The leader of the African Energy Chamber (CAE) in Mozambique, Florival Mucave, criticized on Monday the move of the 'Africa Oil Week' (AOW) forum from Johannesburg to DubaiI think it is a good idea to have an exhibition in Africa, implying that Africa cannot afford such an exhibition.

"I am deeply concerned about the decision to move the AOW to Dubai under the guise of protecting participants from covid-19 infections in Cape Town," he said, adding that "this sends the message that when things are tough because of covid-19, Africa should be abandoned in favor of other places, regardless of the loyalty Africa has shown for more than two decades."

At issue is the change of this exhibition, which will present the main trends and perspectives for energy exploration on the continent, and which was announced earlier this month by the consulting firm Hyve due to concerns over the pandemic situation in South Africa.

"When you take away trade and business opportunities from Africa, you are taking away jobs and opportunities from Africans; the AOW has made its decision, and the onus is on us to demonstrate that as a continent we are capable and want to organize a conference that proudly showcases the oil and gas industry in Africa and takes into account all the protocols and preventative measures for covid-19 contagion," Florival Mucave pointed out.

"The decision is wrong, shortsighted in its thinking and sends a negative message about Africa," reads the statement sent to Lusa, in which it says the choice "underestimates [Africa's] capacity to prepare to host events that define the success of the energy sector and economy in the future" and concludes: "Imagine if the African Nations League in soccer was played in Dubai because a company says Africa is not the right place because of the covid-19 pandemic."

AOW brings together the major oil operators on the continent, and has confirmed the presence of several multinationals, including Chevron and TotalEnergies, which have already confirmed their presence at the exhibition in Dubai.