Senegalese President H.E. Bassirou Diomaye Faye officially opened the 2025 MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power conference and exhibition in Dakar today, urging Africa to take charge of its energy future and deepen regional integration.
Speaking at the fourth edition of the high-level energy gathering, President Faye emphasized the need for Africa-led energy sovereignty and shared prosperity across the MSGBC basin, which includes Mauritania, Senegal, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, and Guinea-Conakry.
“Africa is ready,” President Faye declared. “Investing in Africa is not simply about extracting resources. It means creating jobs for our youth, developing competitive industries, and fostering innovations that will shape the continent’s future.”
The event also featured remarks from Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim, Secretary General of the African Petroleum Producers’ Organization (APPO), who stressed the importance of Africa’s financial independence. He urged leaders to build regional centers of excellence to develop local skills across the energy value chain.
Eng. Mohamed Hamel, Secretary General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum, highlighted new energy projects that could drive industrialization and economic growth in the region.
He pointed to the Sangomar oil field, which achieved first oil in 2024, and the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG development, which began operations in December 2024, as key catalysts for investment and development.
Speakers at the opening ceremony emphasized a historic shift away from Africa being merely a supplier of raw materials. The MSGBC basin was described as a shared resource whose development must promote inclusive growth, job creation, and stability.
“As we start this conference, it’s very important that we make investment a cornerstone for the region. This is what will drive energy prosperity,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.
President Faye urged participants to turn discussions into action, calling on MSGBC 2025 to become a turning point in Africa’s quest for energy independence and sustainable growth.
