SAIPEC 2026: Advancing Africa’s Energy Growth Agenda
Africa’s drive for energy-led development has reached a pivotal juncture with the opening of SAIPEC 2026 in Lagos this week. As the continent’s premier platform for energy dialogue and collaboration, the 10th edition of the Sub-Saharan Africa International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (SAIPEC) is convening key stakeholders to accelerate capital mobilisation, foster partnerships, and deliver tangible projects.
Held from 10–12 February at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites, the milestone event—hosted by the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) in strategic partnership with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), NNPC Ltd, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and AOS Orwell—has attracted over 1,400 conference delegates from more than 50 countries and is welcoming upwards of 5,100 exhibition visitors. The exhibition showcases 139 exhibitors presenting innovative technologies, services, and solutions spanning the full energy value chain, with strong participation from more than 30 national oil companies, regulators, and government agencies.
This year’s expanded programme emphasises practical deal-making and execution, featuring new elements such as in-country roundtables, a dedicated Local Content Pitching Session, and an enhanced technical conference addressing engineering delivery, project implementation, and emerging technologies. SAIPEC 2026 builds on the momentum of the preceding Local Content–AfCFTA Energy Summit (9 February), which examined opportunities to leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area for greater intra-African energy trade and local participation.
A highlight is the CEO Forum, “Energy CEOs Talk: Navigating Opportunity Amid Transition,” where leaders of Africa’s leading indigenous energy firms discuss strategies to advance oil and gas development alongside gas-to-power initiatives, renewables, and low-carbon solutions.
Among the key voices is Tony Attah, Managing Director and CEO of headline sponsor Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited. Speaking at the event, Attah underscored SAIPEC’s growing importance as African energy companies address common challenges in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
“SAIPEC serves as a vital platform for collaboration in an industry central to Africa’s progress,” Attah stated. “While we operate in diverse markets, shared hurdles—including infrastructure deficits, financing limitations, and the imperative to build local capacity—unite us across the continent.”
He emphasised that success hinges on translating local knowledge into operational excellence. “Africa’s energy context is distinct, shaped by unique infrastructure, regulatory, and community dynamics. Winning companies will master the integration of global standards with robust local capabilities.”
Attah highlighted priorities such as sustained talent investment, resilient supply chains, meaningful community partnerships, and technology adoption to enhance safety, reliability, and efficiency. He stressed agility in adapting to shifting markets and financing environments.
For Renaissance, he added, developing Nigerian capacity represents a core strategic commitment rather than mere compliance. “A strong African energy enterprise thrives alongside its people, maintains peak operational performance, and creates shared value for all stakeholders—from investors to host communities.”
As SAIPEC 2026 unfolds in Lagos, the event continues to solidify its role in translating Africa’s energy ambitions into actionable outcomes—prioritising capital deployment, project delivery, and sustainable growth for the continent’s future.
