As the energy industry undergoes transformation, organizations, government entities and companies are actively promoting greater youth participation in the sector.
Thus, this year’s Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) 2024 conference featured a panel discussion titled “Next Gen Innovators: Youth-Led Solutions for Sustainability and Digital Transformation”. Moderated by NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber, the panel brought together fresh perspectives and innovative ideas from young people to drive sustainable growth and progress.
“It is important for companies to attract the younger generation because the oil and gas industry, which is already well-established, needs new perspectives,” said Flávia Fernandes, an IT technician at Angola’s national oil company, Sonangol. She added that companies “need more technology-based perspectives and we need innovation, and young people have that to offer.”
The panel noted that with the emergence of new innovations and technologies, young people have the potential to lead transformative change and contribute to the future growth and sustainability of the energy sector.
“Integrating new technologies gives young people a huge advantage when trying to enter the industry. There is a lot of knowledge that needs to be passed on. We need to encourage experienced players to pass on their knowledge so that we don’t make the same mistakes that were made before,” said Zaida Francisco, Completion Engineer at TotalEnergies.
As the energy sector in Angola grows, it was noted that there are opportunities for young people to participate across the value chain. Thus, the panel highlighted the potential for companies operating in the sector to expand local content while also promoting youth empowerment in Angola.
