The growing importance of United Kingdom expertise in shaping Africa’s evolving energy landscape took center stage at the Wider African Energy Summit (WAES) in Aberdeen on Tuesday, as operators and industry stakeholders highlighted the UK’s unique role in supporting Africa’s next wave of oil, gas, and low-carbon growth
With many African countries accelerating gas monetization, improving project delivery, and seeking solutions to reduce operational emissions, speakers emphasized that the UK’s mature North Sea ecosystem—renowned for its offshore engineering capability, safety culture, and skilled workforce—offers practical advantages that can help unlock large-scale development across the continent.
One of the strongest case studies came from Nigeria’s Seplat Energy, which detailed how targeted investment and technical intervention have revitalised the previously shut-in OML 40 asset in the Niger Delta. Jason White, General Manager for Exploration, said the project demonstrates how disciplined capital deployment can restore production while opening new opportunities for international service providers, including those from the UK.
“Our ambition is to be the cornerstone producer of gas in Nigeria. Real growth lies in transforming the country’s energy supply chain,” White said, noting that shifting IOC portfolios are creating room for nimble local companies to take the lead in domestic gas supply, power generation, and potential LNG exports.
From a continental perspective, African Energy Chamber (AEC) Executive Chairman NJ Ayuk underscored the transformative potential of UK know-how. “What you have developed here [in Aberdeen] can transform our continent,” he said, stressing that Africa intends to develop all viable hydrocarbon resources using skills, technology, and partnerships that enable efficient, lower-carbon production. Ayuk also urged policymakers in mature markets to avoid adopting energy transition measures that could inadvertently stifle African investment. “We’re not against the transition – it just has to be just, orderly, and fair,” he added.
Delivering projects faster and with lower emissions emerged as a central theme—an area where UK expertise remains globally influential. Altera Infrastructure highlighted how its lease-and-operate FPSO model is reducing development timelines while building local competencies. Citing the Baleine field in Ivory Coast, where Altera and Eni delivered an FPSO within 18 months of FID, Business Development Director Stig Bøtker described the project as evidence of what standardisation and experienced partners can achieve. He noted that modern FPSOs are also being designed with enhanced gas-management systems to curb flaring and support cleaner operations.
The Summit also highlighted new openings for UK service companies in engineering, project management, and capacity building—areas where the country has long held an advantage. Calling the relationship between the UK and Africa “symbiotic,” AFBE-UK Co-Founder Ollie Folayan urged the UK to extend its global leadership in engineering training and to help emerging markets navigate the energy trilemma of affordability, sustainability, and energy security.
WAES 2025, held in formal partnership with the African Energy Chamber, 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, aims to connect Africa’s most compelling energy opportunities with the UK and European supply chains. The summit continues to position Aberdeen as a strategic hub for new partnerships and cross-border investment across Africa’s rapidly expanding energy sector.