Africa–Gulf partnership can redefine global energy future — Etete

The Group Chief Executive Officer of Century Group, Mr. Ken Etete, has urged African and Gulf nations to forge a deeper and more strategic alliance, saying such collaboration could reshape the global energy landscape.

Etete made the call while speaking at the African–Gulf Cooperation Dialogue in Doha, Qatar, a high-level forum that brought together political leaders, policymakers, and investors from both regions.

He said ongoing shifts in global energy systems and geopolitical influence present a rare opportunity for Africa and the Gulf to evolve from cooperation into full convergence.

He noted that Africa’s fast-growing and youthful population represents one of the world’s most significant economic prospects, but stressed that unlocking this potential depends on access to power, infrastructure, sustained investment, and mutual trust.

 According to him, the Gulf contributes capital, technical capacity, and global credibility, while Africa offers scale, expanding markets, and long-term growth opportunities.

Highlighting Nigeria’s role, Etete described the country as central to any Africa–Gulf energy partnership, citing its position as a gateway to West Africa’s over 420 million people, its strategic importance under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and its vast gas reserves.

 He said Nigeria should be viewed not merely as an investment destination but as a strategic multiplier for Gulf interests in Africa.

Etete called for a new partnership framework anchored on local value creation, shared risk, and equality, urging African countries to move beyond the export of raw resources toward building domestic industries.

He also referenced Century Group’s operations, noting that the company’s more than 20 years of experience in FPSOs, gas processing, and midstream infrastructure demonstrates that stability and certainty can be deliberately created even in complex operating environments.

Etete concluded by encouraging leaders from Africa and the Gulf to seize the current moment to jointly shape a new global growth frontier through collaboration, co-creation, and long-term partnerships.