OTL Africa 2020 commences today
By Eniola Idris
As the global oil market continues to grapple with effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, global interests in Africa’s downstream oil and gas industry will defy the odds to address issues confronting the sector as the 14th Oil Trading & Logistics (OTL) Africa Downstream Week commences today (Monday).
The annual conference, scheduled to take place virtually from 26 to 30 October 2020 is widely regarded as the continent’s biggest downstream petroleum event that assembles operators in the value chain of oil and gas supply, comprising international traders, refining, shipping, marketing, logistics, storage, retail, professional services, government and civil society.
The theme for this year’s event is “Downstream Energy: Renewing Markets, Expanding Options”.
The organisers, in a statement to SlyNews said: “With a shift in global energy consumption patterns, governments and international oil companies are increasingly compelled to develop cleaner and efficient alternative fuel options. In reaction, the global downstream oil and gas industry has been adapting to increased competition and expanding into higher-value and energy markets,”
In view of the theme of this year’s event, discourse will focus on reviewing business models, driving a new energy narrative and expanding the continent’s energy mix.
It will also address issues around regulatory frameworks and exploring existing opportunities and emerging alternative options to meet increasing demand for cleaner, sustainable and more efficient energy in Africa.
Relevant industry issues up for discussion include: Independents and the New Frontiers of Competition in Fuel Retail – Network Development, Automation, Loyalty; Cleaner or Cheaper Fuels – Review and Outlook for Africa Energy Supply 2020-2021; and Scaling Value for Oil Marketing Companies Post-Covid19 – Focus on Technology.
Participants will also engage in discussions on issues concerning Petroleum Refining Trends and Outlook for Tomorrow’s Energy Supply; Shipment of Petroleum Products – Issues in Bunker Quality and Maritime Security; and The Future of Storage and Pipeline Assets.
Other heads of discussion will revolve around Downstream Gas Investment – From Assets to Markets; Post-‘Deregulation’ Agenda for Nigerian Downstream Petroleum; and New Opportunities and Directions for Downstream Energy Financing.
The OTL Africa Downstream Week seeks to promote the development of efficient markets in downstream petroleum by facilitating an interface between private sector perspectives and government concerns with the aim of achieving an easier environment for doing business on the continent.
In addition, business to business meetings are always a key feature, with the range of service providers in the downstream value chain relishing the opportunity to identify and take advantage of products and services they would otherwise not have readily available.
The organisers said this year’s event by its nature is open to an unlimited audience with operators from more than 20 countries expected to participate. Many more countries are represented through organisations which will be showcasing products at the exhibition, while the Nigerian government interest will be represented by CEOs of the key regulatory agencies including PPMC, NNPC and the Ministry of Petroleum.
With a total of 10 sessions over five days, experts and CEOs of the most important international suppliers, local trading and marketing companies and a range of service providers are scheduled to make presentations.
