Africa must take charge — Jinapor rallies continent as Ghana prepares to host Oil Week 2025
By Praisebell Rosemond Larbi
Ghana is poised to become the epicentre of Africa’s energy dialogue as it prepares to host Africa Oil Week (AOW) 2025, the continent’s premier upstream oil and gas event.
Scheduled to take place from 15 to 18 September 2025 at the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City in Accra, the forum will bring together energy ministers, national oil companies (NOCs), regulators and global investors to shape the future of Africa’s energy sector.
Under the leadership of Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, the event aims to attract investment, strengthen regional partnerships and chart a collective course for sustainable energy development across the continent.
“Africa must take charge of its energy future. We are at a pivotal moment in the global energy landscape. Ghana is proud to host AOW 2025 and lead discussions on how Africa can secure investment, accelerate upstream production and embrace decarbonisation technologies. This event is not just about Ghana, it is about Africa taking its place as a global energy leader,” Mr Jinapor stated.
Ghana at the Forefront
As host nation, Ghana will deliver a dedicated National Showcase outlining its upstream strategy. The government is expected to unveil competitive regulations, enhanced investor incentives and an aggressive push for exploration, particularly in the Keta and Voltaian basins. Exclusive geological data will be presented to attract global players.
Officials are also preparing to announce new production targets, aiming to increase daily output beyond the current 120,000 to 130,000 barrels per day. These targets form part of Ghana’s ambition to cement its position as a regional hub for upstream investment in West Africa.
A Strategic Continental Platform
A key highlight of AOW 2025 will be the 7th APPO NOC CEO Meeting, which will bring together leaders of Africa’s national oil companies under the auspices of the African Petroleum Producers Organisation (APPO) and the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC). The meeting is expected to drive collaboration on licensing rounds, energy security and regional cooperation in exploration and production.
GNPC CEO Edward Bawa praised the Energy Minister’s role in securing the event for Ghana.
“Minister Jinapor’s leadership has been instrumental in positioning Ghana as a key voice in Africa’s energy transition. We are honoured to welcome our peers from across the continent and the global industry to Accra,” he said.
Paul Sinclair, CEO of AOW: Energy, also highlighted record global interest in this year’s edition.
“We are witnessing unprecedented momentum for AOW 2025, thanks in no small part to the commitment of Minister Jinapor and the Government of Ghana. Africa is entering a new chapter of upstream growth, and Ghana is playing a central role in shaping that future,” he noted.
About Africa Oil Week
Africa Oil Week remains the leading platform for the continent’s upstream oil and gas sector, facilitating high-level dialogue and deal-making between governments, NOCs, IOCs and service providers.
The 2025 edition will feature ministerial summits, investor forums, technical presentations and exclusive networking sessions.
