Our mission:
To be a voice for all African downstream oil stakeholders
The African Refiners and Distributors Association (ARDA) is the first ever pan-African organisation for the downstream oil sector. Founded in 2006, ARDA Members comprise of African oil refiners, importers, terminal operators, major marketers, distributors and industry regulators.
ARDA is a platform for improved interaction between African refiners and distributors, and international marketing, trading, engineering and financial services companies. It offers excellent opportunities for global organisations to engage positively with the African downstream and develop new business across the continent. ARDA also promotes African Energy Security by seeking to maximise the processing of African crude oil in African refineries and the transportation of cleaner fuels via integrated African storage & distribution infrastructure.
Anniversary video: 20 Years Strong – the story of ARDA
To mark the 20th anniversary of ARDA, we produced a documentary celebrating our remarkable journey. Told through the voices of the people who have helped shape our association, the film reflects on two decades of growth, impact, and shared commitment.
ARDA Training Institute
The ARDA Training Institute is the professional development arm of our association, dedicated to developing human capital across Africa’s downstream energy sector.
Delivered in collaboration with ARDA Work Groups and industry partners, its training programmes provide practical knowledge, technical expertise, and industry best practices. The Academy promotes continuous learning and strengthens capabilities throughout the downstream value chain.
ARDA Membership
Members of the Association represent stakeholders from all areas of the downstream oil sector across Africa.
To address the economic, environmental and social priorities of our membership, and promote fair economic policies in respect of all downstream oil activities, we offer a rich programme of resources and activities. These include ARDA workshops, commissioned studies and reports, collaboration with associate organisations, the ARDA African Downstream Database and ARDA Week – our annual African downstream oil conference in Cape Town.
Join us and become a key player in deciding policy on pan-African downstream developments.
ARDA Sponsorship
ARDA sponsorship packages are designed to help international companies engage more effectively with the African downstream and develop new opportunities across the continent.
As a sponsor, your organisation will be promoted via the ARDA website, newsletter and regular events that we organise throughout the year. In addition to free attendance at these events, including ARDA WEEK, sponsorship includes advertising packages, presentation opportunities, nomination of delegates to Workgroup meetings and discounts on CITAC workshops.
Premium Sponsors
ARDA sponsors include multi-national oil and energy firms, shipping companies, inspectors, local trading companies, international banks and technology providers. This rich mix of organisations presents an extraordinary networking opportunity and allows a unique exchange of best practice.
“ARDA should be flexible, private, non-governmental and not budget-intensive, providing members with free access to a common base of technical, economic and human resources.”
JOËL DERVAIN
President Emeritus