Farid Ghezali Named New APPO Secretary-General as Ministers Reaffirm Africa Energy Bank Take-Off

By Ajong Mbapndah L

The African Petroleum Producers’ Organization (APPO) has appointed Mr. Farid Ghezali as its new Secretary-General for the 2026–2028 term, marking a new phase in the organization’s leadership and strategic direction. The announcement came during the 48th Ordinary Session of the APPO Ministerial Council, held in Brazzaville under the High Patronage of President Denis Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of Congo.

Congo Pledges to Host First APPO Heads of State Summit

In a goodwill message delivered on his behalf by Prime Minister Anatole Collinet Makosso, President Sassou Nguesso praised APPO’s progress since its founding 38 years ago and reaffirmed Congo’s steadfast commitment to the organization.
He confirmed that Congo will host the first-ever APPO Heads of State Summit in 2026, with the establishment of the Africa Energy Bank (AEB) as a central agenda item. The President hailed the AEB as a continental milestone that will empower Africa to finance its energy development and transition independently.

Ministers Reaffirm Commitment to Africa Energy Bank

The Brazzaville meeting, chaired by H.E. Bruno Jean Richard Itoua, Congo’s Minister of Hydrocarbons and APPO President, gathered ministers and delegations from 16 member countries alongside APPO Secretariat officials and the Africa Energy Investment Corporation (AEICorp).

The Council called on all member states to fast-track their subscription and payment of allotted shares in the Africa Energy Bank. The Bank’s official take-off depends on raising a minimum capital of US $500 million, as stipulated in its charter.

To accelerate the process, the Council appointed Algeria’s Minister of State for Hydrocarbons and Mines, H.E. Mohamed Arkab, to lead a ministerial working group overseeing the finalization of the Bank’s establishment. A second working group, chaired by Senegal’s Minister of Energy, Petroleum and Mines, H.E. Birame Soulèye Diop, will focus on strengthening AEICorp operations.

Leadership Changes and Strategic Resolutions

In addition to appointing Mr. Ghezali as Secretary-General, the Council commended outgoing SG Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim for his six years of exemplary leadership and service to Africa’s petroleum sector.

The Council also announced the following appointments for 2026:

• H.E. Mamadou Sangafowa-Coulibaly, Minister of Mines, Petroleum and Energy of Côte d’Ivoire — APPO President
• H.E. Acacia Bandubola Mbongo, Minister of State for Hydrocarbons of the Democratic Republic of Congo — Vice-President
• Mr. Karrol Kadiata Leta (DRC) — Chairman of the Executive Board
• Eng. Ehab Ragaee (Egypt) — Alternate Chairman of the Executive Board

The Council further approved the 2024 external audit of the Secretariat and endorsed its 2026 Work Programme, reaffirming institutional accountability and operational continuity.

Africa Energy Bank: Cornerstone of Energy Sovereignty

Ministers stressed that the Africa Energy Bank will be instrumental in financing Africa’s energy priorities — from exploration to renewables — and ensuring the continent leads its own development agenda. The initiative, they noted, will anchor Africa’s energy sovereignty by reducing dependence on external financing and fostering local value chains.

In closing, the Council expressed gratitude to President Denis Sassou Nguesso and the people of Congo for their hospitality and support in hosting the 2025 statutory meetings. The next Ordinary Session of the APPO Ministerial Council will be held in Côte d’Ivoire in late 2026.

AEC Congratulates Ghezali: “A Decisive Moment for African Producers”

In a separate statement, the African Energy Chamber (AEC) congratulated Farid Ghezali on his appointment, describing it as a pivotal moment for African oil producers.

“Farid Ghezali’s appointment comes at a decisive time for African oil producers. His deep industry knowledge and proven leadership will strengthen APPO’s mission to drive energy security, local value creation and regional collaboration. The AEC looks forward to working closely with him to ensure that oil remains a catalyst for industrialization and prosperity across our continent,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.

The AEC commended outgoing Secretary-General Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim for his role in advancing local content and building APPO’s global influence. It highlighted that under Ghezali’s leadership, APPO will continue promoting Africa’s right to responsibly develop its hydrocarbon resources amid shifting global energy narratives.