African petroleum regulators led by Nigeria have launched a continental forum aimed at harmonising oil regulation in a bid to attract crucial investment across the region’s burgeoning energy sector, the Nigerian oil regulator said in a statement.
Due to declining investment dollars, African oil regulators are betting that a more integrated energy market where rules are consistent and transparent across jurisdictions can unlock capital.
In a statement seen by BusinessDay, Nigeria, Ghana, Somalia, Gambia, Madagascar, Sudan, Guinea, and Togo were the first eight countries to sign the charter.
Regulators from the eight African countries formally endorsed the AFRIPERF Charter, while seven others present expressed support with a pledge to join at a future date after consultations.
The landmark signing ceremony, chaired by Gbenga Komolafe, Commission Chief Executive (CCE) of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), took place on Thursday, September 18, 2025, on the sidelines of the 31st edition of the Africa Oil Week (AOW) in Accra, Ghana.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Komolafe, who doubles as the interim chairman of the forum, described the landmark 4th AFRIPERF meeting and charter signing ceremony as a decisive step towards building a harmonised and sustainable petroleum industry in Africa.
He said, “From our initial announcement at the 8th SAIPEC, to our inauguration during the NOG 2024 event and the careful drafting of the AFRIPERF Charter, each milestone has brought us closer to this historic day.
“By activating our Executive Committee, Technical Committee and Secretariat, we are establishing the functional pillars that will drive AFRIPERF forward, ensuring that our shared vision is translated into measurable results with defined timelines and accountability.”
According to the statement, the Executive Committee will serve as the principal oversight body guiding the implementation of AFRIPERF’s objectives, while its membership is for heads of Africa’s oil and gas regulatory bodies/agencies.
In addition, the Technical Committee will be activated as needed based on thematic or sectoral priorities arising from the Executive Committee or broader membership, while its membership will be drawn from subject matter experts from member countries and partners to handle matters regarding specific regulatory areas and industry issues.
The secretariat committee will comprise member countries, and nominations will be called for and presented to the executive committee for ratification.
“AFRIPERF provides regulators with the mechanism to harmonise our policies, address shared challenges and ensure that our perspectives are not only heard but respected on the global stage,” the interim chairman added.
The CCE commended the regulators and stakeholders for their technical contributions to the evolution of AFRIPERF.
“I strongly recommend that we consider forging a strong partnership with Africa Oil Week (AOW) by aligning the AFRIPERF Annual General Meeting (AGM) with the dates and venue of AOW, as this will help boost attendance and engagement,” the interim chairman added.
