During African Energy Week 2025, one message echoed clearly across every conversation, and it was that Africa’s upstream sector stands at a defining moment. I was pleased to participate in a panel session where I reinforced a fundamental truth: balancing the urgent need for energy access with the global call for decarbonization requires more than mere ambition; it demands innovation with intent.
Technology is already reshaping how we explore, develop, and produce. From AI-driven seismic interpretation that reduces weeks to hours, to digital drilling ecosystems delivering record performance, and modular field solutions that accelerate time to first oil, the industry is proving that efficiency and sustainability can go hand in hand.
But beyond the tools, progress depends on partnerships, people, and purpose. The projects that succeed are those where service providers and operators plan with clarity, integrate seamlessly, and reward performance. When we align incentives with outcomes, innovation thrives — and results speak louder than reports.
At SLB, this is how we’re helping shape a new narrative for Africa’s energy future:
🔹 Empowering local experts with next-generation digital skills through our #SLB PTE 2.0 digital upskilling program and customer AI academies.
🔹 Building performance-based partnerships that drive measurable results.
🔹 And enabling technology adoption that reduces emissions while unlocking new barrels responsibly.
Africa’s upstream journey mirrors the continent’s broader story — one of leapfrogging limitations through ingenuity and collaboration. By reimagining how we develop assets and deliver energy, we can make access not just faster and cleaner, but truly transformative for communities across the region.
Because Africa doesn’t wait — it leaps.
Gratitude to:
🔹 My fellow panelists (Daniel Pratt, CFA, Ousmane Aidara, Terrence Naidoo, and Samuel Olotu) for an enriching and insightful dialogue.
🔹African Energy Chamber for hosting another successful event.
GHISLAIN FAI-YENGO 