Unlocking Potential: The MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power Conference 2023
The upcoming MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2023 conference and exhibition, scheduled to take place on November 21 in Nouakchott, will feature a ministerial panel discussion under the theme ‘Building Connections, Fostering Growth.’ This panel aims to convene Energy Ministers from the MSGBC region to deliberate on the future of the region’s energy sector. The agenda encompasses discussions on regional cooperation, energy infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and technological advancements.
The panel will be chaired by NJ Ayuk, the Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber, and will include esteemed ministers from the region, notably H.E. Nani Chrougha of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, H.E Dr. Hotna Cufuk Na Doha of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, H.E. Felix Antoine Diome of the Republic of Senegal, Hon. Abdoulie Jobe of The Gambia, and H.E. Aly Seydouba Soumah of the Republic of Guinea-Conakry, all making their inaugural appearance at the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power event.
The primary focus of the discussion will be to reinforce regional integration in the energy sector. The panel will explore strategies for promoting cross-border trade, facilitating market access, and aligning energy policies. Collaborative initiatives such as the West African Power Pool and joint agreements on resource management and cross-border capital flows have the potential to unlock shared resources, reduce costs, and expand the energy market reach.
Another significant aspect to be addressed is the potential for reducing operational costs through collaborative regional infrastructure projects. Ministers will deliberate on establishing shared infrastructure, such as the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline and integrated transportation networks. These projects, including the regional railway system in West Africa, are designed to enhance resource movement, potentially leading to cost reductions, operational streamlining, and the establishment of a stronger energy ecosystem in the MSGBC region.
The conversation will also revolve around streamlining the regulatory landscape for oil and gas activities. The objective is to develop a coordinated set of regulations that simplify processes for exploration, production, and transportation. A harmonized regulatory framework can inspire investor confidence, expedite project approvals, and ensure industry compliance, paving the way for responsible and efficient resource development. The Grand Tortue Ahmeyim gas project, located offshore between Senegal and Mauritania, is a prime example of harmonizing regional regulations from exploration to production, with the first gas expected to arrive by mid-2024.
The panel will shed light on the use of technology to enhance regional cooperation, examining methods for sharing technological advancements across borders. Countries like Guinea Conakry, which has recently invested in a geological research center, and The Gambia, which has signed an MoU for crude oil exploration with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, can benefit from the expertise of Senegal and Mauritania. Collaborative innovation has the potential to lead to improved exploration techniques, enhanced safety practices, and more efficient resource extraction methods, ensuring the region remains at the forefront of technological advancements in the energy industry.
The conference will also address the prerequisites, rationale, and significance of inter-African energy trade, including an examination of the regulatory and infrastructure requirements for expanding trade between African countries.
Under the patronage of the President of the Republic of Mauritania Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani and in partnership with the Ministry of Petroleum, Energy, and Mines, the Mauritanian Oil and Mining Company, Petrosen, COS-Petrogaz, and the African Energy Chamber, the third edition of the conference will take place from November 21 to 22 in Nouakchott. Registration for the event is available at https://msgbcoilgasandpower.com/.
