Cape Town: The African Energy Chamber (AEC) G20 Forum is poised to serve as a launchpad for clean energy adoption by connecting global capital with African projects and addressing key challenges to Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) uptake across the continent. With over 900 million people in Africa lacking access to clean cooking solutions, the continent is increasingly turning towards LPG to bolster clean cooking supply chains.
According to African Press Organization, the G20 Forum will feature a panel discussion titled "From Vision to Delivery: National Fuel & LPG Expansion Plans." This session will include speakers such as Titus Mathe, CEO of the South African National Energy Development Institute; Anibor Kragha, Executive Secretary of the African Refiners and Distributors Association; Sesakho Magagla, Interim CEO of PetroSA; and Tamsin Donaldson, Head of Communications and Public Relations at Petredec. The discussion will explore the continent’s investment requirements, supply chain infrastructure, and market development opportunities.
Africa’s gas sector, supported by over 620 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves and a growing consumer and industrial base, is well-positioned to enhance energy access and clean cooking adoption. Governments and energy companies are making strides to strengthen LPG supply chains by investing in infrastructure supporting distribution, trade, and access. Notable developments include the Tanga LPG Terminal in Tanzania, which will come online in 2027 with a capacity of 40,000 cubic meters, and Uganda’s LPG Cylinder Manufacturing Plant, set to release 500,000 LPG-filled cylinders during the 2025/2026 financial year. Additionally, Kenya and South Africa are making significant progress with new storage and distribution facilities.
These infrastructure projects align with a broader drive by African nations to establish pro-investment policies. The continent requires up to $37 billion in investment by 2040 to achieve universal access to clean cooking, with countries like Zimbabwe and Angola already implementing policies to attract capital. Zimbabwe plans to increase LPG access from 38% to 70%, while Angola anticipates a 31% increase in LPG demand by 2027.
The G20 Forum will delve into the evolving dynamics of Africa’s LPG market, focusing on effective policy measures to overcome adoption challenges, equitable resource allocation, and strategies for mobilizing private and public capital. By featuring African energy regulators and gas companies at the forefront of these discussions, the forum aims to reinforce the role of LPG in Africa’s energy transition, turning national visions into impactful outcomes.
NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of AEC, notes that Africa’s LPG sector presents an immediate and high-impact opportunity to expand clean, affordable energy access. Achieving this requires a scale-up in investment, from building new refineries and storage terminals to upgrading distribution networks. With clear policies and strong partnerships, Africa can create an integrated LPG market that supports universal clean cooking, reduces emissions, and drives economic growth.