Sixteen African nations have joined forces to launch a continental forum designed to harmonise petroleum regulations and boost investment in the region’s energy sector.
The African Petroleum Regulators Forum (AFRIPERF), led by Nigeria, was formally established with the signing of its charter in Accra on the sidelines of Africa Oil Week.
The event was chaired by Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission head Gbenga Komolafe and witnessed by representatives from 16 countries.
Eight nations – Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Madagascar, Nigeria, Somalia, Sudan and Togo – have formally endorsed the charter, while seven others have indicated support pending domestic consultations.
Komolafe said: “From our initial announcement at the 8th SAIPEC, to our inauguration during the NOG 2024 event and the careful drafting of the AFRIPERF Charter, each milestone has brought us closer to this historic day.
“By activating our Executive Committee, Technical Committee and Secretariat, we are establishing the functional pillars that will drive AFRIPERF forward, ensuring that our shared vision is translated into measurable results with defined timelines and accountability.”
AFRIPERF’s mission is to set a standard for regulatory excellence across Africa by enhancing cooperation, consistency and transparency.
Its priorities will include tackling challenges around cross-border gas trade, emissions management and the digitalisation of energy oversight.
The structure of the forum will be anchored in an executive committee of regulatory heads, supported by a technical committee of experts and a rotating secretariat among member countries.
In the months ahead, AFRIPERF will conduct elections for its chairperson and decide the location of its permanent headquarters.
The initiative marks a wider push by African regulators to align domestic energy governance with global best practices and claim stronger influence in international energy policy, Reuters reported.
The announcement comes as Nigeria advances its own energy agenda.
Earlier this week, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company and the TotalEnergies and Sapetro Consortium signed a production sharing contract covering petroleum prospecting licences 2000 and 2001.
According to officials, it is Nigeria’s first production sharing agreement encompassing both oil and natural gas exploration and production.
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