In The Spotlight
While the recent withdrawal of the United Arab Emirates from OPEC reflects longstanding tensions over production quotas and strategic direction, its implications extend far beyond the Gulf
For Africa — a continent with both major producers and heavily import dependent economies — the UAE’s exit introduces new uncertainties into an already fragile energy landscape.
Why the UAE left OPEC: The structural tensions
The UAE’s departure did not emerge in a vacuum. Several structural pressures have been building over the past decade:
• Quota rigidity: The UAE has repeatedly argued that its growing production capacity is not reflected in OPEC quotas.
• Divergence from Saudi Arabia: While Riyadh prioritises price stability, Abu Dhabi has increasingly favoured higher output and market share.
• Long-term strategy: The UAE is investing heavily in upstream expansion and wants the freedom to monetise reserves before global demand plateaus.
• Frustration with OPEC+ constraints: The post 2020 production management framework has been a source of friction.
The UAE’s exit signals a recalibration of its national energy strategy — and a potential weakening of OPEC’s cohesion.
Africa’s exposure
Africa’s relationship with OPEC is complex. Some states are members, others have withdrawn, and many rely on OPEC-driven price stability despite not being producers.
The UAE’s exit affects each differently.
OPEC member countries
Nigeria
Africa’s largest oil producer faces chronic underproduction relative to its OPEC quota. A weaker OPEC could mean:
• Greater price volatility
• Reduced collective ability to stabilise markets
• Increased pressure on Nigeria’s fiscal planning
Nigeria’s dependence on oil revenue makes it highly sensitive to any erosion of OPEC’s influence.
Angola
Angola withdrew from OPEC in 2023, citing quota constraints that limited its production ambitions. The UAE’s exit validates Angola’s concerns and may encourage other producers to question the value of membership. Angola, however, remains exposed to global price swings, and reduced OPEC cohesion could amplify volatility.
Algeria
A long-standing OPEC loyalist, Algeria relies on the organisation’s collective discipline to maintain price floors. The UAE’s departure weakens Algeria’s diplomatic leverage and may complicate its efforts to stabilise domestic energy revenues.
Libya
Although exempt from quotas due to conflict, Libya is highly vulnerable to price instability. The UAE’s exit increases uncertainty in global markets, complicating Libya’s recovery planning and investment climate.
Equatorial Guinea, Congo, Gabon
These smaller producers have limited buffers and depend heavily on OPEC’s collective bargaining power. A weakened OPEC reduces their ability to influence global markets and exposes them to sharper price cycles.
Non OPEC member countries engaged in production and refinery
Egypt
Egypt is a net importer of crude. Its refining sector and domestic energy pricing are sensitive to global price movements. Increased volatility could:
• Raise import costs
• Strain fiscal budgets
• Affect electricity and transport pricing
Egypt’s exposure is indirect but significant.
Sudan and South Sudan
South Sudan depends on oil for the majority of its national revenue, exporting through Sudanese pipelines. Both states rely on predictable global prices to maintain budget stability. Increased volatility could:
• Disrupt pipeline fee arrangements
• Reduce government revenue
• Complicate debt and fiscal planning
Their vulnerability is structural and immediate.
South Africa
South Africa’s closure of its refineries and conversions to import terminals made it a major importer of refined petroleum products and relies heavily on global price stability. The UAE’s withdrawal from OPEC could increase price volatility, affecting transport, electricity generation and industrial production. With several refineries shut down or converted to import terminals, South Africa’s exposure to global price swings is significant.
Mozambique
Mozambique is emerging as a major gas producer but remains a net importer of refined petroleum products. LNG projects depend on stable global markets and investor confidence. Increased volatility could affect project timelines, financing and long term offtake agreements.
Namibia
Namibia is on the verge of becoming a major oil producer following recent offshore discoveries. For now, it remains import dependent. Price volatility affects domestic markets, but long term, a weakened OPEC could influence Namibia’s future production strategy and investment climate.
Ghana
Ghana is both a producer and importer of refined products. Price volatility affects fiscal planning, refinery economics, and the viability of offshore projects. A weaker OPEC could complicate Ghana’s long term revenue projections and investment climate.
Democratic Republic of Congo
The DRC is a small producer but a major importer of refined products. Price instability affects mining operations, transport and electricity. The DRC’s exposure is indirect but significant due to its reliance on imported fuels and its large industrial sector.
Import-dependent African economies
A significant number of African states rely heavily on imported petroleum products and are therefore highly sensitive to global price movements. For these economies, OPEC’s cohesion matters because it stabilises international markets and reduces volatility. The UAE’s withdrawal introduces uncertainty that could affect inflation, transport costs, electricity pricing and fiscal planning.
This group includes:
• Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda - East African economies with growing energy demand and limited refining capacity.
• Senegal, Morocco, Tunisia - North and West African importers exposed to global price cycles.
• Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia - landlocked states dependent on regional supply chains through South Africa, Mozambique and Tanzania.
• Ethiopia and Somalia - fully import-dependent economies where fuel prices directly affect food security and transport.
• Botswana and Namibia - reliant on South African and regional supply routes, with limited domestic buffers.
For these countries, a fractured OPEC could mean:
• Higher inflation driven by fuel and transport costs
• Increased food prices due to supply chain exposure
• Pressure on foreign exchange reserves
• Greater fiscal strain on subsidy dependent economies
• Higher electricity generation costs in diesel reliant grids
These states are indirect but significant stakeholders in OPEC stability, and any weakening of OPEC's price management capacity will be felt across their economies.
Continental level risks for Africa
The UAE’s withdrawal introduces several systemic risks:
• Increased price volatility as market coordination weakens
• Reduced OPEC influence, lowering the organisation’s ability to maintain price floors
• More aggressive production competition among producers
• Investor hesitation due to uncertainty in long-term price signals
• Refinery project uncertainty, especially for new African mega refineries
• Fiscal instability for oil dependent economies
Africa’s exposure is both direct (for producers) and indirect (for importers).
Strategic options for Africa
Africa cannot control OPEC dynamics, but it can strengthen its resilience.
To reduce dependence on external market governance, institutions such as the African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation (APPO), African Union and Afreximbank can facilitate:
• regional production alignment
• joint investment frameworks
• coordinated policy responses
Acceleration of refinery expansion and integration can reduce dependence on external market governance. The following projects can bring down import dependence and stabilise domestic markets:
• Dangote Refinery (Nigeria)
• Cabinda Refinery (Angola)
• Uganda’s planned refinery
• Egypt’s ongoing expansions
To avoid the vulnerability of OPEC centric pricing cycles, African producers can diversify export markets and strengthen ties with:
• Asia
• BRICS +
• Regional African markets
Africa can build fiscal buffers such as sovereign wealth funds, stabilisation funds and hedging strategies to help governments absorb price shocks. It can also strengthen local content and value chains so that increased domestic value capture reduces vulnerability to external volatility and support long-term industrialisation.
Africa must not be a passive price taker. The UAE’s withdrawal from OPEC is a reminder that global oil governance is shifting. Africa cannot afford to be reactive. By strengthening regional coordination, accelerating refinery development, diversifying markets, and building fiscal resilience, African states can navigate this transition with greater stability and strategic autonomy.
The article has been written by Elijah Paul RukidiMpuuga, FCIArb (UK), founder and principal, Equitas Dispute Resolution Group, LLC
Mobile oilfield management platform, EZOps, has launched EZTasks.ai as the first in a series of artificial intelligence-driven offerings that are anticipated throughout the year
EZTasks.ai is directly embedded into the EZOps Mobile Oilfield Platform as an intelligent task-generation feature, which field personnel can use from anywhere, be it in the cab of a truck, at a wellsite, or on a lease road, eliminating the earlier need to be physically present for data entry into EZOps. This means task managers or field technicians can leverage the platform right from the middle of high-activity environments, saving time and eliminating distance factor, and in turn, boosting operational efficiency and production generation.
The feature can be used via any of the three input methods, including voice-to-text, copy & paste or file and image uploads. Users can speak observations, issues or instructions directly into EZOps, which are then interpreted by the AI before it generates suggested tasks. Copy & paste, on the other hand, refers to text from emails, messages, reports or any source that maybe put directly into EZOps. EZTasks.ai is set to extract and structure the input information. Via file & image uploads, users can upload documents, photos, inspection reports, meeting notes or field images. The AI analyses the content and translates it into actionable suggested tasks within the platform.
The AI-driven real-time input methods of EZTasks.ai centralise unstructured data sources such as images, documents, or meeting notes. This makes a marked difference in seamless data entry and boosted data quality, ensuring visibility of critical information.
"Field teams are busier than ever, and the last thing they need is a cumbersome data entry process standing between them and the work at hand. EZTasks.ai meets workers where they are — literally. Whether someone is their truck, at a field location or standing in front of a piece of equipment, they can now capture what they need and let the AI do the administrative work – ultimately creating further operational efficiencies," said Tracy Gray, vice president of EZOps.
Petralon Energy is an African exploration and production company with proven capacity to acquire, develop, finance, and operate oil and gas assets
Operating through its subsidiary Petralon 54, the company holds a 100% working interest in the Dawes Island Field in the Eastern Niger Delta.
In just under six months, Petralon 54 has revamped its production capacity significantly through its recently established DI-3 well. Operations began on 14 March 2026 and has since delivered average additional daily production of approximately 2,800 barrels of oil per day (bopd), bringing the field's combined production capacity to approximately 4,800 bopd.
DI-2 has been onstream since October 2025 and DI-3 builds directly on the performance of its predecessor. Together, the two wells have sustained back-to-back drilling programme on a field that was non-producing at the time of Petralon's acquisition in 2021. Till date, the company has exported over 350,000 barrels of oil from the field via the Bonny Oil and Gas Terminal, which is located around 30km from the field. The DI-3 well became operational with zero lost-time incidents and it reflects the company's commitment to world-class health, safety, and environmental standards across its operations.
Dawes Island is located approximately 15km from Port Harcourt in the Eastern Niger Delta. The island covers roughly 46 sq km and holds an estimated 17.6 mn barrels of recoverable oil. “Our success at Dawes Island was built on the conviction that Nigerians could acquire, develop, and operate world-class energy assets. That conviction once required courage, today, it stands on proof. The easy thing after DI-2 would have been to pause, but the determination and resilience of every single member of the Petralon team drove us forward, and DI-3 is the result of that effort. Progress like this is only possible through the strong collaboration we have built with our host communities, our regulator, and our partners. This is only the beginning of what Dawes Island can deliver," said Ahonsi Unuigbe, founder and chief executive officer of Petralon Energy.
Through the commencement of DI-3 production, Petralon Energy validates another major step in the phased development of Dawes Island. The company stays focused on growing production, strengthening its position as a leading indigenous operator in Nigeria's upstream sector, and advancing its longer-term ambition for the field.
Perenco Congo has completed drilling campaign on the Tchibouela East field offshore Republic of Congo
The results of the five infill well campaign, which concluded at the end of 2025, now show a sustained material uplift in production, providing an additional 6,000 barrels of oil per day (bopd).
The drilling campaign entailed advanced offshore drilling techniques, including horizontal and u-shaped wells, which resulted in higher oil recovery, while reducing operational risks.
Following the posiIve results from the Tchibouela East campaign, Perenco Congo has now started a new five well drilling campaign on the Masseko field, designed to increase producIon from the field as well as testing a new geological horizon.
“We have seen a sustained uplift in production following the recent five well infill campaign on the Tchibouela East field. This positive result clearly demonstrates our ability to extend field life and maximise the value of acreage for the benefit of all stakeholders. Tchibouela East has been in production for almost thirty years and we are pleased to help ensure that the field can produce for many more years to come. The operational tempo continues and we are now drilling on the Masseko field, where initial results from first production are encouraging,” said Gregoire de Courcelles, managing director of Perenco
Congo.
Sierra Leone has been working consistently to attract investment for its upstream sector. (Image source: Invest in African Energy)
Oil major, Shell Exploration Company BV, has secured interests in Sierra Leone with the signing of Reconnaissance Permit Agreement through the Petroleum Directorate of Sierra Leone (PDSL) during the Invest in African Energy 2026 Forum in Paris
Aligning with the country's strategy of derisking frontier acreage, the agreement allows Shell the rights to initiate advanced geological and geophysical studies across offshore G-Blocks that adds up to approximately 20,594 sq kms. The major will conduct seismic data quality control and interpretation, integration of well data, detailed petrophysical analysis, basin modelling, petroleum systems evaluation, identification of structural traps and reservoir fairways, and play-based exploration and prospectivity mapping.
“This agreement with Shell marks a defining moment in Sierra Leone’s journey to responsibly unlock the value of our natural resources. It sends a strong and credible signal to the global investment community… that Sierra Leone is open for business, underpinned by transparency, stability and strong governance,” said President Julius Maada Bio in a statement released by PDSL.
A major of Shell's kind will bring to the region the advantages of high-quality seismic data and advanced subsurface imaging ahead of future licensing rounds. “Signing this agreement...underscores Sierra Leone’s growing visibility on the global energy stage. Securing Shell as a partner is a strong validation of the work we have undertaken to strengthen our geoscience database and regulatory framework," said PDSL director general Foday Mansaray.
Sierra Leone has been working consistently to attract investment for its upstream sector by fostering transparent engagement with global operators. Data, transparency and credible partnerships remain central to the region's upstream ambitions.
Sulzer has announced a joint venture with Jawaby Services & Investments Ltd (JSIL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC), to provide in‑country rotating equipment services in Libya
The company has launched an entity named Jawaby Sulzer Services whose in-country service facility will operate locally in Libya while meeting global industry standards in oil & gas, power generation and industrial operations. With the signing of this agreement, Sulzer brings in internationally recognized maintenance and repair expertise in Libya. Its operational headquarters will be build in the Misrata Free Zone, near Tripoli. Through the JV, Sulzer and JSIL will establish full-scope, OEM-grade rotating equipment services within Libya for the first time, combining Sulzer’s global technical expertise with JSIL’s strong local presence and market connectivity.
Until now, operators have been required to send critical assets (including pumps, gas and steam turbines, compressors, motors and generators) abroad for overhaul and major repairs, resulting in extended lead times and increased operational risk. Jawaby Sulzer Services addresses this market gap by delivering maintenance, re-engineering and rehabilitation services locally with Sulzer’s global excellence standards.
Alex Myers, regional president of India, Middle East & CIS (INMEC) at Sulzer Services, said, “Establishing Jawaby Sulzer Services marks an important step in strengthening our presence in the region in support of our customers. Amidst the acceleration of upstream investment, operators need dependable, locally delivered expertise to keep complex rotating equipment running safely and efficiently. This joint venture ensures that international standards and technical depth are now embedded within Libya’s energy sector, supporting stable operations and long-term industrial growth.”
Ahmed Ibrahim ElBadri, executive manager of JSIL, added, “Our partnership brings together JSIL’s strong local presence and Sulzer’s global expertise to deliver reliable, high-quality turbomachinery services inside Libya. For us, localization means building lasting capability at home – creating meaningful skilled employment, supporting Libyan suppliers and ensuring that the expertise needed to power the energy sector is developed and retained within the country.”
In a major step towards the development of its first project in Egypt, Arcius, in collaboration with the Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company, has reached final investment decision (FID) on the Harmattan gas field in the El Burg Offshore concession area
Approximately half a billion dollars investment by the bp and XRG venture, the project aims to boost natural gas production.
This comes following Arcius’ acquisition of the El Burg Offshore concession area in February 2026. The project's execution phase will be led by ENPPI delivering engineering, procurement, construction and installation (EPCI) contract for Pharaonic Petroleum Company on behalf of El Burg Offshore Petroleum Company. Petroleum Marine Services and Petrojet will be providing services in the capacity of subcontractors.
Speaking on the FID and acknowledging the project's purpose to primarily meet domestic market needs, the chief executive officer of Arcius, Naser Al Yafei, said, "The Final Investment Decision to develop the Harmattan field marks an important milestone in advancing one of our first projects in Egypt toward production. It reflects our confidence in the potential of Egypt’s energy sector and our commitment to close cooperation with the Egyptian government, EGAS, and our execution partners to strengthen Egypt’s natural gas supply, support energy security, and reinforce Egypt’s position as a regional energy hub in the Eastern Mediterranean.”
The FID was announced during the EGYPES 2026 with the participation of EGAS, Arcius as the Operator of El Burg Offshore Concession, PhPC, ENPPI, and in the presence of Karim Badawi, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources.
In line with Nigeria's strategy to expand reach in export market, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has globally released its new crude grade – Cawthorne
With an API gravity of 36.4 that denotes the light and sweet kind, the Cawthorne crude rules global market demand because of its unmatched petrol and diesel yields. Comparable to Bonny Light, Cawthorne crude blend is the latest from Nigeria’s basket of crude grades, building on recent additions such as Nembe and Utapate.
The consistent market launches come from optimised production, helping Nigeria to solidify its base in the export market with diverse offerings. The Cawthorne Floating Storage and Offloading (FSO) vessel, which is strategically positioned offshore Bonny, Rivers State for enhanced energy security and operational efficiency in easy crude evacuation from OML18, comprised the maiden 950,000 barrels cargo for export. Loaded on an MT Eburones vessel, it headed to the Netherlands, and unto the global market.
As Nigeria aims to attain crude production of three million barrels per day and gas output to 12 billion cubic feet per day by 2030, the international launch of Cawthorne will unlock value from its asset base and deepen market competitiveness.
“This milestone reflects the direction we have set for NNPC Limited—one anchored on execution, partnership, and value creation. We are moving decisively from resource potential to resource monetisation, ensuring that every asset delivers measurable commercial outcomes.
"The successful export of the Cawthorne crude grade is not an isolated achievement; it is part of a broader, deliberate strategy to grow production, deepen market relevance, and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a reliable global energy supplier. We remain firmly focused on delivering sustainable growth in line with national objectives and global market expectations,” said Bashir Bayo Ojulari, Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, as he acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership and OML 18 partners' strong collaboration in achieving the milestone.
Technological innovation, strategic partnerships, and operational discipline will remain central to NNPC Limited's vision as the organisation works towards value creation from Nigeria's vast hydrocarbons resources.
Oil Review Africa catches up with Christopher Hudson, President of dmg events, ahead of ADIPEC 2025
Excerpts from an interview:
Energy across Africa, as elsewhere in the world, is seeing major shifts and advancements. How does ADIPEC 2025 reflect this changing industry landscape and help meet the needs?
Energy is one of the most dynamic and rapidly evolving sectors. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global energy demand rose by 2.2% last year, outpacing the average annual increase of 1.3% recorded over the last decade. At the same time, the global population is projected to reach 9.8 billion by 2050, with over 750 million people still lacking access to electricity, and more than 2.1 billion people remain without access to clean cooking. Rising urbanisation and living standards are reshaping energy demand, with air conditioning alone expected to be one of the largest contributors to electricity demand growth in the coming decades. This reveals the sector’s increasing need to not only produce more energy but to produce it in a way that is equitable and sustainable.
In this context, ADIPEC 2025 is being held under the theme of ‘Energy. Intelligence. Impact’. It reflects a simple but powerful truth: meeting the world’s growing need for secure, affordable and sustainable energy will depend on how intelligently we harness every resource – human, technological and natural – to deliver meaningful results for economies and communities alike.
At its core, the theme recognises that intelligence – both human and artificial – is transforming the way energy is produced, managed, and consumed. From AI-driven optimisation and digital integration to advances in hydrogen, LNG, and decarbonisation, intelligent innovation is reshaping the global energy landscape. ADIPEC serves as the meeting point for these forces, where ideas translate into action and impact can be measured in investment, policy, and progress.
AI is a major topic of discussion in the context of energy, due to its high demand. How is ADIPEC responding to the challenges and opportunities of the AI-energy nexus?
Artificial intelligence is reshaping both global energy demand and the industry’s ability to respond. Data centres already consume around 1.5% of global electricity, and with AI workloads, that demand could more than double by 2030, rising from 415 TWh to 945 TWh. A single advanced AI model can require as much electricity to train as 100 households use in a year, while an AI query may consume 10 times more energy than a standard search.
This convergence is both a challenge and an opportunity. AI requires enormous energy, but it can also optimise grids, cut waste, improve operational efficiency, and accelerate decarbonisation. At ADIPEC 2025, we have expanded our AI Zone into five experiential areas showcasing how AI is transforming systems, people, and infrastructure. Alongside this, more than 80 conference sessions are dedicated to the AI–energy nexus, from predictive analytics to governance frameworks.
For Africa, this is particularly significant. Many countries are rapidly digitalising while also expanding power systems. The ability of AI to enhance reliability and reduce costs could be transformative for energy access and economic growth.
How is the diversity of the African continent and its vast energy sector reflected across ADIPEC 2025’s programme?
Africa is a core part of ADIPEC’s community. This year, we are proud to welcome a strong delegation of African ministers and leaders, including those from Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Sierra Leone, Zimbabwe, Gambia, Equatorial Guinea, and Egypt. Their participation enriches ADIPEC’s Strategic Conference and exhibitions, ensuring Africa’s perspectives are reflected in discussions on natural gas, hydrogen, downstream, and low-carbon solutions.
dmg events is also the largest organiser of energy and infrastructure events across Africa, with long-standing operations in Nigeria, Mozambique, Kenya, Ethiopia, Ghana, Tanzania, South Africa, Egypt and Morocco. This presence gives us a unique vantage point to bridge African priorities with global dialogue.
Africa holds some of the world’s largest reserves of natural gas, oil, and minerals, as well as enormous potential in renewables. ADIPEC is committed to supporting this potential by convening African voices alongside global leaders, unlocking partnerships that can expand access, accelerate industrialisation, and strengthen Africa’s contribution to global energy progress.
Some of ADIPEC 2025’s notable African speakers include: Honourable J. Opiyo Wandayi, Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum, Kenya; Honourable Sen. Dr. Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister for State (Oil), Petroleum Resources, Nigeria; Rt. Honourable Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister for State (Gas) Petroleum Resources, Nigeria; Honourable Chief Adebayo Adelabu, Minister of Power, Nigeria; Honourable Julius D. Mattai, Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Republic of Sierra Leone; Honourable Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu, Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Uganda; His Excellency Karim Badawi, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Arab Republic of Egypt; His Excellency Antonio Oburu Ondo, Minister of Mines and Hydrocarbons, Equatorial Guinea, Honorable Julius D. Mattai, Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Republic of Sierra Leonne; Honourable July Moyo, Minister of Energy and Power Development, Zimbabwe; His Excellency Nani Juwara, Minister of Petroleum and Energy, Gambia; Honourable Cheikh Niane, Deputy Minister of Petroleum and Energy, Senegal, and Mathias Katamba, board chairman, Uganda National Oil Company.
