The Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) has revealed the schedule for the landmark 10th edition of the Sub-Saharan Africa International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (SAIPEC). This milestone event is slated for February 10–12, 2026, at the Eko Convention Center in Lagos, marking ten years of pivotal industry dialogue.
This anniversary edition is organized through high-level partnerships with NNPC Ltd, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC). The gathering will feature a massive assembly of over 30 national oil companies (NOCs) and government regulators from throughout the region.
From Regional Beginnings to Continental Influence
The journey of SAIPEC highlights the rapid expansion of Africa’s energy sector. What started in 2017 as a smaller regional gathering (WAIPEC) with under 150 attendees has blossomed into a continental powerhouse. By 2025, participation surged to over 1,400 delegates and 23 NOCs, with even higher numbers projected for the upcoming February event.
The exhibition floor has seen similar growth, expanding from 35 initial exhibitors to an expected 150+ companies showcasing advancements in:
-
Deep-water Exploration and Drilling
-
Digital Transformation and AI Integration
-
Sustainable Energy Transition Technologies
-
Infrastructure Engineering
Conference Chairman Mr. Ibe Chubby Ibe emphasized that the 10th anniversary is more than just a milestone—it is a strategic platform to drive the next ten years of African-led innovation and sustainable industrial growth.
A Comprehensive Three-Day Industry Roadmap
The 2026 program is designed to address the most pressing challenges and opportunities in the energy value chain:
-
Day 1: Policy and Investment: The focus will be on regulatory reforms and financial frameworks. Spotlight sessions will dive into specific projects in emerging and established markets like Namibia, Angola, Senegal, and Nigeria.
-
Day 2: The Gas Revolution and Local Talent: Discussions will center on how liquefied natural gas (LNG) can drive domestic industrialization. The evening will feature the 10th Anniversary Gala Dinner to celebrate excellence in the field.
-
Day 3: Future-Proofing the Workforce: The final sessions will prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), alongside the SPE Futures Forum, which aims to bridge the gap for the next generation of engineers and tech entrepreneurs.
Enhancements for the Anniversary Year
SAIPEC 2026 introduces several fresh components, including specialized technical conferences and “Local Content Pitching” sessions designed to boost indigenous business participation.
The week kicks off early on February 9th with a dedicated summit hosted by the NCDMB focusing on the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). This precursor event will examine how intra-African trade can strengthen the continent’s energy independence and economic integration.
