It is with great pride and a deep sense of responsibility that I welcome you to SAIPEC 2026, as we commemorate a truly historic milestone — the 10th edition of SAIPEC, themed “A Decade of Driving Africa’s Energy Future.”
On behalf of the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN), I extend my sincere appreciation to the organizers, partners, sponsors, and all stakeholders who have sustained this platform over the past decade and transformed it into Africa’s premier energy conference and exhibition.
REFLECTING ON A DECADE OF IMPACT
Ten years ago, SAIPEC was conceived as more than a conference. It was envisioned as a movement and a platform to amplify African capabilities, encourage collaboration, and redefine Africa’s role in the global energy landscape.
Today, we can confidently say that SAIPEC has:
- Driven strategic dialogue on energy policy and investment
- Elevated indigenous participation and local content development
- Connected African service companies to global opportunities
- Shaped conversations that influence real projects and outcomes
This decade of progress reflects the resilience, innovation, and determination of African industry players, particularly indigenous companies who have stepped up in the face of global volatility and energy transition pressures.
AFRICA’S ENERGY REALITY AND RESPONSIBILITY
As we look forward, we must acknowledge a fundamental truth: Africa’s energy future must be defined by Africans, for Africans.
While the global energy transition continues to evolve, Africa’s immediate challenge remains energy access, affordability, and reliability. Over 600 million Africans still lack access to electricity, and industrial growth is constrained by energy deficits.
For us, energy transition is not about abandoning hydrocarbons, it is about leveraging our resources responsibly to drive development, while gradually integrating cleaner and renewable solutions.
INDIGENOUS CAPACITY: FROM PARTICIPATION TO LEADERSHIP
One of the most profound achievements of the past decade has been the rise of indigenous capacity across Africa’s energy value chain.
In Nigeria, the impact of local content policies and deliberate capacity development is evident. Indigenous companies now lead in:
- Drilling and well services
- Engineering, fabrication, and construction
- Asset acquisition and field development
- Technology deployment and innovation
PETAN members have evolved from service providers to strategic partners, delivering complex projects to international standards.
However, sustaining this progress requires:
- Consistent policy implementation
- Access to financing
- Contract sanctity and timely project execution
- Stronger collaboration between operators and service companies
INVESTMENT, TECHNOLOGY, AND COLLABORATION
The next decade must be defined by investment and execution.
Africa needs capital and capital also needs confidence. This confidence is built on:
- Regulatory clarity and stability
- Transparent processes
- Competitive fiscal frameworks
- Bankable projects
Technology will also shape the future. Digitalization, automation, data-driven operations, and low-carbon solutions must be embraced to enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability.
Most importantly, the future of Africa’s energy sector will be built on partnerships — between governments, regulators, indigenous companies, IOCs, financiers, and development institutions.
CALL TO ACTION AT 10 YEARS
As we mark this 10th edition of SAIPEC, let us recommit ourselves to:
- Moving from dialogue to delivery
- Accelerating gas development and infrastructure
- Deepening local content utilization
- Creating jobs and transferring skills
- Positioning Africa as a competitive and reliable energy destination
SAIPEC must continue to be a platform where ideas become investments, and conversations translate into projects.
CLOSING
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, a decade ago, we set out to drive Africa’s energy future. Today, we stand not at the end of that journey, but at the beginning of a more ambitious chapter.
PETAN remains fully committed to working with all stakeholders to build a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable energy industry that delivers prosperity for our people and value for our partners.
Thank you for your attention and wishing you a productive, impactful, and memorable SAIPEC 2026.
It is with great pride and a deep sense of responsibility that I welcome you to SAIPEC 2026, as we commemorate a truly historic milestone — the 10th edition of SAIPEC, themed “A Decade of Driving Africa’s Energy Future.”
On behalf of the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN), I extend my sincere appreciation to the organizers, partners, sponsors, and all stakeholders who have sustained this platform over the past decade and transformed it into Africa’s premier energy conference and exhibition.
REFLECTING ON A DECADE OF IMPACT
Ten years ago, SAIPEC was conceived as more than a conference. It was envisioned as a movement and a platform to amplify African capabilities, encourage collaboration, and redefine Africa’s role in the global energy landscape.
Today, we can confidently say that SAIPEC has:
- Driven strategic dialogue on energy policy and investment
- Elevated indigenous participation and local content development
- Connected African service companies to global opportunities
- Shaped conversations that influence real projects and outcomes
This decade of progress reflects the resilience, innovation, and determination of African industry players, particularly indigenous companies who have stepped up in the face of global volatility and energy transition pressures.
AFRICA’S ENERGY REALITY AND RESPONSIBILITY
As we look forward, we must acknowledge a fundamental truth: Africa’s energy future must be defined by Africans, for Africans.
While the global energy transition continues to evolve, Africa’s immediate challenge remains energy access, affordability, and reliability. Over 600 million Africans still lack access to electricity, and industrial growth is constrained by energy deficits.
For us, energy transition is not about abandoning hydrocarbons, it is about leveraging our resources responsibly to drive development, while gradually integrating cleaner and renewable solutions.
INDIGENOUS CAPACITY: FROM PARTICIPATION TO LEADERSHIP
One of the most profound achievements of the past decade has been the rise of indigenous capacity across Africa’s energy value chain.
In Nigeria, the impact of local content policies and deliberate capacity development is evident. Indigenous companies now lead in:
- Drilling and well services
- Engineering, fabrication, and construction
- Asset acquisition and field development
- Technology deployment and innovation
PETAN members have evolved from service providers to strategic partners, delivering complex projects to international standards.
However, sustaining this progress requires:
- Consistent policy implementation
- Access to financing
- Contract sanctity and timely project execution
- Stronger collaboration between operators and service companies
INVESTMENT, TECHNOLOGY, AND COLLABORATION
The next decade must be defined by investment and execution.
Africa needs capital and capital also needs confidence. This confidence is built on:
- Regulatory clarity and stability
- Transparent processes
- Competitive fiscal frameworks
- Bankable projects
Technology will also shape the future. Digitalization, automation, data-driven operations, and low-carbon solutions must be embraced to enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability.
Most importantly, the future of Africa’s energy sector will be built on partnerships — between governments, regulators, indigenous companies, IOCs, financiers, and development institutions.
CALL TO ACTION AT 10 YEARS
As we mark this 10th edition of SAIPEC, let us recommit ourselves to:
- Moving from dialogue to delivery
- Accelerating gas development and infrastructure
- Deepening local content utilization
- Creating jobs and transferring skills
- Positioning Africa as a competitive and reliable energy destination
SAIPEC must continue to be a platform where ideas become investments, and conversations translate into projects.
CLOSING
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, a decade ago, we set out to drive Africa’s energy future. Today, we stand not at the end of that journey, but at the beginning of a more ambitious chapter.
PETAN remains fully committed to working with all stakeholders to build a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable energy industry that delivers prosperity for our people and value for our partners.
Thank you for your attention and wishing you a productive, impactful, and memorable SAIPEC 2026.
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