The upcoming Annual Oil Trading and Logistics (OTL) Africa Downstream Energy Week 2024 conference is set to explore critical topics such as health and wellness, as well as the impact of Artificial Intelligence and Big Data on decision-making within the downstream sector.
This was disclosed at a virtual media briefing with energy correspondents as organizers of the annual event revealed the intention behind this year’s conference, the notable speakers and the expected impact of the curated sessions on sector
Themed “Alliances for Growth,” OTL Africa is set to take place from October 28 to 31, 2024, at the Oriental Hotel in Lagos. This year’s event will be filled with activities aimed at enhancing the smooth functioning of the downstream subsector of the oil and gas industry.
Participants will have the opportunity to engage with counterparts from various African countries, sharing their experiences and exchanging ideas.
Mrs. Joyce Akabogu, CEO of OTL Downstream Development in Africa, shared insights about the upcoming event during a virtual press conference with key media partners and energy correspondents on Wednesday.
She stated, “One of our significant achievements has been engaging regulators across the midstream, downstream, and maritime industries to ensure their policies and processes align with sector realities.”
The discussions at the conference will focus on refining operations, pricing and trading of petroleum products, logistics, shipping, LPG, lubricants, petrochemicals, and essential government policies influencing growth.
Participants will include key stakeholders from beyond Nigeria, such as representatives from Senegal’s PetroSen and Ghana, with plans to broaden engagement throughout sub-Saharan Africa.
“OTL Africa is dedicated to enhancing regional representation. We aim to increase participation to foster an inclusive platform for cross-border collaborations,” she emphasized.
She added, “Their involvement this year will offer industry players valuable insights into regulatory policies and strategic guidance for addressing emerging challenges.
“The event will feature a strategic conference, exhibition, and networking opportunities, serving as a platform for knowledge sharing and business promotion across the value chain.
“For the past 18 years, this event has been a catalyst for industry development, shaping the agenda for midstream and downstream operations across Africa.
“With stakeholders from all segments of the value chain expected to attend, the event is poised to tackle critical issues in refining, shipping, financial services, and the policy frameworks that influence the industry.
“The OTL Africa event promises a comprehensive agenda, including 13 concurrent sessions alongside the exhibition.
“These sessions will cover key industry themes while introducing innovative discussions that move beyond traditional topics.”
The upcoming event will feature several “soft sessions” that extend beyond the core topics of the industry.
“These sessions will delve into areas such as health and wellness, as well as the impact of Artificial Intelligence and Big Data on improving decision-making in the downstream sector.
“A new highlight of this event is the Founder’s Fireside session, which will annually showcase an entrepreneurial guest from the downstream industry.
“This session aims to provide personal insights and share the inspirational journeys of individuals who have made significant contributions to the field,” she elaborated.
She further stressed that OTL Africa focuses on four main areas: capacity building, business matchmaking, advocacy, and research.
“This event represents a broader vision, facilitating discussions that enable regulators to gauge the industry’s pulse,” Akabogu noted.
Highlighting the conference’s significance for sector growth, Mrs. Akabogu remarked, “Before OTL was established, the industry lacked a unified platform to articulate its expectations and advocate for policy reforms.
“Now, through strategic partnerships with key organizations like the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) and the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN), this event has emerged as a strong voice for the industry.
“OTL Africa’s annual conference has played a crucial role in shaping the entrepreneurial paths of many participants, with numerous attendees attributing their business growth and valuable insights to their engagement during OTL Africa Week.
“In the past two years, around 70% of NMDPRA’s directors have attended our events, providing industry stakeholders with direct access to key regulators.
“These interactions have enabled participants to discuss vital issues with regulators and clarify policy changes,” Akabogu remarked.
The Managing Director/CEO of OTL Africa Downstream Development in Africa Ltd. also indicated that this year, the conference’s communique will be reintroduced to highlight key outcomes and ensure that recommendations are directed to the relevant ministries and regulatory bodies for action.
“One of our significant achievements has been engaging essential regulators in the midstream, downstream, and maritime sectors.
“This collaboration allows them to implement changes that align with the policies and processes they develop,” she stated.
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