…Rallies Stakeholders for Africa downstream conference
The 18th edition of the OTL Africa Downstream Energy Week, themed “Alliances for Growth,” will take place from October 28 to 31, 2024 in Lagos.
The 2024 edition is expected to further strengthen collaboration between industry players, regulators, and policymakers, driving growth and innovation across the sector.
In a virtual press conference in Lagos with energy correspondence, new Chief Executive Officer of OTL Africa Downstream Week, Mrs. Joyce Akabogu, said: “One of the key things we have achieved is engaging regulators across the midstream, downstream, and maritime industries to ensure they align their policies and processes with the realities of the sector.”
Akabogu stated that the 2024 edition of the conference aims to connect industry regulators, operators, and service providers, ensuring that decision-makers understand the industry’s pulse.
She further added that the conference’s discussions will revolve around refining operations, petroleum products pricing & trading, logistics, shipping, LPG, lubricants, petrochemicals, and enabling government policies critical influencing growth.
This year’s participation is expected from key stakeholders beyond Nigeria, including Senegal’s PetroSen and representatives from Ghana, with plans to expand engagement across sub-Saharan Africa.
“OTLAfrica is committed to increasing regional representation. We are working towards broader participation to create an inclusive platform for cross-border collaborations,” she added while fielding questions from Platforms Africa.
She further said, “Their participation this year will provide industry players with firsthand insights into regulatory policies and strategic guidance for navigating emerging challenges.
“The event integrates a strategic conference, exhibition, and networking events, offering a platform for knowledge exchange and business promotion across the value chain.
“Over the past 18 years, the event has served as a catalyst for industry development, setting the agenda for midstream and downstream business operations across Africa.
“With stakeholders from across the value chain expected to attend, the event promises to address critical issues in refining, shipping, financial services, and policy frameworks that shape the industry.
“The OTL Africa promises an enriched agenda featuring 13 different sessions running concurrently with the exhibition.
“The sessions will address key industry themes while also introducing fresh perspectives with non-traditional discussions.
“These will cover areas like health and wellness, and the role of Artificial Intelligence and Big Data in enhancing decision-making processes in the downstream sector.
“A new addition to the event is the Founder’s Fireside session, which will spotlight an entrepreneurial guest from the downstream sector each year.
“This session is designed to offer personal insights and share inspirational journeys of individuals who have made significant strides in the industry,” she explained.
He further emphasized that OTL Africa operates on a four-pronged focus: capacity building, business matchmaking, advocacy, and research; Capacity Building, Matchmaking, Advocacy and industry Research.
“This event is a product of bigger thinking, enabling discussions that allow regulators to feel the pulse of the industry,” Akabogu explained.
Emphasizing the conference’s importance to the sector’s growth, Mrs. Akabogu stated, “Prior to OTL’s inception, the industry lacked a cohesive platform to express its expectations and advocate for policy reforms.
Akabogu pointed out that there will be insightful engagement with the essential regulators in the midstream, downstream, and maritime industries. Collaboration among stakeholders will enable them to implement changes that align with policies that will project the downstream in good light.
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