The Invest in African Energies roadshow held in Lagos on June 25, organized by the African Energy Chamber (AEC), brought together over 250 Nigerian entrepreneurs and investors eager to explore opportunities in Africa’s oil, gas, and energy sectors. Nigeria hosts a majority of indigenous service firms, fulfilling more than 75% of the country’s oil and gas service needs and poised to drive the sector’s resurgence both locally and across Africa. This event, leading up to the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energy 2024 conference in Cape Town, provided Nigerian companies a strategic platform to engage with stakeholders from various countries, facilitating discussions on regional and Pan-African expansion opportunities.
Verner Ayukegba, Senior Vice President of AEC, emphasized Nigerian companies’ financial strength and expertise to capitalize on energy sector opportunities across Africa, highlighting the mutual benefits of such investments. The AEC aims to attract investment throughout Africa’s energy value chain, fostering regional growth and collaboration.
Among the participants was Africa Global Logistics, recognized for its role in Namibia’s port operations, supporting oil and gas activities such as rig maintenance. Namibia’s upcoming $2.1-billion port expansion project aims to further bolster opportunities for Nigerian and global investors. In West Africa, Ivory Coast seeks upstream investments and technical expertise, exemplified by Eni’s recent oil and gas discoveries and production advancements, aiming for net-zero emissions.
Dr. Nosa Omorodion, SLB Executive Director for Nigeria and West Africa, highlighted Eni’s substantial investment in Ivory Coast’s oil and gas sector, underscoring the region’s attractiveness for energy investments. Senegal and Mozambique, as burgeoning LNG markets, also present significant demand for Nigerian oil and gas services. Within Nigeria, BUA Group is advancing a mini-LNG project, while Shoreline Energy International operates across Nigeria and other African nations, focusing on EPC services, power generation, and ICT infrastructure.
CEO Kola Karim of Shoreline Energy International emphasized the AEC’s role in uniting diverse players in the oil and gas industry, fostering a supportive ecosystem for sectoral growth. Adelaar Energy, a Nigerian full-stream energy company, advocated for gender inclusivity within Africa’s energy industry, promoting initiatives to empower female professionals through training, mentorship, and leadership programs.
Grace Orife, CEO of Adelaar Energy and AEC Board Member, highlighted the increasing participation of women in the energy sector, contributing unique perspectives and expertise to drive innovation and sustainability.
