APPO Urges African Countries to Prioritize Energy Accessibility for Poverty Reduction
The African Petroleum Producers Organisation (APPO) emphasizes the necessity of making energy accessible to alleviate poverty in Africa, calling for concerted efforts to address challenges in the oil and gas sector.
In an effort to tackle energy poverty and its ramifications on poverty alleviation in Africa, the African Petroleum Producers Organisation (APPO) has advocated for a strategic shift towards making energy more accessible across the continent.
During the opening of a two-day Roundtable Conference on gas flaring and fugitive methane emissions in Accra, Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim, the Secretary General of APPO, underscored the critical need for African nations to address the disparity between energy production and accessibility. He highlighted the paradox where many African countries export significant portions of their oil and gas production while a considerable percentage of the population lives in energy poverty.
The conference, themed "Towards zero routine gas flaring and lower methane emissions in APPO oil and gas operations," convened oil and gas operators and regulators from APPO member countries. Its objective was to foster knowledge sharing on methodologies, technologies, and regulatory frameworks to mitigate the challenges of gas flaring and fugitive methane emissions.
Dr. Ibrahim emphasized the urgency of embracing renewable energy and modernizing the energy sector, asserting that Africa cannot afford to perpetuate outdated practices amid the global energy transition. He lamented the continent's reliance on foreign technology, financing, and markets for its oil and gas industry, advocating for a paradigm shift towards self-sufficiency and innovation.
Furthermore, Dr. Ibrahim announced plans for the establishment of the Africa Energy Bank, a collaborative initiative between APPO and Afriexim bank aimed at transforming the oil and gas sector. This strategic move is expected to catalyze major advancements within the industry, fostering sustainable development across Africa.
Echoing Dr. Ibrahim's sentiments, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, Ghana's Minister of Energy, stressed the importance of leveraging natural gas resources to enhance efficiency and reduce emissions. He urged APPO member countries to prioritize emissions reduction and identify optimal uses of natural gas to attract investment in the petroleum sector.
Egbert Faibille Jnr., the Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Commission, emphasized the collective responsibility of industry leaders to address methane emissions and gas flaring issues effectively. He echoed the call for concrete solutions to ensure environmental sustainability and socio-economic progress in Africa.
As APPO continues to champion energy accessibility and sustainability across Africa, concerted efforts are essential to translate these aspirations into tangible outcomes, driving inclusive growth and prosperity on the continent.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from TOP KNOWLEDGE MEDIA.
Contact: toppknowledgemedia@gmail.com
Stay informed and ahead of the curve! Follow The TOP KNOWLEDGE MEDIA on WhatsApp for real-time updates, breaking news, and exclusive content. Don't miss a headline – join now!
Join Top Knowledge Media Channel:
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaEUCpP4NVigCMWy8J22
What's Your Reaction?
