Nigeria and Ghana Unite to Launch Africa Local Content Forum

Nigeria and Ghana have taken a decisive step toward redefining Africa’s energy and economic landscape through a historic tripartite partnership aimed at deepening local content development across the continent. The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and the Petroleum Commission of Ghana, in collaboration with AOW:Energy, have announced the launch of the Africa Local Content Forum, a pioneering initiative that will serve as a springboard for sustainable economic transformation, job creation, and inclusive growth through African-owned and -led enterprise. According to the partners, the Forum will be a “purpose-driven platform aimed at delivering real change for regional prosperity and wealth creation through African-led local content development.” The alliance is grounded in the belief that Africa must retain, grow, and celebrate value within its borders by empowering local talent and enterprise to participate meaningfully in the development of natural resources and the broader energy sector.

Leadership Driving the Change

At the core of this groundbreaking initiative are three visionary leaders:

• Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, Executive Secretary of NCDMB (Nigeria),
• Ms. Emeafa Hardcastle, CEO of the Petroleum Commission (Ghana), and
• Mr. Paul Sinclair, CEO of AOW:Energy.

Together, these leaders are forging a united front to position African countries as global players in the energy and resource sectors. Their mission is not just symbolic—it is rooted in strategic action aimed at transforming Africa’s role in the global energy value chain.

In a joint statement, the leaders declared: “We believe in an Africa where value is created, retained, and celebrated within our own borders. This partnership is a unified step toward building a continent where African content is not the exception, but the standard.”

Transforming Vision Into Action

The Africa Local Content Forum will go beyond the usual policy discussions. Slated to launch officially at AOW:Energy 2025, the Forum promises to deliver a results-oriented programme focused on implementing concrete strategies, aligning policy across regions, and delivering tangible outcomes. The goal is to foster collaboration among African stakeholders to boost private sector development, create jobs, and ensure sustainable growth through inclusive participation in the energy sector. This comes at a critical time, as the continent has witnessed over a decade of major oil and gas discoveries, positioning it as a key supplier in both regional and global markets. However, stakeholders stress the need for end-to-end African involvement in the energy value chain—from exploration and production to technology, logistics, and services. “Value addition and local participation is critical to seeing prosperity from end to end,” the partners affirmed.

Claiming Africa’s Future with Unity and Vision

The Forum is also envisioned as a hub for spotlighting African businesses, encouraging innovation, and catalyzing regional collaboration that turns potential into progress. It represents a bold, collective move to reshape narratives and claim Africa’s place on the global stage.

Paul Sinclair, CEO of AOW:Energy, summed up the spirit of the initiative: “This is the Africa we believe in—bold, visionary, united. The Africa Local Content Forum will be a defining moment where African institutions claim the future with confidence and collective strength.”

In unison, NCDMB, the Petroleum Commission of Ghana, and AOW:Energy have sent a resounding message to the continent and the world: This is Africa’s moment—and we will build the Africa we want with a united voice of progress and unity.