11 countries in Central Africa have an elaborate plan to end their energy dependency
Eleven countries in Central Africa plan to build a string of oil & gas pipeline systems, refineries, LNG terminals, storage depots and power plants, in a bid to solve the region’s energy dependency problem.
The move has become necessary for the region which, despite having oil and gas deposits, still depends on importation to meet its refined energy needs. And that’s because many oil-producing countries in the region cannot refine their crude oil.
Among the countries are Cameroon, Chad, Gabon, Angola, Equatorial Guinea, the Democratic Republic of Congo, etc.
Earlier today, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the project was signed by the African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO) and the Central Africa Business Energy Forum. Reuters reported that APPO will serve as one of the backers for the project.
Following the signing of the MoU, feasibility studies for the project will commence soon. Business Insider Africa understands that the construction works will start in 2030.
While commenting on the plan, the Minister of Mines and Hydrocarbons in Equatorial Guinea, Gabriel Mbaga Obiang Lima, disclosed that the idea for the energy project was inspired by a similar pipeline network in West Africa which links Nigeria, Ghana, Benin Republic and Togo.
He stated that the project was necessary to end what he described as energy poverty in the region. He added that the project “will not be cheap, or easy, but if it is done as a collaboration, it will work”.
Note that this ambitious energy project would positively impact the economies of the participating countries in the long run. According to APPO’s Secretary General Omar Farouk Ibrahim, the overarching goal is to integrate and energise the economies of Central African countries.
