By Oke Peter
The leading business intelligence and transaction platform for Africa’s Oil and Gas sector, Africa Oil Week commenced its 25th anniversary on Monday, as delegates converged to celebrate successes recorded in the oil and gas discussion and investment drive in Africa.
The first session on Economic Outlooks opened with key speakers including the State Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Norway, Jens Frølich Holte; Senior Vice President: Upstream, IHS Markit, David Hicks; Exploration Vice President, BP, Jasper Peijs; Vice President, Commercial/New Business Development South America and Africa, Country Chair Dubai and Northern Emirates, Shell, Mounir Bouaziz; Chief Executive Officer, Tullow Oil Paul McDade and Group Chief Executive, Oando Plc, Wale Tinubu, among others.
The panel addressed challenges and opportunities the African oil and gas industry currently facing. The session also highlighted how Africa can remain competitive in this global oil and gas landscape.
Commenting, Tullow Oil, CEO, Paul McDade, “I believe in Africa’s ability to compete against all other oil and gas producing regions. Africa has natural advantages that other markets simply don’t have. There is no reason for Africa to do anything but grow market share, and I’m committed to be a substantial part of that story.”
Another standout plenary session was the Ministerial Panel led by BBC World Affairs Editor, John Simpson. Six Ministers from South Africa, Nigeria, Niger, Sudan and Congo provided insights on their country’s exploration and production strategies. They explored routes to drive growth in National Oil Companies and the role oil and gas plays within policy and development plans.
A bidding round from the Republic of Congo, a licensing round announcement from Madagascar and a country roadshow from Uganda, all held today, once again highlighted the important role Africa Oil Week plays in driving new business opportunities for governments and exploration companies across Africa.
The event also provided various networking and social functions for delegates including the Ministerial and VIP lunch, Thinktank for Sustainable African Energy (sponsored by Deloitte), PetroAfricanus Dinner (sponsored by Seplat) and the Late Night Networking Reception (sponsored by NOV).
Africa Oil Week commenced on Monday at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, Cape Town, South Africa and will end on Friday 9th November.
