Africa Gas Innovation Summit Advocates for Supportive Environment to Propel Gas Technology Progress
The 2024 Africa Gas Innovation Summit (AGIS) in Abuja united industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to address the pivotal role of gas technology development in Africa’s energy future. Under the theme “Igniting the Future: Driving Sustainability in Africa’s Energy Landscape through Gas Technology and Innovation,” the summit spotlighted both the challenges and opportunities within the continent’s gas sector.
Ugo Amadi, Chairman of the Association of Energy Correspondents of Nigeria (NAEC), opened the summit with a compelling address, acknowledging the numerous obstacles impeding Africa’s energy sector, such as:
Inadequate Infrastructure:- Limited gas production, transportation, and distribution facilities.
Policy Inconsistency– Frequent policy shifts creating uncertainty and deterring investment.
Inconsistent Energy Access:- Millions of Africans without reliable and affordable energy sources.
Insufficient Incentives- Lack of financial incentives hindering private sector involvement in gas development.
Regulatory Hurdles- Complex regulations stifling innovation and development.
Amadi stressed the necessity of overcoming these challenges to secure a sustainable and inclusive energy future for Africa. He praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, also serving as Minister of Petroleum Resources, for signing the Presidential Executive Orders on oil and gas in March 2024, aimed at enhancing the efficiency and appeal of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Despite these efforts, summit participants called for further action, urging a comprehensive review of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 to unlock Nigeria’s vast hydrocarbon potential, attract investment, and drive economic growth.
The NAEC reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for a just and equitable energy future for Africa, supporting the Nigerian government’s “Decade of Gas Initiative.” This initiative aims to establish Nigeria as a regional gas hub, leveraging its gas resources for economic development.
Amadi proposed a multifaceted strategy to foster an enabling environment for gas technology development and innovation in Africa, recommending:
Investment-Friendly Policies:- Government policies incentivizing investment in gas technologies and research.
Capacity Building:- Strengthening institutions and developing skilled human resources across Africa.
Collaboration:- Encouraging partnerships between governments, industries, academia, and entrepreneurs to tackle gas sector challenges and opportunities.
Digital Technologies:–Â Promoting digitalization through blockchain, digital platforms, and smart grids to optimize energy production and consumption.
Education and Training– Emphasizing technical, vocational, and higher education in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.
Enhanced Cooperation:- Bolstering collaboration between universities to expand access to online education in sustainable development areas.
Scholarship Opportunities– Increasing scholarships for African students to pursue higher education in relevant fields.
Intellectual Property Protection:– Ensuring balanced intellectual property rights protection in both developed and developing countries.
The summit underscored the importance of moving beyond theoretical discussions to practical, achievable steps for advancing Africa’s gas sector. Gas technology holds the key to meeting the immediate energy needs of growing economies and securing a sustainable future for generations to come.
“We stand on the verge of history in our energy sector,” Amadi concluded. “Let us harness the opportunities that promise not only to meet our immediate needs but also to secure a sustainable future for the next generations for common wealth.”
The AGIS 2024 summit was a crucial platform for stakeholders to chart a course towards a brighter energy future for Africa. By collaboratively addressing the challenges and embracing gas technology innovation, Africa can unlock its vast potential and build a more sustainable and prosperous future.
