At the conclusion of the 48th APPO Council of Ministers held in Brazzaville, Côte d'Ivoire was designated to chair the organization from 2026. A recognition of the country's growing dynamism in the hydrocarbons sector and its commitment to the energy sovereignty of the continent.

The Ivorian Minister of Mines, Petroleum and Energy , Mamadou Sangafowa-Coulibaly , will succeed his Congolese counterpart at the head of this continental organization which brings together 18 African oil and gas producing states .

Recognition of Ivorian energy leadership

In an official statement, the Ivorian Ministry of Mines, Petroleum and Energy welcomed this designation as a mark of confidence in Côte d'Ivoire, a symbol of its growing commitment to the transformation of the African energy sector.

This new role comes at a time when the country is consolidating its position thanks to the discovery of the "Baleine" oil field in 2021, the largest ever found in its territorial waters. This discovery reinforces Abidjan's ambition to become a major player in the regional hydrocarbon market.

Ambitious priorities for the Ivorian presidency

According to Minister Sangafowa-Coulibaly, the Ivorian presidency of APPO will have as its main objective the promotion of African energy sovereignty .

Key projects include:

-The completion of the African Energy Bank , a strategic instrument with a planned capital of $5 billion , intended to finance African oil and gas projects without external dependence.

-The promotion of local content , in order to encourage the participation of African companies and the upskilling of workers on the continent in the energy value chain.

-Accelerating cooperation between Member States , to harmonize energy policies and attract more responsible investment.

A symbolic and strategic presidency

For Côte d'Ivoire, this presidency marks a diplomatic and economic turning point. It reflects the recognition of its growing role in the continent's energy affairs , but also its desire to actively contribute to an energy-independent Africa .

The first APPO Council of Ministers under the Ivorian presidency will be held in Abidjan in early 2026 , an opportunity for the country to affirm its vision: that of a continent in control of its resources and a full-fledged player in the global energy transition.

Minister's statement

“This presidency is an honor, but above all a responsibility. Our ambition is to build a strong Africa, which values its resources and develops sustainable energy solutions, by and for Africans,” said Mamadou Sangafowa-Coulibaly at the end of the Brazzaville meeting.

The Ivorian presidency of APPO represents more than just an institutional change: it is a major step in the quest for energy autonomy of the African continent .

With a vision focused on cooperation, investment and local development, Côte d'Ivoire is establishing itself as a driver of African energy change .