The Republic of Congo’s LNG capacity is on the rise, with its first export in February 2024 marking a significant milestone. At the recent Congo Energy and Investment Forum, industry leaders highlighted the importance of local and regional capability building in sustaining growth and maximizing the benefits of the LNG sector.
During the “Building Local and Regional Capability” discussion, panelists emphasized the need for investing in local talent and scalable systems to drive domestic utilization and enhance intra-African trade. Yolanda Asumu, CEO and Founder of iCUBEFARM, stressed the importance of developing skillsets and creating targeted industry training programs to meet the evolving needs of the private sector. She called for organizations like APPO to facilitate connections between member states and provide information on available jobs and required skills.
Dr. Bi-Dia-Ayo Ibata, from the Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo (SNPC), highlighted the crucial role of local content in maximizing national benefits from LNG projects. She emphasized the importance of aligning industrial growth with community development and promoting technology transfer to enhance domestic capacity.
Oumar Semega, CEO and Founder of Imperatus Energy, discussed the potential for regional synergies and capacity building in the gas sector. He emphasized the opportunities for collaboration and innovation in integrating local markets with cross-border cooperation to unlock substantial opportunities in Africa’s energy landscape.
Nosayaba Evbuomwan, Executive and Associate Director at Accenture, stressed the importance of a common vision and collaboration among businesses in the energy sector. He highlighted the benefits of sharing knowledge, supporting each other, and leveraging strengths to drive success.
The Congo Energy and Investment Forum, held under the highest patronage of President Denis Sassou Nguesso, aims to bring together international investors and local stakeholders to explore energy and infrastructure opportunities in the region. With support from the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and SNPC, the forum serves as a platform for fostering partnerships and driving sustainable growth in the energy sector.
This article, distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital and Power, showcases the commitment of industry leaders to building local and regional capability in the Republic of Congo’s LNG sector. Through investment in talent development, technology transfer, and cross-border collaboration, the industry is poised for continued growth and success in the years to come.