The Chamber joined energy leaders and policymakers across the continent at the OTL Africa Downstream Energy Week 2025 in Lagos, Nigeria, to explore strategies for sustainable investment, collaboration, and innovation in Africa’s energy transition.
At the conference, Dr. Patrick K. Ofori, Chief Executive Officer of CBOD, delivered a presentation under the session theme “International Energy Trading, Finance & Investment Forum.”
Speaking on the broader conference theme, “Energy Sustainability — Growth Beyond Boundaries & Competition,” Dr. Ofori underscored that Africa’s downstream petroleum sector requires bold leadership, sustainable financing, and regional cooperation to unlock its full potential.
He commended Nigeria for taking the bold step to remove subsidies, particularly on high-sulphur and other environmentally harmful fuels, stating that such reforms demonstrate strong leadership in energy transition and economic restructuring.
Dr. Ofori also encouraged intercountry energy trading among African nations, noting that countries like Ghana and Nigeria can take the lead by initiating bilateral trade in energy resources to strengthen intra-African collaboration and energy security.
He urged African governments to invest in the right technologies to make energy more accessible and efficient. He emphasised that as the world rapidly advances into a technological era, digitalisation and artificial intelligence (AI) are redefining how energy systems operate, and Africa must actively embrace these innovations to modernise its energy sector.
“Africa must embrace technology and innovation, including AI, to make energy more accessible, efficient, and sustainable for our people,” — Dr. Patrick Ofori.
He added that Africa’s energy future depends on collaboration, innovation, and investment in people and technology, noting that the continent’s progress will hinge on shared responsibility and long-term commitment across public and private sectors.
