New Era of Inclusive Energy Dialogue Begins as Sankofa Events to Acquire Africa Oil Week

Africa Oil Week (AOW), the prominent Africa-hosted oil and gas conference will be acquired by Sankofa Events, a London-based startup established in July 2024 and led by Paul Sinclair, former Government Relations Executive of Africa Oil Week. This acquisition aims to transform the conference by promoting investment and development in the African energy sector. The African Energy Chamber (AEC) sees this strategic move as crucial for fostering a more inclusive dialogue on African energy matters. Under Sankofa Events, AOW has the opportunity to redefine itself as an event that is not only hosted in Africa but driven by African interests.

For over 25 years, AOW has hosted an annual event in South Africa, supporting investment in African oil and gas projects. Despite its role in facilitating dialogue between African and global stakeholders, the decision to move the event to Dubai in 2021, following the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighted a disregard for the continent. Africa, particularly South Africa, was well-equipped to host an international conference safely and productively. However, relocating the discussion about African energy outside the continent effectively marginalised African voices, especially at a time when Africa most needed investment.

The repercussions of AOW’s decision were far-reaching and damaging. It perpetuated the notion that African issues are better addressed outside of Africa, reinforcing harmful stereotypes and power dynamics. Moreover, it deprived African energy professionals, entrepreneurs, key players, policymakers and African citizens of a critical platform to drive progress. By prioritising convenience and profit over principle and solidarity, AOW betrayed its commitment to Africa’s energy development. Despite the focus on many African countries and their potential in energy, most were unable to travel to the event due to COVID-19-related travel restrictions. As such, the move to Dubai was a painful reminder of the industry’s historical exploitation and neglect of African interests.

“To achieve its goals of becoming an electrified and industrialized economy, Africa needs collaboration, unity and partnerships. The decision to move AOW to foreign soil directly opposed all of these aspects. Sankofa Events has a unique and strategic opportunity to turn this conference around, addressing polarization and divisions perpetuated by previous ownership,” stated NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.  

Now, Sankofa Events – through its acquisition of AOW – aims to address this unjust decision head-on by transforming the event into an African-led platform. The acquisition not only creates the opportunity for a change in ownership but the introduction of fresh perspectives that align closely with Africa’s goals as a continent. Led by an African startup, AOW has the chance to redefine its narrative and play a more central role in driving impactful change in Africa.

“As a leading advocate for Africa’s energy development, the AEC looks forward to working with Sankofa Events to promote the continent’s energy potential, foster economic growth and enhance cooperation among African energy stakeholders. We believe that this new chapter for AOW will contribute to a more unified and prosperous energy community in Africa,” added Ayuk.