By| Goodluck E.Adubazi,
Abuja
The 3rd edition of the Africa Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO) R&D Directors Forum meeting ended on a high note in Abuja on Thursday, with strong commitments toward advancing research, innovation, and collaboration across the continent’s oil and gas sector.
In his closing remarks, incoming APPO Chairman, Rasheed Olushola Ojulari, emphasized that research and development (R&D) remains the foundation of progress among developed nations. He noted that Africa must prioritize innovation to compete globally.
“The developed countries of the world built their success on R&D. It is the bedrock of innovation—constantly improving and transforming systems. That is why we are here: to position Africa among global leaders,” he said.
Ojulari expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the forum, highlighting the unity and shared purpose among participants.
According to him, the absence of disagreements throughout deliberations reflected a collective commitment to advancing Africa’s energy future. He added that while the intensive work had concluded, implementation would now take center stage, joking that “what is left now is enjoyment.”
Also speaking, the APPO Secretary General praised the strong spirit of cooperation demonstrated during the forum. He stressed that research and innovation efforts must be practical and aligned with clearly defined priorities. He urged member states to work collaboratively in launching agreed platforms and implementing programs.
The Secretary General further called on directors to meet a six-week deadline for the establishment of various committees and commended Nigeria for its warm hospitality and successful hosting of the event.
Outgoing Chairman Benamara, in his farewell remarks, described the meeting as his last with the forum.
He disclosed that he would be succeeded by a colleague from Sonatrach, although he would remain with the organization.
He praised the forum’s cooperation and encouraged members to stay committed to achieving Africa’s collective energy goals.
The fifth-day working session focused on optimizing R&D capabilities, strengthening partnerships, and exploring funding mechanisms.
Discussions also centered on building a sustainable oil and gas R&D ecosystem through capacity development, drawing insights from the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) model.
Key outcomes from the session included the development of a roadmap for four priority areas, plans for a mid-term follow-up workshop, and mechanisms to track the implementation of the Abuja resolutions.
Participants agreed on the need to strengthen funding strategies, legislative frameworks, and regulatory support for R&D initiatives.
The forum also approved the establishment of a scientific committee, with each member country expected to propose at least one project. A seven-member steering committee—comprising representatives from centers of excellence—will oversee resource mobilization, planning, and regulatory coordination.
In addition, a virtual workshop was proposed to further refine the roadmap, with technical support expected from Sonatrach. The committees have been given a six-week timeline to develop detailed terms of reference and actionable plans.
The fourth edition of the APPO R&D Directors Forum is tentatively scheduled to hold between May and July, 2027, with the Secretariat expected to communicate the exact date and venue to participating countries.
The 3rd APPO forum hosted in Abuja marks a significant step in Africa’s push to harness research and innovation as drivers of sustainable growth in the oil and gas sector.
