African petroleum regulators, led by Nigeria, have unveiled a new continental forum designed to harmonise oil regulations and attract much-needed investment into the region’s energy sector.
The Nigerian oil regulator confirmed the initiative in a statement, noting that declining investment flows have prompted regulators to push for a more integrated energy market where consistent and transparent rules could unlock capital.
The African Petroleum Regulators Forum, AFRIPERF, was officially established in Accra, with representatives from 16 countries witnessing the signing of its founding charter.
The ceremony took place on the sidelines of Africa Oil Week and was chaired by Gbenga Komolafe, head of Nigeria’s upstream regulator, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission.
Eight countries, Nigeria, Ghana, Somalia, Gambia, Madagascar, Sudan, Guinea, and Togo, formally endorsed the charter, while seven others pledged their support pending domestic consultations.
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AFRIPERF is intended to serve as the continent’s leading platform for regulatory collaboration, knowledge sharing, and investment promotion in the petroleum sector. Its mandate includes setting standards, improving transparency, and tackling cross-border challenges such as gas trade, emissions, and digitalization, according to Reuters.
“This is a decisive step toward building a harmonized and sustainable petroleum industry in Africa,” said Komolafe, who currently serves as interim chairman of the forum. He emphasized that AFRIPERF will help ensure Africa’s hydrocarbon resources are managed with innovation, responsibility, and foresight.
The forum will operate under the guidance of an executive committee made up of regulatory heads, supported by a technical committee of subject-matter experts and a rotating secretariat. Elections to determine AFRIPERF’s permanent chairperson and headquarters location are expected in the coming months.
The creation of AFRIPERF underscores the growing effort by African nations to align their energy governance frameworks with global standards while strengthening the continent’s collective voice in international energy policy.
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Image Credit: The Nation Online
