24 Nov 2015

The Minister of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources, Mr Kitso Mokaila, says Africa is well endowed with resources that call for African countries to complement each other.

Giving a keynote address at the African Refineries Association (ARA) storage and distribution conference in Gaborone on Monday, Mr Mokaila challenged the delegates to prove that Africa was worth investing in.

The conference attracted experts from 18 African countries to share and exchange knowledge in the area of petroleum storage and distribution.

Mr Mokaila said the conference provided a lot of opportunities to learn about different companies and governmental bodies, which worked together to keep the continent supplied with fuel in a safe, efficient and environmentally friendly manner.

The minister highlighted that ARA had proven itself as a powerful force in promoting, developing and pioneering policy best practice across the African downstream oil industry.

“Africa is in a state of rapid growth with Sub-Saharan GDP forecasted by the international Monetary Fund (IMF) to grow by over 5 per cent annually which places responsibility upon your industry to support this growth.”

Mr Mokaila said landlocked countries were reliant on neighbouring countries to assure regular and secure supply of products to fuel their economy.

ARA president, Mr Pierre N’Diaye, stated that oil demand was growing, hence posing a challenge in import and distribution.

He said since 2000, east and southern Africa compound annual demand growth of 3.7 per cent a year adding that delivering to these markets requires investment and improved practices.

He said entities should exercise safety at all times so that no person is killed or harmed through accidents, fires and explosions.

He said African consumer fuel supply chains are among the most expensive in the world hence stating the need to re assess them.

“ARA considers that harmonisation of regional fuel specification is essential for integration of product supply across the region,” he noted.

Botswana Oil Limited (BOL) chief executive officer Mr Willie Mokgatlhe stated that the government of Botswana promotes investment and infrastructure which is challenged due to Botswana being a landlocked country.

He said Botswana relied on 100 per cent of supply from South Africa.

However, he said there was need to explore other markets such as Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Namibia.

Mr Mokgatlhe said Botswana faced shortage of skills due to being a small country adding that the refinery industry is a very eye cautious and safety industry which needs skilled personnel. Ends