The African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO) has appointed Algeria’s Farid Ghezali as its new Secretary General, marking the beginning of a new phase for Africa’s oil-producing nations.
The appointment was confirmed during the APPO Ministerial Council Meeting held this week in the Republic of Congo. Ghezali is set to assume office in January 2026.
He brings decades of experience in Africa’s upstream oil and gas sector and is expected to lead APPO into a new era of collaboration, innovation, and sustainable development.
His appointment comes at a crucial time when Africa is asserting its right to develop its natural resources while balancing global calls for cleaner energy.
The African Energy Chamber (AEC), in a congratulatory message, commended Ghezali’s appointment and expressed appreciation to the outgoing Secretary General, Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim, for his exceptional leadership.
Under Dr. Ibrahim’s tenure, APPO strengthened partnerships with governments and investors, promoted the localization of Africa’s energy value chain, and reaffirmed the role of oil and gas in powering the continent’s development.
Ghezali’s leadership will coincide with a period of renewed momentum in Africa’s oil and gas sector. Recent discoveries in Namibia and Côte d’Ivoire, coupled with revived exploration in Nigeria, Angola, and Libya, are expected to drive production growth. Projections show that African hydrocarbon output could rise from 11.4 million barrels of oil equivalent per day (MMboe/d) in 2026 to 13.6 MMboe/d by 2030.
As the continent’s oil and gas landscape evolves, APPO is expected to play a central role in advancing Africa’s energy agenda and ensuring that its petroleum resources contribute to sustainable economic growth. The organization will continue to advocate for responsible resource development and greater intra-African cooperation in the face of global energy transition pressures.
One of Ghezali’s immediate priorities will be to oversee the take-off of the Africa Energy Bank (AEB), a $5 billion initiative launched by APPO in collaboration with the African Export-Import Bank. The AEB aims to provide financing for African energy projects, helping producers access capital and drive investment in the sector.
“Farid Ghezali’s appointment comes at a decisive time for African oil producers,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC. “His deep industry knowledge and proven leadership will strengthen APPO’s mission to drive energy security, local value creation, and regional collaboration. The AEC looks forward to working closely with him to ensure that oil remains a catalyst for industrialization and prosperity across our continent.”
As Ghezali prepares to assume office, expectations are high that his leadership will help harmonize policies across member states, enhance regional cooperation, and ensure that Africa captures more value from its hydrocarbon resources — driving inclusive and sustainable growth for generations to come.
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