As the African Refiners and Distributors Association (ARDA) Week returns to Cape Town, South Africa, next week, the organisers have pledged commitment to prioritising the future of energy on the continent.

Bringing together policymakers, industry leaders and investors to discuss Africa’s energy challenges and opportunities, the event would focus on ‘Africa First: Delivering Our Energy Future’.

The conference, which explores energy security, infrastructure development and investment in the downstream oil and gas sector, comes as over 600 million Africans still lack access to electricity, highlighting the urgent need for solutions.

ARDA President, Dr Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, emphasised the importance of action as he said: “Africa’s energy demand is increasing due to population growth and industrialisation. We need regulatory reforms, better infrastructure, and investment in human capital to meet these demands.”

The event, expected to attract over 500 delegates from more than 45 countries, will feature networking sessions, technical workshops, and an Investment Forum on 9th April. This forum will showcase new project opportunities, encouraging partnerships between African stakeholders and investors.

ARDA’s Executive Secretary, Anibor Kragha, stressing the event’s significance, said: “ARDA Week 2025 is a key platform for advancing a just and equitable energy transition while strengthening energy security across Africa.”

Ahead of the event, ARDA has been engaging with key stakeholders. In January, discussions took place in Abidjan with SIR and the Ministry of Mines, Petroleum, and Energy. In February, ARDA participated in the Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES) and the OPEC-Africa dialogue. March included meetings in Lagos, Brazzaville, and Nairobi, focusing on financing and carbon market initiatives.