H.E. Gabriel OBIANG LIMA, Minister of Mines and Hydrocarbons of Equatorial Guinea, attends the 5th edition of CIEHC, which takes place from 30 November to 02 December 2022, in the municipality of Kintélé in the Republic of Congo.

Under the theme: « Opportunities and challenges of the energy transition of Congo », the Minister of Hydrocarbons of Congo, H.E. Bruno Jean-Richard ITOUA, organizes the 5th edition of one of the largest meetings between actors of the energy sector. The efforts to be made for an autonomous Africa, both in the exploitation and distribution of its fossil fuels, is the major concern of this conference. CIEHC5, represents an opportunity for consultation and debate on themes and ideologies specific to energy issues in Central Africa, both for the private sector and for the most influential organizations, such as the African Petroleum Producer’s Organization (APPO) and the African Chamber of Energies (CAE).

The Minister of Hydrocarbons of Congo, H.E. Bruno Jean-Richard ITOUA, through various projects, such as massive developments of liquefied natural gas (LNG) like the gas project of Litchendjili currently in full realization, is leading the fight to stimulate the growth of the energy market in Congo and optimize the economic expansion, through the development of oil and gas resources. As a result of these projects, he was awarded the Mohammed S. BARKINDO Grand Prize at the 2nd edition of the African Energy Week conference (AEW / October 18 and 21, 2022 in South Africa).

The participation of H.E. Gabriel OBIANG LIMA, Minister of Mines and Hydrocarbons of Equatorial Guinea as well as that of the various high personalities of the sector, represents a confirmation of the common objective of the countries members of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC); that of creating an efficient regional energy market in the sub region. The cooperation agreements between these countries, nurture the ambition to eradicate the energy deficit from which Central Africa has suffered for many years.

H.E. Gabriel OBIANG LIMA, who was recently appointed Chairman of the 2023 Ministerial Meeting of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), addressed the issue of energy transition on Thursday, December 1, during the Ministerial Panel:

« We must operate our own assets, create our own market and have energy security, » he said. These words are the key words that summarize the vision of the different participants in the panel.

His Excellency also presented the Central African Gas and Fuel Pipeline System (CAPS) project, which is one of the major common projects in the creation of a clean energy market in the sub-region through the creation of an interconnected supply network. CAPS brings together all CEMAC countries and is intended to be the bearer of a common vision in terms of energy policy and self-sufficiency.

CABEF acknowledges all the actions and interventions of H.E. Gabriel OBIANG LIMA, which are of great relevance. The nomination of His Excellency for the 2022 African Energy Leader Award by African Leadership Magazine for its 11th edition, as well as the announcement of his future appointment as OPEC President , is evidence of the huge impact the Minister is making on the African continent.

The Central Africa Business and Energy Forum (CABEF) is honored to be present at CIEHC5 and to attend the various exciting discussions. The conference shares our values and is aligned with the overarching interest of ensuring a thriving energy future for Central Africa, while improving the lives of people and businesses by 2030.

CABEF, The editorial team

CABEF, the editorial team