Africa's Energy Future: Technology and Sustainability Focus

The Africa Technology Conference 2026, held in Ivory Coast, brought together leaders and experts to discuss the future of Africa's energy sector, emphasizing technology and sustainability. Bayo Ojulari, Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC, delivered a keynote address titled "Powering Africa's Resilient Energy Future." He highlighted the paradox of Africa's vast energy resources, including 7% of the world's oil and natural gas reserves, while 600 million Africans lack access to electricity.

Ojulari argued against the outright abandonment of fossil fuels, advocating for a pragmatic transition that includes natural gas as a bridging fuel. He disclosed that NNPC is collaborating with the African Export-Import Bank and other financial institutions to establish an African Energy Infrastructure Fund, aiming to attract $5 billion in private capital for cross-border pipelines and LNG terminals.

Franci Nwaochei, Chairman of the Nigeria Council, noted the need for significant investment to overcome infrastructural gaps and unlock Africa's natural gas potential, which is estimated at 880 trillion cubic feet.