Tag: Sahara Group

Sahara Group Executive Director, Wale Ajibade yesterday described Africa as the frontier for energy renaissance.

The group joined policymakers, regulators, operators, and global partners at the Opening Ceremony of the 2026 Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES) in Abuja.

Sahara Energy reinforced its commitment to shaping a sustainable, innovative, and globally competitive energy sector across Africa.

Speaking to journalists at the event,  Ajibade said, “the new frontier for an energy renaissance poised to redefine global energy balance.” Ajibade emphasized that the continent’s potential can only be fully unlocked through bold investments, strategic collaboration, and regulatory harmony.

He noted that Sahara Group’s successes as a foremost African energy and infrastructure conglomerate with over three decades of operations have been anchored on driving competitiveness, innovation and sustainability on the continent.

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According to him, “Africa must seize this moment. Our continent holds immense resources, a growing market, and an increasingly skilled population. Operators need to deepen collaboration, innovate across their value chains, and make the long-term investments required to expand capacity sustainably. At the same time, regulators across Africa must accelerate policy harmonization to create a predictable, integrated, and investor-friendly environment.”

Ajibade noted that Africa’s energy transition must be responsible, inclusive, and anchored on its developmental context.

He stressed the need for the continent to maximize the use of its resources, especially transition fuels, in a manner that supports accelerated economic growth, industrial expansion, and improved living standards.

“Our transition journey must reflect Africa’s realities. We must use our resources responsibly to drive growth while investing in technologies, talent, and systems that will ensure we transition sustainably. The world is watching Africa, and we must rise to the occasion,” he said.

Ajibade also commended the efforts of the Federal Government of Nigeria for its continuing transformation programs within the energy sector, describing them as necessary catalysts for long-term sectoral reform.

He further applauded the leadership and commitment of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and other regulators and stakeholders for their tireless work in repositioning Nigeria’s energy landscape.

He reiterated Sahara Group’s unwavering commitment to investing in new technologies, developing human capital, and forging strategic partnerships that will strengthen Africa’s energy security and competitiveness.

He stressed that Sahara Group would continue to champion initiatives that support sustainable development, energy transition, and inclusive growth across the continent, reaffirming its role as a leading partner in Africa’s energy evolution.

The Sahara Group Foundation has launched the Sahara Community Impact Project (SCIP) to empower and transform communities through collective action and entrepreneurship.

“Through SCIP, we are bringing resources, skills, and opportunities directly into the heart of each community, enabling entrepreneurs to scale, strengthening local value chains, and laying the foundation for truly sustainable, locally led economic growth,” said Chidilim Menakaya, Director, Sahara Group Foundation.

Menakaya explained that the Foundation, through the SCIP hubs, will serve as engines for job creation, and long-term business sustainability, leveraging Sahara’s EXTRApreneurship model to empower individuals and reduce resource waste.

Sahara Group Foundation is the social impact division of Sahara Group, a leading international energy and infrastructure conglomerate.

“From agriculture, trade, craftsmanship, services, to emerging innovation, Sahara Group Foundation is looking to ultimately build specialised regional hubs with export potential by unlocking local talent and enterprise potential, “she said.

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Head, Corporate Communications at Sahara Group, Bethel Obioma, said SCIP would pilot in Nigeria and ultimately become the template for replicating similar interventions to kick-start “community-led economic transformation across Africa.”

“SCIP is more than a project; it is a commitment to building sustainable communities through capacity building, job creation, and strategic partnerships. By reducing resource waste and improving production efficiency, Sahara is laying the foundation for a future where communities can compete globally while preserving local identity.”

SCIP will be open to receive applications from communities or entrepreneurs from January 2026 through Sahara Group Foundation’s official channels. After thorough reviews, selected participants will undergo training and mentorship to strengthen their business models. SCIP is guided by an in-built assessment procedure that ensures sustainability and measurable impact.

The Community Business Hubs will provide shared processing and production facilities to reduce costs, improve product quality, offer training and capacity-building in entrepreneurship, financial literacy, branding and digital skills, and strengthen market access through collective visibility and structured value chains. The hubs will also enhance access to financing via partnerships with financial institutions.

Urging media partners, community leaders, entrepreneurs, and the public to join in amplifying the transformative initiative, David Ayinde, Project Lead Sahara Group foundation, said the community referral call will go live in Q1 2026. “Through sustained media reports and collaborative participation and support from all stakeholders, we envision SCIP becoming a beacon of sustainable development, empowering communities to grow from within”.

Sahara Group has expanded its environmental sustainability agenda through a strategic partnership between its flagship Adopt-A-Forest Initiative and the Gelegele Forest Reserve in Edo State, Nigeria.

The collaboration, which kicks off with the planting of 20,000 tree seedlings, is aimed at regenerating degraded areas of the reserve and reinforcing Sahara’s long-term commitment to nature-based climate action.

The project launch featured engagements with the Edo State Forestry Commission and the Gelegele Forest Reserve Board, underscoring Sahara Group’s collaborative approach to restoring ecosystems, safeguarding biodiversity, and promoting sustainable livelihoods within host communities.

Launched in 2023, the Adopt-A-Forest Initiative is one of Sahara Group’s foremost climate action programmes designed to restore degraded landscapes, conserve Africa’s natural carbon sinks, and strengthen resilience against climate change.

By 2024, the initiative had successfully expanded across Nigeria, Cameroon, Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana, and Dubai, with further projects planned in Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Kenya in 2025.

Director, Governance and Sustainability, Sahara Group, Ejiro Gray, described the initiative as a key driver of Sahara’s vision for a greener and more sustainable future.

“The Adopt-A-Forest Initiative is more than a tree-planting programme; it is aimed at driving environmental sustainability of our natural carbon sinks. We recognize this God-given gift as vital to managing emissions, sequestering carbon, and ensuring that Africa’s lungs continue to sustain the planet,” she said.

Also speaking at the launch, Head of Business Support, Asharami Energy (a Sahara Group company), Babatomiwa Adesina, said the project reflects the Group’s integrated approach to sustainability.

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“At Asharami Energy, sustainability is at the core of our business. Our support for the Adopt-A-Forest Initiative reflects our shared responsibility to regenerate the environment and protect biodiversity”, he said. “Every tree planted represents a step toward reversing decades of degradation and rebuilding hope.”

The Chairman of Edo State Forestry Commission, Asuen Valentine, commended Sahara Group for its forward-looking intervention.

“The best time to plant a tree was years ago; the second-best time is now. We are grateful to Sahara Group for championing the Adopt-A-Forest Initiative and commend this visionary effort that will go a long way in restoring our forests and preserving them for future generations.”

Speaking further on the initiative, Gray reaffirmed Sahara’s resolve to continue driving climate leadership across its operations in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

“This work is necessary and non-negotiable,” she added. “We must continuously strike the right balance between preserving our natural forests and biodiversity and driving sustainable development for all.”

The Adopt-A-Forest Initiative remains a cornerstone of Sahara Group’s climate action strategy, integrating nature-based solutions, resource efficiency, and stakeholder collaboration to ensure Africa continues to “breathe” through its forests, the continent’s most vital gift to the world.

Sahara Group, in partnership with the Association of Energy Correspondents of Nigeria (NAEC), has unveiled its “Making A Difference: Workshop”, a capacity-building initiative designed to promote excellence and sustainability in energy reporting.

The workshop, which holds today, will precede the NAEC Annual Energy Conference taking place on October 9.

The 2025 NAEC Energy Conference will convene policymakers, regulators, industry leaders, and journalists to deliberate on key issues shaping Nigeria’s energy future. The workshop will serve as a strategic prelude, equipping correspondents to deliver impactful coverage during the conference and beyond.

In a joint statement, Sahara Group’s Head of Corporate Communications, Bethel Obioma, and NAEC Chairman, Ugo Amadi, said the workshop reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the role of journalists in driving Nigeria’s energy reforms and advancing the global energy transition.

 “At Sahara, we believe accurate, responsible, and insightful reporting has the power to shape perception, attract investment, and promote transparency in the energy sector,” Obioma noted. “Through #M.A.DWithNAEC, we are investing in journalists to enhance the integrity of Nigeria’s energy ecosystem while fostering knowledge sharing and sustainability.”

He added that every headline and analysis influences how the energy sector is perceived, stressing the need to equip correspondents for impactful storytelling.

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Amadi, on his part, said the initiative will empower reporters to effectively set agendas, provide checks and balances, and deepen public understanding of critical industry issues.

 “As we prepare for our annual conference, we are delighted to collaborate with Sahara Group on this laudable initiative. Continuous learning is a core value at NAEC, and we look forward to broadening perspectives that inspire trust and accountability in energy reporting,” he said.

The workshop will feature sessions led by industry experts including Head of Corporate Communications at Ikeja Electric Plc., Kingsley Okotie, CEO of Cabtree Ltd; Olabode Sowunmi, and Editorial Board member at Daily Trust, Vincent Nwanma.

By Chibuzor Favour

Sahara Group, an international energy and infrastructure conglomerate, says it is celebrating the recognition of two of its business leaders on the African Energy Chamber’s 2025 “20 Under 40 Energy Women Rising Stars” list. The firm described the feat as a reinforcement of its role in shaping the next generation of global energy leadership.

The Head of Integrated Gas Ventures at Asharami Energy, Mariah Lucciano-Gabriel and Chief Financial Officer of Egbin Power Plc, Yetunde Sorinola, were named among the continent’s rising stars for their outstanding contributions to Africa’s energy sector.

Their recognition reflects a wider global shift as the energy industry navigates the twin imperatives of expanding access to power and advancing a just energy transition.

The Executive Director at Sahara Group, Moroti Adedoyin-Adeyinka, described the recognition as evidence of Sahara’s long-standing commitment to empowering leaders who drive impact across Africa and beyond.

 “Mariah and Yetunde embody the Sahara spirit of resilience, innovation, and excellence. Their achievements demonstrate our commitment to Making A Difference by nurturing talent that can thrive on the global stage while bringing energy to life responsibly for communities across the continent and the globe,” she said.

The Head, Corporate Communications at Sahara Group, Bethel Obioma, said the recognition also reflects Sahara’s people-focused strategy across the energy value chain.

 “At Sahara, our people strategy is centered on growing expertise and giving our employees platforms to express their abilities maximally, both within and outside the workplace. Our core values of being disruptively creative and ambidextrous empower every member of our team to harness their potential, drive innovation, and deliver impact that transcends borders,” Obioma noted.

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As Head of Integrated Gas Ventures, Lucciano-Gabriel has been a driving force behind Sahara’s midstream gas business, accelerating revenue growth and expanding access to cleaner energy.

 “Being named among such a dynamic cohort of women is a powerful reminder that Africa has the talent and vision to lead global energy conversations,” she said.

 “This recognition inspires me to keep pushing boundaries, driving innovative gas solutions that can fuel inclusive growth” Lucciano-Gabriel added.

Sorinola, who leads the finance operations of Egbin Power Plc — Africa’s largest privately-owned thermal power plant — has built a reputation for strong governance, compliance, and financial stewardship of capital-intensive projects.

The “20 Under 40” list shines an international spotlight on women who are redefining Africa’s oil, gas, and renewable industries, at a time when the continent’s leadership in innovation and resilience is increasingly shaping global conversations.

Nigeria’s energy communication researcher and Team Lead of Platforms Africa, Adeola Yusuf, Ph.D, will be among speakers today at the Asharami Square 2.0, a Sahara Group initiative aimed at promoting sustainability through effective media advocacy. The keynote address will be delivered by Dr. Justice Derefaka, Group Asset Manager, PSC Asset Group B at NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS).

Sahara Group, in a statement, maintained that the second edition of Asharami Square, its flagship thought leadership platform, would explore important gas-related options as Africa seeks various opportunities to enhance energy access and security across the continent.

“Dr. Adeola Yusuf, Team Lead at Platforms Africa, will explore the media’s role in shaping awareness, moderating policy, and preventing misinformation and greenwashing,” the Group said in the statement signed by its Head, Corporate Communications, Bethel Obioma.

Dr. Yusuf, a researcher of media roles in energy and development, is a fellow of Thomson Reuters Foundation Scheme on illicit Finance Reporting in Africa. He will speak on “Harnessing Gas for Africa’s Sustainable Future.” Obioma said, adding that the agenda-setting role of the media makes it imperative for practitioners to understand how Africa should engage and act on important issues like energy transition, energy access/security, environmental stewardship, and sustainable development.

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“The media should be equipped to play an active role in policy formulation and execution. Asharami Square gives participants access to subject-matter experts, facilitating meaningful conversations that will ultimately help improve reporting and foster better understanding,” he added.

The Director, Governance and Sustainability, Sahara Group, Ejiro Gray, said the focus on gas is critical for Africa at this time, given the key role it is playing in improving access to clean, reliable energy across Africa.

“At Sahara Group, we see gas as a tool for long-term impact and platforms like Asharami Square help us translate technical possibilities into shared understanding and collaborative action. The first edition of the initiative was hugely successful. Sahara Group is delighted to work with the media again for the second edition as Asharami Square reinforces its commitment to promoting excellence in the media’s reportage of sustainability related issues” she said.

Derefaka, with over two decades of experience in oil, gas, infrastructure policy, and sustainability leadership, will share insights on unlocking Africa’s gas potential through innovation and public-private collaboration.

Other speakers at the forum will be the Commercial Manager at Sahara Group, Ijeoma Isichei, who will highlight gas as a bridge fuel and a driver of regional market integration and cooperation.

The panel will also feature the CEO, First Independent Power Limited (FIPL), Olurotimi Famoroti, who will examine the potential of gas in enhancing poverty alleviation, SME growth stimulation, and electricity access—especially in underserved areas.

Head, Integrated Gas Ventures, Asharami Energy, Mariah Lucciano-Gabriel, will speak on long-term strategies for achieving a sustainable energy mix and the role of gas in securing Africa’s energy future, while the Lead, Midstream and Power at Fidelity Bank Plc, Mobolaji Sunmoni, will address investment mobilisation and innovative financing models for scaling gas infrastructure across emerging markets.

Asharami Square is a Sahara Group initiative aimed at promoting sustainability through effective media advocacy. “The platform is specifically designed to foster a holistic understanding of sustainability and influence effective, balanced and reliable reporting by journalists across print, electronic and digital platforms,” said Bethel Obioma, Head, Corporate Communications at Sahara Group.

Through Asharami Square, Sahara Group continues to drive responsible energy development, thought leadership, and media empowerment across Africa. The second edition of the platform will further reinforce Sahara’s commitment to championing energy access, climate advocacy, and sustainable development.

The Sahara Group Foundation has repositioned the “Making A Difference Around Africa” (MADAA), initiative to support entrepreneurs on the continent with seamless access to markets, technology and business advisory services.

The Director, Sahara Group Foundation, Chidilim Menakaya, at the relaunch of MADAA Reloaded, explained that by focusing on sustainable practices, the Foundation will be empowering entrepreneurs to create businesses that not only thrive but also contribute to the protection and preservation of Africa’s natural environment. MADAA, she further clarified, provides these innovators with the tools, networks, and funding necessary to transform their ideas into scalable, impact-driven enterprises.

“Through the MADAA initiative, we aim to connect entrepreneurs with opportunities that will grow their businesses and ultimately unlock Africa’s potential for inclusive development. The initial MADAA application cycle unveiled a remarkable depth of entrepreneurial talent across Africa,” Menakaya noted.

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Explaining why the initiative was relaunched, Menakaya disclosed that: “although we were inspired by the strong interest, it became evident that we needed to broaden our scope and criteria to reach even more extraordinary individuals whose innovations can truly transform their communities. MADAA Reloaded represents our renewed commitment to discovering, empowering and celebrating these change makers.”

Applications for MADAA Reloaded remain open until May 31, 2025, offering selected entrepreneurs access to expert mentorship, tailored business advisory services, and vital exposure to help them thrive in today’s competitive environment. Shortlisting will commence in June 2025, with the programme set to launch in the third quarter of the year.

She further added that following MADAA Reloaded, the Sahara Group remains committed to ensuring that successful participants are positioned for long-term success through visibility, mentorship, and access to other initiatives of the Foundation like the Sahara Impact Fund (SIF) which will provide additional capital to scale their ventures.

By connecting them with a broader network of investors, business leaders and strategic partners, MADAA, Menakaya further said, creates pathways that allow these entrepreneurs to scale their impact, leading to lasting social and economic change.

She added that through MADAA Reloaded, the Sahara Group Foundation is reaffirming its commitment to building sustainable communities by empowering bold, impact-driven thinkers who are not only transforming their own lives but also shaping Africa’s future.

The MADAA reloaded is a flagship initiative of the Sahara Group which aims to discover visionary entrepreneurs who harness local and natural resources to address everyday challenges.

The Sahara Group Foundation, the social impact vehicle of energy conglomerate, Sahara Group, has unveiled its transformative extrapreneurship strategy to drive integrated economic and community empowerment programmes through collaborative partnerships and support for innovative as well as scalable business across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

Speaking in New York, Sahara Group’s Director, Governance and Sustainability, Ejiro Gray, said the Sahara Group Foundation had over the years implemented interventions aimed at promoting the sustainable development goals, recording over two million beneficiaries across its business locations.

According to Gray, the new strategy ensures the Foundation continues to actively drive the attainment of 11 of the 17 SDGs through “inclusive and progressive partnerships”.

“We are excited that with Extrapreneurship we can provide extra impetus to Africa’s march towards bringing sustainable development to African communities working through extrapreneurs, who through the support of Sahara Group Foundation can take their ideas and solutions to greater heights,” she said.

Head of Programmes at Sahara Group Foundation, Chidilim Menakaya, explained that the EXTRApreneurship strategy will promote economic growth in local communities through platforms that give entrepreneurs, social innovators, inventors and small businesses access to honing their craft and scaling their businesses, “one community at a time”.

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“Our Extrapreneurship model is designed to help Sahara Group Foundation play a key role as a bridge for economic empowerment and sustainable development by linking beneficiaries to sundry support platforms valued at $100 million and ultimately creating an ecosystem of collaborators working towards transforming Africa,” she said.

Menakaya noted that the Foundation’s new model aims to prepare the entrepreneurial community for the future of work through the integration of artificial intelligence in the Extrapreneurship framework. These community entrepreneurs, she explained, will not only drive forward thinking organisations but also empower ambidextrous individuals who are the backbone of the SME sector, a pivotal force for driving economic growth.

She said the Extrapreneurship programme would identify and support innovators, entrepreneurs, inventors and researchers who have developed proven sustainable products or solutions to everyday problems using locally available resources. This will be done through financial, advisory and investment support as well as building business hubs within the community leveraging the business niche area of each community.