Washington D.C. – June 18, 2025

As travel bans on citizens from several African nations take effect, and with the specter of further additions to this list looming large, the continent finds itself struggling to forge genuine partnerships with the world’s most powerful nation in its critical journey towards energy emergence. For many African nations, the very concept of energy security remains a distant dream, overshadowed by fundamental challenges of access and infrastructure.

Against this backdrop of uncertainty, it is more vital than ever that ongoing global energy conversations, particularly those convened at influential platforms like the Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum, do not once again sideline the African continent. For too long, these discussions have predominantly centered on the energy security concerns of the USA, Canada, and the European Union, with natural gas often taking center stage. While these concerns are undoubtedly valid, neglecting Africa’s immense energy potential, urgent developmental needs, and growing geopolitical significance is a critical oversight. The future of global energy security, climate resilience, and geopolitical stability cannot be meaningfully addressed without fully integrating Africa’s unfolding energy narrative.

Africa, particularly its central region, possesses vast hydrocarbon reserves and immense renewable energy potential, yet it grapples with profound energy poverty, leaving hundreds of millions without reliable electricity. This paradox underscores a fundamental imbalance in global energy dialogues. The ongoing conversations at forums like the Atlantic Council must actively address this disparity, moving beyond a narrow focus on Western energy needs to embrace a truly global perspective that recognizes Africa as a key player, not just a peripheral observer.

The Atlantic Council itself is beginning to show signs of a broader understanding. Recent discussions and upcoming initiatives at the Forum hint at a growing focus on the « power of the Atlantic Ocean, » inherently encompassing Africa’s strategic energy and mineral resources. The increasing recognition of the urgent need to secure critical minerals, many of which are abundant in Africa, is framing investment in African energy and mining sectors as a matter of strategic importance. Furthermore, there’s a growing awareness of Africa’s massive energy deficit and the necessity of substantial clean energy financing to support a just and inclusive energy transition. These conversations, however, must move beyond mere acknowledgement to concrete strategies and actionable commitments that prioritize African voices and needs.

Crucially, this shift in perspective must be a two-way street, acknowledging and supporting the proactive initiatives emerging from within Africa itself. The Central Africa Business Energy Forum (CABEF) stands as a powerful example of this self-driven approach. Under its leadership, the Central African Pipeline System (CAPS) project is not merely a regional aspiration but a tangible blueprint for transforming Central Africa’s energy landscape.

The CAPS project, envisioned as an integrated network of thousands of kilometers of oil, gas, and LPG pipelines, complemented by vital supporting infrastructure like pumping stations, storage terminals, refineries, and gas-fired power plants, aims to decisively address chronic energy shortages across the CEMAC member states. This ambitious initiative goes beyond merely supplying fuel; it seeks to lay the foundation for widespread industrial development, catalyze regional trade, and significantly improve the living conditions for millions. By physically connecting national energy supply chains and fostering harmonized energy markets, CAPS will be a powerful engine for economic interdependence and stability in a region historically plagued by energy insecurity.

From a Western perspective, particularly in light of the challenging political climate highlighted at the beginning of this article, projects like CAPS represent a critical opportunity for genuine engagement. Investing in Central Africa’s energy infrastructure and supporting its path to energy abundance can:

  • Rebuild Trust and Foster Partnerships: In an era of perceived disengagement, tangible support for African-led development initiatives can help rebuild trust and forge mutually beneficial partnerships.
  • Enhance Geopolitical Influence: By becoming a reliable partner in critical infrastructure development, Western nations can offer a compelling and constructive alternative in a competitive global landscape.
  • Contribute to Global Energy Security: Supporting diversified energy production and infrastructure in Africa, alongside addressing its domestic needs, strengthens the overall resilience of the global energy system.
  • Promote Stability and Shared Prosperity: Energy access is fundamental to economic growth and human development. A more prosperous and stable Central Africa contributes directly to broader global stability and security, aligning with long-term international interests.
  • Secure Critical Mineral Supply Chains: As the world accelerates its energy transition, access to critical minerals becomes paramount. Reliable energy infrastructure within Africa is essential for the efficient and sustainable extraction and processing of these vital resources.

The challenge now is to ensure that the ongoing conversations at the Atlantic Council and other global platforms actively and meaningfully include African voices and priorities. These dialogues must recognize the urgency of Africa’s energy needs, the potential of African-led solutions like the CAPS project, and the strategic imperative for genuine partnership. Dismissing or overlooking Africa in these critical discussions would not only be a moral failing but a significant strategic blunder, hindering the collective pursuit of a secure and sustainable global energy future. The time has come to ensure that Africa is not just an afterthought, but a central and valued participant in shaping the world’s energy narrative.

Nathalie Lum
Chairwoman of CABEF