PETAN Calls for Stronger Collaborations Among Stakeholders to Drive Africa’s Energy Development
LAGOS – The Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) has called for increased collaboration among industry stakeholders to accelerate Africa’s energy development. In his welcome address at the 9th Sub-Saharan Africa International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (SAIPEC) in Lagos, PETAN Chairman Engr. Wole Ogunsanya stressed that robust partnerships, innovation, and strategic investment are key to navigating the evolving energy landscape and securing the continent’s economic future.
Speaking under the conference theme “Building Africa’s Future: Advancing Local Content and Sustainable Development in the Oil and Gas Industry,” Ogunsanya noted that the carefully chosen theme and sub-themes directly address Africa’s energy ambitions and critical financing challenges. “PETAN, as a think-tank organization, has been keenly following industry trends and have carefully selected the theme and sub-themes of this conference to help shape an even more positive energy outlook for Africa in tandem with our vision to deepen collaborations with governments and critical stakeholders in navigating the next phases of the oil and gas sector that holds the key to the growth and development of our national and regional economies,” he said.
Ogunsanya also hailed the recent launch of the Africa Energy Bank by the African Export-Import Bank and the African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO), describing it as a milestone for energy financing on the continent. “We are excited that international investors, development banks, and private equity firms have shown a steadfast interest in the African energy market, and the launch of the Africa Energy Bank is a key milestone marking the creation of a first-of-its-kind institution designed to fund and facilitate energy initiatives across the continent, with its head office in Nigeria. I thank the Honorable Ministers of State and the Government for this laudable milestone,” he added.
In addition to financing developments, Ogunsanya highlighted several major investment decisions that have bolstered Africa’s energy sector. He pointed to Shell’s $5.5 billion Bonga North deepwater project in Nigeria, the award of a construction license to UTM FLNG, and the issuance of ten new gas distribution licenses by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). Beyond Nigeria, he referenced key projects including Senegal’s Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG project, the Republic of Congo’s LNG exports to Italy, and the continued expansion of renewable energy projects in South Africa, Egypt, and Morocco.
“As technical and professional service providers that have just marked three decades of excellence in the oil and gas industry, PETAN is excited about several final investment decisions that have been successfully closed, including Shell’s $5.5 billion Bonga North deepwater project as well as, back home, the recent award of a construction license to Nigeria’s UTM FLNG and the issuance of ten licenses for gas distribution across clusters by the NMDPRA. We also acknowledge notable developments in natural gas exploration and LNG exports with Senegal’s Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG reaching its first gas production, and the Republic of Congo’s first LNG exports to Italy from the Congo LNG project,” he remarked.
Ogunsanya further applauded renewable energy initiatives led by South Africa, Egypt, and Morocco, emphasizing that Africa possesses both the human capacity and abundant natural resources needed to tap into its vast energy potential. He also highlighted the strategic partnerships being forged on the continent, citing new Production Sharing Contracts signed by Panoro Energy in Equatorial Guinea and BW Energy in Gabon as evidence of international collaborations accelerating energy development and creating new exploration and production opportunities.
Concluding his address, the PETAN chairman expressed gratitude to the conference sponsors, exhibitors, and industry leaders for their commitment to shaping Africa’s energy future, underscoring that collaborative efforts among stakeholders are essential for driving sustainable growth across the continent.
