Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye emphasised deepening coordination among Mauritania, Senegal, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, and Guinea-Conakry, urging global investors to recognise Africa as a region ready to shape its energy future, at the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference in Dakar.

Faye framed investment as more than resource extraction, highlighting job creation, industrial development, and innovation for the continent’s youth.

Dr Omar Ibrahim, Secretary General of the African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation (APPO), called for financial independence and harmonised regional centres of excellence to build local capacity across the energy value chain.

Mohamed Hamel, Secretary General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum, highlighted the Sangomar oil field and Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG project as catalysts for regional industrialisation and economic growth, underscoring the MSGBC basin’s role in inclusive development.

The conference marked a historic shift in Africa’s energy positioning, moving from raw-material supplier to a region driving innovation, stability, and inclusive growth.

NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber, stressed that strategic investment would enable the region to thrive and achieve energy autonomy.

Speakers collectively urged participants to translate dialogue into concrete action, forging partnerships and reinforcing a shared vision to propel Africa toward energy self-sufficiency.