Letter from Paris: Africa eyes future fuelled by oil and gas
A recent industry forum highlights how developing nations see hydrocarbons very differently from some in the West
The mood at the Invest in African Energy Forum in Paris at the start of June was broadly both defiant and optimistic. On stage and on the sidelines, African oil ministers, NOC officials and private sector executives all continued to emphasise the disparity between the continent’s still-vast hydrocarbon resources and regional energy poverty, and criticised Western environmentalists for their opposition to new oil and gas developments in Africa. Ugandan lawyer Elison Karuhanga, a partner at Kampala Associated Advocates, was passionate and eloquent in his defence of Africa being allowed to develop its hydrocarbon resources. Karuhanga emphasises that 600mn Africans lack access to electricity, wh
Also in this section
11 February 2026
Panellists from three LNG buyers at LNG2026 in Doha outlined their evolving procurement strategies as they navigate heightened market volatility
11 February 2026
North African producer plans to boost output by early 2030, with Europe its number one priority as export destination
11 February 2026
Maritime leaders at LNG2026 warned of the dangers of over-regulation on competitiveness, sustainability and innovation
10 February 2026
The country has opened bidding on 50 blocks in a new licensing round but will face competition for attention and will need to address concerns about security and legislation






