South Africa calls for expanded African refining capacity and energy investment

South Africa has called for increased investment in regional refining capacity and stronger cooperation between African petroleum producers, as the continent looks to improve energy security, expand industrial development and reduce its exposure to global supply disruptions.

The call was made at the eighth meeting of the African Petroleum Producers’ Organization (APPO) National Oil Companies (NOC) CEOs’ Forum in Cape Town on October 14 during African Energy Week 2026.

Addressing the forum, Jacob Mbele, Director-General of the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR), said African countries needed to translate their oil and gas resources into tangible economic benefits for their populations.

He spoke about global market volatility, geopolitical tensions and supply disruptions as factors affecting fuel prices, investment and economic development. Despite its petroleum resources, Africa continues to face challenges in developing production projects, expanding infrastructure and securing financing.

Mbele called for closer collaboration between governments, national oil companies, regulators and financial institutions to strengthen regional energy value chains and establish a predictable regulatory environment for investors.

Such collaborations are important for South Africa because opportunities in the Orange Basin and offshore gas exploration could help strengthen domestic petroleum production and regional energy security. Mbele also highlighted the Upstream Petroleum Resources Development Act and the establishment of the South African National Petroleum Company (SANPC) as important measures to promote exploration, production and investment.