The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) is emphasizing the importance of collaboration across Africa for the growth of the energy sector, particularly in oil and gas trade. During the 2026 AfCFTA Summit, Executive Secretary Felix Ogbe highlighted the critical role of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in facilitating this integration. The summit, organized in Yenagoa, served as a platform to discuss strategies for unlocking Africa’s energy potential and featured the participation of policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders from the global energy sector.

Ogbe pointed out that the inception of AfCFTA is rooted in the African Union's Agenda 2063, which aims to enhance regional integration through trade. The collaboration fostered by AfCFTA is seen as vital for addressing the challenges in the energy sector, including infrastructural deficits and investment hurdles. By working together, African nations can create a more robust energy market that not only meets local demands but also enhances trade relations among member states.

The implications of NCDMB's advocacy extend beyond mere economic growth; they may also contribute to energy security in the region. As African countries engage more collaboratively, the potential for shared technologies, resources, and expertise increases, facilitating a collective response to energy challenges and positioning the continent as a significant player on the global energy stage. This initiative may lead to greater investment opportunities and partnerships that boost the overall development of Africa's energy resources.