Africa Oil Week (AOW), a premier Africa-hosted oil and gas conference, is set to be acquired by Sankofa Events, a London-based startup founded in July 2024 and led by Paul Sinclair, the former Government Relations Executive of Africa Oil Week. This strategic acquisition aims to transform the event, promoting investment and development across the African energy sector.
Transforming AOW into an Inclusive Platform
The African Energy Chamber (AEC) (https://EnergyChamber.org) strongly supports this acquisition, viewing it as a crucial step towards fostering inclusive dialogue about African energy matters. Under Sankofa Events’ new ownership, AOW has the potential to redefine itself as an African-driven event, truly representing the voice of the African energy sector.
AOW’s Legacy and the Need for Change
For over 25 years, AOW has been pivotal in supporting investment in African oil and gas projects. Traditionally held in South Africa, the event has facilitated crucial dialogue between African and global stakeholders. However, the decision to move the event to Dubai during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021 highlighted a significant disconnect. Despite South Africa’s capability to safely host the conference, relocating the event marginalized African voices at a critical time when investment was desperately needed.
This decision had far-reaching repercussions, reinforcing harmful stereotypes and depriving African energy professionals, policymakers, and citizens of a vital platform to drive progress. The move to Dubai underscored historical exploitation and neglect of African interests, making it clear that African issues must be addressed within the continent.
Sankofa Events: A New Direction for AOW
“To achieve its goals of becoming an electrified and industrialized economy, Africa needs collaboration, unity, and partnerships. The decision to move AOW to foreign soil directly opposed all of these aspects. Sankofa Events has a unique and strategic opportunity to turn this conference around, addressing polarization and divisions perpetuated by previous ownership,” stated NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.
Sankofa Events aims to rectify this by transforming AOW into an African-led platform. The acquisition not only marks a change in ownership but also introduces fresh perspectives that align closely with Africa’s goals as a continent. Under the leadership of an African startup, AOW can redefine its narrative and play a more central role in driving impactful change in Africa.
AEC’s Vision for the Future
“As a leading advocate for Africa’s energy development, the AEC looks forward to working with Sankofa Events to promote the continent’s energy potential, foster economic growth, and enhance cooperation among African energy stakeholders. We believe that this new chapter for AOW will contribute to a more unified and prosperous energy community in Africa,” added Ayuk.
For more information about the acquisition and upcoming events, visit African Energy Chamber.
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