Business
Africa’s Downstream Opportunities Take the Forefront as African Refiners and Distributors Association (ARDA) Executive Secretary Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2024
AEW: Invest in African Energy will streamline investment towards Africa’s downstream industry as countries move to make energy poverty history by 2030
CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 19, 2024/APO Group/ —
The Executive Secretary of the African Refiners and Distributors Association (ARDA), Anibor Kragha, will speak at the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energy conference – taking place from November 4–8 in Cape Town. Kragha’s return to the conference will not only improve the understanding of the state of play of Africa’s downstream industry but draw insight into strategies for addressing challenges to the sector’s development.
Africa is advancing its downstream infrastructure under efforts to scale-up energy security continent-wide. As the sole pan-African organization representing the African downstream sector, ARDA is at the forefront of this expansion, advocating for increased investment in infrastructure development and modernization and promoting greater participation by local companies. With African petroleum demand set to increase from current estimates of 4.1 million barrels per day (bpd) to over 5.3 million bpd by 2040, strengthening refining capacity and distribution is critical. During AEW: Invest in African Energy, Kragha will outline investment opportunities in this area.
AEW: Invest in African Energy is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.
ARDA is spearheading both the rollout of new facilities as well as the modernization of existing downstream infrastructure to meet the continent’s needs
Across the continent, efforts to bolster refining capacity to meet rising demand for petroleum are leading to new developments taking off across the downstream sector. In Nigeria, the Dangote Refinery – Africa’s largest refining facility – started producing diesel and aviation fuel in January 2024. The 650,000-bpd facility will cater to Nigeria’s domestic energy requirements while positioning the country as a key exporter upon full operational capacity – likely expected in mid-2025. The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, an ARDA member, is also advancing the upgrading of the Port Harcourt refinery, with operations slated to commence in 2024 following the receipt of crude oil shipments from Shell in February.
Meanwhile, the first phase of Sentuo Oil Refinery Limited’s 120,000-bpd refinery in Ghana started operations in January 2024. The facility will process two million tons per annum of crude oil in the first phase and five million tons in the second phase, supporting the country’s industrialization efforts. While in Gabon, plans are underway to expand the processing capacity of the Port Gentil refinery to meet the rising demand for diesel and butane.
In Angola, national oil company (NOC) Sonangol – an ARDA member – awarded a project management contract for the 200,000 bpd Lobito Refinery to engineering firm KBR in April 2024. The contract advances the construction of the $6 billion facility. Once operational, the facility will be Angola’s largest refinery, increasing the country’s oil processing capacity by 200%. Angola is also developing several other refinery projects, including the 60,000 bpd Cabinda and 100,000 bpd Soyo facilities – all of which aim to bolster regional energy security by leveraging Angolan oil and gas resources. Progress is underway to modernize the existing Luanda Refinery which is responsible for 20% of the country’s demand.
In addition to refining, African countries are investing heavily in oil and gas storage capacity. Notably, Botswana Oil Limited, a member of ARDA and the country’s NOC, is seeking proposals for the Tshele Hills Oil Storage Development project, furthering Botswana’s fuel storage infrastructure for enhanced energy security. A tender was issued in November 2023, offering a strategic opportunity for downstream investors. The Kenya Pipeline Company is also committed to increasing storage capacity in the country, acquiring the now-defunct Kenya Petroleum Refineries Ltd’s assets in 2023. With the acquisition, the company has assumed management of 45 storage tanks with a capacity of 484 million liters, as well as the new Kipevu Oil Terminal 2 – which will double the country’s handling capacity from 35,000 tons.
“Meeting the growing demand for petroleum across Africa requires significant investments across the downstream sector. ARDA is spearheading both the rollout of new facilities as well as the modernization of existing downstream infrastructure to meet the continent’s needs. The association will continue to be instrumental in ensuring Africa meets its goal of making energy poverty history by 2030,” stated NJ Ayuk, the Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.
Boasting a membership of 74 African oil refiners, importers, terminal operators, energy marketers, distributors and regulators, ARDA facilitates the exchange of technical and commercial best practices, advancing the growth of Africa’s downstream industry. At AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024, Kragha will engage in high-level panel discussions, spotlighting Africa’s downstream project pipeline and attractive investment opportunities.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
Events
As global power structures shift, Invest Africa convenes The Africa Debate 2026 to redefine partnership in a changing world
The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation
Now in its 12th year, The Africa Debate has established itself as London’s premier platform for African investment dialogue since launching in 2014, convening over 800 global decision-makers annually to shape the future of trade, finance, investment, and development across the continent.
Under the theme “Redefining Partnership: Navigating a World in Transition”, this year’s forum will focus on Africa’s response to global economic realignment with greater agency, ambition and economic sovereignty.
The Africa Debate puts Africa’s priorities at the centre of the conversation, moving beyond traditional narratives to focus on ownership, resilience and long-term value creation.
“Volatility is not new to Africa. What is changing is the opportunity to respond with greater agency and ambition,” says Invest Africa CEO Chantelé Carrington.
“This year’s edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy — so African economies can take greater ownership of their growth. Success will be defined by how effectively we turn disruption into leverage and partnership into shared value.”
The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation.
Key challenges driving the debate
Core focus areas for this year’s edition of The Africa Debate include:
This year’s edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy
Global Realignment & New Partnerships
How shifting geopolitical and economic power structures are reshaping Africa’s global partnerships, trade dynamics and investment landscape.
Financing Africa’s Future
The growing need to reform the global financial architecture, new approaches to development finance, as well as the strengthening of market access and financial resilience of African economies in a changing global system.
Strategic Value Chains
Moving beyond primary exports to build local value chains in critical minerals for the green economy. Also addressing Africa’s energy access gap and mobilising investment in renewable and transitional energy systems.
Digital Transformation & Technology
Unlocking growth in fintech, AI and digital infrastructure to drive productivity, inclusion, and the next phase of Africa’s economic transformation.
The Africa Debate 2026 offers a unique platform for high-level dialogue, deal-making, and strategic engagement. Attendees will gain actionable insights from leading policymakers, investors and business leaders shaping Africa’s economic future, while building strategic partnerships that define the continent’s next growth phase.
Registration is now open (http://apo-opa.co/46b19gj).
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Invest Africa.
Business
Zion Adeoye terminated as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CLG due to serious personal and professional conduct violations
Business
The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) Strengthens Partnership with the Republic of Djibouti through US$35 Million Financing Facility
-
Energy3 days agoTrinidad & Tobago Prime Minister (PM) to Address Caribbean Energy Week (CEW) 2026 Amid Multi‑Billion‑Dollar Energy Investment Surge
-
Business3 days agoCGTN: Vision 2030: China’s tech blueprint reshaping global innovation
-
Business3 days agoEquatorial Guinea, Chevron Sign Aseng Agreement, Strengthening GEPetrol Participation
-
Energy2 days ago
African Energy Chamber (AEC) Endorses Kigali’s Africa CEO Forum as the Continent’s Strategic Hub
-
Business3 days agoSouth Africa Joins Afreximbank, Announces US$8bn Country Programme
-
Energy2 days ago
Investors Look to Paris to Gauge Africa’s 2026 Energy Pipeline
-
Energy3 days ago
From Stalled Talks to Breakthroughs: Yoyo-Yolanda Signals New Chapter for the Gulf of Guinea
-
Business3 days ago
Benedict Peters and Aiteo Group: Defining an African Energy Champion