By Samson Echenim Global players in the downstream petroleum industry will converge on Nigeria for the 13th Oil Trading and Logistics (OTL) Africa Downstream Week with focus on the evolving impact of innovation and technology on efficiency and margins in downstream operations. OTL Africa is the continent’s biggest downstream petroleum event that assembles operators in the value chain of oil and gas supply, comprising international traders, refining, shipping, marketing, logistics, storage, retail, professional services, government and civil society. The annual conference, scheduled to take place from Monday 28 to 30 October 2019 at the Lagos Oriental Hotel is themed, “Growth, Innovation and Technology”. "With a digital innovation sweeping through the industry, countless opportunities are opening up and industry operators are increasingly turning their attention to the impact of technology and digitalisation to improve value-chain decision making, enhance safety, as well as focus on margin growth and profitability. However, there is also the need to coordinate integration of technology across the value chain due to its unpredictability and in order to optimize the potentials therein," said Emeka Akabogu, convener of OTL Africa. He said relevant industry issues up for discussion included automation, digital transformation and retail margins at the last mile; policy, regulation, pricing, markets and the future of downstream petroleum in Nigeria; clean fuels, meters and measures. According to Akabogu, a frontline maritime lawyer, participants will also engage in discussions on issues concerning the impact of the Dangote Refinery on the West African petroleum products market; opportunities and market considerations for LPG trading; and expanding human resource capabilities in downstream oil & gas operations among others. He stated, "The OTL Africa Downstream Week seeks to promote the development of efficient markets in downstream petroleum by facilitating an interface between private sector perspectives and government concerns with the aim of achieving an easier environment for doing business on the continent. In addition, business to business meetings are always a key feature, with the range of service providers in the downstream value chain relishing the opportunity to identify and take advantage of products and services they would otherwise not have readily available." Operators from more than 20 countries are expected to participate at this year’s event, with delegates already confirmed from Africa, Asia, Europe, America and the Middle East. Many more countries are represented through organisations which will be showcasing products at the exhibition, while the Nigerian government interest will be represented by CEOs of the key regulatory agencies including PPMC, PPPRA, NNPC and the Ministry of Petroleum.…