Last May, in my editorial, we mentioned the harmonization of petroleum codes across the continent. It was necessary. This month, we talk about the Africa Energy Bank (AEB), which is scheduled to launch operationally in Abuja, Nigeria, in September 2026. This is enough. Together, these two measures form the double lever of our energy sovereignty.
The observation: an intolerable contradiction
Africa produces about 12% of the world’s oil but imports more than 60% of its refined products. Our Member Countries export crude oil at low prices to buy back fuels at a high price. This contradiction is intolerable for a continent that is home to 17 of the world’s 20 largest oil and gas reserves.
This situation is not inevitable. It is the result of a lack of regulatory coordination and a glaring lack of funding for downstream infrastructure.
The first lever: the harmonization of petroleum codes
The harmonization of African petroleum codes is not just another technical exercise. This is the prerequisite for any sustainable attractiveness for international investors.
The expected results of the harmonization:
| Result | Concrete impact |
| Legal stability | Reduction of country risk, reduction of risk premiums by 2 to 3 points |
| Competitive taxation | Attracting $10 billion to $15 billion in additional investments by 2030 |
| Contractual transparency | Better negotiation of partnerships, 15-20% increase in revenues for states |
| Protection of national companies | Incentives for local oil companies, creation of endogenous value chains |
| Intra-African Trade Facilitation | Energy trade to grow by 10% in 2026, to $230 billion |
Harmonization creates a predictable and fair framework. This is the foundation on which investor confidence is built.
Second lever: the Africa Energy Bank
The AEB is not just another institution. It is the instrument of our financial emancipation. After several postponements, APPO has set a new deadline: to make the Bank operational in September 2026 in view of the incompressible deadlines from an administrative point of view.
The expected results of the AEB:
| Result | Concrete impact |
| Seed Capital | $500 million immediately, with a target of $5 billion in investments that can be mobilized |
| Infrastructure Financing | 20 to 30 LNG refinery, pipeline and terminal projects financed by 2030 |
| Intra-African Market Development | 30-40% reduction in dependence on extra-African imports by 2035 |
| Support for the Energy Transition | 40% of financing targeting natural gas as a transition energy |
| Local job creation | 500,000 to 1 million direct and indirect jobs in the energy value chain |
The AEB windows will open at the end of 2026, with lines of credit dedicated to energy infrastructure projects and intra-African market development.
The timing is historic: a window of strategic opportunity
Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are currently disrupting Gulf exports and causing oil prices to soar. In an analysis note published in March 2026, APPO invited Member Countries to transform this crisis into a lever for energy leadership.
The current rise in prices could generate exceptional surpluses for our Member Countries. The additional revenues must be reinvested in continental infrastructure, not dispersed in current expenditure.
Rising oil prices offer an 18- to 24-month window to capitalize on this favorable environment before markets stabilize.
The intra-African market: our top priority
APPO wants to boost the continental energy market. Among the priorities are the mastery of the African market, the Energy Transition and the creation of the Africa Energy Bank.
The expected results of the strengthened intra-African market:
- Reduced transport costs: 20 to 30% savings on supply chains
- Increased energy security: 60 to 70% autonomy in refined products by 2035
- Regional integration: 5 to 7 operational cross-border energy corridors
- Industrial competitiveness: energy costs reduced by 15 to 25% for local industries
Côte d’Ivoire, which holds the presidency of APPO in 2026, is carrying out this ambition with a clear vision: to integrate the continent energetically to strengthen its economic sovereignty.
The Call to Action: Immediate Mobilization
Harmonisation without finance remains an illusion. Finance without a harmonised framework remains a risk. Together, they became an African power.
I appeal to all Member Countries:
- Let’s mobilize our contributions to the AEB’s $500 million seed capital before the end of June 2026
- Let’s prioritize our projects: refineries, gas pipelines, PNG units, storage terminals
- Accelerate our reforms: adopt harmonized petroleum codes within 12 months
- Let’s invest in gas: 40% of Africa’s energy mix by 2040, as a transition energy
- Let’s promote local companies: 30% of contracts reserved for national companies by 2030
The AEB is not just another institution. It is the instrument of our energy emancipation.
September 2026: the beginning of a new era
September 2026 will mark the beginning of a new era: one in which Africa will no longer be just a supplier of raw materials, but the architect of its own energy value chain.
The framework is set. The funding arrives. Sovereignty is within reach.
Let’s seize it.
His Excellency Farid GHEZALI
Secretary General, APPO
