17/10/2025
NOCAL CEO Calls for ‘Just Energy Transition’ at World Energies Summit 2025
By Matalay S. Kollie
London, United Kingdom — The CEO and President of the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL), Mr. Fabian Michael Lai, has called for a more equitable global energy transition, emphasizing Africa’s right to industrialize and pursue economic development alongside climate goals. Speaking as a panelist at the World Energies Summit 2025 in London, CEO Lai addressed the theme: “Hydrocarbons in the Era of Transition – Risks, Roles, and Regional Realities.”
In a series of powerful remarks, Mr. Lai, who served as one of the panelists, outlined key perspectives on Africa’s energy future and Liberia’s development priorities, advocating for a differentiated approach to the global energy transition.
“The West can decarbonize, but Africa must industrialize,” panelist Lai stated, adding that Africa’s development cannot focus solely on emissions reductions but must prioritize industrial growth and economic diversification.
Key Messages from the Summit:
1. Transitioning from Poverty, Not Prosperity
Africa is not rejecting the energy transition, the speaker clarified, but must remind the world that it is transitioning from poverty—not from a position of affluence. The priority must remain lifting people out of poverty while gradually integrating into a low-carbon future.
2. A Different Development Path
Unlike developed economies focused on decarbonization, many African countries—including Liberia—are still struggling to provide basic energy access. The panelist emphasized that development models must reflect regional realities.
3. Liberia’s Energy Imperatives
Liberia faces urgent energy challenges: minimal greenhouse gas emissions, limited electricity access, no domestic refining capacity, and reliance on hydrocarbons for development. “We cannot decarbonize from a position of darkness and dependence,” the speaker said.
4. Energy Security Through Exploration
The panelist stressed that there is “no energy transition without energy security—and no energy security without sustained exploration.” Continued investment in responsible hydrocarbon exploration was described as critical to meeting Africa’s growing energy demands.
5. A Call for Global Support
Arguing that Africa should not be penalized for developing late, the panelist urged for transition finance to be extended to natural gas infrastructure, emission-reduction technology, and risk-sharing mechanisms tailored to emerging economies.
The speaker also highlighted the National Oil Company of Liberia’s (NOCAL) 2025 Executive Allocation and new showcase-based licensing initiative, designed to attract credible international partners while aligning with Liberia’s national development goals.
“NOCAL is ready. Liberia is open. Let’s build responsible, data-driven partnerships that align with the global climate agenda and Africa’s right to grow,” the speaker concluded.
The call for a differentiated and just transition resonated with many at the summit, as developing countries continue to press for greater flexibility and support in global climate and energy policies.
Cc: Verity Online News and The Town Square
