Sahara Group Advocates LPG for Africa's Energy Access

During a leadership roundtable at the African Refining Distributor Association (ARDA) 2026 event, Wale Ajibad, Executive Director of Sahara Group, presented a compelling case for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) as a transitional fuel suitable for Africa's development realities. Ajibad noted that recent global supply disruptions have exposed Africa's vulnerability to external shocks, particularly with Brent crude prices exceeding $110 per barrel, which has severely impacted LPG and LNG flows to the continent.

He highlighted the ongoing clean cooking deficit, with nearly one billion people in Sub-Saharan Africa lacking access to clean cooking solutions. Ajibad stated that collaboration and harmonized policies are essential for the widespread adoption of LPG, which is projected to deliver 60% of future clean cooking access in Africa.

Currently, LPG accounts for 75% of recent clean cooking transitions in the region, despite Africa representing only 4% of global LPG consumption. He emphasized that the continent's constraints stem from delivery systems, which require robust LPG infrastructure.