Panellists at the OTL Africa Downstream Energy Week in Lagos, Nigeria, have underscored the need for Africa to strengthen its energy security by attracting greater investment and building resilient energy systems capable of withstanding global shocks.
Chairing the session, Dr Sheila Addo, Deputy Chief Executive (Technical) of Ghana’s National Petroleum Authority (NPA) and a member of the event’s Advisory Board, encouraged African countries to draw lessons from disruptions in global energy markets in recent months.
She called for greater investment in infrastructure, stronger regional collaboration and deliberate efforts to build self-sufficiency across the continent.
She emphasised that Africa must position itself to meet its energy needs and develop resilient supply systems that support sustainable economic growth and development.
The panel examined how geopolitical tensions, fuel price volatility and shifting energy market dynamics affect African economies, particularly fuel supply, pricing and investment decisions.
Panellists agreed on the importance of developing critical infrastructure, including refining capacity, storage facilities and distribution networks, to reduce dependence on imports and strengthen energy security.
They emphasised that increasing local production and improving regional supply chains would help African countries withstand external shocks while meeting growing energy demand.
The discussions also focused on creating an enabling environment for investment through regulatory certainty, transparent policies and sustainable market reforms.
On the energy transition, the panel agreed that Africa must pursue a practical and balanced approach that reflects its development needs.
Discover more from Energy News Africa
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.