In Focus | Congo
From Milan to Pointe-Noire, the secrets of the powerful 'ENI family'

Congo
With the fall of Denis Gokana, Hydrocarbons Minister Bruno Jean-Richard Itoua strengthens his position

The president's special adviser on oil for more than 25 years, Gokana has been replaced by Stev Simplice Onanga, a close associate of the minister for hydrocarbons. It is a rare reshuffle within Denis Sassou-Nguesso's entourage.

Namibia
ENI to gain clarity on Central Blocks by end of 2023

Italian major ENI is itching to get into the fruitful Namibian oil and gas scene, but will have to wait a bit longer for authorities to decide on permits 2312 et 2412A – also known as the Central Blocks.

Congo
Omar-Denis Junior Bongo wants to get back in business via broadband

ODJB, who is also the half-brother of ousted Gabonese leader Ali Bongo, is getting his company Yao Corp back off the ground. With two new business partners, he has eyes on a major broadband project in the country.

Spotlight | Congo
ENI's $5bn 'Marine XII' LNG project in Congo electrifies politicians and subcontractors alike

By promising substantial investments in an LNG export project off the coast of Pointe-Noire, Italy's ENI has raised hopes of breathing new life into a moribund industry. The Congolese authorities have placed high stakes on the project.

Palace Intrigues
Ali Bongo, Félix Tshisekedi, Denis Sassou Nguesso, Ségolène Royal

Intrigues big and small... Every Tuesday, Africa Intelligence takes a peek into the corridors of power in Africa and beyond.

Gabon Frédéric Bongo back at the Palais du Bord de Mer

DRC Tshisekedi's gives cars to senators

Congo Denis Sassou Nguesso misses his tailor's birthday

France-Africa Ségolène Royal's African adventures

Congo
Sassou dampens gas export ambitions of ENI and its cumbersome partner Lukoil

The Italian major wants to things to move quickly on its LNG export project in Congo and has already secured the legal changes needed to export gas from the Marine XII permit it owns with Russia's Lukoil.

Congo
Petro Services' Alexander Haly, the agent no longer wanted by ENI

ENI's Congolese network is largely reliant on the connections of a British national living in Monte Carlo who is close to the wife of the company CEO.

Congo
And the winner of New Age's Marine XII shares is...

According to our sources, Russian firm Lukoil is expected to secure New Age's 25% stake in Marine XII, Congo-B offshore. [...]