By Ayomide Otitoju
Africa is working to redefine its role in the global energy sector, moving beyond its traditional status as a raw material supplier to become a key energy player, leaders said at the African Energy Week (AEW) 2025: Invest in African Energies. Discussions centered on scaling investment, ensuring energy transition based on domestic resources, and creating predictable policies for investors.
Anatole Collinet Makosso, Prime Minister of the Republic of Congo, stressed that the continent must leverage its oil, gas, and renewable resources to drive development. “Without energy justice, energy transition is an illusion,” he said. “Clean, affordable, and reliable energy is an imperative, not an option. Africa must no longer be seen only as a raw material provider but as a critical energy player.”
Makosso highlighted strategic projects including Eni’s Congo LNG, the Nzombo deepwater block, the Banga Kayo gas monetization initiative, and modernization works by Perenco. He described Africa as “the investment opportunity of the century,” noting that the aim is not just to attract capital but to build a sovereign and competitive energy market.
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, outlined reforms to boost investor confidence and production, including an Executive Order to cut operating costs. He cited Shell’s $5 billion Bonga North project, planned deepwater expansions, and the restructuring of state-owned NNPC into a commercial entity as evidence of progress.
Lokpobiri also pointed to increased output from asset divestments, with local operators boosting production by 200,000 barrels per day after acquiring assets from Shell, ExxonMobil, and Eni. “Divestment was the right decision,” he said, adding that investors prioritize predictability, efficiency, and incentives.
Looking ahead, he urged Africa to secure a greater share of global oil and gas capital expenditure and shift from being a net importer to a value creator. “No continent or country is slowing down. What is needed is to reduce emissions, not abandon any form of energy,” Lokpobiri said, calling for stronger partnerships with global stakeholders.
