“Allow me, on behalf of the Ministry of Energy, Petroleum and Mines, to first express our pride here in Dakar for hosting this historic event over the past three days,” stated Ibrahima Noba, Director of Exploration and Production, Ministry of Energy, Petroleum and Mines, Senegal in the closing ceremony. “Our capital has come alive with debates, exchanges and meetings that have shaped a shared vision for the energy future of our region and our continent.”

A central theme of this year’s edition was African energy sovereignty. Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, in his December 9 address, urged African nations to take control of their energy future, emphasizing that resource development must translate into local jobs and globally competitive industries. This message resonates across sessions focused on regional integration and long-term sustainability.

Several landmark developments were unveiled at MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025. Petroleum exploration and production company Woodside Energy confirmed a major production milestone at Senegal’s flagship Sangomar field, surpassing 50 million barrels of oil produced – solidifying the country’s status as a new oil producer. Senegal also announced it will begin construction of a national gas pipeline network before the end of 2025 to expand energy access, power generation and industrial growth across West Africa.

Mauritania reiterated its ambition to become a global green hydrogen leader as green hydrogen developer CWP Global called for expedited approval of the host government agreement for the AMAN project, part of the country’s target to produce 12.5 million tons annually by 2035. Meanwhile, The Gambia National Petroleum Corporation revealed it has assumed control of a new onshore block and is preparing a strategy to advance exploration and partnerships.

Additional highlights included Senegal’s approval of its financial contribution to the proposed $5 billion African Energy Bank, rising upstream investment interest following energy major Chevron’s entry into Guinea-Bissau, and renewed calls – led by industry experts – to update regulatory frameworks to boost regional refining capacity.

The conference featured a gala awards ceremony recognizing the companies and institutions driving the MSGBC region’s energy sector forward. Honors went to Gorée Offshore-Senegal for local content excellence, Guinea-Conakry’s Ministry of Energy for its leadership in renewables and Mauritania’s low-carbon hydrogen directorate for advancing one of the world’s most ambitious green hydrogen roadmaps. Additional awards celebrated standout leadership across the upstream sector, including Cany Jobe, Director of Exploration and Production at the Gambia National Petroleum Corporation for her pioneering role in resource development.

Building on the momentum and insights shared during this year’s conference, Noba announced with optimism that the next edition of MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power will once again take place in Dakar from December 1-3, 2026. The upcoming event aims to further strengthen collaboration across governments, investors and industry stakeholders, fostering sustainable development, innovation and local participation.