AOW Blog – Why Africa is the World’s Next Energy Hub

Why Africa is the World’s Next Energy Hub and AOW’s Position as the Voice of the Industry

Africa’s Energy Market: The Next Global Powerhouse

Africa is on the cusp of an energy revolution. With vast untapped resources, increasing global demand, and a rapidly growing economy, the continent is poised to become the next major hub for oil and gas investment. As the world transitions towards a more balanced energy mix, Africa’s role in the global energy market is expanding, offering unparalleled opportunities for investors, governments, and energy companies.

Africa is not just playing a front and central role in the international oil and gas demand scenario, it is pivotal moment as African content and capacity is owning its own charge toward energy sovereignty, economic transformation, and resource-driven prosperity. With vast untapped upstream potential, we are now seeing the African IOCs of tomorrow emerge with indigenous companies owning the future of the upstream as we see more IOC divest and more indigenous companies picking up producing assets. As a continent we have the balance sheets and capacity to own our energy destiny and AOW wants to advocate and lead this narrative for what we believe is a bright future for our continent and our energy sovereignty. We have the power to fuel our own economies, create our own generational wealth via natural resources, and drive an Africa-first energy narrative that puts African interests at the forefront of the global energy equation.

Now more than ever I believe we should be uniting our industry and our continent to forge powerful relationships that will bring more upstream projects online. In a world full of polarization, now is not the time to splinter and discuss polarized views, now is the time to accept that Oil and Gas will play a role in the future energy mix and Africa can and will play a central role to global and regional energy security.

The Rise of Africa as a Global Energy Leader

For decades, Africa has been recognized for its rich natural resources. However, it is now emerging as a key player in the global energy landscape, thanks to increasing exploration activities, regulatory advancements, and strategic investments. Countries like Ghana, Nigeria, Angola, and Mozambique are at the forefront, leveraging their oil and gas potential to fuel economic growth and position themselves as leaders in the emerging energy markets of Africa.

I am particularly excited about Ghana as my home nation with the new administration and the commitment of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama and Hon Minister John Jinapor to commit to fundamental change to attract investment in oil and gas, in particular we are seeing more operators gaining confidence in Ghana following the unitization ruling, Ghana along with its neighbours Nigeria and Cote d`Ivoire are standing out as a strategic gateways for energy investments into the future. Indeed, the transform margin is really building some exciting momentum.

Africa Oil Week (AOW): The Premier Platform for Energy Investment and Dialogue

As Africa cements its position as a global energy leader, platforms like Africa Oil Week (AOW) play a crucial role in shaping the industry’s future. Now in its 31st edition and moving to Accra, Ghana, AOW is more than just a conference—it is the premier business platform where the continent’s most influential leaders, investors, and policymakers converge to accelerate deals, partnerships, and innovation in Africa’s energy sector.

AOW: A Legacy of Impact

With a distinguished legacy spanning three decades, AOW has become the gold standard for high-impact business exchanges in Africa’s upstream and energy sectors. The event serves as a catalyst for:

Brokerage of M&A Deals: Companies secure mergers, acquisitions, and strategic alliances that drive the industry forward.

Raising Capital: Investors identify lucrative oil and gas projects, fueling Africa’s energy market growth.

Direct Engagement with Governments: Governments and policymakers connect with operators and commercial stakeholders, fostering direct investment opportunities.

Technical and Commercial Insights: Delegates gain exclusive insights into the geology, finance, and technology driving Africa’s energy future.

With Ghana as the host country, AOW 2025 will showcase the continent’s commitment to oil and gas investment in Africa, bringing together a Pan-African network of decision-makers, energy agencies, and private sector leaders.

Ghana: The Prime Location for Energy Investment in Africa

Ghana’s strategic location, political stability, and investor-friendly policies make it a prime destination for energy investment. The country boasts a growing oil and gas sector, with key players such as the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), Tema Oil Refinery, and the Petroleum Commission actively shaping the landscape. Ghana’s basins and ongoing exploration activities present lucrative opportunities for investors seeking to tap into the growing energy demand across Africa. With the success of the Jubilee field coming into its 15th year I smiled when a partner called the discovery the gift that keeps giving.

Moreover, Ghana’s commitment to sustainable energy development aligns with global trends, making it an attractive destination for companies looking to invest in Africa’s evolving energy sector. As AOW moves to Ghana, it reinforces the country’s position as a vital hub for Africa’s energy transformation, investment and ease of doing business. This all supported with the reassuring commitments of the new administration to accelerate exploration and production in the Ghanaian upstream.

Key Themes at AOW 2025: A Roadmap for Africa’s Energy Future

AOW 2025 will focus on key themes designed to drive meaningful discussions and actionable outcomes for the industry. These include:

1. Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) in the African Upstream

AOW will highlight the latest trends, opportunities, and strategic partnerships in Africa’s oil and gas sector. With increased interest in asset acquisitions and joint ventures, the event will serve as a prime venue for deal origination.

2. Access to Finance & Capital for Energy Projects

Securing investment is critical for Africa’s energy market growth. AOW will facilitate discussions on funding strategies, investor engagement, and capital mobilization to support exploration, development, and production activities across the continent.

3. Technical Deep-Dives: Understanding Below-Ground Risk

AOW will provide exclusive geological insights, case studies, and technical evaluations to help companies assess exploration and production risks in Africa’s emerging energy markets.

4. Farm-Out & Licensing Rounds

With multiple African nations offering new licensing rounds, AOW presents a unique opportunity for companies to engage with concessionaires and evaluate potential investments.

5. High-Level Government & Private Sector Engagement

Bringing together energy ministers, regulators, and senior executives, AOW fosters direct dialogue between policymakers and industry leaders, ensuring alignment on Africa’s energy policies and investment frameworks.

The AOW Advisory Board: Shaping the Future of African Energy

AOW 2025 is an industry-led event, guided by an esteemed advisory board comprising influential leaders from across the energy value chain. Their insights and expertise ensure that the conference remains relevant, impactful, and aligned with the industry’s evolving needs.

The advisory board includes senior executives from global energy giants such as Shell, ExxonMobil, BP, Tullow Oil, Baker Hughes, ENI, and Standard Chartered Bank, among others. This collaboration ensures that AOW delivers a world-class program that drives business development, strategic partnerships, and investment in Africa’s energy sector.

So, let’s unite the oldest and most prestigious network committed to the African upstream to carry on our vision and drive for upstream success for our continent.

As Africa transitions into a global energy leader, the opportunities for oil and gas investment in Africa are more promising than ever. The continent’s vast resources, supportive regulatory environment, and growing demand make it an attractive destination for energy companies and investors looking to expand their portfolios.

Africa Oil Week 2025, set in Ghana, will serve as the ultimate business platform for energy leaders, investors, and stakeholders to connect, collaborate, and drive Africa’s energy future. With its legacy of high-impact deal-making and strategic networking, AOW remains the voice of the industry, championing Africa’s energy ambitions and unlocking new opportunities for sustainable growth.

Join us in Accra from September 15-18, 2025, and be part of the transformation shaping Africa’s energy landscape. The future of energy is in Africa, and the time to invest is now.