Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has called on African countries to invest in local energy companies and technical institutions to maximise the benefits from the continent’s natural resources.

She said stronger local participation in the energy sector was necessary to develop the technical expertise and capacity needed for African countries to fully benefit from their resources.

Speaking at the Africa Oil Week 2026 Presentation Dinner on Monday August 31, 2026, she said Africa must take greater control of its energy future by building its own companies and strengthening technical institutions.

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“Africa must play a greater role in its energy future. We must build up African companies and strengthen our technical institutions,” she said.

According to her, African countries must also develop energy strategies that reflect their own circumstances rather than rely on a one-size-fits-all approach.

She said such strategies should balance investment in renewable energy, energy efficiency and emerging technologies with the continued development of oil and gas resources.

“That means balancing renewable energy, energy efficiency, and new technologies with oil and gas,” the Vice President stated.

Professor Opoku-Agyemang further stressed the need for greater African participation across the energy value chain to ensure that more of the benefits from the sector remain on the continent.

She noted that increased local participation must be supported by stronger regional cooperation because energy markets and infrastructure extend beyond national borders.

“Because energy markets do not end at national borders, regional cooperation is essential,” she said.

The Vice President identified regional energy markets, improved gas infrastructure and power interconnections as key areas where African countries could strengthen cooperation.

She also called for the development of investment corridors and technology partnerships to boost the continent’s energy sector.

Professor Opoku-Agyemang said these measures would help ensure “greater African participation in the value chain” and build stronger local capacity to drive the continent’s energy future.



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