Africa Technology Conference 2026 Programme Announced as Event Heads to Côte d’Ivoire

– Special Africa Gas and Innova;ons Summit to Debut in Abidjan

The Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Africa has officially announced the programme for the 2nd Africa Technology Conference (ATC 2026), taking place 16–18 June 2026 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

Following a successful inaugural ediPon in Tanzania in 2025, the conference will travel to West Africa for the first Pme, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, innovators and technical experts from across the conPnent and beyond, under the theme: “Harnessing

Innova.on and Technology for a Resilient and Sustainable African Energy Sector.”

H.E. Mamadou Sangafowa Coulibaly, Minister of Mines, Petroleum and Energy of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, has confirmed his support and parPcipaPon who will, alongside senior representaPves, aYend the three-day event and deliver an opening keynote address to delegates, se[ng the stage for criPcal conversaPons on the future of Africa’s energy sector.

A major new addiPon to the 2026 programme will be the launch of the Africa Gas and Innova;ons Summit, taking place on Day Two of the conference. The dedicated summit will focus on the theme: “Accelera.ng Africa’s Gas Revolu.on: Innova.ons, Partnerships and Sustainable Growth.”

The new summit will spotlight the growing role of natural gas in Africa’s energy future, exploring how innovaPon, strategic partnerships and investment can support energy access, industrial growth and long-term sustainability across the conPnent.

ATC 2026 brings together industry leaders, policymakers and innovators to drive progress across Africa’s evolving energy sector.

Delegates will hear from influenPal keynote speakers, join high-level panel discussions and explore technical presentaPons, case studies and emerging technologies shaping the future of energy in Africa.

Alongside the conference sessions, ATC 2026 will also provide valuable networking opportuniPes and an exhibiPon and innovaPon showcase, giving aYendees the chance to connect, collaborate and discover new ideas and technologies from across the industry.

Riverson Oppong, SPE Africa Regional Director and ATC 2026 Conference Chair, highlighted the significance of Côte d’Ivoire hosPng the second ediPon of the conference, commenPng: “Côte d’Ivoire represents one of the most exciPng and forward-looking energy markets in Africa today. The country’s growing influence within the regional energy sector, combined with its commitment to innovaPon, infrastructure development and sustainable growth, makes Abidjan the ideal host city for the second Africa Technology Conference.”

He conPnued; “ATC 2026 will build on the momentum of our inaugural ediPon by creaPng an even stronger plaborm for collaboraPon, knowledge-sharing and technology advancement across Africa’s energy industry. We are parPcularly excited to introduce the new Africa Gas and InnovaPons Summit, which will bring together leaders and innovators to explore how gas can help accelerate economic growth, energy security and sustainability across the conPnent. Delegates can look forward to three days of impacbul discussions, cu[ng-edge technologies, strategic partnerships and unparalleled networking opportuniPes.”

To explore the full programme and register to aYend, visit the Africa Technology Conference Official Website.

Contact:

Email: info@africatechnologyconference.com

Website: www.africatechnologyconference.com

Trust and the Nigerian State (Part I)

Trust as National Infrastructure

By Sola Adebawo

When nations think about infrastructure, they usually imagine roads, power plants, ports, railways, and digital networks. These are the visible systems that move goods, power industries, and connect markets. But beneath these physical assets lies another form of infrastructure—one far less visible but equally essential to the functioning of a modern state. That infrastructure is trust.

Trust is the quiet mechanism that allows institutions to function without constant resistance. It is the invisible currency that enables citizens to accept difficult decisions, comply with regulations, and believe that the state acts in the collective interest. Without trust, even well-designed policies struggle to gain legitimacy. With it, societies are able to navigate reform, conflict, and economic change with far less friction.

Nigeria’s governance challenges are often framed in terms of infrastructure deficits, fiscal constraints, or institutional capacity. While these are real concerns, they sometimes obscure a deeper issue: the fragile relationship between citizens and the state. In many instances, public reactions to policy decisions are shaped not only by the substance of those decisions but by the level of trust citizens place in the institutions implementing them.

In this sense, trust functions as a form of national infrastructure. It stabilizes governance, reduces conflict between citizens and the state, and enables institutions to carry out their mandates effectively. When trust is strong, governments can implement reforms that require short-term sacrifice for long-term gain. When trust is weak, even necessary reforms encounter suspicion and resistance.

The ongoing debate around electricity tariffs illustrates this dynamic clearly.

Nigeria’s electricity sector has long struggled with structural financial challenges. Power generation companies require adequate revenue to sustain operations. Distribution companies must invest in infrastructure to maintain and expand the grid. Regulators argue that tariffs must gradually reflect the real cost of electricity if the sector is to become financially viable.

From a policy perspective, this argument has merit. An industry cannot function sustainably if consumers consistently pay below the cost of service delivery. Yet the public response to tariff adjustments often reveals a deeper governance problem.

For many Nigerians, electricity bills have risen over time while power supply remains unreliable. Businesses and households continue to rely heavily on generators despite paying higher tariffs to distribution companies. In practical terms, the lived experience of electricity consumers often feels like an imbalance: the financial obligations increase, but the benefits remain uncertain.

This perception matters.

Citizens do not evaluate policies solely through technical or economic frameworks. They evaluate them through everyday experience. When the burden on citizens appears to grow without visible improvements in service delivery, the narrative quickly shifts from economic necessity to institutional unfairness.

The result is a widening trust gap.

Consumers begin to question whether the system is functioning in their interest. Distribution companies point to generation constraints. Regulators emphasize sector reform. Government officials speak about long-term sustainability. Meanwhile, citizens experience higher bills alongside persistent power outages.

Even if the underlying policy logic is sound, the absence of visible progress in service delivery weakens confidence in the institutions responsible for managing the sector. Over time, the debate ceases to be purely about tariffs. It becomes a referendum on institutional credibility.

This pattern is not unique to the electricity sector. Across multiple areas of governance, similar dynamics appear whenever citizens feel that the system demands more from them without delivering proportionate benefits.

Trust becomes fragile when obligations rise faster than outcomes.

The implications of this are significant for governance. Policies that require citizens to accept higher costs, stricter regulations, or economic adjustments must be accompanied by clear evidence that the system is moving toward better outcomes. Without that evidence, even technically correct policies struggle to command legitimacy.

Equally important is the role of communication. In complex policy environments, citizens depend on institutions to explain not only what decisions are being made but why they are necessary. When communication between regulators, service providers, and the public becomes fragmented or inconsistent, confusion quickly gives way to suspicion.

Transparency therefore becomes a central pillar of trust infrastructure. Citizens are far more likely to accept difficult decisions when they believe the process behind those decisions is transparent and accountable.

But transparency alone is not enough. Trust ultimately depends on the alignment between what institutions promise and what citizens experience. If the gap between policy assurances and lived reality becomes too wide, credibility begins to erode.

Nigeria’s governance environment demonstrates how delicate this balance can be. Citizens frequently navigate a landscape where formal institutions coexist with informal coping mechanisms. Businesses run generators alongside grid electricity. Communities develop local arrangements to address gaps in public services. In such contexts, institutional credibility must constantly compete with everyday experience.

This is why trust should be treated as a strategic national asset rather than an abstract ideal.

Just as roads require maintenance and power plants require investment, trust requires deliberate institutional stewardship. Governments must recognize that legitimacy is built not only through policy design but through consistent evidence that institutions act fairly, transparently, and competently.

Where citizens believe this to be true, reforms gain acceptance and governance becomes easier. Where that belief weakens, even the most well-intentioned policies encounter resistance.

Nigeria’s development conversation often focuses on physical infrastructure deficits. Yet the strength of the country’s institutional trust architecture may ultimately determine whether those investments translate into sustainable progress.

Electricity can power cities. Roads can move goods. But without trust in the institutions that manage them, the full promise of development remains difficult to realize.

In the end, nations are not held together by policy alone. They are held together by the confidence citizens place in the fairness and credibility of the systems that govern them.

_______________________________

Sola Adebawo is an accomplished energy executive and public affairs leader with extensive experience in the oil and gas industry. He has led Government, Joint Venture, and External Relations strategy, shaping policy engagement and strengthening stakeholder alignment across public, regulatory, and commercial institutions. An author, scholar, and ordained minister, he writes on social, economic, and cultural issues, strategic communication, and principled leadership.

Nigeria’s Demographic Time Bomb

By Sola Adebawo

Nigeria is often described as a country of immense promise. A vast population, abundant resources, and an energetic youth culture have long fueled the belief that the country’s future could be extraordinary. Yet buried within that promise is a looming question that policymakers can no longer afford to ignore: will Nigeria’s demographic expansion become an economic dividend or a destabilizing force?

By mid-century, Nigeria’s population is projected to exceed 400 million people, making it one of the most populous nations on earth, alongside countries like India and China. Demographically, this is an extraordinary shift. Nigeria is already the most populous country in Africa, and its population growth trajectory is among the fastest globally.

At first glance, such growth could be an advantage. Economists often speak of the “demographic dividend,” a period when a country’s working-age population grows larger relative to dependents. When properly harnessed, this dynamic can accelerate economic growth, expand productivity, and transform national prosperity. Countries such as South Korea and Singapore famously leveraged this demographic moment to fuel rapid industrialization and sustained economic expansion.

But demographic dividends do not emerge automatically. They must be engineered through deliberate policy choices. Education systems must equip young people with relevant skills. Economies must generate enough productive jobs to absorb expanding labor forces. Governance systems must ensure stability and opportunity.

This is precisely where Nigeria’s challenge lies.

Nigeria’s population is growing much faster than its economy’s capacity to absorb labor productively. Each year, millions of young Nigerians enter the labor market, many with aspirations that reflect the optimism and ambition of youth. Yet the structure of the economy struggles to keep pace with these expectations.

Formal job creation remains limited. The economy is heavily reliant on the oil sector, which generates substantial revenue but relatively few jobs. Meanwhile, manufacturing has yet to develop at the scale required to employ large segments of the workforce. The result is an economy where the informal sector absorbs the majority of new entrants, often in low-productivity activities that offer limited pathways to long-term prosperity.

The implications of this imbalance are already visible. Youth unemployment and underemployment remain stubbornly high. Many young Nigerians navigate precarious livelihoods in urban centers where opportunity is uneven and competition intense. Cities such as Lagos and Abuja continue to expand rapidly, drawing migrants from across the country in search of economic possibility. Yet infrastructure, housing, and services frequently struggle to keep pace with this urban surge.

Demography, in itself, is neither destiny nor disaster. But when economic structures fail to keep pace with population growth, demographic pressure can amplify existing vulnerabilities. Large populations of economically frustrated youth can create fertile ground for social unrest, migration pressures, and political instability.

Nigeria has already witnessed how economic exclusion can intersect with insecurity. From insurgency in the northeast to banditry and communal conflicts across various regions, insecurity often thrives in environments where governance is weak and economic opportunity scarce. While these challenges have complex causes, youth marginalization frequently forms part of the underlying landscape.

Yet it would be deeply mistaken to view Nigeria’s demographic expansion solely through the lens of risk. Properly harnessed, Nigeria’s youth population could become one of the most powerful engines of economic growth anywhere in the world.

Young Nigerians are already shaping vibrant sectors such as technology, entertainment, and digital services. The country’s creative industries command global attention. Its tech entrepreneurs are building companies that attract international investment and innovation. Nigerian professionals in the diaspora continue to demonstrate the global competitiveness of the country’s human capital.

The question, therefore, is not whether Nigeria has talent or potential. It clearly does. The real question is whether the nation’s institutions, policies, and economic structures can convert that potential into large-scale productivity.

Achieving this transformation will require a strategic shift in economic thinking.

First, Nigeria must place far greater emphasis on labor-intensive sectors capable of absorbing large numbers of workers. Agriculture, agro-processing, manufacturing, and construction remain critical avenues for mass employment if supported by infrastructure, financing, and coherent industrial policy.

Second, the country’s education system must align more closely with economic realities. Too many graduates leave institutions without the technical, vocational, and digital skills demanded by modern economies. Expanding skills development and vocational pathways could help bridge this gap.

Third, governance reform remains essential. Economic growth does not occur in a vacuum. Investors require stability, regulatory clarity, and credible institutions before committing long-term capital. Strengthening governance frameworks is therefore not merely a political exercise; it is an economic necessity.

Finally, Nigeria must embrace a forward-looking vision that treats its youth population as an asset to be cultivated rather than a burden to be managed.

History offers important lessons. Countries that successfully harness demographic expansion rarely do so by accident. They succeed because leaders recognize demographic change early and align economic policy accordingly.

Nigeria stands at such a moment today.

The country’s demographic trajectory cannot easily be altered in the short term. The real choice lies elsewhere. Nigeria can either build the institutions, industries, and opportunities necessary to transform its youth population into a demographic dividend. Or it can allow structural weaknesses to persist until demographic pressure magnifies them into a destabilizing force.

In the end, the numbers themselves are not the real story.

The real story will be whether Nigeria’s leaders understand what those numbers demand.

_______________________________

Sola Adebawo is an accomplished energy executive and public affairs leader with extensive experience in the oil and gas industry. He has led Government, Joint Venture, and External Relations strategy, shaping policy engagement and strengthening stakeholder alignment across public, regulatory, and commercial institutions. An author, scholar, and ordained minister, he writes on social, economic, and cultural issues, strategic communication, and principled leadership.

Trust and the Nigerian State (Part II)

Fairness, Power, and the Legitimacy Question

By Sola Adebawo

If trust is the invisible infrastructure of the state, then fairness is the foundation on which that infrastructure rests.

Citizens may not always agree with government decisions. They may endure difficult policies and even accept temporary hardship. But what they rarely tolerate for long is the perception that the system is biased, uneven, or selectively applied. At that point, the question shifts from “Is this policy necessary?” to something more fundamental: “Is this system fair?”

And once that question takes hold, legitimacy begins to erode.

This is where the conversation on trust moves beyond economics into a more complex terrain; identity, territory, and belonging. It is in this terrain that the Nigerian state is often most tested.

Consider the recurring tensions around boundary delineation and resource ownership across parts of the country. These are not merely technical disagreements about lines on a map. They are contests over history, identity, economic rights, and political recognition.

A current example is the dispute around Eba Island within the Atijere axis of Ilaje Local Government Area in Ondo State, where overlapping claims have emerged between Ondo and neighbouring Ogun State. At the centre of this tension is not just geography, but access to oil-bearing territory and the economic implications tied to resource derivation.

For the affected communities, the issue is far more than administrative classification. It is about ancestral ownership, cultural affiliation, and the right to benefit from resources located within what they consider their historical domain.

In such situations, the role of the state is not merely administrative. It is adjudicative.

The state becomes the referee.

And like every referee, its credibility depends not on the authority it wields, but on the fairness it is perceived to uphold.

In the case of Eba Island and the broader Ilaje–Ogun boundary question, communities are not simply awaiting an outcome. They are closely observing the process.

They are asking:

• Was due process followed?
• Were historical and ethnographic realities adequately considered?
• Were all affected communities meaningfully engaged?
• Was the process impartial, or does it appear influenced?

The answers to these questions shape perception far more than official pronouncements.

This is where legality and legitimacy begin to diverge.

A decision may be legally defensible, supported by statutes, commissions, or historical instruments. But if the affected communities perceive it as imposed, selective, or dismissive of their realities, legal correctness alone does little to secure acceptance.

Legitimacy, in this sense, is not conferred by process alone. It is earned through perceived fairness.

And fairness, importantly, is experienced – not declared.

In Nigeria’s context, fairness is rarely uncontested. Competing histories, identities, and economic interests mean that what appears just to one group may feel exclusionary to another. The challenge for the state, therefore, is not to eliminate disagreement, but to build confidence in the integrity of its processes.

In such contexts, legitimacy depends less on universal agreement and more on whether citizens believe the system is fair in how it arrives at decisions.

This distinction matters in a diverse federation where identity and resource questions are deeply intertwined. The management of such complexity requires more than administrative competence. It requires sensitivity, transparency, and a demonstrable commitment to impartiality.

When citizens believe this to be true, even unfavourable outcomes can be accepted with restraint. But when fairness is in doubt, even neutral decisions are met with suspicion.

This dynamic explains why disputes that might otherwise be resolved through technical mechanisms often escalate into broader tensions. What begins as a boundary issue can quickly evolve into a narrative of marginalisation or exclusion.

At that point, the state is no longer just resolving a dispute. It is defending its own legitimacy.

The implications are far-reaching.

In low-trust environments, every decision is interpreted through a lens of doubt. Institutions are not taken at face value; they are interrogated for hidden motives. Communication loses effectiveness because the credibility of the messenger is already weakened.

This is why fairness must be visible.

It is not enough for institutions to act fairly. They must be seen to act fairly.

This requires:

• Transparent processes that can withstand scrutiny
• Inclusive engagement that ensures all stakeholders are heard
• Clarity of reasoning, not just clarity of decision
• Consistency in application, regardless of political or economic interests

These are not abstract ideals. They are operational requirements for building legitimacy.

There is also a deeper lesson here about power.

In many governance contexts, there is an implicit belief that authority can resolve disputes—that once a decision is made at the centre, it will be accepted at the periphery.

But authority has limits.

It can enforce compliance. It cannot compel trust.

Authority can settle disputes temporarily. Only perceived fairness resolves them sustainably.

Trust, in this sense, is not imposed. It is negotiated over time, through a pattern of decisions that reinforce the belief that the system works for all—not just for some.

This is particularly critical in resource-linked disputes, where economic stakes are high and historical grievances often run deep. The perception that one group is being advantaged at the expense of another can quickly undermine social cohesion and fuel long-term instability.

The cost of getting fairness wrong is therefore not just reputational. It is structural.

It shapes how citizens relate to the state, how communities relate to each other, and how future policies are received.

The lesson is clear: in matters of identity and resource allocation, fairness is not a soft consideration. It is a strategic necessity.

As Nigeria continues to navigate complex governance challenges, the ability of the state to act—and be seen to act—fairly will increasingly determine its legitimacy.

Because in the end, citizens may comply with authority for a time. But they commit to systems they trust.

And where fairness is doubted, the state may retain authority—but it begins to lose allegiance.

In the next part of this series, we examine how trust, once weakened, can be deliberately rebuilt through institutional design, strategic communication, and leadership choices that align power with accountability.

Sola Adebawo is an accomplished energy executive and public affairs leader with extensive experience in the oil and gas industry. He has led Government, Joint Venture, and External Relations strategy, shaping policy engagement and strengthening stakeholder alignment across public, regulatory, and commercial institutions. An author, scholar, and ordained minister, he writes on social, economic, and cultural issues, strategic communication, and principled leadership.

Dangote Refinery’s PMS supply will reduce petrol price, says IPMAN

…Commends Dangote for its affordable petrol products

…As free delivery commences in January 2026

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has called on all its members nationwide to patronise the Dangote Refinery in their purchase of PMS products, noting that the refinery already offers the best affordable price for all marketers, even as free delivery commences in January 2026.

The association also expressed delight over a recent agreement by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery to begin the supply of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) – also known as petroleum – products directly to registered IPMAN members, in a statement signed and issued by the IPMAN National President Alhaji Abubakar Maigandi Shettima.

At a press conference held in Abuja yesterday on recent happenings in the oil & gas sector, IPMAN also applauded the support of the Chairman of Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Aliko Dangote towards the Federal Government, which it noted has become evident in the regular reduction of the petroleum pump price.

According to Shettima, “the association has the highest percentage of the supply chain of the PMS downstream sector, controlling over 80% of the PMS retail market. We therefore declare that there will be no gap or scarcity in PMS supply to Nigerians.

“We are also excited at the recent agreement by the Dangote Refinery to begin the supply of PMS products directly to registered IPMAN members, and its free delivery to our filling stations anywhere and everywhere in Nigeria which will commence in January 2026.

“This will again, certainly lead to further decrease in the pump price of the products at our filing stations. Therefore, I am calling on all IPMAN members nationwide to prioritise patronising the Dangote Refinery in their purchase of PMS products, as they already offer the best affordable prize for all marketers today”, the statement added.

The IPMAN boss noted that “At IPMAN we have no doubt as to the viability of the oil and gas policies being initiated by the Federal Government, and we have ceaselessly called and sought for enhanced cooperation across all levels of governance in the oil and gas sector. Hence our repeated persuasion to always partner the Dangote refinery, to ensure the steady availability of PMS products.

“The focus of the Dangote & IPMAN partnership, has always been geared towards making life better for Nigerians. And of course, this blooming partnership would never have been possible without the pragmatic leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and his sound judgment in readjusting the leadership of the NMDPRA and the NUPRC.

Our position has always been to deepen domestic refining in order to eradicate imports of petroleum products. Continuous import is NOT an acceptable parallel business model, because issuing import licenses recklessly distorts market dynamics, drains foreign exchange, enthrones poverty, destroys jobs, and scares potential investors away,” Shettima added.

The association congratulated the new heads of the oil & gas regulatory bodies, and reminded them of the long outstanding bridging claims owed its members totalling over N190 billion. “We specifically call on the NMPDRA new leadership to immediately make this debt a cause for serious concern as he assumes his new position”, the statement added.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, Mr. Tony Attah, has called for extensive and deliberate collaboration between the government and stakeholders in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. He believes this is essential for creating an environment that attracts investment and optimizes the country’s vast hydrocarbon resources.

Attah made this known during the opening ceremony of the Society of Petroleum Engineers’ (SPE) 2025 Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition (NAICE) held in Lagos on Monday.

Represented by Renaissance’s Chief Technical Officer, Mr. Abdulrahman Mijinyawa, Attah emphasized the need for strategic alignment among all key players in the industry to reposition Nigeria at the centre of Africa’s energy landscape.

“This is our strategy at Renaissance, which operates Nigeria’s largest upstream joint venture alongside NNPC Limited, TotalEnergies, and Agip Energy and Natural Resources Limited (AENR), with a portfolio spanning onshore and shallow-water terrains, including the Bonny and Forcados crude export terminals,” he stated.

With such a robust portfolio and strong ownership committed to an Afrocentric vision, Attah affirmed that Renaissance is on track to become a continental leader — enabling energy security across Africa and driving sustainable industrialisation in Nigeria.

“We believe that Renaissance is one of the keys towards getting Nigeria to regain its continental pride of place. While we operate from the Niger Delta in Nigeria, our aspirations are continental, our vision is wholly Afrocentric,” he added.

Reflecting on the early milestones achieved by Renaissance, Attah revealed that in just 140 days since acquiring Shell’s shares in the former SPDC joint venture, the company had increased oil production by about 40 percent. More notably, Renaissance has resumed full contractual gas supply to the Nigeria LNG (NLNG) — the first time in over five years.

He stated that Renaissance was driven by a renewed commitment to excellence, unlocking opportunities for Nigerian-led industrialisation, job creation, and sustainable economic growth.

Attah further encouraged organisations in the energy sector to adopt Renaissance’s CRISP core values — Collaboration, Respect, Integrity, Safety, and Performance — as a standard for operational excellence.

Pledging continued support for the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Nigeria Council, Attah highlighted the importance of the NAICE conference as a platform that strengthens industry collaboration, enhances professional development, and promotes the exchange of best practices.

“This annual conference strengthens collaboration and fosters the exchange of best practices. It aligns with our vision and CRISP core values,” he said.

He described the event as a critical avenue for tackling complex issues affecting the energy sector and for collectively shaping solutions that drive Nigeria’s economic progress while meeting national and global energy demands in a safe, secure, and sustainable manner.

The 3rd Namibia Oil and Gas Conference (NOGC 2025), themed “From Exploration to Action – Positioning Namibia as the Next Energy Frontier,” runs from 12–15 August in Windhoek. With Namibia emerging as a rising force in Africa’s energy landscape, the event is set to attract global industry leaders, investors, innovators and policymakers, as it offers exceptional opportunities for knowledge sharing, networking and skills development.

Hosted by the Economic Association of Namibia (EAN) in partnership with the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) and the Hanns Seidel Foundation (HSF), with a strategic partnership with the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (NAMCOR) and SNC Incorporated. The conference is also officially endorsed by Namibia’s Ministry of Industries Mines and Energy.

This year’s edition has expanded significantly, doubling its exhibition space to meet rising demand for showcasing new technologies and services. Attendees will also benefit from a broader networking programme that fosters collaboration and sustainable growth across the sectors.

NOGC 2025 Highlights:

·         12 August – Pre-Conference Masterclass on Local Content and Suppliers

Building on the success of 2024’s masterclasses, which drew over 500 delegates, this new session will focus on a local content and supplier masterclass aimed at developing skills across technical and business areas. Experts will offer insight into how to become suppliers to major operators and contractors in Namibia’s energy industry.

·         13–14 August – Technical Conference (New for 2025)

A dedicated two-day technical programme featuring presentations from industry leaders, policymakers, and researchers on emerging trends, innovations, technological advancements and policy developments in oil, gas, and energy.

·         15 August – NIPDB Business Matching

Organised by the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board, this B2B matchmaking initiative connects investors and companies with interests in Namibia’s energy sector. Tailored sessions will help participants explore partnerships, investments, and sector opportunities.

As Namibia positions itself as a key player in global energy, NOGC 2025 offers a critical platform to exchange ideas, build expertise and explore the industry’s future. A major focus is the development of a skilled workforce to meet the growing demands of the sector.

Recognising the strategic importance of natural gas in Namibia’s energy portfolio, dedicated sessions will explore recent sector developments such as the Kudu Gas Field and emerging offshore discoveries. Discussions will focus on infrastructure challenges, investment and the role of gas in a lower-carbon economy.
NAMCOR’s Manager of Marketing, Communication and Public Relations, Paulo Coelho, urged broad participation, “We’re excited about this year’s theme, From Exploration to Action, as it reflects our shift from resource discovery to real industry growth. Our continued involvement proves our dedication to turning opportunities into action and to helping Namibia take its rightful place as a leader in the energy sector.

We call on young Namibians — students, entrepreneurs, and early-career professionals — to get involved. Attend, engage, ask questions and see how your skills and ideas can contribute to this dynamic sector.”

Jesaya Hano-Oshike, Deputy Chair of the Economic Association of Namibia, echoed this momentum, “We’re excited to expand the conference in 2025 and place emphasis on Namibia as the next energy frontier. The NOGC exhibition saw a 52% growth from the inaugural event in 2023 to 2024 and a 40% increase in attendees in the same period. Now, NOGC 2025 is doubling in size and we’re adding a new exhibition hall to welcome more entrepreneurs, SMEs and market newcomers.”

Key milestones from last year include:

• 1,012 Delegates (up from 841 in 2023)
• 29 Sponsors/Partners
• 42 Exhibitors
• 35 Participating Countries (up from 24 in 2023)
• 71 Speakers (up from 52)

Hano-Oshike added, “As part of our CSR efforts, we’re introducing a mentorship matchmaking platform for young professionals to gain more exposure to experts in the field. We will also identify a beneficiary for the exhibitors’ entrance fee gathered from the public. It’s time to move from discussion to action and deliver tangible value from this sector.”

Margreth Gustavo, NIPDB Executive Director: Strategy & Branding, reflected on the road ahead: “Our 2025 strategic focus rests on three pillars: unlocking investment-ready supply chain opportunities, deepening local content and industrial participation, and fostering youth employment through skills development. The future of Namibia’s oil and gas sector isn’t just offshore—it’s here, onshore, in our people, our businesses and our ambition.”

The Namibia Oil and Gas Conference is a flagship event for Africa’s and the world’s energy community. It brings together industry leaders, suppliers, government officials, regulators, and service providers, all committed to shaping a sustainable energy future.

Visit: https://www.namibiaoilandgasconf.com for event details and participation options.

Empowering the Next Generation of Namibia’s Oil and Gas Leaders

The 3^rd Namibia Oil and Gas Conference (NOGC 2025) has announced the launch of the Future Generations Masterclass, a new half-day programme dedicated to inspiring, empowering and preparing Namibia’s future oil and gas professionals. Delivered in partnership with the Namibia Youth Energy Forum, this initiative forms a key part of the conference’s wider mission to create inclusive and sustainable pathways for growth in the country’s emerging energy sector.

The Future Generations Masterclass will offer students, graduates and young professionals a unique platform to explore career opportunities in Namibia’s nascent oil and gas industry, engage directly with seasoned energy leaders and develop the critical leadership and technical skills necessary for success in the sector.

As Namibia’s energy sector transforms, driven by significant offshore discoveries, technological advancement and the global energy transition, the development of skilled local talent has never been more vital. The Future Generations Masterclass will provide attendees with practical tools and insights to navigate this evolving landscape and build fulfilling careers.

Programme Highlights:

Session One: Fostering Leadership and Career Growth for Young Professionals in Africa’s Oil and Gas Sector – Pathways to Success

This session will address key strategies for leadership development, technical training and structured career progression to equip young Namibians for the challenges and opportunities of the oil and gas industry.

Key Discussion Topics:

• Supporting leadership development and career growth for young professionals
• Understanding evolving career trends and emerging opportunities in the energy sector
• Building essential skills through mentorship, training and structured development programmes
• Navigating challenges such as market volatility, sustainability demands, and digitalisation

Session Two: Mentoring and Inspirational Talks

In this engaging session, experienced professionals from Namibia’s oil, gas, and broader energy industries will share personal career journeys, lessons learned and practical advice, providing aspiring professionals with invaluable real-world perspectives on how to succeed and thrive in the energy sector.

Speaking ahead of the event; Jason Kasuto, Chairperson, Economic Association of Namibia (EAN), host of the Namibia Oil and Gas Conference explained; “Our goal is to foster a vibrant ecosystem where young Namibians can see themselves as future leaders of the energy industry. Partnering with the Namibia Youth Energy Forum ensures we are not only inspiring the next generation but equipping them with the right skills and networks to contribute meaningfully to Namibia’s energy future.”

Fanuel Shinedima, Founder, Namibia Youth Energy Forum also explained; “This partnership is more than symbolic — it’s a strategic investment in Namibia’s energy future. Together, we are unlocking doors for young Namibians to lead, innovate, and thrive. The Future Generations Masterclass is a launchpad for bold ideas and bold leadership. We are not just preparing talent — we are shaping trailblazers. The Namibia Youth Energy Forum is proud to co-create this legacy.”

The 3rd Namibia Oil and Gas Conference themed “From Exploration to Action – Positioning Namibia as the Next Energy Frontier,” runs from 12–15 August in Windhoek. With Namibia emerging as a rising force in Africa’s energy landscape, the event is set to attract global industry leaders, investors, innovators and policymakers, as it offers exceptional opportunities for knowledge sharing, networking and skills development.

Hosted by the Economic Association of Namibia (EAN) in partnership with the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) and the Hanns Seidel Foundation (HSF), with a strategic partnership with the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (NAMCOR), Rhino Resources and SNC Incorporated. The conference is also officially endorsed by Namibia’s Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy.

This year’s edition has expanded significantly, doubling its exhibition space to meet rising demand for showcasing new technologies and services. Attendees will also benefit from a broader networking programme that fosters collaboration and sustainable growth across the sectors.

For full conference details and how to attend, visit namibiaoilandgasconf.com.

Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited is set to unveil its corporate brand to the general public and stakeholders during the Nigeria Oil and Gas (NOG) Energy Week 2025.

The unveiling event is scheduled to take place at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja, from June 29 to July 3, 2025.

This event marks a defining milestone for Renaissance, which emerged in March 2025 as the operator of the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) Joint Venture. This followed the successful $2.4 billion acquisition by Renaissance Africa Energy Holdings Limited—a consortium comprising leading Nigerian independents: ND Western, Aradel Energy, First E&P, Waltersmith Petroleum, and international partner Petrolin Trading Limited.

Speaking on the development, Tony Attah, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Renaissance, stated:

“Renaissance is more than a name—it is a bold declaration of intent. It represents a new era of Nigerian-led energy leadership, built on excellence, sustainability, and a deep commitment to national development.”

According to Attah, the company aspires to become Africa’s leading energy company, driving energy security and industrialisation through sustainable practices.

Since taking over operatorship of the NNPC/Renaissance/TotalEnergies/AENR Joint Venture, the company has ramped up production to over 200,000 barrels per day. This achievement has earned commendations from the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, and from its senior partner, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC).

Renaissance’s asset portfolio includes 15 onshore and three shallow-water Oil Mining Leases (OMLs), as well as Nigeria’s two largest export terminals—the Bonny Oil and Gas Terminal in Rivers State and the Forcados Oil Terminal in Delta State.

The brand unveiling at NOG 2025 will spotlight Renaissance’s new identity, vision, core values, and strategic direction before a global audience of policymakers, investors, and industry leaders.

The company’s logo, introduced earlier this year, is described as a symbol of innovation, unity, and ambition—reflecting its goal to become Africa’s leading energy enterprise.

“We begin this chapter with hope for a more inclusive, resilient, and impactful future,” Attah added. “Our journey aligns with the Federal Government’s priorities to boost oil and gas output, deepen Nigerian content, and drive economic growth through energy.”

As Nigeria positions itself as a regional energy hub, Renaissance’s emergence signals a generational shift in ownership, ambition, and execution capacity—anchored in local leadership and global standards.

…To Lift 42 Million MSMEs

…Presidency, IPMAN, Experts Hail Bold Move

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a landmark investment of over ₦720 billion in the deployment of 4,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered trucks for nationwide distribution of petroleum products. This initiative is projected to save Nigerians more than ₦1.7 trillion annually in logistics and fuel distribution costs.

The privately-owned refinery is set to absorb over ₦1.07 trillion each year in fuel distribution expenses, drastically reducing operational costs for over 42 million Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The move is expected to lower pump prices, reduce inflation, and increase profitability for businesses across Nigeria.

Starting August 15, Dangote will begin direct delivery of petrol and diesel to filling stations, industrial sites, and other high-volume consumers. This eliminates intermediaries and transportation bottlenecks, a move that experts say could transform the energy supply chain.

According to the refinery, its production capacity will meet Nigeria’s daily consumption of 65 million litres of refined petroleum products — including 45 million litres of PMS, 15 million litres of diesel, and 5 million litres of aviation fuel.

With logistics costs averaging ₦45 per litre, the cost-saving impact of free distribution is estimated at ₦1.07 trillion annually. The investment includes not only the CNG trucks but also a network of nationwide ‘mother and daughter’ CNG stations and related infrastructure.

A Strategic Shift for Nigeria’s Economy

Dangote Group’s intervention aligns with its broader commitment to:

• Eliminate logistics inefficiencies
• Promote energy sustainability
• Support MSME growth
• Revive dormant filling stations and stimulate job creation

The initiative is expected to create over 15,000 direct jobs within the logistics chain — including drivers, station managers, and CNG station attendants.

Additionally, the direct-to-retail delivery system is set to curb petroleum product smuggling, ensuring a more secure and environmentally friendly distribution framework.

Presidential and Industry Endorsements

The Presidency has praised the initiative as a pivotal step in transitioning Nigeria toward gas-powered transportation.

Tosin Coker, Commercial Coordinator of the Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNGI), called it a “milestone achievement,” highlighting the scale and strategic value of the move.

“It signals that CNG is no longer a distant goal but a practical, current solution,” he stated.

Similarly, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) welcomed the development. According to Chinedu Ukadike, National Publicity Secretary, the initiative addresses a long-standing challenge in Nigeria’s downstream sector:

“For years, we’ve relied on costly transport from coastal depots due to non-functional pipelines. Dangote’s direct delivery will ease this burden immensely.”

Expert Reactions

Prof. Ken Ife, a development economist, noted that the initiative would help bring down the price of PMS, with ripple effects on other sectors.

Bismarck Rewane, CEO of Financial Derivatives Company, dismissed monopoly fears, instead applauding the elimination of middlemen and the provision of credit facilities at the retail level.

“Middlemen extract margins without adding value. Dangote is investing, distributing, and offering credit — a game-changer,” Rewane remarked.

Kelvin Emmanuel, energy expert and co-founder of Dairy Hills, described the absorption of logistics costs as a turning point that would allow citizens to truly benefit from local refining.

Ibukun Phillips, an energy analyst, called the move revolutionary, especially in its potential to improve access and affordability in rural communities:

“Rural consumers stand to benefit greatly. This could revive abandoned filling stations and ensure fairer, more equitable distribution.”