Sub-Saharan Africa hosts maiden oil and gas summit

The first edition of the Sub-Sahara Africa upstream oil and gas summit and exhibition is scheduled to hold in Accra, Ghana, from April 1 to 3, 2015.

The summit, organised by Zenith Professional Training (ZPT), is aimed at bringing to the fore, the intricacies of the oil and gas sector, the potentials of the industry and the sizable share of global reserves and resources deposited in Nigeria, Ghana and other oil-producing countries in the region.

A press statement signed by Innocent Nwani, media officer for the summit, listed issues to be discussed as ranging from cross-border matters, particularly for stakeholder licenses, financial instruments for marginal fields, local content drive, to security and safety in extractive industries and sustainable management of resources.

“The clime of the oil and gas industry has become quite heated and unfavourable for the African economies and markets. To ensure the survival, stability and continuity of the major economic resource of Africa countries, the summit and exhibition will be held with the theme: unlocking potentials in sub-Sahara Africa upstream oil and gas,” he said.

“With more than 4,200 oil and gas blocks identified, Africa is the last true oil and gas frontier. About half of these blocks are open, subject to force majeure. More than 80% of the 1,300 blocks in North Africa are licensed,” it said.

“In sub-Saharan Africa, it is estimated that only about 30% of 2,900 blocks are licensed. In the sub-Saharan regions, it is evident that many new opportunities still exist, especially for the exploration and production companies that are willing to take risks.”

Beyond discussions, the event affords participants the opportunity to showcase their organisation’s brand and products, launch company’s new products and services, increase product awareness across the sub-Saharan African region, contact with potential clients and customers as well as networking with key decision makers.

It is expected that the summit and exhibition will attract many key industry players from across Africa and beyond.