The role of the ARDA is to give a voice to all African downstream oil stakeholders. The ARDA's principal aims and objectives are: To address economic, environmental and social issues deemed by its membership to impact upon oil refining in Africa, or upon the importing and distribution of petroleum products throughout the African continent. To promote a better understanding of issues within the international oil industry which impact the African downstream oil industry. To promote the exchange of positive experiences between Members, as well as to improve their technical and economic performance. To improve communication and cooperation between its Members and the international oil market. To achieve this, ARDA cooperates with the relevant industry groups, governments, regulatory bodies, international agencies, academic institutions and non-governmental organisations.