…AFRIPERF Charter To Promote Investments, Harmonisation of Petroleum Regulations
Nigeria leads Africa’s oil and gas sector in signing a charter that inaugurated the African Petroleum Regulators Forum (AFRIPERF). The meeting and Charter Signing Ceremony served as a decisive step towards building a harmonised and sustainable petroleum industry in Africa.
The landmark signing ceremony, chaired by the Commission Chief Executive (CCE) of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Engr. Gbenga Komolafe took place on September 18, 2025, on the sidelines of the 31st edition of the Africa Oil Week (AOW) in Accra, Ghana.
Sixteen African countries’ regulators attended and endorsed the AFRIPERF Charter at the signing event, including Nigeria, Ghana, Somalia, Gambia, Madagascar, Sudan, Guinea, and Togo. Others in attendance as observers were: Kenya, Mauritania, Benin, Mozambique, Angola, Namibia, South Africa, Morocco.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Engineer Komolafe, who doubles as the interim chairman of the forum, described the landmark 4th AFRIPERF. He said as the world navigates complex transitions toward cleaner, more sustainable energy systems, Africa must ensure that its vast hydrocarbon resources are managed with innovation, responsibility, and foresight.\
“By activating our Executive Committee, Technical Committee, and Secretariat, we are establishing the functional pillars that will drive AFRIPERF forward, ensuring that our shared vision is translated into measurable results with defined timelines and accountability.”
The Executive Committee will serve as the principal oversight body guiding the implementation of AFRIPERF’s objectives, while its membership is for heads of Africa’s oil and gas regulatory bodies/agencies.
The Technical Committee will be activated as needed based on thematic or sectoral priorities arising from the Executive Committee or broader membership, while its membership will be drawn from subject matter experts from member countries and partners to handle matters regarding specific regulatory areas and industry issues.
The secretariat committee will comprise member countries, and nominations will be called for and presented to the executive committee for ratification.
“AFRIPERF provides regulators with the mechanism to harmonise our policies, address shared challenges and ensure that our perspectives are not only heard but respected on the global stage,” the interim chairman added.
Based on Chapter II, Article 3, the purpose of the Forum is to “Foster collaboration, cooperation and coordination among Member Regulators; Promote harmonization of petroleum regulations and standards to enhance effective sector governance, uphold safety protocols and safeguard environmental protection.
“Enhance regulatory capacity and capability through training, capacity building, and experience sharing; and facilitate dialogue with industry stakeholders and international organizations.”
The forum also seeks to address regional petroleum regulatory challenges and leverage opportunities; facilitate knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and disseminate international best practices among Member Regulators.”
In addition to these provisions, the Forum is designed to protect members’ interests at international levels, leveraging their collective strengths.
It seeks to drive and promote investments in Africa’s petroleum activities, foster an environment of transparency and sound regulation, and advance ethical practices in the exploitation of petroleum while also promoting opportunities in the petroleum sector, such as digitalisation, renewable integration, and emission reduction.
Following the signing, AFRIPERF will call for nominations for the election of the Chairperson of AFRIPERF in accordance with Article 12 and also call for nominations of a Representative from each member Regulator in line with Article 10 and the designation of AFRIPERF Headquarters in line with Article 25.
