In March 2026, tensions in the Middle East disrupted global shipping routes, triggering fuel shortages across several African markets, with some countries reporting only weeks of reserves. At the same time, African airlines faced record jet fuel prices, with fuel accounting for up to 55% of operating costs in some cases, according to Reuters. These developments underscore a critical shift: energy security in Africa is increasingly determined not by access to hydrocarbons, but by the infrastructure that connects supply to end users.

The structural challenges are clear. Many African economies remain heavily reliant on imported refined products due to limited domestic refining capacity, leaving them exposed to global price volatility. Across the continent, storage capacity is often insufficient, strategic reserves are limited and logistics networks are fragmented. South Africa illustrates this gap: despite having significant storage infrastructure, it holds only around 8 million barrels in strategic reserves – far below total capacity – leaving minimal room to absorb prolonged supply shocks. Meanwhile, targeted investments, such as the 40% expansion of storage and distribution at the Port of Mombasa, demonstrate how strategic midstream development can strengthen both national resilience and regional supply chains.

Global trade shifts are adding urgency. The 2026 rerouting of shipping traffic around the Cape of Good Hope has increased demand for bunkering and coastal fuel supply, underscoring both the strategic importance of African logistics hubs and the limitations of existing infrastructure. These developments highlight the need for targeted investment in storage, distribution and supply chain optimization – assets that not only improve energy security but also offer scalable, demand-driven commercial opportunities.

This focus on logistics will be explored in depth at the Invest in African Energy (IAE) Forum in Paris next month, featuring a dedicated panel on “Africa on the Move: Optimizing Oil & Gas Logistics,” where industry leaders will discuss practical strategies to strengthen fuel supply chains and enhance market efficiency across the continent.

As stakeholders gather in Paris, discussions are expected to move beyond traditional supply narratives toward the infrastructure needed for long-term stability. Markets that enhance storage capacity, optimize distribution and streamline supply chains will be better positioned to manage price shocks, secure supply and support economic growth. In this context, midstream investment is emerging as a critical driver of Africa’s energy security and a key opportunity for the continent’s next phase of development.

IAE 2026 is an exclusive forum designed to connect African energy markets with global investors, serving as a key platform for deal-making in the lead-up to African Energy Week. Scheduled for April 22–23, 2026, in Paris, the event will provide delegates with two days of in-depth engagement with industry experts, project developers, investors and policymakers. For more information, visit www.invest-africa-energy.com. To sponsor or register as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com