Africa Must Lead Its Energy Future – Sahara Group’s Wale Ajibade

Calls for bold, collaborative, and inclusive strategies ahead of ARDA Week 2025

Africa’s journey toward energy security and sustainable development demands bold and immediate action, powered by innovation, collaboration, and equity, says Wale Ajibade, Executive Director at Sahara Group, a leading global energy and infrastructure conglomerate.

Speaking ahead of the African Refiners & Distributors Association (ARDA) Week 2025, scheduled for April 7–11 in Cape Town, South Africa, Ajibade emphasized the need for actionable strategies that empower the continent to achieve universal energy access and address infrastructure deficits, while advancing an Africa-centric energy transition.

“Africa must be in the driver’s seat of its own energy destiny. The time to act is now,” Ajibade stated.

Sahara Group’s Delegation to ARDA 2025

Ajibade will lead a high-level delegation to ARDA 2025 including:

• Alex Cole, Director, Sahara Group

• Nomnso Dike, CEO, Asharami Synergy (Sahara’s downstream company)

• Tolu Fadipe, General Counsel, Sahara Group

Themed “Africa First: Delivering Our Energy Future,” the conference is expected to serve as a platform to galvanize inclusive and sustainable action across the continent.

Photo Caption: Head of Corporate Communications, Sahara Group, Bethel Obioma

According to Bethel Obioma, Sahara Group’s Head of Corporate Communications, the event will reinforce the company’s mission to “bring energy to life responsibly to all Africans, leaving no one behind.”

Key Highlights from Sahara Group at ARDA 2025

1. Energy Equity and Inclusion

Photo Caption: Jerome Espinasse, Head of Trading, Sahara Energy International, Geneva

Jerome Espinasse, Head of Trading at Sahara Energy International (Geneva), will deliver a keynote on the conference theme. With over 20 years of experience, Espinasse will underscore the urgency of building an inclusive and equitable energy framework, especially as over 600 million Africans remain without electricity.

2. Infrastructure Investment

Photo Caption: Nathalie Musson-Genon, Head of Trade Finance, Sahara Energy

Nathalie Musson-Genon, Head of Trade Finance at Sahara Energy, will contribute to the panel on “The Africa Infrastructure Challenge.” She will highlight the need for massive investment and robust public-private partnerships to meet Africa’s projected 70% rise in energy consumption over the next two decades.

“Achieving universal energy access by 2030 requires around $25 billion annually in investments,” noted Obioma.
“Sahara Group is already promoting strategic partnerships to make this a reality.”

3. Human Capital Development

Photo Caption: Jessica Akintade, Regional HR Manager, Sahara Group

Jessica Akintade, Sahara Group’s Regional HR Manager, will speak on “Investing in Human Capital – Empowering the Next Generation of Industry Leaders.” Akintade will showcase Sahara’s leadership development programs and the need for a transgenerational approach to workforce development.

“Africa’s youth population—currently over 60%—is expected to double by 2050. We must develop intentional people strategies to harness this potential,” she said.

Driving Africa’s Energy Transformation

Obioma emphasized Sahara Group’s commitment to leading Africa’s energy transformation through innovation, sustainable interventions, and strong partnerships.

“ARDA 2025 should give real traction to the ‘Africa for Africa’ vision,” he said.
“Africa must play a lead role in shaping its energy future, supported by global stakeholders.”

ARDA Week 2025, recognized as the premier event for Africa’s downstream oil and gas industry, is expected to attract over 500 delegates, including government ministries, banks, regulators, and international development agencies.