The U.K. government has officially removed South Africa off their red list, easing travel rules and enabling international delegates to travel to Africa’s premier energy event in Cape Town in November.
African countries have welcomed the news that the U.K. government has reassessed its red list, easing travel rules for 47 countries including South Africa. From 04:00 on the 11th of October 2021, South Africa will be officially removed from the red list, enabling quarantine free travel between the two destinations. With African Energy Week (AEW) 2021 set to take place on the 9th-12th of November, the lifting of restrictions paves the way for U.K. based travelers, companies, and industry executives interested in attending Africa’s premier energy event.
The decision to remove South Africa from the red list is attributed to the country’s successful vaccination rollout and recent move to lockdown level 1. As of the 6th of October 2021, over 13 million people received at least one vaccination dose, and an estimated 9.6 million people have been fully vaccinated. Additionally, the country officially launched its digital COVID-19 vaccination certificate, enabling individuals to provide proof of their certificate through a QR code. Recognized internationally, the certificate marks a significant step in the move towards safe travel.
Now, with travel restrictions eased for U.K. travelers, new opportunities have emerged for increased in-person attendance at Africa’s top events. Notably, AEW 2021, as one of the biggest energy events to take place not only in South Africa but the entire continent, is bound to see a rapid increase in attendance. The event has already seen confirmations made by various industry leaders and stakeholders, including Africa’s top oil and gas Ministers, global energy major representatives, private sector executives, and African and international investors. With the red list removal, U.K. oil and gas companies and investors can now come to AEW 2021 in November to do deals, engage with stakeholders, and be part of Africa’s energy sector transformation.
“Africa is open for business and the removal from the U.K.’s red list only reaffirms this. AEW 2021 is set to be the biggest event to take place in Africa this year, and by reducing travel restrictions, the U.K. can now participate in the high anticipated and revolutionary conference. We are excited to see an increase in U.K. based delegates confirming their attendance at AEW 2021, and look forward to the deals that will be signed, networking that will take place, and partnerships that will be formed between African and U.K. stakeholders,” stated NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber (AEC).
Notwithstanding the delegate attendance opportunities the red list removal has created, South Africa’s tourism sector is set to experience a significant boost with the reduction in travel restrictions. According to the South African Tourism Services Association, more than 300,000 British passport holders have demonstrated interest in traveling to South Africa since the removal announcement. With the U.K. comprising the highest tourism demographic – South Africa lost approximately R790 million per month while on the red list – the lifting of restrictions will ensure a much-needed tourism and economic boost for the country.
AEW 2021, in partnership with South Africa’s Department of Mineral Resources and Energy DMRE, is the AEC’s annual conference, exhibition and networking event. AEW 2021 unites African energy stakeholders with investors and international partners to drive industry growth and development and promote Africa as the destination for energy investments.
For more information about Africa’s premier energy event, please visit www.aew2021.com or www.energychamber.org and/or reach out directly to Amina Williams at amina.williams@energychamber.org
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