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Reflecting on OTL 2025 – Africa Downstream Energy Week

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We’re proud to have had our Chief Executive Officer, Riverson Oppong, PhD, represent COMAC at the OTL 2025 Expo – Africa Downstream Energy Week in Lagos, Nigeria. Dr. Oppong delivered an insightful presentation on “Emerging Business Models Within the Downstream Landscape,”.


Highlights:

1. The Market Context: Africa as the Downstream Growth Frontier

While demand in traditional markets in Europe and North America is expected to shrink by 2035, Africa’s outlook remains strong — the continent’s downstream market is projected to grow from USD 80.5 billion in 2024 to USD 120.8 billion by 2032, driven by a 2.2 million bpd demand rise and a 2.3% CAGR.


2. Digital Transformation & Platform-Based Business Models

Digitization is now essential, reducing operating costs by up to 20% and improving efficiency by 8–12%. Through tools like APC, digital twins, and predictive maintenance, downstream operations are becoming smarter and more resilient. In Ghana, initiatives such as Automatic Tank Gauging and BRV Tracking Systems are Key Examples of Digitalization Initiatives in Ghana’s Downstream Oil and Gas sector.


3. Evolving Customer Expectations

Service stations are evolving into multi-purpose destinations offering convenience and accessibility. Global demand for convenience is projected to nearly double by 2030, emphasizing the need for strategic service design, technology integration, and data-driven insights.


4. Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS) & Service-Oriented Models

EaaS is redefining energy consumption — customers now pay for outcomes rather than own infrastructure. With solar systems, battery leasing, and equipment-as-a-service, operators can lower capital costs, enhance efficiency, and build long-term customer relationships.


5. Decentralized, Integration & Diversification Models

Modular refineries, solar-integrated fuel stations, and EV charging infrastructure integration are enabling flexible, scalable, and sustainable downstream operations, ensuring quicker returns and market adaptability.


6. Innovative business models for LPG distribution

Emerging solutions such as Cylinder Recirculation Models, Micro-Distribution Centers, PAYG systems, and mobile LPG delivery are expanding access to clean energy while improving safety and convenience.


7. Joint Ventures, Strategic Partnerships & Analytics-Driven Models

JVs and strategic alliances remain key for managing risks, accessing markets, infrastructure optimization, and driving technology transfer. In Ghana, partnerships among smaller OMCs can strengthen market position and operational efficiency.


8. Success Factors for Emerging Models

Sustainable transformation requires robust regulation, digital investment, ecosystem collaboration, long-term vision, and agile innovation through pilot-driven scaling.


As the industry transitions to more agile, data-driven, and customer-centric models, COMAC remains committed to advancing innovation, growth, and sustainability within Africa’s downstream energy landscape.


Mr. GABRIEL KUMI, Chairman of COMAC, delivered an insightful presentation on “Energy Optimization, Transition & Sustainability – Gas,” emphasizing LPG’s crucial role in Africa’s clean energy transition. He highlighted LPG as a scalable solution for clean cooking and transportation, helping reduce reliance on wood and charcoal while curbing deforestation and pollution.


With over 900 million Africans lacking access to clean cooking fuels, he called for greater investment in infrastructure, regulation, and consumer financing. He concluded that LPG serves as a bridge fuel supporting renewables, climate goals, and sustainable livelihoods across the continent.



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