Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth the Minister of Petroleum for South Sudan, has asked Frontier to bring the important Africa Energies Summit to Africa. He believes it’s really important to have an event focused on Africa right here on the continent. The African Energy Chamber (AEC), which supports the African energy industry, agrees with Gatkuoth’s suggestion. Right now, when investing in African energy is so important, we need to hold an international energy conference in Africa.
Africa urgently requires significant global investment, as over 600 million people lack electricity access and more than 900 million do not have clean cooking options. The reduction in global oil and gas investments presents serious challenges for African countries reliant on these resources. While renewable energy investments are increasing worldwide, Africa only receives about 2% of this funding. To close the energy access gap, the continent needs an annual investment of $25 billion by 2030, according to the International Energy Agency. Thus, promoting African energy interests is more important than ever.
In this context, it is crucial to refocus the discussion on African energy towards Africa itself. It is impractical to host the Africa Energies Summit in Western Europe when the continent has the perfect platform for such important events.
The Africa Energies Summit is set to take place from May 13-15 in London, and it proudly calls itself the top global conference for Africa’s energy sector.
However, it raises an important question: why isn’t this conference held in Africa? Instead of bringing Africa to the world, the world should come to Africa. By consistently choosing London as the location, the summit suggests that Africa can’t host its own international energy conference, which is a misunderstanding that could seriously affect the continent’s industry.
‘It is crucial for conversations about Africa to take place within its own territory instead of being viewed only from an external point of view. Just as it would be illogical to hold a European event in Africa, we should also reconsider hosting an African event in Europe. It’s time to uplift Africa. Holding an African energy conference on the continent would greatly benefit local communities and industries,’ said Gatkuoth.
Apart from benefiting the energy industry, moving the Africa Energies Summit to Africa would benefit the continent in several ways. For example, AEW: Invest in African Energies has greatly improved local markets and industries by supporting local businesses, boosting business tourism, and creating jobs. By hosting international events in Africa, we ensure that local hotels, venues, and workers benefit. Therefore, it’s crucial to organize big events in Africa, and this should be a priority for organizers like Frontier. As an industry, we need to amplify the voices of local communities and create job opportunities in Africa’s energy sector. It’s time to showcase Africa’s potential and hold investment forums on our own land.
We have witnessed the persistent misrepresentations perpetuated by events like Africa Oil Week in Dubai must be halted. Africa is fully equipped to host its own distinguished energy conferences, and it is crucial that we take control of the conversation. By focusing discussions within Africa, we enhance the representation of African interests and viewpoints. The AEC stands firmly behind Gatkuoth’s statement that the Africa Energies Summit should take place on African. This was stated by NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.
