BY LEVI JOHNSON
The African Energy Chamber is proud to announce that the V&A Waterfront, the country’s leading tourism destination, as official host partner of the upcoming African Energy Week (AEW) 2021, taking place in Cape Town on the 9th-12th of November 2021; Representing the first and only in-person Africa-focused energy event taking place in Africa in 2021, AEW 2021 is expected to have significant impacts on Cape Town’s event industry, driving revenue and tourism in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic; Endorsement and support by the V&A Waterfront further AEW 2021’s agenda of ensuring Africa-focused energy events remain in Africa, ensuring African people and African industries fully benefit.
The African Energy Chamber’s (AEC) flagship event, African Energy Week (AEW) 2021, takes place in Cape Town on the 9th-12th of November at the iconic V&A Waterfront. Representing Cape Town’s premier socio-cultural location, and one of Africa’s most visited tourist destinations annually, the Waterfront’s support is significant for AEW 2021, driving the narrative that Africa-focused energy events should remain in Africa.
Situated in the oldest working harbour in South Africa, and with the magnificent Table Mountain as its backdrop, the Waterfront comprises more than 80 eateries, 12 hotels, 500 retail stores, five museums and 22 heritage sites. With direct linkages to Cape Town city centre and a variety of attractions attracting an impressive amount of both regional and international tourists each year, the Waterfront’s integration of social, cultural, sports and entertainment in one location perfectly portrays the wonders that South Africa has to offer.
Notable attractions at the Waterfront include the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art, the largest museum of contemporary African art in the world located in the historical grain silo; Chavonnes Battery Museum and Battery Park, located on the site of a historic 18th century Cape Town fort; and the Robben Island Jetty 1 museum, housing information about the history of Robben Island. Considered the heart of Cape Town’s history, the Waterfront is a premier destination for all history and cultural enthusiasts.
What’s more, the Waterfront boasts one of the busiest events industries in Cape Town with multiple conferences and venue locations attracting tourists from the business, sports, entertainment, and educational sectors worldwide. The Waterfront not only provides a “beautiful setting, but its historic architecture and world-class facilities make it an ideal conferencing destination.”
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With AEW 2021’s focus on interactive networking, and the move towards alternative event structures, the Waterfront comprises the ideal location for Africa’s premier energy event. By utilizing multiple venues across the Waterfront, AEW 2021 not only provides attendees with a revolutionary event format but enables participants to visit some of Cape Town’s top tourist attractions. Additionally, the multi-platform approach of AEW 2021, enabled by the Waterfront’s diverse venue options, complies with COVID-19 social distancing and gathering restrictions, ensuring that the event accommodates a large audience while enforcing government regulations. Accordingly, both AEW 2021 and the Waterfront are emphasizing that Africa-focused events can and should be held in Africa in 2021.
“The return of major events such as African Energy Week 2021, bringing with them international visitors back to the Mother City, will be key to revitalizing our marketing efforts as the world reopens for business as we learn to live with the Covid-19 pandemic. We look forward to welcoming the delegates of African Energy Week and reintroducing them to the heritage, diversity and vibrant spirit of our neighbourhood,” stated David Green, CEO, the V&A Waterfront.
“By utilizing the Waterfront as the location for AEW 2021, the AEC emphasizes the role of energy events in initiating community developments and impacts, as well as demonstrates that decisions regarding Africa’s energy sector should be made in Africa. AEW 2021 does not only seek to expand the African energy sector but aims to contribute to tourism and event industry growth. Endorsement by the Waterfront only furthers this agenda, enabling increased socio-economic benefits in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic,” stated Katie Briant, Operations and Event Director for AEW 2021.
