At Solewant Group’s Energy Summit, Akume, Others Drum Support for Emerging Technologies for Energy Devt in Africa

Olusola Adeoye

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, Prof. PLO Lumumba of the Lumumba Foundation, NASS members and other policymakers, global energy executives, Development Financial Institutions (DFIs), development partners, and researchers from across Africa and the rest of the world have drummed support for emerging technologies shaping global energy systems.

These stakeholders gathered at the 9th Session of the Solewant Group Africa Energy Summit themed “Emerging Technologies and the Future of Sustainable Development in Africa,” which ended at the weekend.

The 2025 summit took place from November 27–28, 2025, at the Solewant Industrial Park, Alode-Onne, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Some of the highlights of the summit included: Keynote Speeches, technical paper presentations from industry leaders, members of the academia and government representatives; strategic panel discussions on technology and energy integration; roundtable discussions and more showcasing emerging research and technologies from oil and gas firms, IOCs, NOCs, and EPC companies.

In making a strong case for emerging technologies, Akume, who was represented by his Special Adviser (Technical Operations), Prof. Benard Bolaji Babatunde, warned that the continent cannot afford to “stand on the sidelines” of the fast-changing innovation landscape.

Akume congratulated the Solewant Group for what he described as the company’s “remarkable consistency in convening this strategic platform year after year.”

According to the SGF, Solewant Group’s “commitment has made this summit one of the most credible and influential gatherings for shaping energy decisions not only in the Nigerian context, but across the African continent.”

Akume noted that for nearly a decade, Solewant has championed conversations that anticipate industry transitions, connect policymakers with innovators, and inspire practical solutions that drive energy security, economic growth, and sustainable development.

The former Benue State Governor told energy executives, policymakers and innovators that Africa’s growing population, expanding cities and rising energy demands make technological adoption unavoidable.

He described the theme for this year’s summit “Emerging Technologies and the Future of Sustainable Development in Africa” as timely.

“Our continent is experiencing rapid demographic expansion, increasing urbanisation, and rising energy demand. Meeting these needs sustainably requires new thinking, new models, and new technologies. Artificial intelligence, advanced robotics, digital monitoring systems, renewable energy innovations, and smart infrastructure are already transforming global energy ecosystems. Africa must not remain on the sidelines. We must be at the centre of developing, deploying, and scaling these technologies to strengthen our economies and secure our future,” he explained.

Akume noted that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is strategically positioning Nigeria to embrace this new era.

The SGF, however, warned that unless African nations aggressively adopt and domesticate emerging technologies, the region risks being left behind in the next industrial wave.

“It is a defining moment; emerging technologies will determine whether Africa leapfrogs into a sustainable future or remains trapped on the margins,” he added.

On his part, Prof. PLO Lumumba, urged participants to get prepared to escalate outcomes of the deliberations across Africa.

According to him, Africa is strategically positioned to harness the potential of these new technologies in order to keep pace with the rest of the world. Other stakeholders also spoke in favour of emerging technologies to guarantee sustainable energy.

During the two days, delegates discussed emerging technologies, local content development, energy security, sustainable financing, and national development.

According to the communique issued at the end of the summit, there was affirmation at the summit that financing is central to accelerating Africa’s energy transition.

To boost industrial capacity and competitiveness, there was a recognition of the need to upgrade pipeline technologies, fabrication capacities and supply-chain systems across Africa.

Emphasis on supporting indigenous manufacturers and adopting technology-driven solutions was also made at the summit.

The policymakers also emphasized the need for sustainable funding to universities and research institutions for the production of graduates that are ready for employment in industries.

On the critical issues of emerging technologies and energy opportunities, there was a consensus that opportunities in renewable energy remain underutilized across Africa.

Similarly, agreement on the need to adopt emerging technologies as a strategic imperative for energy expansion was also reached, according to the communique.

The summit acknowledged that economic instability, lack of access to electricity, corruption, and weak governance undermine energy security and societal well-being.

The stakeholders stressed the need for academic–industry–government alignment.

The experts also stressed the need for agreement between universities, industries, and government agencies that priorities must be aligned, along with data and strategies.

They called for the review and update of national energy and technology policies to support the emerging technologies.

They also called for the strengthening and enforcement of local content regulations, which ensure the protection of indigenous businesses.

On the issue of education and human capital development, the summit wants engineering and technical curricula to be overhauled to bring them in line with global technological standards.

To enhance energy security, the communique recommended investments in surveillance-related technologies will involve drones and advanced monitoring systems; improvement of multi-agency coordination to secure pipelines, waterways, and other critical infrastructure; strengthening the fight against crude oil theft and related economic sabotage.

In the area of financing, innovation, and industrial growth, the summit recommended the development of accessible financing models for indigenous innovators and manufacturers; creating incentives for private-sector investment in renewable and advanced energy technologies; and enhancing the ease-of-doing-business environment to enable local fabrication and industrial expansion.

In summary, the delegates affirmed that the future of African energy relies on adoption of emerging technologies; strengthening local content and indigenous capacities, and building a secure and innovation-driven energy ecosystem.

They called on the governments to design a policy for unlocking regional gas and renewable energy potentials in African countries, and also to promote regional cooperation and market integration.

All participants resolved to continue supporting initiatives that advance Africa’s energy independence, industrial competitiveness, and sustainable development.

The 2025 summit facilitated new partnerships and funding pledges between governments, investors, and private sector players- unlocking capital for energy infrastructure, manufacturing, renewable projects, and technology-driven ventures across Africa. The “Africa Energy Innovative Funding Network (AEIFN)”, a strategic multi-stakeholder network to drive collaboration among energy innovators, businesses, research institutions, financiers, and policymakers, was also launched at the summit with a pledge to unlock $100 million (US Dollars) in finding for its members to invest in energy sector businesses across continental Africa. The network is expected to leverage Africa Continental Free Area (AfCFA) framework which is poised to increase cross-border trade and ensure investment in key sectors across Africa.

AEIFN created a knowledge-sharing hub and investment initiative to drive increased funding for emerging technologies and sustainable energy practices across continental Africa.

This year’s summit also facilitated Business Matchmaking and Partnership Opportunities with Union Bank and First Bank playing front line roles amongst participants from the banking sector.

Dedicated matchmaking sessions connected investors, project developers, and corporate leaders- fostering joint ventures, technology transfers, and long-term partnerships that expand intra-African trade under the AfCFTA framework.

Commenting on the summit, the Group Managing Director and CEO of Solewant Group, Mr. Solomon Ewanehi, stated that the 9th Solewant Energy Summit provided an unparalleled platform for stakeholders to collaborate and innovate.

“We are committed to building bridges between policy, investment, and technology to accelerate Africa’s sustainable energy future,” he said.

The company has not only sustained leadership in pipeline coating, fabrication, and asset integrity management across Nigeria- it continues to pioneer new frontiers in industrial and energy infrastructure development.

Its industrial park at Alode-Onne now includes one of Africa’s most advanced multi-layer pipe coating plants, a dedicated pipe bend multi-layer coating plant commissioned in mid-2025 with plans underway to make the Industrial Park end-to-end in pipe manufacturing, coating solutions and other aspects of asset integrity management.

The company has excelled in manufacturing and supply of steel pipes, metals, fabrication and specialty coating solutions for 25years.

The company’s facilities include:  Multi-layer pipe-coating plant; concrete weight coating plant; pipe milling and steel fabrication facility; state-of-the-art laboratory; pipe storage and preservation facility; and pipe bend and fitting coating facility – with plant equipment installation currently ongoing.

Solewant Group unveiled the state-of- the-art pipe bend and pipe fitting multi -layer coating factory at its industrial park, Onne, Rivers State in June, 2025.

At the unveiling ceremony, Mr. Ewanehi stated: “our vision is to be the first-rate world-class steel pipes and coating service provider for the oil, gas and water industry in Africa. Our mission is to provide excellent and reliable steel pipe and coating services, manpower training and research, using well-trained pipe/metals industrial experts and best modern technology to satisfy our clients”.

The company’s competencies include: engineering design, pipe manufacturing and provision of steel pipes, 3-Layer polyethylene pipe coating services, 3LPP to 5LPP pipe coating solution, concrete weight coating solution, steel pipe/metals fabrication and specialty coating solutions, field joint coating solutions, cathodic protection solution and manpower training services.

Solewant Group’s multi-layer pipe coating was commissioned since November 2016. The company’s 5LPP Coating system provides a five-layered polypropylene system on pipes. These technologies and solutions were showcased at 9th Africa Energy Summit by the company.

.Adeoye writes from Lagos