Brazzaville, Republic of Congo – Algerian energy expert Farid Ghazali has officially assumed the role of Secretary General of the African Petroleum Producers’ Organization (APPO). The formal installation ceremony took place today, Wednesday, December 17, 2025, in Brazzaville, with dignitaries and representatives from APPO member states in attendance.
The installation ceremony, presided over by the Republic of Congo’s Minister of Hydrocarbons, Bruno Jean-Richard Itoua, in his capacity as the rotating President of the APPO Council for 2025, was also attended by the Algerian Ambassador to Congo-Brazzaville, and the Head of the Hydrocarbons Regulatory Authority, Amine Remini, the official representative of Algeria to APPO.
Ghazali succeeds Omar Farouk Ibrahim, whose term has ended. A formal handover ceremony was conducted in the presence of the Chairman of the APPO Executive Council, Kwame Benvenuto Issi, who emphasized that this appointment reflects the organization’s commitment to ensuring the continuity of its operations and strengthening its role in supporting energy cooperation among African oil-producing nations.
The occasion included the official signing of documents transferring responsibilities between the outgoing and incoming Secretary General, demonstrating a commitment to the principles of governance and institutional stability within APPO.
This appointment marks the culmination of a distinguished career spanning over 33 years in the energy sector. Ghazali has held numerous leadership positions within Sonatrach, including Advisor to the CEO since 2020, and Vice President in charge of Strategy, Economic Studies, and Corporate Planning between 2017 and 2020. He has also held positions in the areas of hydrocarbon transportation and marketing, including overseeing the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline project.
The new Secretary General brings extensive international experience in oil and gas, energy market analysis, and international project management and negotiations, with active contributions to major energy organizations such as the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
