ARDA to Host Fifth Storage/Distribution & Jet Fuel Forum in Addis Ababa: Focusing on African Energy Security and Supply Chain Excellence

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – September 2024: The African Refiners & Distributors Association (ARDA) is proud to announce the fifth annual Storage/Distribution & Jet Fuel Forum, set to take place on September 24-26, 2024, at the Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Under the theme “African Energy Security – Delivering World-Class Storage & Distribution Facilities to Ensure Product Supply,” this prestigious event will gather industry leaders, stakeholders and experts to explore strategic initiatives for strengthening Africa’s energy infrastructure.

This year’s forum promises to emphasize the critical role of secure and efficient storage and distribution networks in meeting the growing energy demands across Africa. Existing infrastructure has posed challenges, with outdated facilities, insufficient investment and a lack of regulatory frameworks hindering a robust supply chain. The forum will address these obstacles by encouraging discussions around investment, technology adoption, and safety regulations essential for Africa’s energy security.

ARDA members will have the opportunity to build capacity, benchmark industry practices, and share experiences with peers. Sponsors will gain visibility by showcasing their activities and delivering valuable training to delegates.

The selection of Addis Ababa as the forum’s host city reflects ARDA’s longstanding relationship with local stakeholders, including NOC Ethiopia, led by Managing Director Mr. Tadesse Tilahun. This marks a milestone event for ARDA in East Africa, further strengthening ties with regional partners.

Mr Anibor Kragha, Executive Secretary of ARDA, commented: “With Ethiopia’s population projected to exceed 190 million by 2050, placing it among the top 10 globally, and with strong associated energy needs, ARDA is pleased to host its 5th Storage/Distribution & Jet Fuel Forum in Addis Ababa. During the event, our Association looks forward to productive engagements among our Members and stakeholders, focusing on the critical infrastructure challenges – ports, pipelines, railways, and more – and the relevant solutions required to meet Africa’s growing energy demand in the coming decades. Together, we will work to implement a robust and sustainable African Downstream Energy Transition Plan.“

Forum Structure & Highlights:
The event is designed to facilitate collaboration and knowledge-sharing through workshops and training sessions over the course of three days:

• Day 1 – September 24: A Storage Distribution (SD) workshop focused on building capacity and addressing key challenges in Africa’s downstream sector.
• Day 2 – September 25: A Jet Fuel workshop under the theme “Sustainable Jet Fuel Supply Chain Initiative – Moving Forward!” This session will explore sustainable strategies to enhance Africa’s Jet fuel supply chain.
• Day 3 – September 26: Comprehensive training on Jet Fuel standards, hosted in partnership with the Joint Inspection Group (JIG), Energy Institute (EI), and TOTALENERGIES. The training will cover norms and quality requirements to ensure JET fuel supply meets international standards.

Key Topics:
Participants will benefit from engaging discussions and presentations on:

• The evolution of the international energy context and its impact on African markets.
• Investments needed to address supply chain challenges in Africa.
• Adoption of new technologies to drive the energy transition and improve efficiency.
• Ensuring security and safety throughout the supply chain.
• A detailed look at the challenges and future outlook for Jet fuel in Africa.
• Case studies on best practices and lessons learned from recent industry incidents.

Expected Outcomes:
Attendees will leave with valuable insights into securing energy supplies, improving operational efficiency, and adopting sustainable practices. The forum’s focus on practical case studies and real-world examples will ensure that delegates are equipped with actionable strategies to drive the development of Africa’s energy infrastructure.

About ARDA:
The African Refiners & Distributors Association (ARDA) is the voice of Africa’s downstream energy sector. Through its annual forums, this association provides a platform for industry stakeholders to engage, collaborate, and advance best practices for a sustainable and secure energy future.

For more information, please visit www.arda.africa or contact us at info@afrra.org