Category Archives: Tech

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Huawei smartwatch sales set to rise above 60% in Taiwan by 2025

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Huawei Technologies has projected a significant rise in its smartwatch sales in Taiwan, expecting up to a 60% increase by the end of 2025, driven by strong consumer demand for its innovative wearable products.

According to Yong Hai, General Manager of Taiwan Huawei Technologies, the company’s smartwatch and audio wearable segments have performed exceptionally well in the Taiwanese market this year. He revealed that Huawei led the global wearable market in the first half of 2025, and current trends suggest even stronger results in the second half.

“Huawei smartwatch sales may hit the 60% mark in Taiwan by the end of this year,” Yong said, noting that the company’s technological advancements and product diversity continue to attract a broad range of consumers.

Huawei’s performance in H1 2025 showed a 40% increase in smartwatch sales, and forecasts indicate that the company could achieve an overall 60% combined growth in smartwatches and audio wearables by year-end.

The recent release of the Watch GT 6 series, Watch D2 Blue, and Watch Ultimate 2 has further strengthened Huawei’s position in the wearable tech space. These devices boast standout features such as 21-day battery life, sonar-based underwater communication, and 150-meter diving capability, giving them an edge over rivals like Apple and Samsung.

Read Also: Türkiye to host GITEX Ai Türkiye 2026 in Istanbul

Interestingly, over half of Huawei smartwatch users are iPhone owners, reflecting the brand’s success in ensuring cross-platform compatibility between iOS and Android systems.

Yong attributed Huawei’s success to its heavy investments in research and development (R&D), alongside the company’s commitment to its “all-scenario smart life” strategy, which focuses on delivering comprehensive and seamless connectivity experiences.

He also acknowledged that Huawei’s limited smartphone presence has, in some ways, been advantageous for its wearable division.

“Lack of mobile phone support may seem like a challenge, but it feels like a blessing in disguise,” Yong stated. “Huawei is actively improving the cross-platform compatibility of its products to maintain a better connection experience with other brands’ devices.”

With its strong innovation drive and growing ecosystem of interconnected products, Huawei appears well-positioned to sustain its dominance in the global wearables market through 2025 and beyond.

Kenya lost $158m over slow adoption of biotechnology – AATF

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The African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) says Kenya lost 20.4 billion Kenyan shillings (about 158 million dollars) in five years due to delays in adopting biotechnology.

Dr Daniel Willy, Senior Manager, Policy, Agribusiness and Commercialisation at AATF, said this on the sidelines of the ongoing World Congress of the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) in Kenya.

He said biotechnology remains one of the key scientific tools for improving crop varieties and enhancing food production.

“You can use biotechnology, for example, to help crops protect themselves from pests.

“The application is used in Tella maize (Bt maize), which enables the crop to resist pests such as stem borers and fall armyworm.

“By so doing, farmers are able to reduce yield losses associated with pest attacks,” he said.

Willy said AATF scientists had also applied biotechnology to fortify crops by adding nutrients, citing maize as an example.

He noted that vitamin A had been introduced into maize to address nutritional deficiencies.

Read Also: New documentary showcases Africa’s pastoralists as innovators, not victims

“We have also seen biotechnology used to improve the shelf life of crops like tomatoes, among others.

“Therefore, biotechnology is one tool among many in agriculture that can help farmers improve yields, which directly contributes to food security,” he added.

The AATF official said such innovations were expanding Africa’s potential for food production while helping farmers mitigate the impacts of drought, pests and diseases.

He explained that AATF had developed numerous hybrid crop varieties through African scientists since the 1970s, including maize, beans and sorghum.

Willy highlighted Nigeria’s success in commercialising the Pod Borer Cowpea, which resists the maruca pest, as a major biotechnology milestone.

“Bt maize is also on the continent; it has been commercialised in Nigeria and South Africa, and countries such as Ethiopia, Kenya and Mozambique are now preparing to follow suit,” he said.

He, however, noted that the progress of biotechnology adoption in Africa had been slowed by misinformation and conspiracy theories about its health effects.

According to him, such misconceptions have hindered the commercialisation of biotechnology crops.

“That need not be the case because, by delaying, we are losing a lot as a continent,” he said.

(NAN) 

AI not threat but catalyst for African creativity, say stakeholders

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African creatives have been advised to view Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a tool to enhance creativity and innovation rather than a threat to originality and human imagination.

Stakeholders in Africa’s creative ecosystem gave the advice at the second edition of the ongoing Forum CréationAfrica on Friday in Lagos.

The second edition, organised by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs in partnership with MansA, focuses on creative and cultural industries across the African continent.

The session, with the theme “African Minds, Global Machines: What Does AI Really Mean for Creatives on the Continent?”, brought together digital artists and tech innovators to explore the ethical, cultural, and artistic implications of AI in Africa’s creative space.

Senegalese digital artist, Hussein Dembel, described AI as both an opportunity and a moral test for creatives, noting that it could transform imagination into reality faster than ever before.

“If you can think it, you can make it. AI allows us to bring imagination to life faster than ever before,” he said.

Dembel said that AI tools were already improving filmmaking processes such as visual effects and green screen editing, making creative production more efficient.

He, however, cautioned that the rapid rise of AI also raised complex ethical questions about originality and copyright.

“We are heading to a world where films can be made 100 per cent by AI. It’s frightening because some of that technology already exists.

“However, will audiences pay to watch content without the human touch? We are so in tune with human emotion that resistance will definitely come,” Dembel said.

He added that protecting copyright in the AI era was becoming increasingly difficult as the line between human and machine-generated work continued to blur.

On his part, Hammed Arowosegbe, Founder of Swift XR, said the future of African creativity in the AI era would depend largely on education and responsible use.

Read Also: Türkiye to host GITEX Ai Türkiye 2026 in Istanbul

Arowosegbe emphasised that Africa must leverage AI to tell its own stories in its own voice.

“Education is crucial. We need to go from being consumers of technology to creators.

“The more context and precision you give AI, the more powerful your output becomes. Don’t outsource your mind to AI or delegate your autonomy.

“Always cross-check what AI gives you. It’s not the ultimate answer, it’s a middleman,” he added.

Arowosegbe predicted that society might initially over-rely on AI but would eventually rediscover the irreplaceable value of human creativity.

“The best works today are a fusion of AI and human creativity,” he said.

Arowosegbe also called for policy interventions to address ethical concerns around copyright, identity, and digital ownership.

According to him, governments must invest in homegrown AI models that reflect African languages, values, and cultural realities.

“The government should have a research programme where we build our own AI systems to ensure they understand our realities.

“Control must also happen in how our digital likeness is used, especially with the rise of deepfakes and identity theft,” he said.

Audience members at the session shared similar views, noting that mainstream AI systems often fail to recognise African cultural contexts and expressions.

They agreed that creativity continues to evolve and that responsible use of AI could strengthen rather than diminish African innovation.

(NAN)

Gen Z innovators harness tech to tackle South Africa’s hunger crisis

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As World Food Day approaches, a new generation of South African innovators is rewriting the country’s approach to fighting hunger. Sixty of South Africa’s brightest Gen Z tech talents came together for “The Biggest Hunger Hack,” a week-long challenge hosted by KFC Africa, aimed at developing technology-driven solutions to combat child hunger.

Using tools such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, data visualisation, and community-driven platforms, the young participants reimagined the company’s Add Hope open-source blueprint (https://AddHope.KFC.co.za/) — the programme that currently supports over 3,300 feeding centres and reached more than 154,000 children last year through millions of R2 donations from KFC customers.

The hackathon offered potential seed funding of up to R1 million for the most promising ideas, which showcased how innovation and empathy can converge to solve one of South Africa’s toughest social challenges.

Stand-Out Solutions

The overall winning team, Ctrl-Alt-Del-Hunger, created “Misfits Mzansi,” an app that tackles food waste by rescuing “ugly” but edible fruits and vegetables from farms and redirecting them to food-insecure families. The app also includes short-form cooking challenges, interactive edutainment, and ad-driven donations.

“You become a philanthropist just by watching a video,” the team explained.

Read Also: Africa Tech Festival 2025 unveils expanded speaker line-up featuring leaders from government, business, sport

Another team, Streetwise Scripters, developed a social-media-first donation ecosystem featuring a real-time donor dashboard, hotspot donation map, and KFC loyalty rewards integration, where good deeds unlock free meals. Their @KFCAddHopeSA TikTok-to-Till campaign uses digital storytelling to strengthen donor engagement.

Bit Coders built an inclusive AI chatbot ecosystem that allows anyone — even non-KFC customers — to donate via the MTN MoMo API, offering donor insights, rewards, and instant tax certificates for larger donations.

Meanwhile, Hack 4 Hope introduced a WhatsApp chatbot that lets customers scan QR codes on KFC receipts to donate instantly. Using blockchain technology, the system tracks every R2 from donation to meal served, rewarding repeat donors with “HopeCoins” and turning transparency into a gamified experience.

Collaboration: The Key Ingredient

“The Biggest Hunger Hack showed what happens when young digital natives use tech for good,” said Andra Nel, KFC Africa’s Head of Brand Purpose and ESG. “They understand hunger because many have lived it, and they understand technology because they were born into it. That’s the sweet spot for innovation with purpose.”

Stakeholders from business, government, and civil society attended the event in Johannesburg to witness the pitches and explore opportunities to scale the solutions nationally.

Nel revealed that the next phase will involve pilot programmes developed with Add Hope partners, with the goal of presenting measurable outcomes by the National Convention on Child Hunger early next year.

“Collaboration is our key ingredient—from customers dropping R2 at the till to partners like McCormick, Tiger Brands, Foodserv, CBH, Nature’s Garden, Digistics, and Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa, all rallying behind the Add Hope recipe,” Nel said.

“Opening up Add Hope as an open-source blueprint has unleashed an outpouring of ubuntu that’s turning this fight into a movement, one that South Africa and the world can learn from.”

According to Nel, the ultimate goal is to transform the best hackathon concepts into live pilots with KFC’s 128 feeding partners, ensuring technology continues to amplify impact in the fight against hunger.

Africa Tech Festival 2025 unveils expanded speaker line-up featuring leaders from government, business, sport

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Africa Tech Festival 2025, the continent’s most influential technology event, has announced new additions to its speaker line-up, reinforcing its role as a premier platform shaping Africa’s digital future. The event will bring together influential voices from government, enterprise, innovation, and sport to discuss strategies driving the continent’s digital transformation.

Delivering the ministerial welcome and opening address is Hon. Solly Malatsi, South Africa’s Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies. His participation highlights South Africa’s commitment to inclusive connectivity, digital literacy, and policy alignment in accelerating its digital economy.

Also joining the line-up is Tendai “The Beast” Mtawarira, the renowned former Springbok rugby star and founder of The Beast Foundation, which empowers young Africans to reach their potential both on and off the field. From the enterprise technology sector, Adil El Youssefi, CEO of Africa Data Centres, will share insights on expanding Africa’s AI capabilities through sustainable and secure data infrastructure.

Read Also: AfDB approves $500m to boost Sierra Leone’s economic growth, resilience

Other notable speakers include Mlindi Mashologu, Deputy Director-General for Digital Society and Economy at South Africa’s Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, who will explore practical frameworks for AI governance; Obed Frimpong, Chief Information Security Officer at First National Bank Ghana Ltd, who will discuss cloud computing and enterprise innovation; and Charles Murito, Regional Director for Government Affairs & Policy (Sub-Saharan Africa) at Google, offering strategic perspectives on digital workforce development.

Together, these leaders represent the diverse forces driving Africa’s digital evolution—from policymakers and corporate executives to innovators and social impact champions.

“Africa Tech Festival continues to be the continent’s leading platform for creating national digital strategies, driving economic growth, advancing infrastructure, and fostering meaningful public-private collaboration,” said Kadi Diallo, Portfolio Manager for Africa Tech Festival. “The addition of these speakers underscores the Festival’s cross-sector appeal. It’s where vision meets action, and where public and private leaders, entrepreneurs, and even athletes come together to challenge convention and inspire transformation.”

The 28th edition of Africa Tech Festival will be held from 11–13 November 2025 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC). The event will feature four flagship programmes — AfricaCom, AfricaTech, AfricaIgnite, and The AI Summit Cape Town — addressing Africa’s most pressing digital priorities under the themes of responsible innovation, inclusive investment, connectivity for development, and policy harmonisation.

GITEX expands to Latin America, propelling US$950b digital future

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As Latin America’s digital market surges toward a projected value of nearly US$950 billion by 2026 (PCMI), the region is set for a new era of technological and economic transformation. This momentum has attracted GITEX, the world’s largest and top-rated tech and digital investment brand, which is officially expanding into the continent.

Organised by the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and KAOUN International, in strategic partnership with the São Paulo Development Agency (ADESAMPA), the debut edition of GITEX LATAM will be held from March 16–17, 2027, at Distrito Anhembi, São Paulo, Brazil. It marks Latin America’s first-ever global tech event of this scale.

Leveraging Brazil’s economic strength, progressive digital policies, and thriving startup ecosystem, GITEX LATAM aims to position the continent as a new global hub where innovation meets opportunity.

Ricardo Nunes, Mayor of São Paulo, hailed the initiative as a major gateway for regional innovators, saying:

“São Paulo is excited to host GITEX LATAM, a landmark catalyst enabling our finest innovators to meet global opportunities. This platform will connect pioneering startups, unicorns, and influential enterprises with international markets, unlocking capital, forging partnerships, and expanding visibility on the world stage. At City Hall of São Paulo we are committed to empowering businesses that embody our creative and entrepreneurial strength, reaffirming our city as Latin America’s foremost hub of innovation, investment, and transformative growth.”

Brazil to Serve as ‘Vibrant Cornerstone’ of Regional Tech

GITEX’s expansion underscores its growing global network — spanning 14 cities across multiple continents in just three years. Brazil now joins this elite circle as one of the world’s leading adopters of digital public infrastructure, offering hundreds of online services and digital IDs to more than 150 million citizens.

With projections of a US$259 billion ICT market (IMARC Group) and a US$99.8 billion AI market (Grand View Horizon) by 2033, Brazil stands as a key driver of innovation in the region.

Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President of DWTC and CEO of KAOUN International, celebrated the partnership, noting:

Read Also: Türkiye to host GITEX Ai Türkiye 2026 in Istanbul

“Brazil is the vibrant cornerstone of Latin America’s economy and a distinguished benchmark for dynamic, inclusive, and consequential technology development. Together with São Paulo – a prolific hub where startup ingenuity, entrepreneurial spirit, and ambitious investments thrive – GITEX LATAM shall integrate Latin America with the limitless digital universe, unlocking unprecedented access to capital, knowledge, tech, and talent, as the region scales towards global dominance on the world stage.”

Connecting Innovators Across a $6.8 Trillion Economy

According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Latin America’s emerging and developing economies are expected to generate a combined GDP of US$6.8 trillion in 2025. GITEX LATAM aims to accelerate this momentum by fostering cross-border collaboration, channeling investment, and driving digital inclusion across sectors.

The event’s agenda will cover emerging fields such as AI, agritech, cloud, connectivity, cybersecurity, healthtech, renewable energy, and data infrastructure, providing a future-focused platform for investors and innovators alike.

São Paulo: The Heart of Latin America’s Startup Scene

The São Paulo startup ecosystem ranks first in Latin America and attracts substantial venture capital activity. According to StartupBlink’s Global Startup Ecosystem Index Report 2025, the city has drawn more than US$33.5 billion in VC funding in the last decade, achieved a total ecosystem valuation of US$113 billion, and produced 11 unicorns valued at over US$1 billion.

Rodrigo Goulart, Municipal Secretary of Economic Development and Labour of São Paulo, added:

“São Paulo awaits GITEX LATAM with tremendous anticipation, not least because of the immense potential to elevate tech cooperation to historic new heights across Brazil and Latin America. By leveraging the world’s largest network of digital economy relationships – a network universally synonymous with GITEX – we are inspired to cultivate investor confidence and empower entrepreneurs as well as new talents.”

Strengthening UAE–Brazil Tech Ties

The announcement of GITEX LATAM was made during GITEX GLOBAL, the world’s largest tech and AI exhibition held from October 13–17 at DWTC in Dubai. The 2025 edition saw record Latin American participation, with Brazil as the official Country Partner represented by ApexBrasil, its trade and investment promotion agency.

ApexBrasil led two national pavilions featuring over 50 startups and innovation hubs, while the City Hall of São Paulo showcased more than 10 startups. Chile and Ecuador also made their debut at the event, joining representatives from over 180 countries.

The announcement follows the G20 Leaders’ Summit held in Rio de Janeiro in November 2024, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the UAE and Brazil. Both nations reaffirmed their strategic partnership and pledged to deepen collaboration across AI, agriculture, innovation, climate change, and renewable energy.

For more information on GITEX LATAM, visit www.GITEXLATAM.com
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Türkiye to host GITEX Ai Türkiye 2026 in Istanbul

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  • …Positioning Eurasia as a Global AI Hub

As the world’s biggest tech giants, startups, and innovators gathered in Dubai for the second day of GITEX GLOBAL 2025 senior representatives from the UAE and Türkiye announced a landmark partnership to launch GITEX Ai Türkiye 2026 in Istanbul.

The event, organized by KAOUN International in partnership with the Investment and Finance Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye and the Turkish Ministry of Industry and Technology, will take place from September 9–10, 2026, at the Istanbul Expo Centre. It is set to become Türkiye and Eurasia’s most significant gathering of tech leaders, driving AI adoption, investment, and collaboration across industries.

GITEX Ai Türkiye will showcase immersive innovations in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Fintech, Gaming, Cloud, and Connectivity, uniting leading global innovators under one platform.

The partnership was formalized by Trixie LohMirmand, CEO of KAOUN International; Gökhan Yücel, SVP – Communications and Marketing, Investment and Finance Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye; and Sadullah Uzun, Director General of National Technology, Ministry of Industry and Technology.

“With Türkiye on a mission to position itself as the nexus of the global AI movement, GITEX Ai Türkiye is where capital meets code—accelerating homegrown models and strengthening our digital infrastructure,” said Gökhan Yücel. “The base is real and investable: 1,059 active AI startups (Q3 2025), alongside over 1,300 certified R&D/design centers and around 12,000 companies across 106 Technology Development Zones. High and medium-high tech exports now exceed USD 100 billion, while 2024 FDI projects brought USD 10 billion in capex commitments. Powered by GITEX Ai Türkiye, Istanbul’s nexus position will transform this momentum into strategic partnerships, pilot initiatives, and globally scalable products.”

Read Also: Google unveils two Gemini’s new AI-powered features

Sadullah Uzun, Director General of National Technology, added: “Türkiye is a unique nexus where diverse ideas and innovation converge. The launch of GITEX Ai Türkiye 2026 highlights our growing role in the global technology and AI landscape. Through initiatives like Türkiye TechVisa and Turcorn 100, we’re attracting global talent and helping startups scale internationally. We’re excited to contribute to a future where Türkiye plays a meaningful part in shaping the world’s AI advancements.”

Trixie LohMirmand, EVP of DWTC and CEO of KAOUN International, said: “Türkiye is the bridge between East and West, where cultures, ideas, and opportunities collide and thrive. By bringing the world’s largest, most connected network of AI and tech investors to Türkiye, we are transforming it into the next cross-border corridor of AI digital excellence. Our ambition is to make Türkiye and Eurasia a powerful force in shaping the AI future of the world.”

Empowering Türkiye’s Rise as the AI and Tech R&D Nexus

Türkiye has been making strategic investments to strengthen its technology infrastructure, and GITEX Ai Türkiye 2026 is expected to elevate its domestic AI ecosystem through international collaboration.

Experts predict that accelerating AI adoption across public services could save Türkiye up to $4 billion annually and contribute 1% to national GDP, translating into billions in economic value. The country’s innovation ecosystem has grown rapidly, creating a solid foundation for embracing next-generation technologies in AI, GovTech, Fintech, Cybersecurity, and Industry 4.0.

For more information, visit www.GITEXTurkiye.com
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Google, World Bank partner to develop AI infrastructure for emerging markets

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Google and the World Bank Group have announced a new partnership aimed at accelerating digital transformation across emerging markets.

The collaboration, unveiled on Wednesday, focuses on deploying Open Network Stacks, which act like digital infrastructure to help citizens access vital services.

In a statement, the organisations said the alliance seeks to “unlock inclusive growth and empower communities by making digital public infrastructure accessible, interoperable, and AI-enabled.”

Read Also: Google unveils two Gemini’s new AI-powered features

“By combining Google Cloud’s AI technology, including its Gemini models, with the World Bank Group’s development expertise, the initiative helps governments quickly create interoperable networks for critical sectors like agriculture, healthcare and skilling.

“Citizens can interact with these AI-powered services in over 40 languages, even on simple devices.

“The collaboration builds on a successful pro bono pilot in Uttar Pradesh in India that helped thousands of smallholder farmers increase profitability.

“To foster a sustainable and open ecosystem, Google.org is providing funding to the new nonprofit Networks for Humanity (NFH), to build universal digital infrastructure (Beckn open network and Finternet asset tokenization), establish regional innovation labs and pilot social impact applications globally.”

Six strategies to grow your e-commerce business in Nigeria

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Nigeria’s e-commerce landscape is evolving rapidly. From fashion and electronics to groceries and beauty products, more Nigerians are shopping online than ever before. According to DataReportal, the country had 103 million internet users as of January 2024, and online retail sales continue to grow as more people gain access to affordable smartphones and digital payment systems.

However, while opportunity is expanding, so is competition. Thousands of small businesses now sell across Instagram, WhatsApp, and local marketplaces. For many, the challenge is no longer getting online, it’s standing out and building sustainable growth.

Below are six strategies that can help e-commerce entrepreneurs in Nigeria compete more effectively, connect with customers, and scale sustainably.

1. Focus on a niche, not the crowd

The internet offers endless reach, but success often lies in narrowing your focus. Instead of trying to appeal to everyone, identify a specific audience whose needs you understand deeply—whether that’s fitness enthusiasts, new parents, or tech-savvy students.

Niche targeting allows you to tailor your message, pricing, and product experience. It also helps small businesses build loyalty and word-of-mouth credibility in markets where advertising budgets are limited.

2. Build relationships beyond social media

Social platforms are powerful but unpredictable. Algorithms change, engagement fluctuates, and visibility can vanish overnight. That’s why it’s essential to diversify how you stay connected with customers.

Email newsletters, community groups, or loyalty programs provide more direct and reliable touchpoints. Use these channels to share updates, answer questions, and offer genuine value—not just promotions. Consistent, thoughtful communication builds trust that outlasts social trends.

Read Also: Importance of CRM Analytics in making enhanced business decisions

3. Use data to understand customer behaviour

Every click, search, and abandoned cart tells a story. Tracking customer behaviour—through analytics dashboards, feedback forms, or even simple observation—can reveal why shoppers drop off and what keeps them coming back.

For example, you might discover that most users exit your site during checkout due to limited payment options. Adding mobile money or bank transfer features could increase conversions immediately. Data-driven decisions help eliminate guesswork and improve user experience.

4. Create content that answers real questions

Many Nigerian shoppers research extensively before buying online, especially from lesser-known brands. Publishing clear, helpful content—such as FAQs, size guides, or product comparisons—can bridge the trust gap.

A small skincare brand, for example, could post educational pieces on ingredients and routines, while a gadget store could share short explainers on choosing the right devices. When people find answers through your content, they are more likely to view your business as credible and dependable.

5. Explore automation and AI for efficiency

Artificial Intelligence is reshaping how small businesses operate globally—and Nigeria is no exception. From customer support chatbots to inventory management and personalized recommendations, automation can simplify repetitive work and improve decision-making.

Even basic AI tools can help analyse trends, spot buying patterns, and free up time for strategic tasks. The goal isn’t to replace human connection but to enhance it by focusing your energy where it matters most—understanding and serving your customers.

6. Build credibility through customer voices

Nigerians value peer opinions. Reviews, testimonials, and user-generated content often carry more weight than brand messaging. Encourage satisfied customers to share feedback or showcase how they use your products.

Displaying honest reviews on your website or social pages signals transparency and confidence. People are far more likely to trust a brand that others vouch for, especially in a marketplace crowded with new entrants.

Building for the long term

Sustainable e-commerce growth in Nigeria isn’t about chasing every new platform or pouring money into ads—it’s about clarity, consistency, and connection. By focusing on real customer needs, learning from data, and building trust at every step, businesses can create lasting impact in one of Africa’s most dynamic digital markets.

Africa’s upstream oil sector poised for gradual recovery in 2026 – AEC

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Africa’s upstream oil and gas industry is set for a cautious but steady rebound in 2026, driven by renewed investment in mature producers and growing interest in new exploration frontiers, according to the African Energy Chamber’s (AEC) State of African Energy 2026 Outlook, released at African Energy Week 2025 in Cape Town.

The report highlights how traditional producers such as Algeria, Nigeria, Libya, Egypt, and Angola continue to dominate Africa’s output despite aging infrastructure and maturing fields. Meanwhile, emerging hotspots like Namibia and Côte d’Ivoire are drawing investor attention following recent discoveries and favorable fiscal conditions.

Advances in deepwater drilling, seismic imaging, and processing technology are also reshaping exploration, enabling access to complex reservoirs across the continent. In North Africa, discoveries under the Upper Miocene evaporites in the Mediterranean basin have unlocked more than 50 trillion cubic feet of gas, while offshore fields like Zohr in Egypt underscore both the promise and technical complexity of the region.

Along the Atlantic margin, new finds such as Angola’s Agogo field point to pre-salt potential, with further prospects expected in the Gabon Coastal and Kwanza basins. Onshore, Namibia’s Owambo Basin and Zimbabwe’s Rufunsa Basin remain underexplored, with limited commercial finds so far.

Read Also: AFC secures $100m FinDev Canada loan for sustainable infrastructure

“The African upstream sector is evolving rapidly,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC. “Realizing the continent’s full potential will depend on targeted investments, progressive fiscal policies, and strategic partnerships that can de-risk high-value projects.”

According to the report, Africa’s total hydrocarbon production is projected to remain stable at about 11.4 million barrels of oil equivalent per day (MMboe/d) in 2026, rising to 13.6 MMboe/d by 2030. North Africa is expected to contribute around 60% of total output, while sub-Saharan Africa provides the rest. Liquids will account for approximately 63% of 2026 volumes, with natural gas making up 37%, buoyed by new LNG projects in Mozambique, Nigeria, and Senegal.

The report also cautions that several major fields face potential delays or risks of asset stranding due to fiscal and technical challenges. Southern African discoveries such as Brulpadda, Luiperd, and Venus could struggle to achieve commercial viability without improved terms and supporting infrastructure.

Another major trend is the growing influence of National Oil Companies (NOCs), which now account for about 53% of Africa’s total production, compared to 30% from International Oil Companies (IOCs). This shift reflects stronger resource nationalism and a push for local capacity development.

Meanwhile, the African rig market remains mixed: floater demand is gradually declining, jackup activity is stable, and drillship utilization is expected to improve from 2027, though competition and lower day rates will continue to pressure margins.

The AEC notes that the upcoming African Energy Week 2026, scheduled for October 12–16 in Cape Town, will serve as a critical platform for addressing these developments. The event will gather investors, operators, and policymakers to discuss exploration breakthroughs, investment frameworks, and Africa’s evolving energy transition.