Could you introduce and present the African Mining and Energy Law Weekend to our readers?
I am Me Hamidou Dramé, lawyer at the bar of Guinea, partner at Guilex Avocats, a business law firm specialising in mining and energy law. I am Vice President of the Organizing Committee of the African Mining and Energy Law Weekend (WADME) which will take place in Conakry from 28 to 30 April 2023 at the Primus Kaloum Hotel.
WADME is the annual event that brings together legal professionals, decision-makers and investors in the African mining and energy sector to discuss and propose solutions to the major legal issues related to the research, development and exploitation of mining and energy resources (renewable and fossil) on the African continent.
The event takes place over three (3) days and includes a series of conferences, training workshops and a mine site visit led by renowned specialists and experts, as well as networking opportunities for participants (ministerial authorities, general managers, legal directors, lawyers, consultants, academics and other professionals from the mining and energy sector in Africa)
The WADME is organised by the Institut de Formation et d’Expertise Juridique in collaboration with the Guinean Bar. WADME is supported by several organisations including the Chamber of Mines of Guinea and the African Legal Support Facility (ALSF).
To register for the WADME, simply complete the registration form on the event’s website: www.weekend-minesenergie.com or send an email to: contact@weekend-minesenergie.com or by phone: +224 624 08 08 08.
What makes the WADME a unique event in Africa?
WADME is a unique event for three (3) reasons: firstly, it is the only event in Africa that focuses exclusively on legal issues related to the mining and energy sectors in Africa; secondly, WADME provides a space for practical meetings and training for legal professionals in Africa together with economic and political decision-makers to better understand and advise their clients and employers in transactions and disputes related to the mining and energy sectors; thirdly, WADME is also a framework for advocacy, awareness-raising and cooperation for the consideration of African expertise in the management of natural resources in Africa and the creation of collaborations and synergies between African-based and non-African-based actors in the management of natural resources in Africa: WADME is also a framework for advocacy, awareness raising and cooperation for the inclusion of African expertise in the management of natural resources in Africa and the creation of collaborations and synergies between actors based in Africa and actors outside the continent working on African mining and energy projects.
What are the themes that will be addressed at this WADME edition?
During the 2023 edition of the WADME, which will take place from 28 to 30 April in Conakry, panelists and participants will debate and learn about topics related to local content, power purchase agreements, mining and oil taxation, governance of state-owned mining and energy companies, infrastructure pooling, labour law in the mining and hydrocarbons sector, procedures for granting and withdrawing mining and oil titles, farm-out and joint venture contracts, management of local communities and respect for human rights, and arbitration of mining disputes with a focus on issues related to corruption and environmental protection.
A visit to a mining site in Boffa is also scheduled on the third day of the event to allow participants to go on the ground and get a complete and practical view of the mining projects.
What are the expected results at the end of the WADME?
Among the expected results, there is already the creation of a network of actors and collaborations between specialists in mining and energy law in Africa. Then, an e-book will be published which will bring together the scientific contributions of the panellists. Then, the sensitisation of economic and political actors on the consideration of African expertise in the management of natural resource issues.
How to register to participate in the 2023 edition of WAMDE?
To register for the WADME, simply complete the registration form on the event website: www.weekend-minesenergie.com or send an email to: contact@weekend-minesenergie.com or by phone: +224 624 08 08 08.
Interview by Elie KABORE
