ARDA Week 2025 to drive Africa’s energy security, sustainability

Stanley Ihedigbo

African Refiners & Distributors Association (ARDA) is set to convene its annual gathering, ARDA Week 2025, in Cape Town, with a clarion call to action for Africa’s energy stakeholders.

The year’s event, themed “Africa First: Delivering Our Energy Future,” will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, and energy experts to address the continent’s pressing energy needs and chart a course towards energy self-sufficiency.

With over 600 million Africans living without electricity, the continent faces significant energy access challenges.

Since its inception in 2006, ARDA Week has remained the premier annual gathering for Africa’s downstream oil sector, with over 500 delegates attending and 45 countries represented in 2024.

The year’s event is expected to surpass these numbers, reflecting the growing need to unite policymakers, industry leaders, and energy experts to share best practices, promote collaboration, and attract the vital investment needed to deliver sustainable solutions for the continent.

ARDA President, Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, emphasized the need for urgent action, stating, “Africa’s energy demand is poised for a dramatic increase, driven by population growth and industrialization. We must tackle our immediate energy demands through regulatory reforms, infrastructure development, and investment in human capital.”

ARDA Week 2025 will feature high-level networking opportunities, collaborative sessions, and an Investment Forum showcasing new project opportunities.

ARDA Executive Secretary Anibor Kragha highlighted the event’s importance, saying, “ARDA Week 2025 plays a vital role in achieving our mission of a just and equitable energy transition for Africa.”

Mr Kragha said: “As we approach our 20th anniversary next year, the importance of ARDA’s mission has never been clearer. We are dedicated to ensuring a just and equitable energy transition for Africa, while also strengthening energy security across the continent. ARDA Week 2025 plays a vital role in achieving this goal. It offers high-level opportunities for networking and collaboration between industry leaders, policymakers, investors, and other key stakeholders with the ability to drive meaningful change in Africa.

“Our Investment Forum, featured on day 3 of the conference, will showcase new project opportunities, providing delegates with the chance to explore, ask questions about, and potentially partner on emerging energy projects that will boost investment and innovation across Africa.”