(WO) - The African Petroleum Producers Organization is advancing plans to develop regional energy hubs aimed at improving infrastructure connectivity and scaling oil and gas investment across Africa.

The strategy focuses on linking pipelines, processing facilities, LNG infrastructure and refining capacity to create more integrated regional markets. The approach is intended to address long-standing constraints that have limited the development and monetization of the continent’s resources.

Africa holds more than 600 Tcf of proven gas reserves, but a lack of infrastructure continues to restrict supply growth and export capacity. APPO officials said stronger regional integration could help connect supply to demand, reduce reliance on imported refined products and support more stable long-term investment.

The initiative also reflects a shift in project development strategy, with greater emphasis on combining upstream activity with domestic energy use, including gas-to-power and LPG projects.

Financing remains a key challenge as traditional funding sources become more selective. In response, APPO has supported the creation of the African Energy Bank to help fund oil and gas projects across the region.

The organization said regional integration will be critical to improving competitiveness and enabling large-scale development across Africa’s upstream and gas sectors.

Source: APO Group