UK offshore expertise spotlighted as African producers pursue faster oil and gas development
The role of UK engineering, offshore services and workforce training in Africa’s next phase of oil and gas growth was a central theme at the Wider African Energy Summit (WAES) on Tuesday, where operators and industry organizations discussed how mature North Sea capabilities could support project delivery across multiple African basins.
Speakers pointed to growing demand among African governments and national companies for technical support as they work to expand gas monetization, improve operational efficiency and manage emissions performance.
Nigerian independent Seplat Energy outlined how operational reinvestment is helping restore output from legacy assets, citing its work on OML 40 in the Niger Delta, where a previously shut-in field has returned to production. Jason White, General Manager for Exploration, said the company sees domestic gas supply, LNG growth and power generation as core opportunities, noting that international oil company divestments are creating space for local operators with the ability to deploy capital and technical expertise quickly.
From a continental perspective, African Energy Chamber (AEC) Executive Chairman NJ Ayuk said that North Sea know-how has historically shaped several African developments and remains relevant as countries look to scale output and improve project execution. He cautioned that restrictive policies in mature markets — including constraints on exploration or licensing — could indirectly affect African investment. “We’re not against the transition — it just has to be just, orderly and fair,” he said.
Several panelists highlighted project delivery models aimed at shortening timelines. Altera Infrastructure described its recent work with Eni on Ivory Coast’s Baleine project, where the first FPSO was delivered 18 months after FID. The company said standardized systems and experienced offshore partners were critical in achieving schedule compression, while noting that modern FPSO designs increasingly support lower-emission operations through improved gas management.
Industry representatives said such models align with UK strengths in offshore engineering, project management and safety standards, creating opportunities for expanded collaboration between UK suppliers and African operators. Ollie Folayan, Co-Founder of AFBE-UK, said the exchange offers benefits to both sides, noting the UK’s established role in technical training and professional development.
The summit, held in Aberdeen, is organized in partnership with the AEC, the Society of Petroleum Engineers, the Energy Industries Council, the Scottish African Business Association, the UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce and the Global Underwater Hub.
Image: Eni's Baleine project, offshore Ivory Coast.
Original news source: African Energy Chamber
