The African Petroleum Producers’ Organization (APPO) introduced an updated strategic blueprint to achieve energy sovereignty across the continent by 2050.

Revealed on Monday during African Energy Week by Serge-Desire Kohemun, Oil & Gas Downstream Specialist, APPO, the revised roadmap replaces the organization's 2022 framework. The updated strategy encompasses 79 actionable initiatives – 15 of which specifically target National Oil Companies (NOCs) – and will be reviewed every three years to adapt to evolving market dynamics.

“Five major forces are reshaping the global energy sector: geopolitical shifts, divestment by international financiers, rapid technological change, the paradox of energy poverty, and the emergence of a multipolar world. With this revised strategy, we have a powerful new instrument to drive Africa's next era of growth,” he stated.

The roadmap is anchored by six core pillars: energy sovereignty and value addition, technology innovation leadership, developing human capacity, strong regional trade cooperation, amplifying global cooperation and natural gas as the fuel of the continent's transition.

"The six pillars of our new strategy will turn Africa from an importer to an exporter. The first pillar is the most capital-intensive, where we will work with member countries to identify African champions across the value chain, financed by the African Energy Bank. We will also provide a digital platform listing African companies alongside their ESG milestones and emerging prospects,” he added.

APPO aims to have four digital platforms live by 2028, listing and driving research and development, NOC collaboration and local content champions

"Under pillar five, we are expanding global partnerships while deepening regional alliances with key bodies like OPEC, ARDA, EEF, and GECF to ensure seamless collaboration across borders. Our goal is to formalize at least five strategic international partnerships by 2028," he stated.

APPO aims for natural gas to generate 75% of Africa’s electricity by 2030, expand household and industrial gas access to 90% of the continent’s population by 2040 and eliminate routine flaring by valorizing 95% of flared gas by 2050.

On the regulatory front, the organization has a deadline of 2030 for member states to enforce a 50% local content requirement, adopt unified E&P cybersecurity protocols and establish a harmonized intellectual property framework.