CAPE TOWN, South Africa, September 26, 2025 — The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the African Energy Chamber (AEC) will co-host the OPEC-Africa Roundtable at African Energy Week (AEW) 2025: Invest in African Energies in Cape Town. The event will unite ministers, policymakers, and industry leaders in a high-level dialogue on Africa’s oil and gas future.
With Africa holding 7.8% of global proven oil reserves and producing 8% of daily output, the continent is central to both OPEC’s strategy and the future of global energy security. The roundtable will emphasize Africa’s role in shaping a balanced, inclusive, and sustainable energy future.
High-Level Engagement
The roundtable will feature:
- Haitham Al Ghais, OPEC Secretary General
- Energy ministers from Nigeria, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and South Africa
- NJ Ayuk, AEC Executive Chairman, serving as moderator
Discussions will focus on leveraging Africa’s estimated 120 billion barrels of oil and 620 trillion cubic feet of natural gas to attract investment, boost industrial growth, and expand energy access.
Policy Alignment with OPEC’s 2025 Vision
The dialogue will explore how African producers can align national policies with OPEC’s 2025 vision, which prioritizes energy security, innovation, and long-term stability. Shared challenges include:
- Financing upstream projects
- Modernizing infrastructure
- Navigating the global energy transition
Coordinated regional strategies will be vital for strengthening intra-African partnerships, expanding refining and petrochemical capacity, and integrating natural gas into power generation and industrial use.
The Stakes for Africa
According to OPEC’s 2025 World Oil Outlook:
- Crude demand in Africa is projected to rise from 1.8 million bpd in 2024 to 4.5 million bpd by 2050.
- Cumulative investments in African oil and gas could reach $1.4 trillion over the same period if favorable conditions are created.
The roundtable is seen as a platform to accelerate this trajectory, ensuring Africa secures both capital and technology to responsibly and profitably develop its resources.
“The OPEC-Africa Roundtable is about ensuring Africa’s voice and priorities are fully represented in global energy conversations. OPEC’s partnership with African producers is vital for building stability, encouraging investment, and creating a future where energy drives prosperity for Africans. This dialogue is not just about numbers — it is about jobs, industrial growth, and ensuring that Africa’s resources work for Africa’s people.”
— NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber
About African Energy Week
AEW: Invest in African Energies remains the continent’s premier platform for energy deals, partnerships, and policy dialogue. It is widely recognized as the official meeting place for operators, financiers, technology providers, and governments to sign agreements shaping Africa’s energy future.
For more, visit: www.AECWeek.com
Sources & Media Contacts
- Source: African Energy Chamber
- Distributed by: APO Group on behalf of AEC
- Media Contact (AEC): info@energychamber.org
- Official Event Website: www.AECWeek.com
