By: Modern Ghana

The highly anticipated Africa Oil Week (AOW) is set to take place in Accra, Ghana for the first time in 2025, marking a historic shift from its 30-year tenure in Cape Town, South Africa.

At the official press launch at Kempinski Hotel in Accra on Wednesday, November 13, Herbert Krapa, Ghana’s Minister of State for Energy, assured organizers and stakeholders that Ghana is prepared to deliver an unparalleled experience, one that positions Accra as a leading energy hub in Africa.

Mr. Krapa underscored the symbolic importance of this relocation to West Africa, emphasizing that Accra is ready for the challenge.

“We are thrilled that AOW will be moving to Accra, starting from 15th September next year. Ghana is ready, and Accra will be ready to host this very important gathering,” he announced, pledging Ghana’s commitment to making the event a resounding success.

The minister further noted that hydrocarbons remain crucial for Africa’s development. “We must continue to explore and produce. Our hydrocarbon resources are vital, and we are not merely following a global energy trend; rather, we are prioritizing our development needs,” he stated.

Ghana aims to use its natural resources to build a sustainable and prosperous energy future while balancing green energy ambitions.

The Africa Oil Week 2025 has received enthusiastic endorsements from key stakeholders.

Mr. Paul Sinclair, CEO of Sankofa Events and owner of Africa Oil Week, explained the significance of the move.

“This is not just about bringing capital into Africa; it’s about empowering African businesses to participate in projects across the continent,” Sinclair noted, highlighting the importance of African ownership in the energy narrative.

He applauded the partnership with the Africa Prosperity Network (APN) and Ghana’s government, emphasizing that AOW is more than an event; it is a catalyst for African economic growth and self-reliance.

Supporting this vision, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo emphasized Ghana’s commitment to maximizing the benefits of Africa Oil Week.

“Africa Oil Week has been the heartbeat of Africa’s oil, gas, and energy sectors for over three decades. Hosting this event in Accra affirms Ghana’s position as a commercial and strategic hub,” he stated.

The President expressed pride in welcoming the global energy community to Ghana, where the AOW will leverage its proximity to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat to further foster trade and economic integration.

Mr. Gabby Otchere-Darko, founder of APN, also underscored the event’s regional impact, stating, “The shift of Africa Oil Week to Accra is timely, positioning Ghana as a leading commercial hub within Africa’s 1.4 billion-person single market economy.”

He urged African stakeholders to collaborate in strengthening the oil and gas value chain across the continent.

The upcoming Africa Oil Week will bring together top international and African companies, such as ExxonMobil, Tullow Oil, and indigenous players, underscoring Ghana’s role as a major player in Africa’s energy sector.

The Petroleum Commission’s CEO, Mr. Egbert Faibille Jnr., expressed optimism, envisioning the event as an opportunity for Ghana to secure new deals.

He stressed, “We must ensure that some of these investments are retained here in Ghana, benefiting our local industries and fostering growth.”

Africa Oil Week 2025, slated for September 15 to 18, 2025, is expected to draw significant investment, strengthen local content, and promote sustainable development initiatives while reinforcing Ghana’s role in Africa’s evolving energy landscape.