African Energy Chamber Shift from Aid to Trade as Africa Seeks Deeper Global South Partnerships

Strengthening cooperation among Global South nations has become increasingly urgent as countries pursue new strategies to accelerate development, boost trade, and build long-term economic resilience. For Africa, deeper collaboration within the Global South is especially critical — offering a powerful pathway to unlocking the continent’s vast natural and mineral wealth and enabling a shift from fragmented progress to coordinated, results-driven growth.

At the Third Global South Think Tanks Dialogue, held in Shanghai from December 2–4, 2025, the African Energy Chamber (AEC) — represented by Leoncio Amada NZE, Executive President for CEMAC and Vice President of Equatorial Guinea’s National Council on Economic and Social Development — emphasized the need for a more inclusive, cooperative development agenda among Global South nations. Amada NZE highlighted how strengthened trade networks, strategic partnerships, and technology transfer can drive sustainable, long-term growth across Africa, noting that the continent’s future lies in transitioning from “aid to trade.”

Despite its abundant energy and mineral resources, the CEMAC region continues to face challenges in attracting foreign investment. Restrictive fiscal frameworks, stringent forex regulations, and barriers to regional trade — including the tighter currency transfer rules introduced by the Bank of Central African States in 2022 — have discouraged investors and hindered cross-border business.

These constraints have slowed energy trade, delayed multi-country projects, and limited regional economic integration, even as countries set ambitious production targets: Gabon aims for 220,000 barrels per day (bpd), the Republic of Congo is targeting 500,000 bpd, Equatorial Guinea is advancing gas monetization, and Cameroon is pursuing new field developments to strengthen energy and fuel security.

Amada NZE stressed that enhanced trade frameworks, harmonized standards, and modernized logistics are essential for unlocking this potential. Such reforms would ease the movement of goods, services, and people across borders; strengthen intra-African economic ties; and support the development of resilient energy systems. These improvements would also attract more foreign direct investment, empowering international companies to contribute to Africa’s energy, mining, and infrastructure ambitions.

He called for the dismantling of structural barriers to growth and underscored regional energy cooperation as a core pillar of Africa’s long-term development strategy. Platforms for business, research, and cultural exchange, he added, will enable Global South nations to accelerate development and achieve shared prosperity.

He also urged African countries to move away from aid-dependent models and toward self-sustaining economies fueled by trade, innovation, private-sector participation, and localized industrial capacity. For Africa, this means prioritizing entrepreneurship, regional value chains, and investment-led growth. At the same time, as Global South economies expand their influence in the global economy, partnerships with international allies remain vital.

Technology providers, global financiers, and strategic investors play an indispensable role in supporting African nations as they expand energy access, diversify economies, and modernize industries. Strengthened collaboration between Africa and global partners will be crucial for advancing large-scale infrastructure projects, boosting technical expertise, and accelerating digital transformation — all key components of reducing development gaps and enhancing long-term stability.

“The AEC’s engagement in Shanghai reflects its commitment to ensuring Africa has a strong voice in shaping global development agendas. By championing cooperation, trade expansion, and regional energy integration, the Chamber continues to advocate for reforms that unlock opportunity, strengthen resilience, and position Africa as a competitive economic force within the Global South,” said Amada NZE.