In a significant development for the African energy sector, Ghana has been chosen as the new host for Africa Oil Week (AOW), beginning in September 2025.
The annual conference, a key platform for stakeholders in oil, gas, and energy, has been held in Cape Town, South Africa, for the past 30 years.
The move to Accra signals a shift in focus for the continent’s hydrocarbon and renewable energy sectors.
In his statement, President Nana Akufo-Addo expressed excitement about AOW’s relocation to Accra, celebrating it as a move that will further integrate Africa’s energy community. “Africa Oil Week has been the voice of our oil, gas, and energy sectors for over 30 years, fostering groundbreaking projects across the continent,” he said.
“This is an opportunity for Ghana to host the global energy community and ensure the full benefit of this world-class event is felt across Africa.”
Akufo-Addo emphasized Africa’s potential to lead the global energy transition, noting that the continent’s vast natural resources could contribute significantly to global energy needs.
He urged international and African investors to unite, saying, “Africa must find innovative solutions for developing and commercializing our resources while ensuring energy security and prosperity for future generations.”
The move to Accra also aligns with Ghana’s broader goals for economic growth and regional leadership.
The city already hosts the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, reinforcing Accra’s standing as a hub for African commerce.
Strengthening Local Participation and Collaboration
Egbert Faibille, Head of Ghana’s Petroleum Commission, highlighted the conference’s emphasis on local African participation, stating, “This event is not a talk shop; it’s a platform for mobilizing capital into projects that will drive Africa’s growth.
The focus will be on empowering African businesses to participate in and benefit from energy projects.”
The conference, organized by the Africa Prosperity Network and Sankofa Events, aims to foster partnerships with international oil companies like Exxon, Shell, and Petronas, while promoting African energy independence and sustainable growth.
Embracing Africa’s Hydrocarbon Resources
Herbert Krapah, Ghana’s Deputy Minister of Energy, pointed to the continent’s strategic shift in hydrocarbon production and its ongoing significance for African economies. “Our hydrocarbon resources remain crucial,” Krapah noted.
“While we engage in green energy conversations, we must responsibly leverage our oil and gas resources to fuel sustainable development.”
Krapah expressed pride in Ghana’s readiness to host the conference and highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance Ghana’s upstream, midstream, and downstream energy sectors, aiming for a fully integrated energy production ecosystem.
“We are committed to building indigenous capacity, improving infrastructure, and ensuring that African businesses benefit from this critical event.”
A New Chapter for Africa Oil Week
Paul Sinclair, AOW’s Director of Government Relations, expressed gratitude for the support from Ghanaian leaders and emphasized the conference’s core vision: to maximize African participation and ensure African businesses are central in upcoming energy projects.
“Africa Oil Week’s mission is to create a bridge between global capital and African opportunities,” he said. “Bringing the event to Accra is a monumental step toward fulfilling that mission.”
Set for its first event in Ghana next September, Africa Oil Week 2025 will gather policymakers, industry leaders, and private-sector stakeholders from around the world, marking a proud moment for Ghana and a new chapter in Africa’s energy narrative.
The Ghanaian government has pledged full support to ensure the success of this prestigious gathering, which promises to attract unprecedented investment and promote energy security and growth across Africa.
By PROSPER AGBENYEGA
