The African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO) and the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation on energy development, as African oil and gas producers seek closer collaboration to enhance energy security, accelerate investment and support the continent’s economic development.
The agreement, signed on July 20, 2026, at the APPO Secretariat in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, establishes a framework for the two organisations to collaborate on joint studies, technical exchanges, conferences and the sharing of industry data, expertise and best practices to advance common interests in the energy sector.
The partnership is expected to support policy coordination among African petroleum producers while promoting knowledge sharing aimed at improving investment decisions and strengthening the development of the continent’s oil and gas resources.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, APPO Secretary General H.E. Farid Ghezali described the agreement as moving beyond dialogue toward “concrete impact for the benefit of the African continent”, noting that the partnership would build on GECF’s role as a platform for exchanging experiences and information among major gas-producing countries.
He said the framework would facilitate the exchange of information, data and technical expertise while strengthening cooperation in areas of mutual interest across the energy value chain.
GECF Secretary General H.E. Dr. Philip Mshelbila acknowledged APPO’s efforts to address the challenges confronting Africa’s oil and gas producers, pledging the Forum’s commitment to transform the agreement into “cross-studies and publications,” bilateral engagements and joint conferences that would help achieve the organisations’ shared objectives.
The collaboration comes as African countries seek to monetise their natural gas resources, expand energy infrastructure and attract investment to improve energy access while supporting industrialisation and economic growth.
Minister of Hydrocarbons of the Republic of Congo, Stev Simplice Onanga, who witnessed the signing, welcomed the partnership, describing the agreement as a significant step in pooling institutional efforts to advance Africa’s energy agenda.
He encouraged both organisations to sustain “coordination and cooperation,” saying closer collaboration remains essential for delivering projects that support the continent’s energy autonomy and long-term development.
Under the MoU, APPO and GECF will cooperate through the exchange of experiences, information, data and best practices across areas of common interest, reinforcing institutional ties between African petroleum producers and some of the world’s leading gas-exporting nations.
The Doha-based GECF represents major gas-exporting countries globally and promotes dialogue between producers and consumers to improve the stability and security of global gas supply and demand.
