By Mackie M. Jalloh
The Director General of the National Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NPRA), Brima Baluwa Koroma, has been officially invited as a Guest Speaker at the prestigious OTL Africa Energy Week 2025, scheduled to take place from October 27th to 28th, 2025, in Lagos, Nigeria. The two-day conference, themed “Africa Oil & Gas Market and Regional Regulatory Integration,” will bring together key players, policymakers, and energy experts from across the continent to discuss the evolving landscape of Africa’s energy sector.
The OTL Africa Energy Week, often referred to as “The Downstream Energy Event for Africa,” serves as a continental platform for strategic dialogue on policy, innovation, and investment in the petroleum industry. It is one of the most respected gatherings of industry professionals, providing opportunities for cross-border collaboration and knowledge exchange between governments, private investors, and regulatory authorities.
As one of the continent’s respected voices in petroleum regulation and energy reform, Brima Baluwa Koroma is expected to share critical insights into the downstream petroleum sector, addressing global trends, challenges, and sustainable policy solutions relevant to emerging African economies. His presentation will also highlight Sierra Leone’s regulatory successes and lessons learned in ensuring transparency, compliance, and energy security.
Speaking ahead of the conference, NPRA’s Media and Public Relations Department noted that Mr. Koroma’s participation underscores Sierra Leone’s growing leadership role in regional petroleum governance. “The Director General’s invitation to speak at this prestigious event reflects the international recognition of Sierra Leone’s efforts to build a modern, transparent, and accountable petroleum regulatory system,” the department stated.
At the Lagos forum, Mr. Koroma is expected to make a compelling case for deeper regional regulatory integration — advocating for stronger cooperation among African countries in standardizing downstream frameworks, enhancing cross-border trade, and tackling illicit fuel markets. His presentation will emphasize that Africa’s energy future depends not only on investment but also on unified, forward-looking governance structures that protect both the market and consumers.
“Regional regulatory cooperation will be vital if Africa is to unlock its full energy potential,” Koroma has often said in previous engagements. “Fragmented policies weaken our competitiveness and hinder energy security. The future lies in harmonization — in building one strong, transparent system that serves the continent’s collective interest.”
Under his leadership, the NPRA has made significant strides in streamlining Sierra Leone’s petroleum sector. The Authority has introduced digitalized monitoring systems, strengthened compliance enforcement, and prioritized environmental and consumer safety — reforms that have earned recognition from regional and international partners.
Industry observers say Koroma’s participation at OTL 2025 will not only position Sierra Leone within Africa’s evolving energy dialogue but also open new opportunities for investment partnerships and policy collaboration.
The Lagos conference is expected to feature ministers, regulators, energy executives, and international stakeholders from over 30 countries, making it one of the most anticipated gatherings on the continental energy calendar.
As Sierra Leone continues to refine its petroleum policies and embrace regional cooperation, Brima Baluwa Koroma’s appearance at the Africa Energy Week 2025 will reinforce the country’s commitment to shaping a more integrated, resilient, and sustainable African energy future.
