Capacity building, critical to Africa’s energy future

Discussions about growth in Africa's energy sector, particularly in Nigeria, frequently center on capital, infrastructure, and asset acquisition. While these elements are vital, they do not fully capture the requirements for a stronger, more resilient energy future. As the continent grapples with energy access, industrial expansion, and long-term competitiveness, it's becoming evident that capital alone cannot drive the necessary transformation.

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For Africa to build a more competitive energy future, it must invest just as deliberately in the people who will power it.

Africa must invest deliberately in its people to power its energy sector's future. The sector's strength will be judged not only by financed projects or acquired assets but also by the caliber of professionals equipped to lead and manage them. Talent development must therefore be a central component of Africa's long-term energy strategy.

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The strength of the sector will be measured not only by the projects financed or the assets acquired, but also by the quality of the professionals equipped to operate, manage, and lead them.

Oando's ongoing investment in human capital exemplifies this conviction. Through initiatives like the Oando Graduate Acceleration Program (OGAP), participation in career fairs, and early-career engagements, the company actively seeks to connect with young talent. These efforts aim to expose students to industry realities and help shape their career decisions, recognizing homegrown talent as a significant competitive advantage.

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This is why talent development must be treated as a central part of Africa’s long-term energy future.

Career fairs, such as Covenant University's annual event, play an increasingly important role in connecting students with industry leaders. They provide exposure to workplace realities and industry trends, helping students build critical networks for successful careers. For universities, these engagements bridge the gap between academic learning and industry expectations, forming a crucial part of employability strategies and strengthening the pipeline of industry-ready talent for the economy.

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Oando’s continuous investment in human capital reflects a clear conviction that one of the most enduring competitive advantages in African energy lies in homegrown talent.