Demola Ogunbanjo, CEO of Oando Clean Energy, at the Africa Energy Technology Conference, argued that Africa’s energy challenge isn’t a lack of resources but misprioritizing gas as a mere transition fuel, asserting its critical role for growth and advocating for leveraging carbon markets

[dropcap]D[/dropcap]emola Ogunbanjo, CEO and President of Oando Clean Energy, delivered a strong message at the African Energy Technology Conference (AETC) 2025, asserting that Africa’s fundamental challenge is not a lack of money or resources, but rather how it prioritizes energy.

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He specifically argued against framing gas solely as a “transition fuel” for the continent.

Speaking at the Africa Energy Finance and Investment session of the conference, which runs from May 27-29, 2025, in Accra, Ghana, Ogunbanjo stated:

“Africa’s problem isn’t lack of money or resources, it’s how we prioritize energy. We must stop framing gas as a transition fuel and recognize that for us, it is critical to growth. Energy is the foundation and without it, we go nowhere.”

Africa’s problem isn’t lack of money or resources, it’s how we prioritize energy. We must stop framing gas as a transition fuel and recognize that for us, it is critical to growth.

Ogunbanjo urged for a tailored approach to Africa’s energy future, advocating for the “unbundling” of the continent to acknowledge each country’s unique energy path.

He emphasized the importance of leveraging new opportunities, such as carbon markets, to fund Africa’s development.

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“It’s time we unbundle Africa, acknowledge each country’s unique path, and start leveraging opportunities like carbon markets to fund our future. That’s how we democratize energy and truly deliver value for ourselves,” he added, highlighting Oando’s commitment to the energy discourse under the hashtags #OandoSpeaks, #OandoAtAETC, and #HumansOfOando, signaling “The Era Of Us.”