Tullow Oil launches African business initiative

The initiative, Invest in Africa, aims to encourage long-term investment across the continent to help build and develop local capacity, boost domestic job markets, develop skills and stimulate economic growth. The programme's call to action will be supported through a unique partnership with English Premier League football club, Sunderland AFC.

As the founding partner establishing Invest in Africa, Tullow plans to secure five further founding partners from the international businesses community focused on Africa. These partners will help to evolve and shape the programme in years to come.

Investing in Africa

Speaking at the launch, Tullow chief executive, Aidan Heavey said, "Tullow is investing in Africa for the long term and we want more businesses to do the same. Africa has been good to us, and we have been successful, but we want that success to bring growth for local people and economies too. Africa's a great place to invest and this partnership with Sunderland AFC will allow us to get the message to a global audience. There are some great opportunities out there and we want other companies who share our vision to join us."

Niall Quinn, director of international development, Sunderland AFC said, "We are genuinely excited about this ground-breaking opportunity to bring Sunderland into new territories and the global appeal of the premier league is something that we can harness as a powerful tool for change through our innovative partnership with Invest in Africa.

"Africa's passion for football is both heart-warming and inspirational and as a football club with community, people and international aspirations firmly at its core, there is a natural synergy between us and this wonderful continent. We look forward to growing and developing the partnership in the coming months."

Ike Duker, executive chairman of Tullow Ghana added, "While we are delighted to be at the forefront of this innovative and exciting new business programme, this is not just about Tullow. This is an initiative that can help to build stable, investment friendly environments to allow businesses to grow across Africa, create jobs and enable Africa's people to share in the wealth and prosperity that come with it."