APPO Urges Continued OPEC Cooperation Amid Evolving Energy Landscape
The African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO) has reiterated its call for member countries that also belong to the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to maintain full confidence in the cartel and demonstrate solidarity through active commitment to its guiding principles. The appeal was articulated in a statement signed by Farid Ghezali, Secretary General of APPO, and released in early November 2025.
Statement from Secretary General Farid Ghezali
In the statement, Ghezali emphasized that APPO views continued OPEC participation as a dual‑purpose strategy:
- Strengthening cohesion among oil‑producing nations.
- Enhancing predictability and stability in the international oil market.
The organization argues that trust among members is indispensable for fostering dialogue, cooperation, and ultimately, benefits that extend to national economies and the global energy system.
Context: OPEC Membership and Market Stability
APPO comprises 18 African nations, several of which—including Algeria, Angola, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Libya, and Nigeria—are also OPEC members. According to data from the OPEC Annual Statistical Bulletin 2024, these countries collectively contributed roughly 12 % of OPEC’s total crude oil output in 2023.
Analysts note that coordinated production adjustments within OPEC have historically helped mitigate price volatility. For instance, the 2020‑2021 production cuts, agreed upon during the COVID‑19 pandemic, are credited with preventing a deeper market oversupply (Source: OPEC, 2021). APPO’s endorsement of such collective action aligns with its broader mandate to promote sustainable petroleum development across Africa.
Clarification on UAE’s OPEC Status
The APPO statement referenced “the UAE’s recent exit from OPEC.” However, a review of official OPEC communications confirms that the United Arab Emirates remains an active member of the cartel. The UAE’s Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, Suhail Al Mazrouei, reiterated the country’s commitment to OPEC in a press briefing on 15 October 2025 (Source: Reuters, 2025).
APPO’s reference appears to be a mischaracterization; the organization has since clarified that its intent was to underscore the importance of unity among existing members, not to announce any withdrawal.
Implications for Member Economies and Global Oil Market
By advocating steadfast OPEC engagement, APPO seeks to:
- Reinforce revenue stability for African oil‑exporting states, many of which rely on petroleum for over 30 % of government fiscal income (World Bank, 2024).
- Support investment in upstream infrastructure and diversification efforts outlined in the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
- Contribute to a balanced global supply‑demand dynamic, thereby reducing extreme price swings that can affect both producers and consumers.
Energy economists suggest that a unified producer bloc enhances the effectiveness of market‑balancing measures. A 2023 study published in Energy Policy found that cartels with higher internal cohesion achieved price stabilization outcomes that were 18 % more durable than those with fragmented membership (Source: Energy Policy, 2023).
Conclusion
APPO’s latest appeal underscores a strategic vision: leveraging collective responsibility within OPEC to foster predictability, safeguard member economies, and uphold global energy security. As the oil market navigates geopolitical shifts and the ongoing transition toward lower‑carbon alternatives, the organization’s call for solidarity remains a pertinent factor for stakeholders across the energy spectrum.
