At 20, OTL Africa targets investment, regional energy trade

AFRICA’S downstream and midstream energy industry is set to explore fresh investment opportunities and strengthen regional petroleum trade as OTL Africa Downstream Energy Week marks its 20th anniversary in Lagos.

The forum is expected to bring together policymakers, regulators, industry operators, investors and service providers from across the continent and beyond to examine strategies for improving energy security, expanding refining capacity and integrating African energy markets.

According to the organisers, the conference and trade exhibition will from October 26 to 29 at Lagos Oriental Hotel, under the theme: “Secure Energy, Shared Prosperity. 

Chief Executive Officer of OTL Downstream Development in Africa, Mrs Joyce Akabogu, said the conference would focus on how Africa can translate its energy resources, growing refining capacity and expanding markets into reliable supplies, competitive businesses and affordable energy for consumers.

She explained that the 20th anniversary edition came at a critical time for the continent’s energy industry.

She identified investments in refining, gas, storage, logistics and emerging energy solutions as opportunities to boost local production, deepen regional trade and retain more economic value within Africa.

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“Africa’s energy security must be measured by what businesses and households experience: reliable supply, assured quality and costs that allow enterprise and everyday life to thrive,   Akabogu said.

According to her, the conference theme underscored the need for investment, innovation and cooperation to address the continent’s energy supply challenges and ensure that the benefits of industry growth reach businesses and households.

“Our theme: ‘Secure Energy, Shared Prosperity,’ connects those needs with the investment, innovation and cooperation required to meet.