SAIPEC Brings Africa Together With Local Content Focus
The eighth edition of the Sub-Saharan Africa International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (SAIPEC) returns to the Eko Convention Center in Lagos from 13-15 February 2024.
The event is hosted by the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) in partnership with the Nigerian Content Development & Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and NNPC Limited.
Local content is again a major focus for SAIPEC as it plays a key role in charting the pathway to developing the continent’s untapped energy, oil, and gas resources. SAIPEC represents more than 30 NOCs, IOCs, governments, and regulators, all looking to develop Africa’s vast energy potential.
We spoke to some prominent SAIPEC speakers to find out more about their involvement in the conference.
Thierno Seydou Ly, the General Manager of Petrosen E&P in Senegal says, “SAIPEC is the ideal place for oil companies like ours to highlight the country’s hydrocarbon potential but also to see the best in the sector in Africa.”
Seydou Ly explained why events like SAIPEC are critical for the industry saying, “SAIPEC is important for us because, beyond promotional activities, it allows stakeholders from different oil companies, particularly African oil companies, operating in the upstream, intermediate, and downstream sectors, to exchange on good practices in the sector and to discuss perspectives and opportunities for collaboration.”
He added, “Collaboration between African countries is important, particularly in this context of energy transition with the imposition of a reduction in the carbon footprint by reducing the use of fossil resources, thus causing a decrease in investments by developed countries in the sector. This collaboration will help boost investment among African countries.”
Another SAIPEC speaker, Dr Timi Austen-Peters, the Chairman of Dorman Long Engineering Ltd, in Nigeria also stressed the importance of attending SAIPEC saying,
“SAIPEC is the preeminent oil and gas services conference in and for Africa. Any African or other company with continental ambition needs to attend to learn what is happening on the continent and to connect with all relevant decision-makers and operators.”
Dr Austen-Peters further stressed the importance of the local content saying, “Local content is the key to all that we do. It unlocks opportunities for us, allows us at least a level playing field and sometimes a competitive advantage. Following this issue is fundamental to enabling us pushed the growth trajectory across the continents that we are pursuing.”
Kenneth Okeiyi, the CEO of Eunisell Limited, SAIPEC platinum sponors, says “Attendance of SAIPEC 20204 will provide us valuable platform for networking opportunities, great insights into the industry developments and prospects, professional development, and opportunities to showcase capabilities and capacity. It enhances the industry value as well as personal and professional growth in the oil and gas sector.”
He added, “Local content and collaboration within Africa is critical to the sector as it helps stimulate economic growth and create job opportunities within African countries. Promoting local participation and knowledge and technology transfers engenders sustainable development. The SAIPEC conference enables networking, partnership formation, and business development, leading to potential investment opportunities and collaborations that can advance the industry growth and competitiveness.”