Energy Transition: Africa’s Energy Future Must Be Defined By Africans – Ogunsanya

By Ndubuisi Micheal Obineme

…underscores the pivotal role of the oil and gas industry in Africa.

Engr. Wole Ogunsanya, PETAN Chairman, has said that Africa’s energy future must be defined by Africans, underscoring the pivotal role the oil and gas industry contributes to bridging the energy access gap on the continent.

Speaking at the SAIPEC 2026 opening ceremony, the PETAN Chairman stated that Africa’s challenges include energy access, affordability, and reliability.

“Over 600 million Africans lack access to electricity and industrial growth, constrained by energy deficit,” he noted.

“Today, if you check the statistics. Africa, on average, consumes 25% energy per capita compared to the developed nations in Europe and North America.

“The countries that consume less energy have a lower life expectancy because, without energy, we all know the implications. It hinders countries from having the opportunity to industrialize and power their institutions.

“These are very serious issues that we are addressing across the African continent.

“We must continue what we have to do to increase access to energy. It is our responsibility in the oil and gas industry to provide energy access on the African continent,” he added.