Africa

In June, and in partnership with the African Union's Energy Commission, the ERGP began executing a Comprehensive Capacity-Building Programme for the African Energy Sector. This technical project is a testament to international partnership and across the African continent examines institutional capacity levels in key areas including energy policy, management, technology, economics, and development.

Freddy Caceres served as Project Director with Alem Cherinet as Project Manager, alongside a group of ten Technical Experts from the ERGP Africa team. The initiative was further supported through the participation of SPP-ERGP Executive Fellows as Technical Advisors, the African Union Energy Commission, and special nominees from African Union Member States.

Strategic Leadership in Petroleum Resource Development is a customized training program built for the Nigerian Ministry of Petroleum and its collaborating Agencies.  The course surveys critical themes in regulatory implementation by considering Canadian and international practices, as well as Nigeria’s new Petroleum Industry Act.  We explore how to create the conditions for successful execution of the Act, alongside analyses of risk and opportunities for advancement.

Over four days at the School of Public Policy in Calgary, the course will cover

• Principles-Based Approaches
• Anti-Corruption Policies for Petroleum Development
• Revitalization and Regulation in Onshore and Offshore Administration
• Foreign Investment in Petroleum Industries
• The Crucial Role of Tenure Administration in Petroleum Rights
• Strategic Approaches in Royalties Administration
• Regulating Pipeline Operations
• Refinery Operation and Commercialization of Fuels
• Engaging Communities in Development
• Multi-Stakeholder Actions in Policy Change
• Energy Transition and Adaptations in Oil and Gas
• ESG Management and Attracting Investment
• Environmental Management in Oil and Gas
• Jurisdiction Strategy: Competition and Competitiveness

This case study shows that with adequate planning, rehabilitated limestone quarries can provide biodiversity conservation, sustainable land use activities, and sustainable cultural ecosystem services following mine closure.  

In this piece of research, we examine the interaction between national energy and conservation policy in Ecuador. Using the case of the Waorani territory in the Amazon, the team evaluates the efficacy of sustainability and conservation initiatives under conditions of oil and gas extraction.

This study contributes to resource politics and policy research by shedding light on an overlooked sector, artisanal and small-scale mining, and articulates the debate around its regulation in South America. 

In partnership with Kipya Africa, ERGP provided a 4-day intensive training program to government and industry professionals in Mombasa, Kenya.  The course was entitled Mine Closure and Ecological Restoration in Mining and Quarrying Industries.  A highly interactive, hands-on week included a visit to the world renowned Bamburi Haller Park.  Key themes included legal, regulatory and fiscal frameworks; restoration planning in the extractives; ecological restoration practices; implementation, monitoring and evaluation.

Throughout 2021 and 2022, the ERGP is in partnership with UM6P University Morocco to deliver an in-depth, executive master’s program for students in Marrakesh.  Course topics include principles of circular economy, sustainable resource management; climate change; mining sector regulations and corporate social responsibility; water and energy management in mining; mine waste and by-products; geo-metallurgy and GIS; life cycle assessment and carbon footprint.

In partnership with Kipya Africa Limited, a technical consultancy and service firm operating in the extractive sector in Kenya, we co-hosted a virtual forum on Mining and Energy Innovation & Investment. The 2020 Forum focused on showcasing innovations from Africa’s young industrious minds to stakeholders and industry professionals with the potential for investment and development. As part of this Forum, the ERGP prepared and delivered three training sessions

The theme was “Advancing Community Partnerships to Foster Innovation in Extractives: From Policy to Profit.”

Ministry of Mining and Petroleum | 4-Day Study Tour

• The ERGP hosted a delegation of 8 for a study tour
• How to effectively regulate Oil & Gas and importance of public engagement and community consultation.
• Delegation met with Canadian provincial and federal organizations and agencies.

Representatives from Libya’s National Oil Company, Supported by the Trade Commissioner’s Office.

• Presentation on Stakeholder Relations and Public Engagement, specific topics of interest to the delegation.
• Learn about the challenges and issues that Libya is facing in their extractive sector,
• Discussion of relations with local communities and engaging indigenous peoples.

Trade Commissioners from Calgary and Abuja, Nigeria

• ERGP provided an overview of its programming, areas of expertise, and services offered.
• Learn about the status of oil and gas sector in Nigeria, challenges and tensions between communities and companies.

South African Department of Mineral Resources, the Alberta International Development Office (AIDO)

• Unconventional resource regulation
• Issues of adequate community consultation

Representatives from the Kenya Commission on Revenue Allocation and the Kenya Treasury.

• Group discussion of the fiscal framework challenges.
• ERGP provided an overview of the fiscal management frameworks in Canada and Alberta.

High-ranking delegation, including representatives from the Kenya Commission on Revenue Allocation and the Kenya Treasury.

• Challenges and issues facing Kenya in developing their extractive resource fiscal framework.
• Gave an overview of the fiscal management frameworks in Canada and Alberta.
• ERGP gave an overview of the program and its services.

ERGP Manager moderated a panel discussion on local content at the MSGBC Basin Summit & Exhibition. The Government of Canada and Government of Alberta, who invited the ERGP, hosted a 2-day pre-mission from October 5-6th, where the ERGP presented on its services. The mission served as an inception mission to Senegal and introduced some of the challenges/issues in the Senegalese extractive sector.

Office of the Prime Minister, the National Institute of Petroleum and Gas, and Petrosen. The Alberta International Development Office, the Embassy of Canada to Senegal

• Challenges and issues facing Senegal in its extractive sector.
• Regulatory governance and capacity building.
• The ERGP gave an overview of the program and services.

Members from the South African Mine Health and Safety Council.

• Discussed the ERGP Certificate and the specific challenges and issues that South Africa is facing in its extractive sector

As part of the Global Petroleum Show, ERGP hosted the delegation from the Petroleum Authority of Uganda; Ministry of Energy and Petroleum of Kenya (including the Permanent Secretary); as well as the Mine Health and Safety Council (MHSC) of South Africa

• Overview of the ERGP and its programming.
• Presented on the certificate programs available.

South Africa’s High Commission, International Relations and Cooperation department received presentations and an overview of ERGP services. Discussions on community development issues in South Africa and their impact on extractive resource development.

At the Canada-Mozambique Business Forum, the ERGP presented on the theme of “Think Canada – Building Partnerships with Mozambique”, with the objective of providing participants with an opportunity to network with key decision makers in Mozambique and develop new trade, development, and investment opportunities.

The High Commission and the Alberta International Development Office invited the ERGP to give a presentation at their executive breakfast

Ministry of Governance, Natural Resources, and the Environment | 2-Day Workshop

• Key elements in developing a natural resource development framework.
• Best principles and practices in implementing Sovereign Wealth Funds.
• Meetings were held with key government and academic stakeholders to better understand the unique governance challenges and opportunities faced by decision makers in Guyana.

Kenya Pipeline Company received consultation and overview presentations on best practices in pipeline engineering design and operations.

Trade and Investment (Oil and Gas Infrastructure) Division, High Commission, and Saldanha Bay Business Development Centre, and the Alberta International Development Office discussed emerging areas of interest and potential partnership opportunities

Ministry of Mineral Resources and the Alberta International Development Office.

• Presentation from the SPP’s Tax and Economic Growth (TEG) program.

South Africa Ministry of Mineral Resources and the Alberta International Development Office attended presentations and discussions led by the ERGP on unconventional resource regulation as well as future collaboration.

The Royal Institute of International Affairs held its “Extractive Industries in Africa: New Approaches to Overcome Enduring Challenges” Conference to further to its commitment towards working with Tanzania and Mozambique on building enhances institutional capacity in extractive resource governance topics.

Deputy Minister for Energy and Minerals, Deputy Minister for Regional Administration, Deputy Minister for Vice President’s Office and several Members of Parliament. In partnership with Alberta’s International Development Office.

Introduction of the School of Public Policy, the ERGP, and a discussion about current opportunities and challenges in governing Tanzania’s extractive sector, specifically large natural gas deposits.

ERGP participated in the trade mission to explore opportunities to participate in the World Bank Energy Sector Development Program. During this mission, ERGP met with senior-level decision makers across Tanzanian government ministries responsible for energy reform, including: Ministry of Energy and Mines, Ministry of Finance, Energy and Water Utility Regulatory Authority, Tanzania Revenue Authority and the World Bank.