Top energy experts in Africa have  stressed the need for Africa countries to embrace gas and solar in the growing era of global energy transition.

The experts including  Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) Engr. Farouk Ahmed; Chairman of Green Energy International Ltd Prof. Anthony Adegbulugbe; Director at Green Energy International Ltd HRH Sir David Serena Dokubo,; Director of Hydrocarbons, Ministry of Energy and Hydrocarbons, Madagascar Jinot Razafimamonjy at 3rd  Edition of the International African Energy, Oil and Gas Summit said Africa’s current natural resources is diminishing in the face of the imperative shift towards renewable energy solutions driven by climate change concerns.

In a communique Issued, at the close of Summit with the Theme, A Symphony of Progress – Harnessing Africa’s Natural Resource Development at Hilton Hotel  Windhoek Namibia hosted by African Peace Organization, the experts stressed the urgency of embracing the new economic realities of the 21st century that will overshadow the significance of present natural resources.

The communique signed by Chairman and Editor in Chief of the African Peace Organization Justice Suleman Galadima  Rtd and Barr Noah Ajare urged all African countries to actively promote gas utilization and solar energy to unlock the continent’s significant energy potential for its people recognizing the vast gas resources and solar energy potential in Africa both regarded as clean energy sources. 

The Summit notes that energy transition in Africa is not just a challenge; it is an opportunity to redefine our economy, create jobs, improve the lives of our people, and protect our environment.

The participants noted that many African countries, despite having significant natural resources particularly in hydrocarbons are still lagging in energy access and affordability for their large populations. 

“As a result, these countries cannot afford to abandon fossil fuel exploitation and exploration, even amid calls for energy transition. African nations must look inward and encourage their indigenous private sectors to invest in the development of their substantial oil, gas, and hydrogen reserves. Paradoxically, participants observed that despite Africa’s substantial gas reserves, the continent struggles to fully explore these resources to achieve adequate electricity generation and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) extraction capacity.

“In this regard, the summit commended the Nigerian midstream and downstream regulator, under the leadership of Engr. Farouk Ahmed, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), for its proactive approach to developing gas resources in Nigeria. This includes offering generous incentives and providing funding support for investment in the gas sector.”

The Summit also  noted that Local content development is fast becoming a strategic management issue for multinational extractive companies in Africa with significant efficiency and profitability implications. “As local content statutory regulators aim to increase the average local content value in the Africa’s oil and gas industry. There is an urgent need to embrace the spirit and the letter of the laws in other to achieve the desired results.”

 Other participants at the summit Prof. Jude Osakwe from the University of Namibia; Mr. Aggrey Ashaba, General Manager at Alliad Uganda; Mr. Wesley Musinga; Eva Asalirwa from Alliad Uganda; Ms. Abimbola Okoya, Founder of Basic Education Africa; Mr. Daniel Tuyoleni, CEO of Mind Space Consult, Namibia; M. Jinot Razafimamonjy – Director of Hydrocarbons, Ministry of Energy and Hydrocarbons, Madagascar, Madagascar; Mr. Cydolain Raveloson, Director General of the Office Malgache des Hydrocarbures (OMH), Madagascar; Olusegun Ilori Esq., Managing Director/CEO of First Otakikpo Midstream Ltd (FOML), Nigeria; Mr. Tarah N. Shaanika, CEO of Namibia Asset Management; His Royal Majesty Makitu III of the Kingdom of Kongo, Angola; Dr. Joseph Tolorunse, Secretary and Legal Adviser for the NMDPRA, Prof. Lloyd Williams  among others.