Olaniwun Ajayi LP and Africa Legal to host key Energy Leadership Forum on Indigenous Capacity during Africa Energy Week

As international oil companies continue to divest from mature upstream assets across Africa, Nigeria stands at the forefront of a major transformation. During Africa Energy Week (AEW), leading law firm Olaniwun Ajayi LP, in partnership with Africa Legal, will host an exclusive forum exploring the opportunities and challenges of indigenous participation in reshaping the continent’s energy future.

Titled "Beyond Divestments: Unleashing Indigenous Capacity to Drive Nigeria’s Upstream Growth", the half-day event takes place from 1-5.30pm on 1 October at the One & Only, Cape Town, and is poised to be a cornerstone session during AEW.

“We’re hosting this forum because we believe this is a defining moment for Africa’s energy sector,” says Damilola Salawu, Partner of the Oil & Gas Practice at Olaniwun Ajayi LP. “With new opportunities opening across the continent, it’s time for indigenous players to take centre stage in driving upstream growth. But real progress requires more than ambition — it takes the right legal, financial, and strategic foundations. This forum is about bringing the key voices together to chart that path forward.”

This exclusive forum will convene top African energy executives, general counsel, policymakers, investors, and development partners to explore key themes relating to unleashing indigenous capacity, including: 

• policy and legal frameworks under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA)

• financing models for indigenous operators, including DFI-backed and blended structures

• legal and operational transitions following asset acquisitions

• regional collaboration for energy security and economic resilience

• case studies from Nigeria and across the continent

This key strategic forum aligns with AEW’s broader themes in 2025, including local content development, upstream investment, and African-led growth. This year’s event is expected to spark cross-border partnerships, deal-making, and legal innovation across the energy value chain.

Africa Legal is also delighted to be a media partner for Africa Energy Week, which has grown from strength to strength in recent years. This partnership continues Africa Legal’s ongoing commitment to elevating Africa’s legal voice in critical conversations on the global stage, and driving growth on the continent. 

Olaniwun Ajayi LP is a leading Nigerian law firm with deep expertise in the energy, infrastructure, and regulatory sectors. The firm advises governments, investors, and corporations on high-stakes transactions and policy reform across Africa. 

To register your interest to attend please contact scott@africa-legal.com