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Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim Calls For Unified African Energy Strategy At AOW Conference

At the AOW Investing in African Energy conference, Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim urged for African unity in energy, warned against the EU’s CBAM, and updated on the African Energy Bank progress.

Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim, Secretary General of the African Petroleum Producers Organisation (APPO), delivered a compelling address at the AOW – Investing in African Energy conference, calling for a unified African approach to energy. He warned against the European Union’s proposed carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM), which he argued would have detrimental effects on Africa’s industrial growth.

Also read: African Energy Matrix To Be 60% Fossil Fuel Driven By 2040, Experts Urge Investment In Downstream Infrastructure

During his speech, Ibrahim provided an update on the African Energy Bank initiative, created to fill the gap left by traditional financiers who are withdrawing from oil and gas projects due to climate concerns. With the establishment agreement signed and ratification underway, Nigeria has been selected as the host for the bank’s headquarters, solidifying Africa’s commitment to taking control of its energy future.

Ibrahim also addressed the numerous energy conferences across the continent, emphasising APPO’s goal of consolidating these events into a single, impactful platform to showcase Africa’s energy achievements. He hinted at successful progress and thanked stakeholders like the Africa Energy Chamber for their support, confirming that from 2025, the AOW conference will be held in Accra, Ghana.

Ibrahim’s most urgent message was about the EU’s CBAM, which he said would hinder Africa’s economic development. He urged African nations to take a strong stance at the upcoming energy conference in Baku, stressing that developed countries, responsible for most historic emissions, should focus on their legacy emissions instead of imposing trade barriers. He called for a moratorium on the CBAM, advocating for an equitable energy transition that acknowledges Africa’s need to use its fossil fuel resources for development.

He concluded by asserting that “Africa cannot develop without fossil fuels,” and stressed that Africa deserves better treatment in global climate policies.

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