ARDA Executive Secretary to Highlight Africa’s Downstream Opportunities at African Energy Week (AEW) 2024.
Anibor Kragha, the Executive Secretary of the African Refiners and Distributors Association (ARDA), is gearing up to shine a light on Africa’s burgeoning downstream industry at the upcoming African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energy conference, slated from November 4–8 in Cape Town.
Kragha’s involvement in the conference aims to illuminate the opportunities and challenges facing Africa’s downstream sector and provide insights into strategies for overcoming obstacles hindering its development.
As Africa ramps up efforts to bolster energy security continent-wide, ARDA, representing the African downstream sector, plays a pivotal role in advocating for increased investment in infrastructure and promoting local participation. With petroleum demand projected to surge from 4.1 million barrels per day to over 5.3 million barrels per day by 2040, enhancing refining capacity and distribution networks becomes imperative.
During AEW: Invest in African Energy, Kragha will outline investment opportunities in Africa’s downstream sector, emphasizing its critical role in meeting the continent’s energy needs.
AEW has emerged as the premier platform for project operators, financiers, technology providers, and government officials to engage and facilitate deals in African energy.
Recent developments across the continent highlight the momentum in expanding refining capacity to meet rising petroleum demand. In Nigeria, the Dangote Refinery, Africa’s largest, commenced diesel and aviation fuel production in January 2024. Similarly, the Port Harcourt refinery is undergoing upgrades, with operations expected to commence in 2024.
Ghana’s Sentuo Oil Refinery Limited initiated operations in January 2024, supporting the country’s industrialization efforts. In Gabon, plans are underway to expand the Port Gentil refinery’s processing capacity.
Angola, through NOC Sonangol, is advancing refinery projects, including the Lobito Refinery, to bolster regional energy security. Additionally, investments in oil and gas storage capacity are underway in countries like Botswana and Kenya.
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“ARDA is at the forefront of Africa’s downstream sector growth, facilitating the rollout of new facilities and modernizing existing infrastructure,” remarked NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.
With a membership comprising 74 African oil refiners, importers, terminal operators, and regulators, ARDA promotes the exchange of technical and commercial best practices to drive the industry’s growth. At AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024, Kragha will participate in high-level discussions, showcasing Africa’s downstream project pipeline and investment opportunities.
