Wole Ogunsanya, chairman of Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria, says African oil and gas firms are joining forces to tackle energy poverty.

Mr Ogunsanya disclosed this at the 2026 Offshore Technology Conference Africa Energy Forum series on Tuesday in Houston, Texas, U.S.

He said the initiative supports ongoing government-to-government efforts under the African Petroleum Producers Organisation, which was set up to boost cooperation among oil-producing nations and improve energy access across Africa.

He also noted that while governments were setting up an African Energy Bank to fund development, the private sector must help turn investments into production and shared growth.

“This is why we created the African Local Content Association,” Mr Ogunsanya said, explaining that the body brings together indigenous oil and gas companies across Africa to promote collaboration, capacity building, and resource sharing.

According to him, the association helps companies network, trade, and share technical expertise and equipment across borders, strengthening Africa’s capacity to develop its energy resources.

“Africa remains energy poor in spite of its abundant resources,” he said, stressing that the continent has the lowest energy consumption levels globally.

He added that improving energy access is directly tied to broader development indicators, including food security and life expectancy, noting that developed regions such as the United States and Europe consume significantly more energy.

“To improve living standards, Africa must increase energy production and consumption,” Mr Ogunsanya stated.

He revealed that the African Local Content Association, inaugurated in Nigeria, already has representation from multiple countries, including Senegal, Angola, Ghana, and Congo, and that active collaboration is underway among member nations.

“These partnerships are already driving exchanges in expertise and operations across borders, all aimed at boosting energy production and ultimately improving lives across Africa,” he said.

Mr Ogunsanya restated that the association is open to additional partnerships, expressing optimism that greater private-sector cooperation will accelerate the continent’s path toward energy security and economic growth.

Similarly, Victor Smith, Ghana’s ambassador to the United States, said Ghana is promoting diaspora-driven investments to unlock energy opportunities.

Mr Smith said that Ghana was intensifying efforts to attract foreign investment into its energy sector by promoting strategic partnerships between international investors and African diaspora communities.

He reiterated that sustainable economic transformation across Africa depends on stronger collaboration that blends foreign capital with local and diaspora participation.

(NAN)