Africa’s downstream sector is back on the radar as global supply disruptions brought about by the Gulf war highlight a need for a strategic re-thinking of African energy systems. With over 600 million people living without access to electricity, 900 million people living without access to clean cooking solutions and African oil demand set to reach 4.5 million barrels per day (bpd) by 2050, industry stakeholders at ARDA Week 2026 issued a call to expand refining capacity, reduce import dependency and unlock greater value from the continent’s hydrocarbon resources.

Delivering a keynote address at the event, NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber reinforced the need for downstream expansion as a cornerstone of energy security and industrial development across the continent. He emphasized that the urgency to build robust refining and distribution systems is no longer a policy discussion but an economic and social imperative – and one in which Africa must take ownership.

“A big question for Africa is whether we will embrace innovation, growth and........

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