African Oil Research Articles

Asymmetric dynamic spillover and time-frequency connectedness in the oil-stock nexus under COVID-19 shock: Evidence from African oil importers and exporters

Amid the profound disruptions triggered by COVID-19 in financial markets, this paper investigates changes in the interconnectedness behavior in terms of mean and volatility contagion between crude oil and stock markets in African oil importers and exporters. To this aim, we employ asymmetric BEKK-Copula-GARCH and Wavelet Coherence methods, and the analyses are evaluated before and during COVID-19. The findings indicate that the interdependence between crude oil and African stock returns is relatively weak before COVID-19, but the strength is amplified during the pandemic. Significant volatility spillover from crude oil to stock markets is exhibited in South Africa, Tunisia, and Tanzania during COVID-19. However, the results are insignificant in all the selected African countries before the pandemic. Furthermore, evidence of asymmetric volatility transmission is uncovered in South Africa and Tunisia during COVID-19. The findings also reveal that the connectedness between crude oil and African stocks is time and frequency dependent, with the strong linkage observed in the mid-term and long-term at specific time points. Overall, this study holds vital contributions as it unveils new insights into how COVID-19 reshaped the traditional behavior regarding the oil-stock nexus in Africa, thus informing policy responses and investment strategies at times of extreme events.

Changes in the Root Architecture of Oil Palm Seedlings in Response to Nitrogen Starvation

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) is a widely cultivated crop known for its high oil yield. It is cultivated extensively across tropical regions, notably in Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America. It plays a vital role in global vegetable oil supply, meeting approximately 35% of the world’s demand. However, the expansion of oil palm plantations often involves the utilization of degraded soils where nutrient availability, particularly nitrogen, is limited, posing challenges to plant growth and productivity. Roots are crucial in responding to nitrogen deficiency by adjusting their growth and distribution; however, research on root system distribution patterns in oil palm still needs to be completed. This study analyzes the root system architecture using RhizoVision Explorer, a 2D root image processing software while assessing its relationship with nitrogen availability across two commercial cultivars: Deli × La Mé of African oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) and the interspecific hybrid O×G Coari × La Mé. Our findings reveal significant associations between eight root traits in oil palm seedlings and treatments with and without nitrogen availability. Notably, total root morphology (length, surface area, and volume), rotation angle, solidity, and hole characteristics decreased under nitrogen deprivation, whereas surface angle frequency increased. We highlight the variability of these traits across cultivars, suggesting genetic dependence and potential utility in breeding programs. Moreover, interactions observed in primary root morphology and hole size indicate greater differences between control and nitrogen-treated groups in C × LM than in D × LM cultivars. On the other hand, cultivar differences, regardless of nitrogen availability, influenced lateral root morphology, while nitrogen availability, irrespective of cultivar, affected inclined angle frequency. Significant differences were observed in growth and development parameters such as root and shoot biomass, root-to-shoot ratio, and leaf emission numbers between nitrogen-optimal and nitrogen-starved conditions. Nitrogen significantly affects root architecture and plant growth in oil palm, particularly in the C × LM cultivar during the nursery stage.

The Dynamic Interaction between Oil Palm and Phytophthora palmivora in Bud Rot Disease: Insights from Transcriptomic Analysis and Network Modelling.

Bud Rot, caused by Phytophthora palmivora, is considered one of the main diseases affecting African oil palm (Elaeis guineensis). In this study, we investigated the in vitro molecular dynamics of the pathogen-host interaction by analyzing gene expression profiles from oil palm genotypes that were either susceptible or resistant to the disease. We observed distinct interactions of P. palmivora with resistant and susceptible oil palms through co-expression network analysis. When interacting with susceptible genotypes, P. palmivora exhibited upregulation of carbohydrate and sulfate transport genes. These genes demonstrated co-expression with apoplastic and cytoplasmic effectors, including cell wall degrading enzymes, elicitins, and RxLR motif effectors. The pathogen manipulated susceptible oil palm materials, exacerbating the response and compromising the phenylpropanoid pathway, ultimately leading to susceptibility. In contrast, resistant materials exhibited control over their response through putative Heat Shock Proteins (HSP) that maintained homeostasis between primary metabolism and biotic defense. Co-expressed genes related to flavonoids, WRKY transcripts, lectin-type receptors, and LRR receptors may play important roles in pathogen control. Overall, the study provides new knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying the interaction between E. guineensis and P. palmivora, which can contribute to controlling Bud Rot in oil palms and gives new insights into the interactions of P. palmivora with their hosts.

Foreign Aids, Human Capital and Economic Growth

This research work examines the impacts of foreign aids and human capital on economic growth of African oil and non-oil producing countries. Adopting the time series data from 2000 to 2021, the study employs Westerlund Error Correction Based panel cointegration test to investigate the impacts of Physical Capital (FA, GCF, FDI), Human Capital (EDU, HLT) and Policy Variables (REV, EXR) on Gross Domestic Product growth rate (GDPgr). Findings from results of the study affirms that there is a long-term co-movement between the GDPgr and the explanatory variables (FA, GCF, FDI, EDU, HLT, REV, EXR) of both African oil and non-oil producing countries. The study also reveals that foreign aids are better effectively put into use in the African non-oil producing countries than in the oil producing countries. Findings in the study equally confirm that financial resources in the African non-oil producing countries are better efficiently spent on human capital and domestic investment than in the African oil producing countries. The study further shows that revenue generation and foreign exchange earnings stimulate growth better in the African oil producing countries than the non-oil countries counterparts in Africa.

An narrative review of value chain financing on the profitability of edible oil in South Africa

The objective of this review was to look at the impact of agricultural value chain financing on the profitability of edible oil in South Africa. A historical review's aim is to find all narrative evidence which fits the pre-specified eligibility requirements to respond to a particular study question or hypothesis. The research used a historical narrative review as its analysis method. This included compiling and analysing more than 60 online resources relating to various and relevant the value chain financing on profitability from several past research. The research concentrates on some papers that looked at the impact of agricultural value chain financing on profitability, both nationally and internationally. Exploratory studies on the agricultural value chain financing, published from 2012 to 2022, were evaluated. According to the findings, just one paper failed to demonstrate an important association between agricultural value chain financing and profitability, whilst the others showed that agricultural value chain financing had a substantial effect on profitability. However, none specifically addressed the oil industry, indicating the necessity for narrative research to examine the link among agricultural funding and the profitability of the South African edible oil industry.

Optimization and Characterization of Interspecific Hybrid Crude Palm Oil Unaué HIE OxG Nanoparticles with Vegetable By-Products as Encapsulants.

Interspecific hybrid crude palm oil (HCPO) HIE OxG derived from crossbred African oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) and American Caiaué (Elaeis oleifera) is prominent for its fatty acid and antioxidant compositions (carotenoids, tocopherols, and tocotrienols), lower production cost, and high pest resistance properties compared to crude palm oil. Biodegradable and sustainable encapsulants derived from vegetable byproducts were used to formulate HCPO nanoparticles. Nanoparticles with hybrid crude palm oil and jackfruit seed flour as a wall material (N-JSF) and with hybrid crude palm oil and jackfruit axis flour as a wall material (N-JAF) were optimized using a 22 experimental design. They exhibited nanoscale diameters (<250 nm) and were characterized based on their zeta potential, apparent viscosity, pH, color, and total carotenoid content. The nanoparticles demonstrated a monodisperse distribution, good uniformity, and stability (polydispersity index < 0.25; zeta potentials: N-JSF -19.50 ± 1.47 mV and N-JAF -12.50 ± 0.17 mV), as well as high encapsulation efficiency (%) (N-JSF 86.44 ± 0.01 and N-JAF 90.43 ± 1.34) and an optimal carotenoid retention (>85%). These nanoparticles show potential for use as sustainable and clean-label HCPO alternatives in the food industry.

Air-drying characteristics of fresh and pretreated (African Oil Bean) &lt;I&gt;Pentaclethra macrophylla benth.&lt;/i&gt; cotyledons

Processing of African Oil Bean Cotyledons (AOBC), a valuable source of protein has been a bottleneck because of the associated drudgery. In addition, the shelf life of the processed bean is very short; the cotyledon turns green shortly during storage due to putrefaction. On the basis of the above, there is a need to produce shelf-stable cotyledons which could be rehydrated when needed. Three portions were separately soaked in each solution of sodium chloride (3 %), sodium meta-bisulfite (300 ppm), ascorbic acid (300 ppm) for 1h, and one portion were subjected to natural fermentation for three days, while the other was used as control. All the samples (single and double cotyledons) were oven-dried at 50, 60, 70, and 80o C to constant weight. The dehydration rate of AOBC decreased gradually until the water activity of the oil bean cotyledon reduced to less than one. Moisture diffusivity increased from 4.9061×10-10 – 2.091 × 10-9 m2/s, and varied with drying temperature, thickness, and pretreatments. Midilli and Kucuk model (R2 = 0.9702 - 0.9940) showed a better fit than other drying models. Effective moisture diffusivity is direct of the samples is reliant on air-drying temperature and can be described by the Arrhenius equation. The activation energy of drying of the African Oil Bean cotyledon was in the range of 10.29 – 27.12 kJ/mol. Finally, the addition of preservatives proved to be highly effective on the drying rate and the other studied parameters as well as the shelf stability of the AOBC.

Optimum Biodiesel Production from African Oil Bean Seed Oil Using Antelope Bones and Africa Oil Bean Seed Pod as Catalyst: RSM and ANN as Optimization Tools

Optimum Biodiesel Production from African Oil Bean Seed Oil Using Antelope Bones and Africa Oil Bean Seed Pod as Catalyst: RSM and ANN as Optimization Tools

Statistical optimization of iodine adsorption for &lt;i&gt;Pentaclethra macrophylla&lt;/i&gt; pods activated carbon production

Efficient production of activated carbon (AC) depends on variables such as feedstock properties, preparation conditions, and activating agents. This study aimed to identify optimal conditions for AC production from African Oil Bean (Pentaclethra macrophylla) Pods (PMps) using potassium hydroxide (KOH) and phosphoric acid (H3PO4) as activating agents. Through a systematic iodine adsorption characterization approach and leveraging Response Surface Methodology as a chemometric tool, the study fine-tuned chemical activation and carbonization parameters (temperature, time, and impregnation ratio) for producing PMACs. The adjustments directly impacted the iodine number (In) and yields (Cy) of the PMACs (PMAC-KOHop and PMAC-H3PO4op). The predicted In and Cy values closely aligned with the observed values – (PMAC-KOHop: 918.58 mg/g predicted vs. 916.56 mg/g observed; PMAC-H3PO4op: 593.44 mg/g predicted vs. 592.88 mg/g observed) and (PMAC-KOHop: 39.60% predicted vs. 39.15% observed; PMAC-H3PO4op: 51.30% predicted vs. 51.10% observed), demonstrating precision of the production process. Key structural properties, including BET specific surface areas (SSA), total pore volumes (Vt), and average pore diameters, exhibited notable differences between the PMAC-KOHop and PMAC-H3PO4op, with the former demonstrating superiority. Particularly, FTIR spectra highlighted higher aromaticity in PMAC-KOHop, revealing the preference for KOH over H3PO4 in the chemical activation of PMps. The high In achieved with the PMAC-KOHop indicated its efficacy as a pollutant adsorbent, aligning with the established attributes of commercial granular activated carbons for pollutants removal from wastewater. This study establishes PMps as a dependable AC precursor, emphasizing the advantages of KOH over H3PO4 in chemical activation. Future research should be directed at investigating PMAC-KOHop adsorption capabilities for diverse pollutants and exploring PMps' potential contributions to metallic or nanocomposite formations with other adsorbents.

Unusual vitamin E profile in the oil of a wild African oil palm tree (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) enhances oxidative stability of provitamin A.

The African oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) is the predominant oil crop in the world. In addition to triacylglycerols, crude palm oil (CPO) extracted from the mesocarp of the fruits, contains high amounts of provitamin A (carotenes) and vitamin E (tocochromanols). Because of their unsaturated nature, the carotenes are prone to oxidation and therefore are in part limiting for the shelf life of CPO. A tree with unusual toochromanol composition was identified by HPLC screening of the mesocarp of wild trees. Polymorphisms in a candidate gene were identified by DNA sequencing. The candidate protein was heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli coli and Arabidopsis thaliana to test for enzyme activity. Oxidative stability of the CPO was studied by following carotene degradation over time. In the present study, a wild Oil Palm tree (C59) from Cameroon was identified that lacks α-tocopherol and α-tocotrienol and instead accumulates the respective γ forms, suggesting that the activity of γ-tocopherol methyltransferase (VTE4) was affected. Sequencing of the VTE4 locus in the genome of plant C59 identified a G/C polymorphism that causes the exchange of a highly conserved tryptophan at position 290 with serine. The W290S exchange renders the VTE4 enzyme inactive, as shown after expression in Escherichia coli and Arabidopsis thaliana. The oxidative stability of carotenes in the mesocarp of the wild palm C59 was enhanced compared with control accessions. Furthermore, supplementation of commercial palm oil with different tocochromanols showed that γ-tocotrienol exerts a stronger effect during the protection of carotenes against oxidation than α-tocotrienol. Therefore, the introduction of the high γ-tocotrienol trait into elite breeding lines represents a potent strategy to protect carotenes against oxidation and extend the shelf life of CPO, hence allowing the development of a value added high-carotene CPO to be used to fight against vitamin A deficiency.

Complete genome sequence of a novel robigovirus infecting Mentha arvensis.

The complete genomic sequence of a novel robigovirus, provisionally named "Mentha arvensis robigovirus 1" (MARV1), was determined by combining next-generation sequencing (NGS), reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) PCR. The complete genomic sequence of this new virus is 7617 nucleotides in length, excluding the 3' poly(A) tail. The MARV1 genome encodes a putative replicase, "triple gene block" proteins, and a coat protein. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that MARV1 is a member of the genus Robigovirus, with closest relationships to African oil palm ringspot virus (AOPRV). Furthermore, MARV1-derived small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) showed typical patterns of plant-virus-derived siRNAs produced by the host antiviral RNA interference pathway. This is the first report of a plant virus of the genus Robigovirus in M. arvensis.

Synthesis, Characterization and Antimicrobial Properties of Cellulose from Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth pod (PMBP)

Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth pod (PMBP) popularly known as African oil bean pod is a known bio-waste carelessly littered around the eastern part of Nigeria, adding to pollution. The purpose of this research was to synthesize cellulose from Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth pod (CPMBP), characterise and assess the anti-microbial activity. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis was carried out on the synthesized cellulose at Central Laboratory, University of Nigeria Nsukka and was discovered to have a signal at 897.92 cm-1 in all spectra denoting the glycosidic linkages of the glucose ring in cellulose. The X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis was carried out on the synthesized cellulose at Nano Laboratory, University of Nigeria Nsukka and was found that pure cellulose, cellulose nanocrystals and Cellulose from Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth pod (CPMBP), had typical peaks at 2θ values of 15o and 22.6o, thereby showing that CPMBP is a form of cellulose. In the XRD diffractogram, pure cellulose had sharpest peak at around 2θ＝22.6o while that of CPMBP was sharpest at around 2θ＝22.4o. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis was performed at Central Laboratory kwara state and images of synthesized cellulose from PMBP powder at 1000x magnification was aimed at assessing the shape (morphology) and elemental composition of the synthesized cellulose of PMBP biomass. The existence of cellulose in PMBP biomass was confirmed by the overall FTIR, SEM and XRD spectrum, along with traces of lignin and hemicelluloses. The sensitivity test of the cellulose extract was carried out against 3 different test microorganisms (Salmonella typhi, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus niger) at the concentration of 10 mg/ml of the agent. The rest result showed that Salmonella typhi, and Candida albicans were sensitive to the agent at 10 mg/ml concentration whereas Aspergillus niger was resistant to the agent. This research has shown that two important disease-causing bacteria and fungi that affect the human population severely may be inhibited by the potential of the cellulose extract at 10 mg/ml concentrations and thus be useful in the Pharmaceutical industry.

Nutritive and Phytate Contents of Raw and Fermented African Oil Bean Seeds

Studies have shown that consumption of plant foods that contain high amount of phytate (phytic acid) is associated with decrease in nutrient absorption, mineral deficiency and low sperm count. Producing natural phytase without any health or environmental challenge targeted the main focus of many researchers. This study was undertaken to evaluate the nutritive and phytate contents of raw and fermented African Oil bean seeds (Pentaclethra macrophylla). Prepared raw and fermented Oil bean seeds were randomly purchased from various markets in Awka metropolis, Anambra State, Nigeria, and their nutritive and phytic acid contents were determined using gravimetric and instrumentation techniques. The fermented PM seeds were screened for phytase-producing bacteria using standard plate technique. The data generated from the study were analyzed statistically using one way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Student’s “t” test. The study revealed significant (P &lt; 0.05) reduction in carbohydrate content (23.82±0.14, 2.12±0.01) non-significant (P &gt; 0.05) reduction in ash (0.54±0.01, 0.17±0.00) and fiber contents (4.88±0.07, 1.33±0.01) increase in moisture (30.40±0.03, 42.13±0.11) and protein contents (17.84±0.21, 22.97±0.11) and significant (P &lt; 0.05) reduction in phytic acid (26.48±0.14, 0.02±0.00) during fermentation. Therefore, this study has shown that seeds of Oil bean contain vital nutrients, and phytate, which decreased during fermentation.

Framework for Adoption of Metal Additive Manufacturing in the Oil and Gas Industry in Africa

The oil and gas industry in Africa is under mounting pressure to elevate operational efficiency and curb costs, even as supply chain challenges stemming from the pandemic persist. Additive manufacturing (AM) emerges as a unique solution with the potential to free segments of the industry from conventional supply chains. This study introduces a framework tailored to the distinctive challenges and opportunities of the African oil and gas sector, aiming to facilitate the effective adoption of metal AM. Considering constraints such as supply chain limitations, unstable electricity supply, remote locations, and limited manufacturing facilities, this framework intends to guide stakeholders in leveraging the transformative potential of AM technology while overcoming potential barriers. Leveraging a literature review, expert insights, and real-world scenarios, the study assesses the current state of metal AM in the oil and gas sector. The framework's applicability is demonstrated through a case study of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, while acknowledging the specific African context. It uncovers the existing state of metal AM in Africa and identifies various facilities along with their constraints. Encompassing domains such as prototyping, customized tooling, complex component fabrication, and spare part production, the framework addresses challenges like cultural shifts, quality control, and facility sustainability. It offers key stages encompassing technology assessment, workforce training, and strategic planning to drive the transition toward additive manufacturing. The adoption of metal AM in Africa's oil and gas sector holds the potential to significantly enhance operational efficiency and competitiveness, yet it necessitates overcoming multifaceted challenges. The proposed framework presents a strategic roadmap for harnessing this technology's transformative potential. By embracing innovation and surmounting region-specific obstacles, Africa's oil and gas industry can attain enhanced efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and adaptability

Antimicrobial Activity of African Walnut (&lt;em&gt;Tetracarpidium conophorum&lt;/em&gt;) Oil against Bacterial and Fungal Species Causing Food Spoilage and Food Poisoning Diseases

This study evaluated the antibacterial and antifungal activity of African walnut (Tetracarpidium conophorum) oil against species causing food poisoning and food spoilage. African walnut oil was extracted using the solvent extraction method. The fatty acid profile of the oil was determined using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The agar disc diffusion method was used to determine the antibacterial activity of the oil before using it for further tests. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were also determined using the disc diffusion assay. The result indicates that palmitic (1.53%), linoleic (13.5%), linolenic 80.59%, stearic (4.41%), and eicosenoic acid (0.42%) were present in the oil with higher polyunsaturated fatty acid values. African walnut oil showed remarkable activity against all the Gram positive organisms (Bacillus cereus ATCC 33018, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Clostridium perfringes NCTC 8799, and Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 13932) with the inhibition zones ranging from 21.6 ± 0.27 mm to 26.3 ± 0.23 while the Gram negative organisms (Pseudomonas fluorescens ATCC 13883, Pseudomonas fragi ATCC 4973, Escherichia coli ATCC 12806, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium strain ATCC 14028) were less sensitive and resistant to the oil chromatography-mass with inhibition zones ranging from 6.3 ± 0.31 to 9.9 ± 0.21 mm. Out of the tested oil concentrations from 100 – 0.39 mg/mL, MIC obtained for the Gram positive organisms was 1.56 mg/mL while it was 3.13 mg/mL for Gram negative bacteria (except L. monocytogenes). The antifungal test reveals the MIC range of 100 - 0.78 mg/mL in all the fungal isolates tested. African walnut oil has proved to be potentially active against the Gram positive bacterial and fungal species tested indicating that it can be used as a natural alternative to control food spoilage and food poisoning diseases.

Deciphering the SNP variations linked to female sterility in Dura fruit form of oil palm

Among the vegetable oils, palm oil which is obtained from African oil palm (Elaeisguineensis Jacq.) contributes a major share at the global oil trading centres. Taxonomically, oil palm belongs to the family Aricaceae (formerly known as Palmaceae), sub-family Arecoideae and the genus Elaeis. One breeding cycle of oil palm takes 15-18 years with lot of techniques involved in achieving good yield and oil quality of oil palm in a sustainable manner. Oil palm is a highly heterozygous and heterogeneous crop with high diversity in the germplasm (Babu et al. 2020). Oil palm can be divided into mainly three forms based on the shell thickness of the fruits i.e., dura, pisifera, and tenera, whereas another type of fruit form called macrocarya also exists but not common. Based on fruit color, oil palm is classified into two types i.e., Virescence and Nigrescence type. Nigrescence is the commonly found fruitcolor among the commercially grown oil palm farms. In terms of quality, palm oil has approximately equal distribution of saturated to unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs). Most of the oil palm breeding programmes in generating high yielding varieties were restricted to dura variety which is having thick shelled fruit form till the 1950s. Later, research efforts at some countries like Africa, Malaysia and Indonesia resulted in generation of various breeding populations originated from the four Bogorpalms and their progenies.

From African Palm Oil to Brazilian Dendê Oil: The Complex Relationships Shaped in Afro-Brazilian Landscapes

From African Palm Oil to Brazilian Dendê Oil: The Complex Relationships Shaped in Afro-Brazilian Landscapes

From African Palm Oil to Brazilian Dendê Oil: The Complex Relationships Shaped in Afro-Brazilian Landscapes

From African Palm Oil to Brazilian Dendê Oil: The Complex Relationships Shaped in Afro-Brazilian Landscapes

Mapping oil palm expansion within the protected lowland rainforest of Nigeria using Google Earth engine

Increasing demand for Elaeis guineensis (African Oil Palm) products both for domestic and industrial use has led to its continuous expansion. The influence of oil palm plantation establishment on the economic well-being of communities and ecosystems cannot be over-emphasised. The study focuses on the rapid expansion of oil palm plantations within all protected areas and forest reserves in the lowland rainforests of Ondo State, Nigeria using. Object-Based Image Analysis (OBIA) was used to map oil palm expansion using 10-metre resolution Sentinel-2A images for 2015 and 2020 in Google Earth Engine (GEE). We found expansion of both smallholder and commercial oil palm plantations within eight of the thirteen protected areas with three protected areas (Ipele, Onisere and Akure Ofosu) showing a significant increase in oil palm plantation establishment. The use of object-based classification techniques, which combines contextual information within the image domain to discriminate landscape features such as oil palm canopy features, was effective in delineating oil palm from the forest canopy and other crops. While Google Earth Engine, a server-based remote sensing domain with petabytes of data, is effective for monitoring large-scale tropical forests.

MENA oil exporters need a renewable energy transition before the oil wells run dry: A special focus on innovation, financial development, and governance

Unlike previous studies, this paper specifically casts light on Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) oil exporters that desperately need to give a strong boost to renewable energy (RE) sources and export rather than uselessly burn their hydrocarbon resources, which support an overwhelming part of their economies. This paper extends the previous research by investigating the impact of oil revenues, innovation, financial development, and governance on renewable energy generation in eight oil‐rich MENA countries over the period 1996–2020 using the three‐stage least squares (3SLS) estimator, which is asymptotically more efficient than the two‐stage least squares (2SLS) employed in the similar‐scoped study of Bellakhal et al. (Energy Economics, 2019, 84, 104541). Furthermore, this study aims to detect structural changes in the econometric relationships between variables depending on a novel test with structural breaks proposed by Karavias and Tzavalis (Computational Statistics &amp; Data Analysis, 2014, 76, 391–407). The main findings indicate that oil rents negatively and significantly affect RE production in MENA oil exporters in general and in non‐GCC countries in particular. While renewable energy production in the GCC countries is positively and significantly affected by oil rents. Innovation‐led RE increases at a greater pace in the GCC countries than in their non‐Gulf counterparts. renewable energy production appears to be positively and significantly affected by financial development and governance in oil‐rich MENA countries.