At the closing session of the Invest in African Energy Forum held in Paris, Energean CEO Mathios Rigas called on African governments to fast-track decision-making processes and prioritize the development of untapped natural gas resources across the continent.
Speaking during a high-level panel discussion titled The Future of Global Energy Partnerships: Seizing Africa’s Untapped Market Opportunities, Rigas emphasized that Africa does not have the luxury of time in addressing energy poverty. He advocated for replicating Energean’s successful integrated development model from the Mediterranean in African markets.
“We want to bring the same model that worked in the Mediterranean to Africa,” Rigas said. “To solve energy poverty, affordability, and accessibility for the whole continent – we need everything. This is not about choosing between renewables or gas. Africa needs both.”
Energean has invested over $3 billion in the Mediterranean over the past five years and is now targeting similar developments in Africa. However, Rigas stressed that success hinges on decisive action from governments.
“If there are resources being undeveloped, push people to develop them. If they don’t want to, there’s someone else who will,” he noted.
The panel, sponsored by Energean, featured key voices in the global energy space and reinforced the need for diverse, secure, and sustainable energy solutions for Africa. Tim Gould, Chief Energy Economist at the International Energy Agency (IEA), echoed the sentiment, calling for a pragmatic and balanced energy strategy.
“There’s extraordinary untapped potential, given the richness of renewable resources across many parts of Africa. But Africa’s energy conversation cannot end with renewables,” Gould said. “Energy security and sustainability must go hand in hand. The IEA sees both as critical to development.”
Offering a national perspective, Namibia’s Petroleum Commissioner, Maggy Shino, outlined her country’s vision to transform its emerging oil and gas sector into a long-term economic driver. She pointed to the development of Lüderitz as a strategic energy hub for green hydrogen and petrochemical industries.
“Africa must stop using resource revenues to only solve present-day problems. They should serve as seed capital to build the future,” Shino said.
Also joining the conversation was Cheick-Omar Diallo, Spokesperson for TotalEnergies on the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), who defended the project as a sovereign decision by Uganda and Tanzania. He emphasized the company’s efforts to minimize environmental impact and promote local development.
“This was not just a TotalEnergies project – it was a sovereign decision. Our responsibility is to implement it to the highest standards, with attention to biodiversity, displacement, and community benefits,” Diallo stated.
The panel closed the forum on a note of urgency, realism, and ambition. While global energy leaders highlighted the importance of speed and flexibility, African stakeholders reiterated that energy development must align with national goals and deliver long-term value for their citizens.