South African Deputy President, Paul Mashatile, is scheduled to speak at Africa Oil Week (AOW) on 10 October 2023, in Cape Town.
The gathering is the continent’s leading event in the upstream oil-and-gas energy space, and it sees representatives of more than 25 African governments coming together with energy policymakers, financiers and dealmakers to share insights and to carve a sustainable roadmap for the development of Africa’s natural resources.
Mashatile’s attendance at the continental showpiece comes at a time when energy is a primary concern of national policymaking in South Africa and elsewhere on the continent.
Announcing the deputy president’s participation, event director Yemi Ibidunni said that the presence of a government representative as senior as Mr Mashatile confirmed the importance which South Africa attached to oil and gas planning.
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“There have been exciting offshore discoveries in South African territorial waters, which may herald a new dawn for the country’s oil and gas sector,” said Ibidunni.
“At the same time, there have been significant discoveries in Namibia and elsewhere in Africa. This emphasises the importance of Africa’s government and business leaders coming together to discuss partnerships for energy security while enhancing regional economic development,” he added.
Ibidunni said AOW provides the ideal platform to facilitate such discussions, as well as enabling deals, and positioning the continent as a stable destination for international investment.
The theme of this year’s AOW event is “Maximising Africa’s Natural Resources”.