The curtain has fallen on the 2024 Central Africa Business Energy Forum (CABEF) in Libreville, Gabon, which took place from October 23 to 25, 2024. Now in its fourth edition, the event marked a pivotal turning point for Central Africa.

This fourth edition, held under the theme « Natural Gas: Key to Industrialization and Economic Acceleration in Central Africa through Effective Sub-Regional Institutional Integration, » brought together global stakeholders from the energy sector. The forum was inaugurated by Gabon’s Vice-President of the Transition, Joseph Owondault Berre, in the presence of Prime Minister Raymond Ndong Sima and several ministers and prominent figures. This edition turned out to be a historic moment for the sub-region.

According to CABEF, Central Africa’s future depends on harnessing natural gas, particularly through proposed pipeline infrastructure. This process began in 2021 in Congo-Brazzaville, within the framework of a South-South cooperation aimed at fostering fruitful collaboration among the region’s countries. In 2022, an integrative project was launched in Cameroon. Named the Central Africa Pipeline System (CAPS), it allowed the involved nations to align their strategic efforts. This project led to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), paving the way for financing discussions in N’Djamena, Chad, in 2023.

In 2024, in Libreville, discussions focused on energy transition, with natural gas at the heart of the debate. Asked about this transition, Nathalie Lum, president of CABEF, stated: « Through gas, we will promote industrialization, develop fertilizers, and harness our mining resources. For us, natural gas is the key to the development of Central Africa. »

Gathered under the overarching theme of natural gas as a key to industrialization and economic acceleration in Central Africa, the forum brought together key players from the sector, representing every corner of the globe.

Central to the discussions, the Central Africa Pipeline System (CAPS) project attracted significant attention. His Excellency Marcel Abeke, Gabon’s Minister of Petroleum and Gas and current OPEC President, issued an urgent call to regional nations to engage in this ambitious initiative: « CAPS is a transformative project that will integrate our economies and create new opportunities for our people, » he emphasized.

For three days, officials and experts meticulously explored the main theme and its subtopics, offering valuable recommendations for the region’s energy and economic development. The notable participation of young people highlights the promising dynamism for the sector’s future. In its pursuit of regional energy self-sufficiency, CABEF recognized the contributions of key actors during an awards ceremony, a new feature for this 4th edition.

As a true engine of change, CABEF continues to establish itself as a key player in the region’s energy development and within the Economic Community of Central African States (CEEAC). Eyes are now set on the 2025 edition!

The CABEF Team