By Lukman Kadiri, Managing Director, GMCG Nigeria 

With the increasing involvement of Africa in the global offshore energy market, critical projects in Nigeria, Angola, and Senegal are underscoring the importance of employing leading engineering, compliance, and risk management services. Offshore energy activities are becoming increasingly prominent, and events such as NOG Energy Week 2025 offer decisive opportunities to examine technology and plans for driving change in the sector.

Africa’s Offshore Growth: A Strategic Frontier 

Nigeria is a major player in West Africa’s evolving energy landscape, particularly in the deepwater sector of its oil and gas industry. The country is leveraging its large, mature oil and gas fields while expanding offshore gas infrastructure. It is remarkable to see how Nigeria balances industry growth with resource optimization.

By contrast, Angola is navigating the challenges of a maturing deepwater sector. Notably, its recent developments have progressed with relatively limited reliance on FPSOs and subsea technologies — a distinguishing approach compared to other producers in the region.

Meanwhile, Senegal remains in the early stages of its LNG development. Projects such as Greater Tortue Ahmeyim mark important progress, though the country’s experience with large-scale offshore initiatives is still in its infancy. These developments reflect a growing desire for greater autonomy and meaningful international cooperation across the region.

Namibia: Southern Africa’s Emerging Offshore Hub 

Namibia is quickly establishing itself as a promising new frontier, driven by extensive oil discoveries in the Orange Basin. In recent years, major international operators — including TotalEnergies, Shell, and Galp — have made notable oil and gas finds, positioning the country as a key player in Southern Africa’s energy future.

One of the most significant projects on the horizon is TotalEnergies’ offshore discovery, expected to reach a final investment decision by 2026, with a production target exceeding 150,000 barrels per day. The Namibian government has been proactive in promoting regulatory frameworks and developing infrastructure to support offshore operations.

This creates a valuable opportunity for companies like GMCG to offer consultancy services in areas such as maritime regulation, offshore safety, and risk management — especially in these early stages of development.

GMCG also brings strong capabilities in regulatory compliance, including vessel registration and offshore safety systems, which are becoming increasingly critical as Namibia’s offshore industry continues to expand. While the country’s energy sector is still in its early phases, the prospects for trusted partners to help shape a safe and compliant offshore future are substantial.

Global Reference Points: Lessons from the Middle East 

Africa’s offshore experience is distinctive, but international comparisons — particularly with the Middle East — offer valuable insights. Notable examples include Saudi Arabia’s Marjan and Jafurah fields, the UAE’s artificial island platforms, and Qatar’s North Field Expansion. These projects showcase what can be achieved through advanced offshore engineering, rigorous compliance standards, and the integration of digital technologies.

NOG Energy Week 2025: A Key Industry Gathering 

As Africa’s offshore industry continues to grow, collaboration, innovation, and regulatory compliance are emerging as key pillars for sustainable development. Industry events such as NOG Energy Week 2025 play an essential role in bringing professionals together to support this transition, exchange vital insights, and foster commercially driven partnerships.

At GMCG, we are proud to participate in NOG Energy Week 2025. We remain committed to supporting offshore activities across the continent by delivering efficient, compliant, and forward-looking solutions tailored to the region’s evolving needs.

About the Author

Lukman Kadiri is the Managing Director of GMCG Nigeria, with over 16 years of experience in maritime consultancy, offshore compliance, and risk management across West Africa. He leads GMCG’s regional strategy and client engagement in the offshore energy sector, with a strong focus on client partnership and operational excellence.