Kosmos Energy CEO and Chairman Andy Inglis says Africa’s ability to unlock its vast energy potential will depend on how effectively governments and industry can work together to create the right conditions for investment.
Speaking on the lessons drawn from Ghana’s landmark Jubilee field, he argued that national leadership, trust, and predictable regulatory environments remain the most decisive ingredients for transforming natural resources into long-term development.
“Ghana’s Jubilee field proves what’s possible. From license award in 2004 to first oil in late 2010, the project transformed Ghana’s energy landscape and set a new benchmark for delivery.
“That pace was only possible because of national leadership committed to action and a partnership built on trust.”
Kosmos Energy CEO and Chairman Andy Inglis
The Jubilee field, one of the most significant oil discoveries in West Africa in decades, moved from exploration to production in seven years, an accomplishment widely regarded as exceptional in the global upstream sector.
Inglis credited the achievement to a collaboration model that offered investors clarity and confidence, while enabling Ghana to rapidly develop local capacity and new revenue streams.
Ghana, Kosmosis Shared Goal
Reflecting on Kosmos Energy’s experience in the country, he noted that the company’s progress was possible because both sides aligned around a shared goal.
Predictability in regulation, responsiveness from policymakers, and a stable investment climate, he said, created an environment where capital could move quickly and efficiently.
“Creating a strong investment environment takes more than clear regulation.
“It requires drive from the top, collaboration between governments and industry, and a shared determination to get things done.”
Kosmos Energy CEO and Chairman Andy Inglis
Inglis argued that this formula, clarity of national priorities, investor-friendly policies, and strong political leadership offers broader lessons for African countries hoping to attract capital for energy expansion.
At a time when global investors are increasingly selective, he suggested that governments demonstrating focus and urgency will stand out.
His message comes as several African nations continue to struggle with project delays, regulatory uncertainty, fiscal unpredictability, and institutional bottlenecks, all of which contribute to higher investor risk and slower sector growth.
Accelerating Exploration
According to Inglis, the countries that address these obstacles head-on will have the best chance of accelerating exploration, boosting production, and strengthening energy security.
Kosmos Energy, which has operated across Africa for two decades, has long argued that development must move faster to create opportunities for local economies. Inglis echoed that sentiment again, urging governments to adopt a results-oriented posture and avoid bureaucratic drift.
“At Kosmos Energy, we believe that those who move fast, win big,” he said, framing speed not just as a business advantage but as a development imperative.
Energy projects delayed by years, he warned, cost countries more than lost revenue, they postpone job creation, infrastructure improvements, and the wider economic transformation that comes with a stable energy sector.
The CEO stressed that the continent’s energy potential, whether in oil, gas, or renewables can only be realized when trust forms the foundation of government–industry engagement.
Investors, he noted, look for countries where rules do not shift unexpectedly, where negotiations are straightforward, and where leaders demonstrate consistent commitment to turning resources into national assets.
“The nations that act with clarity and urgency will attract investment, unlock growth, and deliver lasting benefits for their people.”
Kosmos Energy CEO and Chairman Andy Inglis
His comments come at a time when African countries are pushing to expand LNG developments, boost domestic gas utilisation, and position themselves competitively in the global energy transition.
For many, the challenge lies not in the availability of resources, but in accelerating the execution of projects already on the table.
Inglis believes the formula for unlocking this potential is simple but requires discipline. Countries must strengthen regulatory institutions, ensure transparency in licensing and contracting, and maintain open communication channels with operators. They must also demonstrate political will to move beyond rhetoric and deliver measurable progress.
For Ghana, the success of Jubilee remains a reference point in how national leadership and industry collaboration can redefine a country’s energy trajectory.
Inglis’s message suggests that the same blueprint, adapted to each nation’s context can help Africa achieve broader energy-driven growth.
As global competition for capital intensifies, he cautioned, the countries that demonstrate readiness, clarity, and decisive leadership will be the ones that secure the partnerships needed to shape their economic futures.
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