The MSGBC Oil, Gas and Power 2025 conference and exhibition concluded in Dakar on December 10th, making it one of the most dynamic editions ever in the region. Over three days, government leaders, global investors, and industry executives made important announcements highlighting the basin’s efforts to accelerate energy independence, infrastructure expansion, and low-carbon development.
“On behalf of the Ministry of Energy, Petroleum and Mines, let me first express our pride in organizing this historic event over the past three days here in Dakar,” said Ibrahima Nova, Director of Exploration and Production at the Senegalese Ministry of Energy, Petroleum and Mines, at the closing ceremony. “Our capital has come alive with discussions, exchanges and meetings that shape a shared vision for the energy future of our region and continent.”
This year’s central theme was Africa’s energy sovereignty. In a speech on December 9, Senegal’s President Bashir Diomai Fay urged African countries to take control of their energy futures, stressing that resource development must be linked to local jobs and globally competitive industries. This message resonates throughout the session, which focuses on regional integration and long-term sustainability.
Several breakthrough developments were announced at MSGBC Oil, Gas Power 2025. Oil exploration and production company Woodside Energy has confirmed that it has achieved a major production milestone, with production at Senegal’s flagship Sangomar oil field exceeding 50 million barrels, cementing the country’s status as a new oil producer. Senegal also announced that it will begin construction of a national gas pipeline network by the end of 2025 to expand energy access, power generation and industrial growth across West Africa.
Mauritania has reiterated its ambitions to become a global green hydrogen leader, as green hydrogen developer CWP Global seeks swift approval of a host government agreement for the AMAN project, part of the country’s aim to produce 12.5 million tonnes per year by 2035. Meanwhile, The Gambia National Petroleum Corporation has revealed that it is preparing a strategy to take over management of new onshore concessions and advance exploration and partnerships.
Other highlights included Senegal’s approval of funding for the proposed $5 billion African Energy Bank, increased interest in upstream investment following energy giant Chevron’s entry into Guinea-Bissau, and renewed calls led by industry experts to update the regulatory framework to increase the region’s refining capacity.
The conference included a gala awards ceremony recognizing companies and organizations that are advancing the energy sector in the MSGBC region. The awards went to Gorée Offshore Senegal for excellence in local content, Guinea-Conakry’s Ministry of Energy for its leadership in renewable energy, and Mauritania’s Low Carbon Hydrogen Directorate for driving one of the world’s most ambitious green hydrogen roadmaps. Additional awards recognized outstanding leadership across the upstream sector, including Gambia National Petroleum Corporation’s Director of Exploration and Production, Canny Jobe, for her pioneering role in resource development.
Building on the momentum and insights shared at this year’s conference, Mr. Nova optimistically announced that the next edition of MSGBC Oil and Gas Power will once again be held in Dakar from December 1 to 3, 2026. The upcoming event aims to further strengthen collaboration between governments, investors and industry stakeholders to promote sustainable development, innovation and local participation.
