The African Refiners and Distributors Association (ARDA) is calling for solutions to promote downstream energy transition and sustainable finance for energy security in Africa, amidst a global energy crisis and a push towards net-zero. The organization plans to bring together industry leaders in Cape Town, South Africa to discuss emerging energy issues.
ARDA President and Managing Director of SAR refinery in Senegal, Marieme Ndoye Decreane, emphasized the urgent need for immediate action to achieve projected objectives in the sector, including meeting short-term energy security objectives, reducing fuel poverty, and achieving COP targets.
Executive Secretary of ARDA, Anibor Kragha, noted the competing challenges facing the African Downstream sector, as it struggles to balance its near-term cleaner fuel needs with longer-term energy transition initiatives. Kragha emphasized the importance of prioritizing energy security, given the impacts of the Ukraine war on existing energy transition approaches in Africa.
Speakers at the conference are expected to address various topics, including the role of the Downstream in delivering the African Carbon Markets Initiative (ACMI), National Oil Companies and Energy Transition, African Independents’ Path to Cleaner Fuels and Net-Zero, and Cleaner Vehicle Emissions as an Essential Path to Reduce Air Pollution. The complexity of the situation in Africa was also noted, as some countries invest in improving their refineries, while others face closure and stalled infrastructure and logistics initiatives.
