The upcoming 10th anniversary of the Sub Saharan Africa International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (SAIPEC) will place a major emphasis on Nigeria's current oil licensing round. Organisers have confirmed the first wave of high-profile speakers for the landmark event, setting the stage for critical discussions on Africa's energy future.
Confirmed Speakers for a Decade of Impact
In a press release issued on Monday, SAIPEC organisers unveiled an impressive roster of confirmed speakers for the anniversary programme. This list brings together senior figures from policymaking, regulatory bodies, and National Oil Companies (NOCs) across the continent.
The first group of confirmed speakers includes:
- Dr Emeafa Hardcastle, Acting CEO of the Petroleum Commission Ghana.
- Engr. Felix Ogbe Omatsola, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).
- Hon. Dr Eng. Caleb Makwiranzou, Deputy Minister for Mines and Mining Development and representative of the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA).
- Foday Mansaray, Director General of Sierra Leone's Petroleum Directorate.
- Dr Ernest Rubondo, Executive Director of the Petroleum Authority of Uganda.
- Dr Amadou Hassane, Former General Director of Hydrocarbons for Niger Republic's Ministry of Petroleum.
- Baboucarr Njie, Managing Director of the Gambia National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC).
Additional key speakers announced are:
- Proscovia Nabbanja, Chief Executive Officer of the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC).
- Fabian M. Lai, President & CEO of the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL).
- Engr. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, CCE of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
- Engr. Wole Ogunsanya, CEO of Geoplex Limited and Chairman of the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN).
- Kwaku Boateng, Director of Economics and Local Content at Ghana's Petroleum Commission.
- Jean Michel Akossi, Director of Local Content at Côte d’Ivoire's Directorate of Local Content.
These leaders represent institutions that have consistently participated in SAIPEC over the past ten years, solidifying the event's reputation as a premier forum for policy dialogue, regional cooperation, and investment promotion in Africa's energy sector.
Event Details and Core Focus Areas
SAIPEC 2026 is scheduled to take place from 10–12 February 2026 at the Eko Convention Centre in Lagos, Nigeria. This edition marks a full decade since the conference was first launched.
The event is hosted by the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) in strategic partnership with the NCDMB, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), the NUPRC, and AOS Orwell. It will gather regulators, NOCs, operators, investors, and service providers from across Africa and the globe.
The organisers have stated that a primary focus will be Nigeria's ongoing oil licensing round. Dedicated sessions will provide the latest regulatory updates, detail available acreage opportunities, and offer crucial investment insights for potential bidders and partners.
Beyond the Licensing Round: A Full Spectrum Energy Platform
While the Nigerian licensing round is a headline focus, SAIPEC 2026 will offer a comprehensive view of the continent's energy landscape. The conference agenda will feature country spotlight sessions that highlight upstream, gas, and infrastructure opportunities across other major African energy markets.
Networking remains a central pillar of the SAIPEC experience. The event will include curated business meetings, executive receptions, and industry networking events specifically designed to facilitate new partnerships and deal-making.
Furthermore, the accompanying international exhibition, one of the largest of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa, will feature over 150 exhibitors. They will showcase the latest technologies, services, and solutions spanning exploration, production, engineering, digitalisation, and the energy transition.
The organisers have indicated that confirmation of additional speakers will be announced in the coming weeks. The full programme for SAIPEC 2026 will be made available on the official event website at www.saipec-event.com.
