Sopuruchi Onwuka

The African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO) has called on African nations to rise up to the global debate on the future of the energy industry, stating that a unified African front has become necessary in the global energy landscape in the face of adverse policies that threaten the continent’s growth.

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The organization which champions the interest of Africa’s energy industry and the cause of the continent’s economic future also warns against the detrimental effects of the European Union’s planned carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM).

Secretary General, Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim, declared in a presentation he delivered at the ongoing African Oil Week (AOW) in Cape Town, South Africa, that a common voice has become necessary as the continent’s energy sector grapples with numerous industry conventions.

Ibrahim called for a moratorium on the CBAM, urging a more equitable approach to the energy transition that recognizes Africa’s right to utilize its resources for economic growth.

Dr Farouk Ibrahim declared that “Africa is taking its future into its own hands,” with a number of policy and institutional frameworks that specifically address the continent’s industry needs.

In calling for a unified standpoint on global issues affecting the industry, Dr Farouk Ibrahim also pointed at the proliferation of energy conferences on the continent and reiterated APPO’s commitment to creating a single, impactful annual event that showcases Africa’s achievements in the energy sector.

He hinted at progress made in consolidating events for policy and strategy debates, thanking stakeholders like the Africa Energy Chamber and the organizers of AOW for their cooperation.

Dr Farouk also endorsed the decision to relocate AOW to Accra, Ghana for its 2025 conference.

Dr Ibrahim left a stark warning about the potential impact of the EU’s CBAM on African nation, and urged African representatives attending the upcoming energy conference in Baku to take a strong stance against the planned tax on carbon-intensive imports.

“This is the time to sound the alarm,” Ibrahim declared, arguing that the CBAM would stifle Africa’s industrial and economic development.

He called on developed nations, historically responsible for the bulk of global emissions, to focus on addressing their legacy emissions rather than imposing trade barriers on developing countries.

“Africa cannot develop without fossil fuels. Africa deserves better,” he restated.