The 10th anniversary edition of the Sub-Saharan Africa International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (SAIPEC) has reaffirmed its status as a premier platform for Africa’s energy dialogue, convening regulators, investors, operators and policymakers from across the continent and beyond.

Hosted by the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) in strategic partnership with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and AOS Orwell, the three-day conference and exhibition held from February 10 to 12 at the Eko Convention Centre, Lagos, marked a decade of industry engagement and collaboration.

The event brought together senior policymakers, regulators and national oil company executives to examine critical industry trends, investment opportunities, digital transformation and energy transition pathways shaping Africa’s energy future.

A major highlight of the anniversary celebrations was the debut of the NextGEN Summit, themed “The Next Decade of Energy Leadership.” Powered by Lonadek and GEP Events, the summit was designed to mentor young professionals and position them for emerging opportunities driven by technology, sustainability and innovation.

Participants engaged directly with industry leaders, gaining practical insights into career growth within a rapidly evolving energy landscape.

Delivering the keynote address, Principal Consultant at Lonadek Global Services, Dr Ibilola Amao, underscored the role of structured graduate programmes and mentorship in building successful careers.

She noted that today’s young professionals enjoy unprecedented access to guidance and industry networks.“You must actively navigate your career—read widely, ask questions and seek knowledge that will help you grow,” she advised.Amao encouraged participants to pursue professional certifications, stressing the enduring value of chartered qualifications.

“Once you are chartered, no one can take it away from you.

A broad-based exposure—understanding the depth and breadth of your field—sets you apart,” she said.

She also advocated rotational training across departments, noting that varied exposure helps professionals identify strengths, interests and areas for improvement.

“Working across different roles shows you what comes naturally and what requires more effort,” she added.Addressing Nigeria’s energy challenges, Amao described the country’s power supply deficit as a significant opportunity for innovation and enterprise.

Despite abundant natural and human resources, she said strategic gaps persist, adding that collaboration and creative thinking are key to unlocking sustainable solutions.

She further urged young professionals to leverage digital tools and online platforms to enhance skills and remain competitive, noting that opportunities span upstream, midstream and downstream operations—but success demands passion, competence and lifelong learning.

The summit also featured a panel discussion on careers at the intersection of petroleum and information technology, with a focus on artificial intelligence and digital transformation. Moderated by MSME and digital innovation expert Dr Samuel Jackson, the session featured Hanson Johnson, Chairman of Innovation Supply Network (ISN); Bakare Amasoma, Oracle Academy Programme Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa; Olu Philips, Head of Energy at Channels Television; and Cyril Eziefule Ekpe, Business Director Gottage Services International.

Panelists shared personal career journeys and examined how technology is redefining energy sector operations.Participants later toured the SAIPEC exhibition hall, where companies showcased cutting-edge solutions in exploration, production, engineering services, digitalisation and energy transition.

During the mentorship roundtable discussion, experienced industry professionals shared in-depth insights and focused career guidance on emerging and high-growth roles within the energy sector. Participants gained valuable perspectives on required skills, industry trends, and long-term career development opportunities.

In addition, an interactive digital transformation workshop was conducted to help participants identify strategic career pathways while exploring how digital technologies and innovative solutions are shaping the future of the energy industry.

The session encouraged active engagement, critical thinking, and collaboration, enabling participants to understand how they can contribute to driving innovation and sustainable growth across the energy sector.

Speaking with The Guardian, Head of Business Development at JC International, Benjamin Akuta, said the firm has rolled out technical internship programmes to equip young professionals with industry-ready skills.

Training areas include health, safety and environment (HSE), first aid, confined space operations, lifting equipment certification and non-destructive testing (NDT), among other specialised competencies.

As one of Sub-Saharan Africa’s largest energy gatherings, SAIPEC continues to drive collaboration, knowledge exchange and business growth, while nurturing the next generation of professionals poised to shape the region’s energy future.