Africa must strengthen energy security to withstand global shocks — NPA Deputy Chief Executive

The need for Africa to strengthen energy security, attract investment and develop resilient energy systems took centre stage at the Africa Energy Outlook session held during OTL Africa Downstream Energy Week.

The session, chaired by Dr Sheila Addo, Deputy Chief Executive (Technical) of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) and a member of the OTL Africa Downstream Energy Week Advisory Board, brought together industry experts and market leaders to examine the challenges confronting the continent's energy sector and the opportunities available to build a more resilient future.

Dr Addo urged African countries to draw lessons from recent disruptions in global energy markets and take deliberate steps to reduce their vulnerability to external shocks.

She called for increased investment in energy infrastructure, stronger regional cooperation and policies aimed at improving self-sufficiency across the continent.

According to her, Africa must go beyond meeting its immediate energy needs and develop reliable supply systems capable of supporting long-term economic growth and development.

The discussions examined the effects of geopolitical tensions, fluctuations in fuel prices and changing global energy market conditions on African economies.

The panel also considered how recent developments in the international energy market have affected fuel supplies, pricing and investment decisions across the continent.

Participants agreed that strengthening critical infrastructure, particularly refining capacity, storage facilities and distribution networks, would be essential to reducing Africa's dependence on imported petroleum products.

They further stressed the need to expand local production and strengthen regional supply chains to enable African countries to better withstand external disruptions while responding to rising energy demand.

The panel also highlighted the importance of creating a more attractive environment for investment through regulatory certainty, transparent policies and sustainable reforms in the energy sector.

On the energy transition, participants called for a practical and balanced approach that takes into account Africa's unique development needs and the continent's growing demand for affordable and reliable energy.

The discussions ultimately underscored the need for African countries to combine greater local production, infrastructure development and regional cooperation to build a more secure and resilient energy future.