The West African Energy Summit, held on 3rd and 4th September in Accra, Ghana, has emerged as a pivotal event in the region's energy landscape. This year's Summit, which attracted a diverse audience of policymakers, industry leaders, global expert and our Scottish delegation, underscored the transformative potential of strategic partnerships and innovative solutions in shaping a sustainable energy future for West Africa.
The event highlighted several critical themes and actionable insights essential for advancing the energy sector in West Africa. Central to the discussions was the urgent need for a balanced energy mix that incorporates both traditional and renewable energy sources – and the challenges that come with that. With West Africa’s burgeoning economies and increasing energy demands, there is a consensus that transitioning to a more sustainable energy framework is imperative.
Day One was a whirlwind of insights and innovation – from the keynote speech laying out the vision for West Africa's energy future through to the panels and discussions on the big topics including innovation, investment, polices and regulation, futureproofing and opportunities.
There was some great informal 'banter' between two former leaders about the relationships and support between the West African nations which brought a welcome light-heartedness to the conference. It was a full day for our delegates, with the highlight being our round table with Egbert Faibille Jnr CEO of the Petroleum Commission and Joseph Dadzie, CEO of GNPC where we discussed skills, training, education, standardised international accreditation and their eagerness to look to Scottish companies to help drive some of these forward. This resulted in meetings being organised for the following day; cue a change of programme but all worth it!
On day two and a significant focus throughout the event was on the adoption of innovative technologies to enhance energy efficiency and accessibility. The integration of smart grids and energy management systems was highlighted as a key strategy to address energy distribution challenges and reduce losses. Additionally, the potential of digital technologies, including blockchain for energy transactions and AI for predictive maintenance, was explored as a means to optimise energy operations and increase reliability.
We delved into cutting-edge technologies transforming the energy landscape in West Africa, from advanced solar solutions to ground breaking energy storage systems before listening to a number of panel sessions incorporating engaging discussions with industry leaders highlighting key strategies for sustainable energy development along with hearing their perspectives on policy, investment and collaboration. It was also great to connect with professionals and thought leaders who share a commitment to advancing the energy sector as well as bumping into some well kent faces from Scotland! The Scottish Africa Business Association’s member companies in the education and skills training sector hosted a seminar around Scotland's expertise in these areas which was well attended. Our audience asked about vocational training, international accreditation, scholarships and diversification of skills and we even had some Robert Gordon University alumni attend.
The afternoon was spent with our colleagues from Cote d'Ivoire discussing a number of opportunities and the Ministry has invited us to bring a Scottish delegation there next year to look at a number of sectors including marine, infrastructure, energy and ports so watch this space.The Summit finished with a fabulous evening of food, entertainment, dancing and networking with the team from OGV Group getting a rapturous round of applause for pulling the Summit together.
Throughout the two days the engagement of policymakers was a standout feature and our organisation, the Scottish Africa Business Association held a number of high-level discussions with government representatives from across the West African region which provided our delegates with critical insights into the policy and regulatory frameworks necessary to drive the energy transition. Their briefings underscored the need for coherent and long-term energy policies that not only attract investment but also emphasised the shortage in the skills gap; from vocational training to train the trainer initiatives and our delegates from OPITO, City of Glasgow College and Heriot Watt University were able to highlight the practical support they could offer as well as guidance and advice from a country which has already gone through many of these challenges.
Policymakers emphasised the importance of creating a stable regulatory environment to facilitate public-private partnerships from across the globe. They called for harmonised regulations across the region to streamline processes and reduce barriers to investment. This collaborative approach is seen as vital for mobilising the capital and expertise required to implement large-scale energy projects and drive economic growth.
The participation of UK and Scottish businesses at the Summit was particularly significant. Scottish businesses, known for their improvements in renewable energy technologies and sector expertise, with Aberdeen acting as the energy capital of Europe, played a crucial role in our discussions. The participation of our delegates from across Scotland highlighted the importance of knowledge transfer and technological collaboration in supporting West Africa’s energy transition.
Scottish businesses, with their pioneering work in offshore wind and energy efficiency, also contributed valuable insights and experience. The participation of companies from Scotland reflects a growing recognition of West Africa as a key player in the global energy market and underscores the opportunities for cross-border partnerships.
The 2024 West African Energy Summit has set a robust foundation for the future. The actionable insights and commitments made during the event provide a clear roadmap for advancing West Africa’s energy sector. Moving forward, it is essential to build on the momentum generated by the Summit, ensuring that the strategies discussed translate into tangible outcomes and drive meaningful progress.
As West Africa continues to navigate its energy transition, the active participation of global businesses and the strong support of policymakers will be critical in achieving a sustainable and prosperous energy future. The summit has demonstrated that with collective effort and innovative approaches, West Africa is well-positioned to lead in creating a more resilient and equitable energy landscape.
However, the Summit may have been over, but our business opportunities weren’t. The Scottish Africa Business Association organised a full morning of 1:1 meetings at the British Council Ghana where our delegates met with over 40 Ghanaian businesses interested in our skills, education, training, renewable energy, supply chain, finance and security. It was noisy. It was fast-paced. It was interesting. It was great to see so many business cards being exchanged. It was brilliant to be supplied with Ghanaian coffee throughout! There's a lot of follow ups to be done and so many opportunities for Scottish businesses to get involved in this incredible country.
The request from all our Ghanaian colleagues was for us to return - with more Scottish businesses.In the ever-evolving landscape of global innovation, Scotland has clearly carved out a reputation as a beacon of excellence and ingenuity. Ghana, a dynamic and rapidly growing economy in West Africa, has taken note of Scotland’s significant contributions to technology, education and sustainable development.
Their doors are open.
After our full business programme was concluded, we spent the day exploring Accra and getting to know some of its beautiful and amazing people. After we headed back to the hotel to prepare for packing for our return, our CEO received an unexpected call – “The Minister of Education has heard you are in town with a Scottish delegation and would like to meet, a car is on its way”! After rapidly unpacking his suit he met with His Excellency Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum to discuss areas for partnership between Ghana and Scotland in education and skills training through our Universities, Colleges and private sector and discussing innovative funding models. Minister Adutwum invited us to submit a proposal to him for a Ghana–Scotland education partnership, an education focussed trade mission and a visit to Scotland for His Excellency to meet and visit our world class providers.Quite a result for our Scottish trade mission amongst many other highlights!
We’d like to thank our delegates for making it such a great experience. To the British Council, UK Ghana Chamber of Commerce for their support. To our colleague in Ghana, Rubby Golo, who acted as an intermediary for so many things – thank you!
To OGV Group for organising an incredible energy Summit and networking opportunities.
And finally , a huge thanks for The Scottish Government for supporting this trade mission which has already yielded some fantastic results for Scottish businesses.
We have a number of other trade delegations planned; to London, Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Namibia and Ghana. If you want to find out more, get in touch with us at info@africascot.com.
As for the West African Energy Summit – same time next year?
Seona Shand
Chief Operating Officer
Scottish Africa Business Association
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