hydroélectrique stratégique à Madagascar

Le groupe Axian renforce son portefeuille énergétique avec le projet de barrage de Volobe à Madagascar, une initiative estimée à $670mn visant à étendre l’accès à l’électricité dans un pays en proie à de fortes tensions sociales.

Orano wins legal case in uranium dispute over Somaïr site

An international tribunal ruled in favour of French company Orano against the State of Niger, which had blocked the sale of uranium extracted from the Arlit mine since taking control of the site in 2023.

ICSID blocks the sale of SOMAÏR uranium by the State of Niger

The ICSID arbitral tribunal ordered Niger to suspend any sale of uranium produced by SOMAÏR, ruling that this material falls under Orano’s contractual rights, amid a dispute with the State that has lasted for several months.
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Axian and Sika invest €45 million in four solar power plants in Benin

Four photovoltaic plants totaling 50 MW will be built in Benin by Axian Energy and Sika Capital to strengthen the share of renewables in the country’s energy mix.

Resumption of drilling at Sèmè field: Benin restarts its oil production

After twenty-seven years of inactivity, the offshore Sèmè field sees operations restart under the direction of Akrake Petroleum, with production targeted by the end of 2025.

Orano posts half-year profit of EUR109mn after industrial turnaround

French group Orano returns to profitability in the first half of the year, supported by strong plant performance and stabilisation of international activities, notably after resolving the situation in Niger.
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Russia advances its position on uranium and civil nuclear energy in Niger

The Russian Minister of Energy announces strengthened cooperation in uranium and civil nuclear energy in Niger, reinforcing Russia's economic presence in a key sector following the withdrawal of several Western players.

Mauritania: Sonatrach and SMH launch strategic partnership in downstream oil sector

Facing an under-equipped downstream sector, Mauritania partners with Sonatrach to create a joint venture aiming to structure petroleum products distribution and reduce import dependency, without yet disclosing specific investments.

Development banks: $19.6bn invested in water-related projects in 2024

Ten multilateral development banks have approved global financing of $19.6bn for water-related projects in 2024, mainly aimed at low- and middle-income countries, according to a recent joint report.
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Orano challenges Niger’s decision to nationalize mining company SOMAÏR

Niger announces its intention to nationalize SOMAÏR, a mining company jointly owned with Orano, provoking strong opposition from the French company and paving the way for further international legal tensions.

Petronas cuts 5,000 jobs and exposes contradictions in its African operations

Petronas' workforce reduction reignites questions about internal trade-offs, as the group maintains its commitments in Asia while leaving uncertainty over its operations in Africa.

Niger orders CNPCNP executives to leave over breach of local content rules

Nigerien authorities instruct the local arm of China National Petroleum Corporation to repatriate expatriates who have held positions for over four years, citing violations of local content requirements and economic sovereignty.
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Savannah Energy increases revenues by 19% and strengthens oil assets

Savannah Energy recorded a 19% rise in revenues in the first quarter of 2025, driven by the integration of a new asset in Nigeria and improved cash flows.

Orano faces interest from buyers for its uranium mines in Niger

Several parties are positioning to acquire French company Orano’s mining sites in Niger, while the firm pursues international arbitration to protect its assets and nearly €250mn in blocked uranium concentrate.

Orano loses contact with its representative in Niger after raids

Orano reports a lack of communication with its representative in Niger following a raid on its offices amid rising tensions with Nigerien authorities.
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Nigerian minister’s diplomatic visit to Niamey: Economic cooperation and security in focus

Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar met his Nigerien counterpart in Niamey on April 16, 2025, to discuss economic cooperation and security amidst ongoing political tensions and terrorist threats.

Niger turns to solar after Nigeria cuts electricity exports

Niger is increasing its reliance on solar energy to offset the reduction in Nigerian electricity exports, a direct consequence of diplomatic tensions following the regime change in Niamey.

Algeria strengthens its African strategy with an electricity project in Burkina Faso

The Algerian energy group Sonelgaz is offering its technical expertise to Burkina Faso to strengthen its electrical infrastructure, illustrating Algeria's strategic intention to consolidate its presence in sub-Saharan Africa’s energy markets.
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Niger expels Chinese executives from the oil sector

Nigerien authorities have ordered the expulsion of three Chinese executives from oil companies and shut down a hotel owned by a Chinese company. This decision is part of a policy aimed at strengthening national control over the country’s energy resources.

The IAEA Director-General strengthens nuclear cooperation with Niger

Rafael Mariano Grossi, IAEA Director-General, is visiting Niger to discuss nuclear cooperation. This visit comes at a time when the country, a major uranium producer, is experiencing internal political tensions.