Experts to explore future of African energy market

Oil and gas law experts will on March 29 and 30 explore the future of African energy markets in Abuja. The gathering organised by Lawyers in Energy Network is themed “African future markets in energy transition: laws, policies and international regulations”.

Expounding on the theme, the association’s Executive Secretary, Raqueeba Oloko, said: “The future of the African energy markets is dicey with the impact of COVID-19 and the current transition of the energy industry from fossil fuels to renewable energy.

“This year’s conference will focus on how the laws, policies and regulations of African countries can help the African energy markets during this transition period.

“It will provide background information on the laws, policies and international regulations of the African energy markets; explain the current laws, policies and international regulations applicable in the energy sector of the different African countries and identify the different benefits and challenges of each law, policies and international regulations as applies to each country.

“The conference will make recommendations for regulatory solutions to these laws, policies and international regulations that can better improve the future of the African energy markets.”

Oloko added that the summit, which will be held at the Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja, aims to influence the energy laws, policies and international regulations of African countries in the transitioning period by engaging stakeholders on the laws, policies and international regulations that would best develop the African energy market.

She said participants would hear directly from industry leaders; network with influencers and industry experts face to face, gain and share new ideas and best practices, amongst other benefits.

Speakers include Secretary-General, African Petroleum Producers Organisation, Dr. Omar Farouk; Technical Adviser on Gas Business to the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Justice O. Derefaka; pioneer chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Section on Business Law and Chairman, Lawyers in Energy Network, George Etomi; a director in the presidency, Terhemen Andzenge; a professor of energy law, Yinka Omorogbe, among others.

The conference will be a hybrid event (physical and virtual) and participants are to register via the association’s website.