As Africa Oil Week (AOW) 2025 approaches, set to take place from September 15-18 in Accra, Ghana, industry leaders and experts are gearing up to discuss the continent’s rapidly evolving oil and gas landscape.
Ahead of the summit, Paul Sinclair, CEO of AOW Energy, shared insights with JoyBusiness’ Daryl Kwawu on why Ghana was chosen as host, key themes for the event, and the future of Africa’s upstream sector.
Q1: Why was Ghana selected as the host country for this year’s Africa Oil Week summit? What makes it a strategic location for the event?
Paul Sinclair: West Africa is currently experiencing one of the most exciting upstream booms in years. Nigeria is buzzing with dynamic M&A activity led by indigenous champions like Seplat and Oando, supported by regulatory reforms under NUPRC Chief Executive Gbenga Komolafe. Ghana itself is attracting fresh commitments from major operators such as ENI, while Kosmos continues unlocking the country’s full potential.
The Voltaian and Keta Basins are drawing increasing industry attention, with promising prospects extending across borders into Togo and Benin. Coupled with recent discoveries in Côte d’Ivoire and the remarkable progress of Petroci in the Ivorian upstream, plus emerging developments in Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, and The Gambia, Accra stands geographically and strategically at the epicenter of this unfolding West African energy story.
Hosting AOW: Energy 2025 in Ghana places us right at the heart of one of the most exciting upstream chapters in recent history.
Q2: With Africa’s energy landscape evolving, how is this year’s summit addressing the balance between oil & gas development and the push for energy transition?
Sinclair: The energy transition has often been oversimplified. Some expected the world to just “switch off” oil and gas, but the reality is that oil and gas remain vital to the global energy mix for decades. Our task is to ensure Africa plays a central role in meeting this demand—responsibly, sustainably, and with low-carbon development strategies at the core.
At AOW:Energy 2025, we advocate for Africa’s upstream industry, positioning its resources to serve global markets while developing “low-carbon barrels” that foster local prosperity. Oil and gas have historically powered global growth—they still can, but with a sustainable twist.
Q3: What key themes or discussions can attendees expect at this year’s summit? Are there any new additions compared to previous editions?
Sinclair: This year, we’re returning to what made AOW unique: a strong technical program anchored in finance, geology, and deal-making. We’re shining the spotlight firmly on upstream development, M&A, and exploration—our core strength.
Sessions will focus on project screening, licensing, and technical exploration, while also offering investors and operators opportunities to connect on B2B and B2G deal activity. At Sankofa Events, we believe AOW’s magic lies in its upstream DNA, and this year, we’re doubling down on that.
Q4: Which major stakeholders or decision-makers are you most excited to welcome to Ghana, and why?
Sinclair: Honestly, everyone who shares a passion for Africa’s energy security, development, and equitable partnerships excites me. I’m especially proud to welcome indigenous companies growing rapidly alongside global operators eager to collaborate with African governments.
I want to extend special thanks to the Government of Ghana, the Presidency, Ministry of Energy, Petroleum Commission, GNPC, and all host agencies who made this summit possible. Also, our sponsors play a critical role in delivering an event of this scale. For me, it’s about uniting a dynamic network that creates opportunity and prosperity for the continent.
Q5: How is AOW fostering dialogue between governments, international oil companies, and local stakeholders at the summit?
Sinclair: We design our meetings and networking functions intentionally. Every engagement is purposeful, ensuring governments, NOCs, IOCs, independents, financiers, and service providers find the right partners and build real, lasting relationships.
AOW’s reputation as the place “where deals happen” remains intact, and 2025 in Accra will be no exception. We believe strong engagement will translate into more projects coming online and broader growth in the market.
Q6: Local content has been a major focus in African energy. How is AOW 2025 encouraging investment in local talent, suppliers, and infrastructure?
Sinclair: Local content is central to equitable growth. It’s about empowering indigenous companies not just to participate but to own Africa’s oil and gas future. Local suppliers, fabricators, engineers, and innovators must lead wealth creation.
We have a close alliance with Nigeria’s NCDMB, which will bring fresh perspectives and exciting programs on local content. We also welcome trailblazing indigenous companies like Harlequin and RigWorld. These partners set the standard, and it’s a privilege to have them at AOW.
While embracing international partnerships for technology and capacity development, local participation remains key. AOW champions shared prosperity where natural resources fuel African development first.
Q7: What role do you see Ghana playing in the future of Africa’s oil and gas sector, both regionally and globally?
Sinclair: Central—that’s the single word I’d use. Ghana offers a perfect mix: proven basins like Tano, highly prospective plays like Keta, strong rule of law, policy certainty, and investor confidence. Combine this with Ghana’s connectivity and respected global standing, and you have the ingredients for success.
Ghana is entering a new dawn of opportunity. In the coming years, it will stand as one of Africa’s most important upstream hubs.
Q8: How does AOW ensure the summit drives tangible outcomes rather than just dialogue? Can you share examples of past deals or initiatives born out of AOW?
Sinclair: We respect the confidentiality of deals struck, which is why we’re often not privy to specifics. But AOW’s 30-year legacy speaks for itself—this is where deals get done.
Success isn’t just measured by conversations but by transactions that follow, which is why our community returns year after year.
Q9: As CEO, what’s your long-term vision for Africa Oil Week, especially as global energy narratives shift?
Sinclair: I want AOW to proudly serve Africa’s upstream sector. While renewables are crucial, we’re unapologetically committed to exploration and production—that’s our niche and where we excel.
We embrace responsibility—decarbonization, innovation, and low-carbon solutions will be integral to our conversations. I envision AOW as a modern, innovative, and sustainable platform supporting Africa’s upstream sector to thrive alongside global trends.
Q10: Finally, what would you say to a young African professional or entrepreneur considering attending AOW 2025 in Ghana?
Sinclair: Attend. Be part of the conversation. This is your industry and your future. Whether you’re in finance, geology, engineering, or tech, Africa needs the next wave of leaders to drive its energy story forward.
AOW is about deals, exploration, inclusion, excellence, and talent nurturing. Oil and gas aren’t relics of the past—they’re a modern, sustainable sector transforming economies and communities. If you want to shape Africa’s future, AOW 2025 in Ghana is the place to be.
Africa Oil Week 2025 runs from September 15-18 in Accra, Ghana. For registration and more information, visit africa-oilweek.com
Source: Daryl Kwawu, myjoyonline.com