Brazzaville, Congo – Algeria has solidified its position as a key player in the African energy landscape with the official inauguration of Farid Ghazali as the Secretary-General of the African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO). The ceremony, held in Brazzaville, Congo, marked a significant step in Algeria’s commitment to fostering energy cooperation across the continent.
The event was attended by the Algerian Ambassador to Congo-Brazzaville, as well as Amine Remini, Head of the Hydrocarbons Regulatory Authority, representing Algeria within the organization. Bruno Jean-Richard Itoua, the Congolese Minister of Hydrocarbons and the rotating President of the APPO Council for 2025, presided over the proceedings.
Ghazali succeeds Omar Farouk Ibrahim, whose term has ended. Kwame Benvenuto Issi, Chairman of the APPO Executive Council, emphasized that this appointment represents a pivotal moment for the organization, reinforcing its dedication to promoting energy collaboration among African nations. The handover process included the signing of official documents between the outgoing and incoming Secretary-Generals, overseen by the Executive Council Chairman, ensuring a smooth and responsible transition of leadership within APPO.
Ghazali’s election is a culmination of a distinguished career spanning over 33 years in the energy sector. He has held several high-ranking positions within Sonatrach, including Advisor to the CEO since March 2020, Vice President in charge of Strategy, Economic Studies, and Corporate Planning (2017-2020), Director of Studies and Planning in hydrocarbon transportation via pipelines, and Executive Officer in marketing, responsible for the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline project.
The new Secretary-General brings extensive international experience in oil and gas, strategic market analysis, project management, and international negotiations. He has also contributed to various initiatives within international energy organizations, including the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF). Ghazali holds a degree in chemical engineering from the Algerian Petroleum Institute (IAP), specializing in Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).
APPO, established in 1987 at the initiative of Algeria and other African producer nations, currently comprises 18 member states. It serves as an institutional framework for coordinating energy policies among African oil-producing countries.
