Fuelling growth South Africa’s energy sector can look forward to an investment of ZAR10 billion over the next five years. This follows the completion of the merger between Engen and pan-African downstream petroleum company Vivo Energy, a subsidiary of Dutch energy giant Vitol. Engineering News quoted Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Ebrahim Patel as saying that the investment will cover green energy, infrastructure and upgrading operations across the country. An additional ZAR4 billion has been earmarked for possible investment in biofuel production, depending on the outcome of feasibility studies. The company is also creating a new 5% employee share-ownership programme, resulting in Engen South Africa being 26% owned by historically disadvantaged citizens, according to IOL. Vivo acquired its stake in Engen from Malaysian energy giant Petronas; in the deal, Phembani, Engen’s B-BBEE partner, will maintain its 21% holding. 24 May 2024 Image: Unsplash