Former Miss Malaika beauty queen Ama Osei Sarpong (formerly Ama Nettey), hosted oil and gas industry experts in a panel discussion on Tuesday, October 18 2022 in Dunwoody, Atlanta, Georgia, USA on the theme: Boosting the Energy Sector to increase further investment.
This year’s conference, dubbed ‘Ghana Nigeria Business & Investment Conference’ gathered 150 investors, executives, and entrepreneurs, with a minimum business turnover of $10 million per annum and presented to them business and investment opportunities within Ghana and Nigeria, whilst providing insight on Ghana / Nigeria’s economy and infrastructure and AfCFTA’s role in promoting infra-Africa
trade.
The Ghana Nigeria Business & Investment Conference garnered a high level of interest from the United States and strategic partners in both Ghana and Nigeria.
The hybrid in-person and virtual panel organized by the Ghana Nigeria Business Council discussion and moderated by Mrs Osei Sarpong explored both greenfield and brownfield oil and gas investment opportunities within Ghana and Nigeria.
The panel which discussed several challenges and solutions in the oil & gas sector in the subregion included such industry experts including Greg Germani, Managing Director, West Africa Gas Pipeline Company, Edwin Provencal, Managing Director, Bulk Oil Storage Transport (B.O.S.T), Dr Oladunni Owo, CEO & Principal Consultant, BlackGold Authorities & Advisory Consult and Francis Enakele, Manager Planning and Budget, Joint Venture Finance, AITEO.
The discussions premised on the fact that investments in oil & gas in Nigeria has reached an all-time low, although Nigeria is one of the largest oil producers in Africa. As well as the impressive efforts by Ghana to increase the participation of international players to strengthen the energy sector, although a relatively new entrant.
The panel also acknowledged that in a time where investment in oil and gas must compete alongside low-carbon resources because of the energy transition, gas is seen as a transition fuel to net zero and help Africa achieve climate goals.
The conversation also highlighted the need for a well-structured policy in boosting investments in the energy sector and driving foreign direct investment in oil and gas, help address Africa’s energy poverty and most importantly attracting international investments on the continent.
Speaking during the Q&A session she urged young professionals concerned about career opportunities in the oil and gas industry to stay abreast with industry trends and upskill for a low-carbon future while positioning for opportunities in the energy transition.
Also in attendance as keynote speakers were the Vice President of Ghana and Nigeria, Ministry of Trade and Industry for Ghana and Nigeria, the Ghana-US Ambassador, Consul General of Nigeria, AfCFTA Secretary General, Mayor of Atlanta and Governor of Georgia.
