IEF keen to grow Africa’s voice in global energy discussions as Sierra Leone signs up at AEW 2025

The International Energy Forum (IEF) is keen to give Africa a greater voice and stronger position in global energy discussions, said IEF Secretary-General Jassim Isa AlShirawi on Tuesday, as West African nation Sierra Leone made the significant step of officially joining the IEF during African Energy Week, being held in Cape Town.

“It is a pleasure and honor to welcome Sierra Leone as a member of the IEF,” AlShirawi. “We are an inter-governmental organization that focuses on energy security, market and data transparency as well as fair and orderly energy transitions. We welcome every African nation to join our community. We want to give Africa a voice to address the challenges and opportunities facing the African energy sector.”

The IEF was originally established in Paris in 1991 to foster dialogue between oil and gas producers and consumers and help stabilise the global market after the 1970 energy crisis and 1980s oil glut. Headquartered in Riyadh since 2005, the IEF is the world’s largest organisation of energy ministers, and has evolved its mandate in more recent times to increasingly address sustainable energy, renewables, and interconnected issues of energy, environment, and economic development.

During the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025 conference on Tuesday, AlShirawi and Foday B. L. Mansaray, Director General of Sierra Leone’s Petroleum Directorate, signed a deal cementing Sierra Leone’s IEF membership.

Sierra Leone joins 73 other nations, across six continents, as an IEF member, with just over half of Africa’s 54 nations being part of the inter-government organisation.

The new agreement aligns with the IEF’s goals to strengthen Africa’s position in global energy discussions, and comes as Sierra Leone advances the development of its oil, gas, and energy sectors. “This is a momentous occasion for us and we are excited to be part of the IEF where we can share our ideas,” said Mansaray.

“We look forward to a long-term partnership with the IEF.”

This year, the West African nation is preparing to launch its first offshore drilling programme since 2012. It will also launch its next licensing round in October 2025, and is simultaneously developing an oil refinery to enhance fuel security.

"Sierra Leone is proud to join the International Energy Forum at this important moment in our country's development,” said Mansaray. “We are determined to tackle energy poverty and expand access to modern energy services, while ensuring our resources contribute to sustainable growth and stability for our people. Membership of the IEF will help us to exchange knowledge, attract investment, and strengthen cooperation with global partners to achieve these goals,"

AlShirawi said African Energy Week has become an important platform to highlight Africa's priorities, and that today's agreement underlines Sierra Leone's commitment to partnership and progress. “We warmly welcome Sierra Leone … the IEF looks forward to working closely with Sierra Leone to advance energy security, promote investment, and ensure inclusive growth across the continent and beyond."

AEW 2025 continues across 29 September to 3 October in Cape Town, as industry leaders, government officials, CEOs, innovators, investors, legal experts, and key stakeholders come together for networking, deal signings and discussions on “Positioning Africa as the Global Energy Champion.” Access the full agenda here. 

This story is part of Africa Legal's coverage of African Energy Week (AEW) 2025. You can read more from various AEW speakers, events, and news:

• AEW 2025 ignited with dynamic pre-conference workshops and forums
• Fostering actionable steps for greater indigenous participation in Africa’s energy industry
• Anticipation grows for Olaniwun Ajayi-hosted Energy Leadership Forum

Or view our full suite of AEW 2025 coverage here