By Oke Peter
This year’s Africa Energy Forum (AEF) has been rescheduled to take place in Amsterdam, the Netherlands from 20-22 October 2020.
Previously due to take place in July, the move comes in the interests of all attendees’ safety after monitoring the COVID-19 situation and its impact on global economies.
In a statement released on Thursday by the firm’s Head of Marketing, Amy Offord, the event will hold from 20-22 October, 2020 at Rai, Hall 8, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
The Forum, organised by EnergyNet, brings together decision-makers in Africa’s energy sector to form partnerships, identify opportunities and collectively move the industry forward.
EnergyNet’s Managing Director, Simon Gosling commented on the move; “This decision has not been taken lightly and we hope clients will recognise this opportunity to fast-track their business development after a significant period of disruption.
We’ve chosen Amsterdam for a number of reasons – most importantly its exceptionally resilient economy and $42 billion investment fund being deployed across the continent to support energy transition goals. The Netherlands played host to the very first aef back in 1999 and continues to play an exceptional role in the development finance space with FMO being a significant and highly regarded player.
Despite challenging times we’ve continued to receive registrations and high-level speakers, so are confident this postponement will be timely and continue to focus heavily on project development objectives.”
In line with the SDG7 goal “access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all,” AEF will host a stream dedicated to unpacking Africa’s role in achieving SDG7, debating how the continent can meet energy demands in light of global sustainability goals.
Between now and October, EnergyNet will host a series of webinars and other online content focusing on strategic energy programmes such as the REIPPPP resurgence in South Africa. The purpose will be to define the direction energy programmes are taking so clients can prepare strategies to be among the preferred bidders by the Africa Energy Forum dates in October.
Gosling added; “One thing that hasn’t changed and never will is our commitment to the sector. We’re every bit as passionate about delivering the outstanding networking experience our delegates have come to expect, and driving the sector forward – even at such a challenging time.”
