CAPE TOWN, South Africa, September 23, 2025 – The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has confirmed that Secretary General Haitham Al Ghais will deliver a keynote address at African Energy Week (AEW) 2025: Invest in African Energies in Cape Town.
OPEC Secretary General Haitham Al Ghais participation will spotlight Africa’s role in the global energy transition and highlight how initiatives like the EG 2026 Licensing Round in Equatorial Guinea are creating new opportunities for investment across the continent.
Since assuming office in 2022, Al Ghais has emerged as a strong advocate for Africa’s oil and gas industry, frequently stressing that the continent holds vast untapped energy reserves essential for global energy security.
OPEC estimates suggest Africa contains up to 120 billion barrels of proven oil reserves, positioning it as a cornerstone of the future supply chain.
His presence at AEW 2025 signals OPEC’s commitment to aligning with African producers to unlock resources, attract capital, and accelerate regional growth.
EG 2026 Licensing Round Showcases Africa’s Upstream Opportunities
One of the most anticipated highlights for investors at AEW 2025 is the upcoming EG 2026 Licensing Round, which Equatorial Guinea will officially launch during the event.
The licensing round will open new offshore and onshore blocks to international energy companies, reinforcing the country’s ambition to remain a regional leader in exploration and production.
By providing a platform for upstream expansion, the EG 2026 Licensing Round supports OPEC’s vision of sustainable investment in African energy.
Enhanced fiscal terms, transparent bidding processes, and access to seismic data make this round attractive for both established operators and new entrants.
This development directly complements Al Ghais’ message of balancing global supply needs with Africa’s economic aspirations.
OPEC’s Support for African Producers
Al Ghais has consistently emphasized Africa’s importance to OPEC’s long-term strategy. During the Nigeria International Energy Summit earlier this year, he reiterated that unlocking Africa’s oil potential was an “utmost priority” for the organization.
His remarks pointed to Namibia’s recent offshore discoveries as an example of Africa’s future production capacity.
With the EG 2026 Licensing Round, Equatorial Guinea joins this growing list of frontier markets where OPEC engagement can help catalyze sustainable exploration and development.
“Secretary General Al Ghais’ participation in AEW 2025 highlights the organization’s recognition of Africa’s strategic importance in the global energy landscape.
By fostering partnerships and encouraging investments, OPEC aims to unlock the continent’s energy potential and support sustainable growth in the oil and gas sector,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.
AEW 2025: A Platform for Energy Transformation
AEW has become the official platform for deal-making in African energy, drawing governments, financiers, operators, and technology providers together under one roof.
This year’s event will also feature OPEC-led sessions such as the World Oil Outlook and the OPEC-Africa Roundtable, which will explore market trends, new investment strategies, and the role of licensing rounds like Equatorial Guinea’s in shaping Africa’s upstream future.
By hosting the EG 2026 Licensing Round alongside keynote contributions from OPEC, AEW 2025 underscores Africa’s dual priorities: securing much-needed investment while positioning itself as a reliable partner in global energy security.
Toward Sustainable Growth
Africa’s growing population and rising energy demand make investment in exploration and production critical.
Licensing rounds, such as the EG 2026 Licensing Round, offer a structured and transparent mechanism to attract global players while ensuring local content participation and job creation.
OPEC’s support, coupled with regional reforms, signals that Africa is ready to deliver energy projects that balance profitability with sustainability.
As an Official Partner of AEW 2025, OPEC’s involvement cements its commitment to African producers.
By aligning global market insights with regional ambitions, OPEC and initiatives like the EG 2026 Licensing Round will shape Africa’s future as a reliable, competitive, and sustainable energy hub.
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