A powerful alignment of United States political support and African regulatory reform is unlocking new momentum for investment across Africa’s energy sector, according to leaders at African Energy Week 2025.

Mark Menezes, President and CEO of the U.S. Energy Association, said Washington’s renewed backing for export finance is transforming prospects for partnerships. “This administration is unleashing opportunities,” he stated, referencing the lifting of restrictions on the Export-Import Bank and other financing agencies. “Africa is resource-rich, and we see long-term partnerships not just for oil and gas but also for critical minerals.”

Nigeria is emerging as a focal point for this investment push. Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), highlighted the Petroleum Industry Act and recent Executive Orders as reforms aimed at creating a more competitive environment. “We are reducing bottlenecks and contracting timelines, as well as improving fiscal terms,” he explained. He also pointed to the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund, designed to de-risk projects and attract private capital.

Investor sentiment is also shifting, according to Jude Kearney, Managing Partner of Asafo & Co. “Difficult issues around foreign exchange, repatriation of profits, regulatory uncertainty – those are being addressed,” he said. “African governments have also increased their capacity to do PPPs.”

However, Andrew Inglis, CEO of Kosmos Energy, warned that regulatory reform alone is not enough. Citing Ghana’s Jubilee project, which moved from licence award to production in six years, he contrasted it with today’s industry average of 20 years. “It takes more than just regulatory clarity – it takes drive from the top to get things done,” he noted. “As U.S. companies, we bring finance, technology and deepwater expertise. It’s great to be supported now by an administration that believes in our industry.”

NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber, urged governments and companies to seize the moment. “We’re seeing a new era not only of energy dominance, but of African energy opportunity. But we need to back it with finance and remove the bottlenecks. There’s so much more Americans can do. We have a moment right now – seize it.”

Ayuk emphasised that African governments also have a role in reinforcing investor confidence. “We need to see free markets, limited government and personal responsibility. Money flows where it’s welcome. Our job in 2026 is to make Africa the most attractive destination for oil and gas investment. It also takes African ministers speaking up – when they do, it strengthens companies seeking capital to invest and expand across the continent.”

Kola Karim, Group CEO of Shoreline Energy, said U.S. companies could provide crucial solutions to infrastructure gaps. “The oil is there. The problem is facilities, and that means financing. That’s where U.S. companies, with technology and support from DFC and EXIM, can add real value. If you can manufacture onshore in America, you can export into our markets and help us deliver faster, better projects.”

From Washington, Andrew Rapp, Senior Adviser at the U.S. Department of Energy, confirmed Africa’s centrality to U.S. energy priorities. “Energy addition is a priority for the DOE, and nowhere can it be more impactful than here in Africa. This is our goal as an agency and it has support from the highest levels of the administration,” he said.

As leaders in Cape Town made clear, the convergence of policy reform in Africa and renewed political will in Washington may be setting the stage for a new era of U.S.–Africa energy collaboration.