By Ayomide Otitoju
Invest in African Energies, scheduled for September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town. His participation will center on Africa’s growing role in the global energy landscape and OPEC’s commitment to advancing the continent’s oil and gas potential.
Since taking office in 2022, Al Ghais has championed Africa’s energy sector, describing its development as critical to global energy security. He has consistently pointed to the continent’s vast untapped resources—estimated at 120 billion barrels of oil reserves—as a foundation for future growth. Speaking at the Nigeria International Energy Summit earlier this year, he reaffirmed OPEC’s dedication to unlocking Africa’s full oil potential, calling it an “utmost priority” for the organization.
OPEC’s focus on Africa has been underscored by its engagement with Namibia, which is poised to become a major oil producer following significant offshore discoveries. Production is expected to begin within the next decade, with Al Ghais pledging OPEC’s support for the country’s exploration and development efforts.
“Secretary General Al Ghais’ participation in AEW 2025 highlights the organization’s recognition of Africa’s strategic importance in the global energy landscape. By fostering partnerships and encouraging investments, OPEC aims to unlock the continent’s energy potential and support sustainable growth in the oil and gas sector,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.
As an official partner, OPEC will play a central role in the AEW 2025 agenda, including the World Oil Outlook session and the OPEC-Africa Roundtable. These platforms will provide insights on market trends, investment opportunities, and strategies to advance Africa’s oil and gas development while ensuring a balanced and sustainable global energy mix.
