The African Energy Chamber (AEC) – representing the voice of the African energy sector – has offered their strong endorsement and support of the West African Energy Summit (WAES), taking place in Aberdeen, Scotland, between November 18-19 this year at the five star Marcliffe Hotel in Aberdeen.
The event returns for its second year to facilitate meaningful partnerships between African nations and global supply chain partners with a view to attaining long term energy security and economic prosperity for West African nations.
Last year the event was held in Accra, Ghana in partnership with the Petroleum Commission of Ghana, the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) and the Ministry of Energy of Ghana and welcomed representation from over 20 countries across West Africa as well as over 500 delegates and notable guests including His Excellency John Agyekum Kufuor, former President of Ghana and H.E. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Bringing the event to the UK this year and the ‘Energy Capital of Europe’ will fast-track engagement with the energy supply chain of Aberdeen and enable the investment community from Europe to be present to speak to the operating companies and governments of Africa and create the economic framework necessary to move projects forward.
Many analysts have commented that there has never been a better time to invest in Africa, the continent is fertile with opportunities. Angola is preparing to launch a 2025 licensing round and offering acreage onshore and in marginal fields while enticing spending through incremental production. Nigeria launched an international bid round in 2024, aimed at furthering development in prospective petroleum basins. Libya launched its 2025 licensing round this month and aims to increase output to two million barrels per day in the coming years. These established markets require significant levels of capital and technology to support production goals, presenting a unique opportunity for Scottish and European service providers and operators.
Namibia is on track to produce first oil by 2029 with projects in the Orange Basin and the country is seeking innovative drilling and appraisal services to fast-track this timeline.
In Zimbabwe, exploration has shown one trillion-cubic-feet worth of natural gas potential while in Senegal and Mauritania, the start of LNG production at the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim project has revealed significant potential for billion-barrel finds in neighboring basins.
The West African Energy Summit aims to explore investment opportunities and spotlight cutting-edge technologies that can drive efficiency and sustainability in the energy sector. Key focus areas will include upstream efficiency, cost reduction, field development, infrastructure projects and asset management.
NJ Ayuk – Executive Chairman of the AEC stated: “It is imperative that African leaders present a unified voice and strategy for Africa’s energy future. We must make Africa’s unique needs and circumstances clear and explain the critical role that oil and gas and renewable energy will play in helping Africa achieve energy security and economic prosperity in the coming decades and this event provides a great opportunity to unlock this potential.”.
Kenny Dooley – Managing Director of OGV Group and creator of the WAES event stated: “ We are delighted to work in partnership with the AEC for this event and receive their endorsement. Our business is built on facilitating business partnerships and helping our clients in the energy sector to realise opportunities. We are now in a truly global marketplace and by marrying resource and know-how to opportunity we think we can help Africa and many of our clients to realise their mutual objectives.”
To register your interest in the West African Energy Summit please go to www.waesummit.com
