PETAN unveils programme for landmark 10th anniversary edition of SAIPEC 2026
The Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) has officially unveiled the programme for the landmark 10th anniversary edition of the Sub-Saharan Africa International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (SAIPEC), scheduled to take place from 10–12 February 2026 at the Eko Convention Centre, Lagos.
Now celebrating a decade of fostering collaboration and innovation across Africa’s energy landscape, SAIPEC 2026 will once again be hosted in partnership with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), NNPC Ltd, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and AOS Orwell, alongside more than 30 national oil companies (NOCs), regulators, and government agencies from across Sub-Saharan Africa.
A Decade of Growth, Partnership, and Impact
From its modest beginnings in 2017 as WAIPEC — the West Africa International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference — SAIPEC has grown from 148 delegates and two participating NOCs to over 1,400 delegates and 23 NOCs in 2025, with even greater participation expected in its 10th anniversary edition.
The exhibition has more than doubled in scale, now attracting 150+ exhibitors representing the full energy value chain — from exploration, drilling, and engineering to digitalisation and energy transition technologies.
Over the past decade, SAIPEC has facilitated millions of dollars in contracts, partnerships, and investments, making it a central hub for African energy dialogue and business.
“From a regional platform to a continental force, SAIPEC has evolved into Africa’s leading meeting place for oil, gas, and energy dialogue,” said Mr. Ibe Chubby Ibe, PETAN/SAIPEC Conference Chairman. “Our tenth anniversary is both a celebration and a call to action — to shape the next decade of sustainable growth through collaboration, innovation, and African content leadership.”
Charting Africa’s Energy Future: Highlights of the 2026 Programme
The opening day will feature addresses from top government and industry leaders, followed by keynote sessions reflecting on SAIPEC’s decade-long impact. A high-level regulatory panel will discuss reforms to unlock exploration and production growth, while country spotlight sessions will showcase key projects from Nigeria, Angola, Ghana, Namibia, Senegal, and Mozambique.
The Investment Forum will focus on capital deployment, financing models, and risk management for new energy ventures.
Day two turns the spotlight on “Africa’s Gas Opportunity – A Pillar for Industrialisation and Export”, exploring LNG outlooks, gas infrastructure, and regional collaboration. Discussions will also center on local content development, indigenous capacity building, and supplier opportunities. The evening will culminate with the 10th Anniversary Gala Dinner and SAIPEC Awards, celebrating exceptional contributions to Africa’s energy growth.
The final day will focus on the future workforce, opening with a keynote on diversity, equity, and leadership transformation. A DEI Leadership Panel will highlight women and youth leaders in technical and managerial roles, followed by the SPE Futures Forum, connecting young engineers, academics, and entrepreneurs.
The conference will conclude with actionable outcomes, policy insights, and collaboration pathways aimed at accelerating Africa’s energy transformation.
New Features for the 2026 Edition
To mark its milestone year, SAIPEC 2026 introduces several new elements, including in-country roundtables, a Local Content Pitching Session, and an expanded technical conference delving into engineering, project execution, and technology trends.
Networking remains a cornerstone of SAIPEC, with exclusive receptions, business lunches, and PETAN’s signature golf day designed to foster partnerships and investment discussions. The international exhibition will showcase the latest in digital solutions, field optimisation tools, and sustainability-driven innovations shaping Africa’s energy future.
AfCFTA Energy Summit to Open the 10th Anniversary Week
As part of the extended anniversary celebrations, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) will host the Local Content – AfCFTA Energy Summit on 9 February 2026. The event will explore opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) in advancing intra-African energy trade and strengthening local content participation across the continent.
With vast hydrocarbon reserves, expanding gas potential, and increasing investment in renewables, Sub-Saharan Africa continues to play a vital role in global energy diversification. For ten years, SAIPEC has been instrumental in driving this progress through dialogue, collaboration, and innovation.
SAIPEC 2026 is set to once again unite policymakers, operators, investors, and innovators to define the next phase of Africa’s energy evolution — ensuring inclusive growth that benefits people, communities, and economies.
The full programme and registration details are available at www.saipec-event.com
