By Ayomide Otitoju
The U.S. Energy Association has expressed optimism about stronger partnerships in Africa’s oil, gas, and critical minerals sectors, citing the lifting of restrictions on the Export-Import Bank and other U.S. financing agencies as a major boost for future deals.
Speaking at a recent energy forum, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, pointed to the Petroleum Industry Act and recent Executive Orders as landmark reforms aimed at cutting regulatory bottlenecks and making the market more attractive to foreign capital. He also highlighted the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund, designed to de-risk gas projects and encourage private investment.
“Difficult issues around foreign exchange, repatriation of profits, regulatory uncertainty – those are being addressed,” said Jude Kearney, Managing Partner of Asafo & Co., noting growing investor confidence across Africa as governments improve their capacity for public-private partnerships.
Industry executives, however, warned that policy reforms must be matched with political will. Kosmos Energy CEO Andrew Inglis contrasted Ghana’s Jubilee project, which moved from license award to production in six years, with today’s 20-year average. “It takes more than just regulatory clarity – it takes drive from the top to get things done,” he said, while stressing U.S. companies’ role in bringing finance, technology, and deepwater expertise.
NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber, described the moment as a “new era of African energy opportunity” but urged governments to reinforce investor confidence. “We need free markets, limited government, and personal responsibility. Money flows where it’s welcome. Our job in 2026 is to make Africa the most attractive destination for oil and gas investment,” he said.
Shoreline Energy CEO Kola Karim emphasized that U.S. firms could add the most value by addressing infrastructure challenges. “The oil is there. The problem is facilities, and that means financing. That’s where U.S. companies, with technology and support from DFC and EXIM, can add real value,” he said.
From the U.S. government side, Andrew Rapp, Senior Adviser at the Department of Energy, reaffirmed Washington’s commitment. “Energy addition is a priority for the DOE, and nowhere can it be more impactful than here in Africa. This is our goal as an agency, with support from the highest levels of the administration,” he said.
The discussions underscored a growing consensus: while Africa is rich in resources, unlocking its full potential will require both bold reforms from African governments and stronger financing commitments from U.S. partners.
