AEC, SPE Africa Sign Partnership to Strengthen Technical Capacity in Africa’s Energy Sector

The African Energy Chamber (AEC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE Africa) to strengthen technical collaboration, knowledge transfer and innovation across Africa’s energy industry.

The agreement establishes a strategic partnership between the two organisations, with SPE Africa expected to provide technical expertise, advisory support and industry insights to support AEC’s conferences, strategic initiatives and policy engagements.

Focus on technical excellence, capacity building and talent development

The partnership comes as African countries seek to accelerate energy development, attract investment and navigate a changing global energy landscape.

According to the parties, the collaboration highlights the importance of technical expertise in delivering sustainable, bankable and efficiently executed energy projects across the continent.

Under the agreement, SPE Africa will contribute technical content, expert participation and sector-specific guidance across AEC platforms. A Joint Working Group will also be established to coordinate collaboration and oversee the implementation of joint activities.

The partnership also seeks to support talent development and capacity building within Africa’s energy sector. By leveraging SPE Africa’s network of students and young professionals, the initiative is expected to create opportunities for early-career engineers to engage with industry leaders, gain practical exposure and support the advancement of STEM education across the continent.

The collaboration places particular emphasis on supporting the development of future engineers, including women, as part of efforts to strengthen long-term growth and innovation in the sector.

AEC Executive Chairman, NJ Ayuk, said the partnership would strengthen technical dialogue across the industry while advancing capacity building and STEM development.

“By bringing SPE Africa’s global technical expertise into closer alignment with the Chamber’s platforms and advocacy, we are ensuring that Africa is not only attracting investment, but also delivering projects that are efficient, competitive and built to last,” he said.

SPE Africa President, Riverson Oppong, stated that the organisation was proud to partner with the AEC to support the advancement of Africa’s energy sector through technical excellence and professional collaboration.

“By connecting our global expertise with AEC’s influential platforms, we are creating new opportunities to strengthen capacity, share knowledge and accelerate innovation,” he said.

Broader industry engagement

The partnership will also support SPE Africa’s role in convening industry platforms, including the Africa Technology Conference (ATC), which brings together energy professionals, technical experts and industry decision-makers from across Africa and international markets.

According to the organisations, the conference serves as a platform for technical discussions, knowledge sharing and collaboration on engineering solutions, emerging technologies and sustainable industry practices.

The MoU establishes a two-year framework for collaboration, with specific projects and deliverables to be agreed through subsequent arrangements.

The organisations said the partnership is expected to strengthen technical capacity, improve industry dialogue and support more effective energy development across Africa.