Africa’s energy sector could reach new heights if countries across the continent work together, according to Felix Ogbe, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB). Speaking at the 10th edition of the South Atlantic International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (SAIPEC) in Lagos, Ogbe emphasized that shared vision and cross-border cooperation are essential for making Africa a global competitor in energy production and development.
Ogbe highlighted that collaboration between governments, private companies, and local communities is the foundation of successful local content policies. “Collaboration between governments, private sector players, and local communities continues to demonstrate itself as the bedrock upon which we must build successful local content strategies,” he said, stressing that a united approach strengthens capacity building and local participation.
He outlined Nigeria’s approach as a model for the continent, noting that the country has focused on deepening indigenous participation, strengthening skills, and enforcing policies that prevent the outsourcing of technical certification. “This ensures that the Board works with competent and capable contractors, which is now a critical criterion in technical tenders,” Ogbe explained.
At the continental level, he called for regulatory alignment and cooperation through the Brazzaville Accord to harmonize frameworks and remove bottlenecks that hinder competitiveness. Ogbe also drew attention to the Africa Energy Bank, launched under the African Petroleum Producers Organisation with Afreximbank, describing it as a vital tool to mobilize capital, provide affordable financing, and build capacity across Africa.
Ogbe concluded by urging all stakeholders—including governments, regulators, investors, and industry leaders—to support the Africa Energy Bank and broader collaborative initiatives. “By working together across borders, industries, and sectors, we can craft robust, inclusive, and sustainable local content strategies that propel Africa’s energy sector to new and greater heights in a rapidly changing world,” he said, underlining collaboration as the key to the continent’s energy future.
source: punch