Africa’s energy professionals more optimistic than global peers on industry’s future – research

Value of oil & gas put at $171bn in 2018

ENERGY PROFESSION ALS IN AFRICA ARE MORE COMMITTED TO STAYING IN THE INDUSTRY LONG TERM than their peers in other regions, according to new research from leading global energy recruitment specialists Oilandgasjobsearch.com and Brunel International N.V.

The survey of nearly 17,000 energy professionals worldwide showed that 31 percent of respondents in Africa said they would consider leaving the industry within the next five years. This was the lowest figure for any region and contrasts with a global average of 43 percent.

Although the percentage of energy professionals in Africa who said they were considering leaving the industry was lower than in other regions, the proportion was still significant and could play a role in worsening the ongoing skills shortage highlighted by recruiters.

Reports said the value of Africa’s oil and gas stood at $171 billion as at 2018, making the continent a significant player in energy. As at 2020, the continent had over 1.2 million barrels per day refining capacity, with Egypt leading with 833,000 bpd. Algeria and Libya follow with 677,000 bpd and 634,000 bpd, respectively. Nigeria, Africa’s top oil producer, regrettably has zero refining as all of its four refineries with combined nameplate capacity of 445,000 bpd, are comatose.

For those workers in Africa who were contemplating an exit from the industry, low salary was the most commonly cited factor, mentioned by 28 percent of respondents.

When asked about the biggest challenges facing the energy industry, 27 percent of recruiters in Africa pointed to skills shortages. Skills shortages were cited as equally challenging as the threat posed by a move away from oil and gas due to climate change fears (27 percent), just behind the unpredictability of ongoing cycles of boom and bust (36 percent).

To address skills shortages, 52 percent of recruiters said their companies were investing in training and development of their existing workforce, and 28 percent were making use of apprenticeships.

African companies are ahead of the global curve on workforce training and development, with 42 percent of respondents worldwide focusing on this. The continent also leads the way on the use of apprenticeships, which are only being implemented by 15 percent of energy businesses globally.

Brunel International N.V. is a powerful global network, connecting the most talented and experienced specialists with both present-day and pioneering projects. With 100+ offices and more than 12,000 specialists around the world, it delivers people and workforce services that transform global projects.