info@businessghana.com
When delegates gather in Cape Town for ARDA Week 2025, the African Refiners & Distributors Association (ARDA) will call on its members, sponsors, and strategic partners to take urgent and decisive action to drive Africa towards energy self-sufficiency.
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. This 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.
Africa First: Delivering Our Energy Future
The theme for ARDA Week 2025, “Africa First: Delivering Our Energy Future,” is a rallying cry for the continent to assume control of its own energy destiny.
Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, ARDA President, commented: “Africa accounts for 16% of the global population yet faces profound energy access challenges, with over 600 million people living without electricity. Given the continent’s burgeoning population and the industrialisation that accompanies it, Africa’s energy demand is poised for a dramatic increase.
“To address this challenge, our theme for ARDA Week 2025 highlights the need to tackle Africa’s immediate energy demands through regulatory reforms, faster development of local infrastructure, and investment in human capital. These actions are equally important to reducing our reliance on fuel imports and supporting the continent’s sustainable development. In an increasingly uncertain world, it is imperative that our efforts focus not only on lifting millions out of energy poverty in the short term, but also on ensuring long-term energy security for Africa”.
Anibor Kragha, ARDA Executive Secretary, highlights how his Association’s agenda aligns with broader goals of economic growth, job creation, and energy accessibility across 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.”
One thing is certain: ARDA Week 2025 will feature a dynamic programme, with keynote speeches from VIP speakers and specialist discussion sessions led by global leaders and experts in energy and related fields. Panel discussions will cover a range of critical topics, including:
ARDA Week 2025 will take place from 7th to 11th April 2025 at the Century City Conference Centre in Cape Town, South Africa.
Join Us at ARDA Week 2025
ARDA Week 2025 promises to be a key event for anyone involved in Africa’s downstream oil sector. It is an unmissable opportunity to engage with industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators working to shape the future of energy in Africa. For more details on registration, speakers, and the event programme, visit: www.arda.africa/arda-week/
About ARDA
The African Refiners & Distributors Association (ARDA) is a leading non-profit organisation dedicated to advancing the sustainable development of Africa’s energy sector. The mission of our community is to promote collaboration among industry stakeholders, foster innovation, and drive investment to address Africa’s energy challenges. Through its work, ARDA aims to help unlock the continent’s energy potential, reduce energy poverty, and support Africa’s economic growth.
For all press enquiries, please contact: media@afrra.org
