Board Chairman of the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies, Gabriel Kumi, has called for stronger investment and policy support to promote sustainable downstream fuel supply across Africa, describing energy security as essential for the continent’s industrial transformation.
Delivering an address on the theme “Promoting a Sustainable Downstream Fuel Supply for Transformative Industrialisation,” Mr. Kumi said reliable, affordable and sustainable fuel supply remains central to economic development and industrial growth across Africa.
According to him, sectors such as manufacturing, transportation, agriculture and logistics continue to depend heavily on stable energy supply to sustain operations and expansion.
He stressed that African countries must carefully balance energy affordability, sustainability and security as the continent navigates the global energy transition.
LPG Expansion and Infrastructure Investment
Touching on clean energy access, Mr. Kumi highlighted the growing importance of Liquefied Petroleum Gas adoption across Africa, describing it as a practical solution for improving public health and expanding energy inclusion.
He explained that wider LPG use could help reduce dependence on harmful cooking fuels while supporting broader sustainability goals.
The COMAC Board Chairman also identified policy consistency, infrastructure investment, innovation and stronger public-private partnerships as major requirements for building a resilient downstream petroleum sector.
According to him, Africa’s long-term energy future will depend on governments and private investors working together to strengthen supply systems and modernise infrastructure.
AfCFTA and Regional Energy Integration
Mr. Kumi further underscored the role of the African Continental Free Trade Area in promoting regional integration and improving cross-border fuel trade.
He noted that stronger regional collaboration and strategic infrastructure development could accelerate industrial growth while enhancing energy distribution across the continent.
He also pointed to the growing potential of Tema and other regional facilities to emerge as strategic energy and logistics hubs within West Africa.
Mr. Kumi concluded by stating that sustainable downstream fuel supply should be viewed not only as an energy issue, but also as a critical economic priority for inclusive growth and long-term transformation across Africa.
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