Central Africa, comprising the countries of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC) expanded to include those of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), is endowed with exceptional natural resources—particularly in hydrocarbons, minerals, and renewable energy. However, this region of Africa struggles to industrialize due to major energy constraints, thus hindering its economic and social development.
This paradox is well illustrated by Gabon, which, with a manganese production of 7.4 million tonnes in 2023 (making it the world’s second-largest producer), faces the challenge of lacking reliable energy infrastructure. This limits the local processing of its resources and forces the export of raw materials. Similarly, Chad, an oil producer since 2003 with about 1.2 million tonnes of production in 2022 (according to AFREC), suffers from an electrification rate of just 11%, one of the lowest in the region. Although it has a heavy fuel oil power plant (120 MW), the deficits are only partially covered, as high costs and a lack of modern networks limit their effectiveness.
These various situations are representative of the energy challenges faced by Central African countries in their path to industrialization.
This article will analyze the structural barriers, particularly the lack of energy infrastructure, and highlight the role of hydrocarbons as a driver of industrialization and the importance of sub-regional cooperation to overcome these constraints, support sustainable industrialization, and foster inclusive economic development. Through initiatives such as the Central African Pipeline System (CAPS), led by the Central Africa Business Energy Forum (CABEF) and benefiting CEMAC and ECCAS countries; the Central Africa Power Pool (PEAC); and the Continental Master Plan for Energy Systems (AUDA-NEPAD), we will demonstrate how an integrated approach can transform the energy and industrial landscape of the region.

1. ENERGY CHALLENGES FACED BY CENTRAL AFRICAN COUNTRIES

In Gabon,

  • Unequal access to electricity: According to the World Bank’s 2023 report, only 8% of the rural population has access to electricity, compared to 98.6% in urban areas.
  • Dependence on wood and charcoal: In 2022, 84% of final energy consumption came from traditional sources (AFREC), limiting industrialization, especially in the mining sector.
  • Insufficient infrastructure: Electricity production (2.24 million MWh in 2022) is just adequate, but outdated networks restrict expansion.
  • Underutilization of gas: Despite oil production of 9,008 ktep in 2020, associated gas is largely underexploited.

However, the country aims to achieve universal electricity access by 2035.

In Cameroon,

  • Limited electricity access: According to the African Development Bank, about 65% of the population had access to electricity in 2023, but only 20% in rural areas.
  • Frequent outages: Aging infrastructure, such as the Song Loulou Dam (384 MW), leads to regular load shedding, affecting industry.
  • Underexploited hydrocarbon resources: With around 200 million barrels of oil and 9 trillion cubic feet of natural gas (AFREC, 2022), the country has considerable potential, but it remains underused.
  • Oil production is limited to 60,000 barrels/day and 4 billion m³ of gas/year, hampered by insufficient infrastructure, including the absence of modern gas pipelines.
  • Furthermore, 80% of crude oil is exported without local processing, reducing value creation.
  • Complex financing procedures: Access to international funding is slow, delaying energy infrastructure development.

The country aims to reach 3,000 MW of installed capacity by 2030, with 25% from non-hydro renewable sources.

In the Republic of the Congo,

  • Limited electricity access: In 2023, the rural electrification rate was just 8%, according to World Bank development indicators, confirming extremely limited access in rural areas compared to about 45% in urban zones.
  • Dependence on hydrocarbons: The country’s oil production stood at 17,000 ktep in 2020, yet electricity distribution infrastructure remains insufficient (AFREC, 2022).
  • High transmission losses: Outdated electricity networks result in 25–30% losses during transmission.

The country aims to reach 50% electrification by 2025, but progress is slow due to financial constraints and weak project coordination.

In Chad,

  • Critically low electrification rate: According to the African Development Bank, only 11% of the population had access to electricity in 2020 (with 20% in urban areas and less than 2% in rural zones).
  • Lack of infrastructure: Outside major cities, distribution networks are virtually non-existent, limiting the country’s industrial development.
  • Weak investment in energy: Despite producing 2 million tonnes of oil in 2022, revenues are rarely reinvested in the energy sector.

The government has set ambitious targets to increase electrification to 30% by 2027 and 53% by 2030.

In the Central African Republic (CAR),

  • Very low electrification rate: In 2022, only 3% of the population had access to electricity, primarily in Bangui, according to the World Bank.
  • Heavy reliance on diesel generators: Electricity generation relies mostly on costly diesel generators, which represented 90% of installed capacity before solar parks were introduced in 2024 (World Bank, 2025).
  • Barriers to infrastructure development:
  • Lack of modern grids: The absence of modern distribution networks limits access to electricity outside Bangui, with less than 5% of rural areas electrified in 2023, according to the World Bank.

The country aims to reach 50% electrification by 2030.

In Equatorial Guinea,

  • Unequal access to electricity: In 2023, about 5% of the population had access to electricity, with 90% coverage in urban areas (mainly Malabo and Bata), but less than 30% in rural zones, according to historical World Bank data.
  • Weak infrastructure: Distribution networks remain limited and suffer from frequent outages.

Equatorial Guinea aims to achieve 80% electrification by 2030, relying on gas projects and regional interconnection, such as the pipeline proposed at CABEF 2022 to supply power to industries.

In Angola,

  • Insufficient electrification rate: In 2023, about 50% of the population had access to electricity, with significant disparities between urban areas (70%) and rural areas (15%), according to World Bank development indicators.
  • Infrastructure limitations: Angola is sub-Saharan Africa’s second-largest oil producer, with 1 million barrels per day in 2022 (AFREC), but its energy infrastructure is underdeveloped, limiting local transformation.
  • Aging systems: Transmission and distribution networks suffer from high losses—up to 30% of produced electricity is lost due to outdated equipment.
  • Lack of investment: Despite oil revenues, investment in energy remains limited.

Angola aims to reach 60% electrification by 2025 and 9.64 GW of installed capacity by 2027.

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC):

  • Low electrification rate: In 2022, only 21% of the population had access to electricity—41% in urban areas and just 1% in rural areas (World Bank). This lack of electrification severely limits industrialization and economic development, despite the country’s hydrocarbon potential.
  • Underexploitation of hydrocarbons: The DRC holds estimated oil reserves of 180 million barrels (29 million m³ as of 2009), mainly in Moanda, and natural gas reserves in Lake Kivu (estimated at 60 billion m³). However, in 2022, oil production was limited to 19,960 barrels per day, all of which was exported, and domestic consumption relied on imported petroleum products. Gas remains largely untapped, with only three gas blocks awarded in 2022 (Makelele, Idjwi, Lwandjofu) to U.S. and Canadian companies.
  • Lack of infrastructure: The absence of modern refineries and distribution networks limits local processing. Petroleum products are imported, increasing costs for both households and industries. Gas development projects, like those at Lake Kivu, are hindered by insufficient infrastructure and delayed investments.

The country aims to supply electricity to 50% of the population by 2030 through Inga III and regional interconnections.

In Rwanda:

  • Improving but limited electrification rate: In 2023, about 70% of the population had access to electricity. In rural areas, the rate rose from 2% in 2020 to about 45% in 2023. Despite this progress, access remains limited, hindering industrialization.
  • Underexploited hydrocarbons: Rwanda has natural gas (methane) reserves in Lake Kivu, estimated at 60 billion m³, enough to generate 700 MW over 55 years, including 350 MW for Rwanda. However, as of 2023, only 4 MW were being produced through the KivuWatt Project (Phase 1), with planned expansion to 100 MW. Rwanda has no oil production, and petroleum product consumption (11% of total energy in 2014) relies entirely on expensive imports.
  • Lack of infrastructure: Extracting and processing methane from Lake Kivu requires complex and costly technologies, slowing development. The absence of local refineries forces the country to import petroleum products, increasing costs for transport and industry.
  • High energy costs: Heavy fuel oil (LFO) thermal plants, such as SoEnergy’s 30 MW units in Kigali, are expensive and polluting—providing a temporary but unsustainable solution.
  • Import dependency: In 2023, 5% of electricity was imported, mainly to offset local production fluctuations.

Rwanda aims to achieve 100% electrification by 2024 (52% via the grid, 48% off-grid), an unmet goal that has now been revised to 2030.

In Burundi,

  • Very low electrification rate: In 2023, only 11% of the population had access to electricity—49% in urban areas (mainly Bujumbura) and just 1% in rural areas, according to the World Bank and the International Energy Agency (IEA). This severely restricts industrial and economic development.
  • Underexploited hydrocarbons: Burundi has no significant exploitable oil or gas reserves. Petroleum products, accounting for 10% of total energy, are fully imported at high cost.
  • Lack of infrastructure: The absence of refineries and modern distribution networks increases petroleum product prices. Diesel thermal power plants, used to fill energy gaps, produced about 5% of electricity in 2022 (10 MW out of 49 MW installed), but this remains insufficient.
  • Fuel shortages and high costs: Fuel imports are hampered by foreign exchange shortages and poor logistics, leading to queues in Bujumbura and economic disruptions in 2025.

Burundi aims to achieve 25% electrification by 2025.

In São Tomé and Príncipe,

  • Low electrification rate: In 2023, about 70% of the population had access to electricity—90% in urban areas and only 30% in rural zones, according to the World Bank.
  • Underexploited hydrocarbons: São Tomé and Príncipe has potential oil reserves estimated at 2 to 11 billion barrels in the Gulf of Guinea; However, as of 2023, no commercial production had been achieved due to high exploration costs and declining oil prices. Seismic prospecting is ongoing, but planned drilling (Blocks 6, 11, 12) has not yet led to viable exploitation.
  • Lack of infrastructure: The absence of refineries forces the country to import all petroleum products. High import costs (170 ktoe in 2020) limit access to modern energy.
  • Dependence on fossil fuels: Electricity production relies primarily on diesel generators, which are expensive and polluting.

São Tomé and Príncipe aims to achieve 100% electrification by 2030.

2.HYDROCARBON POTENTIAL FOR INDUSTRIALIZATION

Hydrocarbons offer a stable and affordable energy source, essential for energy-intensive industries such as mining and resource processing. For example, in Gabon, enhanced gas utilization could double electricity capacity by 2030, supporting the local transformation of manganese. In Cameroon, gas powers the aluminum industry (ALUCAM), while in Congo, it supports petrochemical exports.

a) The Role of Hydrocarbons in Industrial Development

  • Reliable energy source to power energy-intensive industries
  • Increased electricity capacity: Enables large-scale power generation to meet industrial demand
  • Local resource value addition: Reduces raw material exports by promoting local processing and added value
  • Support for industrialization: Powers key industries such as metals production, petrochemicals, and mineral transformation
  • Transitional solution: Helps fill energy deficits while renewable energy sources are being developed
  • Attracting investments: Stimulates foreign direct investment in industrial infrastructure through oil and gas projects
  • Regional interconnection: Facilitates energy sharing via pipelines, reducing industrial energy costs
  • Energy cost reduction: Offers a cheaper alternative to imported fuels, boosting industrial competitiveness

b) Energy Projects Linked to Hydrocarbons

Hydrocarbons, abundant in Central Africa, are a transitional solution to bridge the energy deficit and support industrialization.

I. Completed Projects:

  • Owendo Gas Power Plant (Gabon): 120 MW, operational since 2019, supplies Libreville and Port-Gentil with domestic gas (AFREC, 2022)
  • Pointe-Noire Gas Plant (Congo): 300 MW, operational since 2010, powered by gas from the M’Boundi offshore field
  • Sanha Lean Gas Connection (Angola): Chevron project completed in 2015, provides 600 MMscf/d of gas via the Congo River canyon subsea pipeline
  • Kribi Gas Power Plant (Cameroon): 216 MW, operational since 2013, uses gas from the Sanaga Sud field to supply industries and households
  • Logbaba Gas Field (Cameroon): Operated by Gaz du Cameroun (Victoria Oil & Gas), in operation since 2012, supplies gas for power and industry in Douala
  • Punta Europa LNG Terminal (Equatorial Guinea): Operational since 2007, processes gas from the Alba field, capacity of 7 million tonnes/year
  • Angola LNG (Soyo): Operational since 2013, 2 million tonnes/year capacity, processes gas from offshore fields (saoga.org.za, 2024)
  • Cabinda Oil Refinery (Angola – Phase 1): Capacity of 30,000 b/d, operational since 2023, processes Angolan crude for local and regional markets
  • Doba Oil Field (Chad): Operational since 2003, operated by ExxonMobil, produces approx. 28,000 b/d, exported via the Chad-Cameroon pipeline

II. Ongoing Projects:

  • Cap Lopez LNG Project (Gabon): Led by Perenco, scheduled for 2026, targets production of 25,000 tonnes/year of LPG and a LNG export plant Mayumba Gas-to-Power Project (Gabon): Under development by Perenco, aims to power the southern region with offshore gas
  • Pointe-Noire–Lutété–Maluko–Trecho Pipeline (Congo): Led by SNPC and Zakneftegazstroy-Prometey (Russia), planned for 2025–2027, to transport offshore oil to the domestic market Limbe–Douala Gas Pipeline (Cameroon): In planning, will transport offshore gas to industries and power plants (2026–2028)
  • Logbaba Field Expansion (Cameroon): Led by Gaz du Cameroun, aims to boost gas production in Douala, ongoing since 2024
  • Gas Mega Hub Phase 2 (Equatorial Guinea): Tie-in of the Aseng field to Punta Europa plant, ongoing since 2024, aims to monetize stranded gas
  • Lobito Refinery (Angola): Capacity of 200,000 b/d, under construction by Sonangol and China National Chemical Engineering, scheduled for 2025
  • Djermaya Solar Park (Chad): Hybrid project including gas to stabilize supply, under construction, scheduled for 2025, funded by AfDB (€36.6 million)

3. REGIONAL COOPERATION FOR ENERGY DEVELOPMENT

a)  CABEF’s Strategic Role Through the CAPS Project

The Central African Pipeline System (CAPS), proposed by the Central Africa Business Energy Forum (CABEF), is a 6,500 km network of oil and gas pipelines designed to connect Central African countries (Angola, Cameroon, Chad, Congo, DRC, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, CAR, etc.) by 2030. This integrated system will include LNG terminals, refineries, and power plants. As such, regional cooperation through CAPS would help: Reduce energy poverty (580 million people in Africa currently lack electricity), Strengthen energy security by tapping into 3 billion barrels of proven reserves, Boost industrialization by powering mining and manufacturing industries, Create jobs through the construction and operation of infrastructure, Reduce fuel transport costs by 60%, Promote intra-African trade through better regional integration

b)Intervention of ECCAS

The 26th Ordinary Session of the Conference of Heads of State and Government of ECCAS (Economic Community of Central African States), held on June 7, 2025, in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, under the theme: « Consolidating the gains of ECCAS reform to accelerate regional integration and build a shared future in Central Africa, » highlighted the importance of cooperation and integration to unite Central African countries around a common vision: the eradication of energy poverty and the creation of an integrated and resilient region to face shared challenges.

c) Benefits of regional cooperation

  • Cost reduction: Sharing infrastructure lowers individual country investment needs, making energy more affordable
  • Sustainable industrialization: Reliable energy attracts industries and supports local transformation of resources (e.g., manganese in Gabon, cobalt in DRC)
  • Energy poverty reduction: Expands electricity access to millions by sharing regional oil and gas resources
  • Enhanced energy security: Optimizes the use of hydrocarbon reserves and reduces dependence on fuel imports
  • Job creation: Generates employment through energy infrastructure projects
  • Intra-African trade: Increases energy exchanges between producer and non-producer countries
  • Investment attraction: Encourages funding for energy and industrial infrastructure
  • Renewable integration: Facilitates technology and financing exchange to diversify the energy mix
  • Regional stability: Strengthens economic cooperation and reduces tensions related to resource distribution
  • Infrastructure development: Builds interconnected networks for efficient energy distribution

For producing countries:

Regional cooperation in hydrocarbons, energy, and industrialization offers producer countries like Angola, Gabon, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Congo, and Chad an opportunity to Maximize the value of their resources, (31.3 billion barrels of oil + large gas reserves), share infrastructure (pipelines, refineries) to reduce transport costs by 60%, develop local petrochemical and transformation industries, attract foreign investment, improve energy security through interconnected networks such as the Central African Power Pool (PEAC), export energy to neighboring countries, increase revenues and employment, support sustainable industrialization.

For Non-Producing Ccuntries:

Non-producing countries benefit from access to affordable, stable energy, essential to Reduce energy poverty (580 million Africans without electricity), reduce reliance on expensive imports through cross-border integration and resource sharing, support local industrialization (e.g., agribusiness, small industries), create jobs and expand access to energy technology and regional financing, strengthen economic stability through integration in the regional energy market

CONCLUSION

Central Africa, rich in hydrocarbons, minerals, and untapped energy potential, faces major structural challenges such as outdated infrastructure, uneven and limited electrification, and almost nonexistent transport networks. However, hydrocarbon-based projects—like the Owendo gas power plant in Gabon (120 MW), Kribi in Cameroon (216 MW), or the Punta Europa LNG terminal in Equatorial Guinea— demonstrate the key role that oil and gas can play in filling energy gaps and supporting industrialization, particularly in mining and manufacturing sectors.
Regional cooperation, embodied by the Central African Pipeline System (CAPS), offers a unique opportunity to pool resources, cut fuel transport costs by 60%, attract investments, and provide affordable energy access to the 580 million people across the continent who still live without electricity.
By strategically harnessing hydrocarbons while advancing a transition toward renewable energy, and supported by financing from institutions such as the African Development Bank, Central Africa has the potential to turn its energy challenges into drivers of inclusive and sustainable economic development. This effort will also strengthen regional integration and stability, paving the way for a prosperous energy future.

The CABEF team

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