African national oil companies (NOCs) have signed a non-binding declaration to strengthen commercial cooperation, expand refining capacity and improve energy security across the continent.

The Cape Town Declaration was signed during the 8th Meeting of the APPO NOCs CEOs Forum in Cape Town, overseen by Godfrey Moagi, CEO of the South African National Petroleum Company (SANPC) and chairman of the forum.

The agreement encourages direct commercial deals between African NOCs for crude oil and refined products, subject to national laws and competition rules. 

It also aligns participating companies with the African Petroleum Producers Organisation’s (APPO) Long-Term Strategy 2050, which promotes sustainable resource development and greater energy independence.

Signatories pledged to expand domestic refining capacity and reduce reliance on imported petroleum products, supporting the African Refining Industry Upgrading Strategy Programme and the African Refining Model. 

They also welcomed progress towards implementing the Africa Energy Bank to finance major energy projects.

Digitalisation, skills development and local content are additional priorities. 

The declaration supports secure digital platforms for data sharing, local content monitoring and joint research, alongside cross-border professional mobility and cooperation with training institutions.

It also promotes collaboration across exploration, production, refining, marketing and workforce development, while advocating a pragmatic energy transition that combines responsible hydrocarbon development with emerging green energy solutions.

Moagi said the agreement demonstrated participating countries’ commitment to socioeconomic development.