Perenco partnership to advance energy sector skill development in Central Africa

Perenco Cameroon and Perenco Gabon, key African subsidiaries of independent Anglo-French oil and gas company Perenco, have formed a partnership with the UCAC-ICAM Institute in Douala to launch an Industry 4.0 laboratory to advance local skill development in Central Africa.

The new partnership marks a significant step toward aligning academic training with the evolving needs of the energy and industrial sectors, the African Energy Chamber (AEC) said in a media statement on April 8. The initiative will address critical skill shortages across Africa’s energy value chain, allowing operators to rely more on a locally trained workforce.

Privately-owned Perenco is focused on operating mature fields, with significant, long-term exploration and production operations in both Cameroon and Gabon. The UCAC-ICAM Institute, founded in 2002, is a scientific and technical branch of the Catholic University of Central Africa (UCAC).

Set up as a small-scale factory, the UCAC-ICAM laboratory will enable students to work with real industrial tools and processes. This practical training will prepare engineers and technicians for major energy projects, including operations in the Rio del Rey Basin in Cameroon and developments such as the Cap Lopez LNG terminal in Gabon.

“The facility will give students access to advanced automation, digital simulation and smart production technologies, helping close the gap between academic learning and the practical, industry-ready skills required across Central Africa’s industrial landscape,” the AEC said.

The partnership highlights Perenco’s long-term focus on skills development in Cameroon and Gabon, says the Chamber. Graduates from UCAC-ICAM are increasingly hired by companies in Douala, showing strong demand for locally trained talent.

“Developing local skills is fundamental to building a competitive and sustainable energy sector in Africa,” said AEC’s executive chairman NJ Ayuk. “This partnership demonstrates how industry and academia can work together to create a highly skilled workforce that will drive Africa’s industrialisation and energy future. It is exactly the type of initiative needed to ensure Africans play a leading role in developing the continent’s resources.”

According to the AEC, the UCAC-ICAM laboratory is a strategic investment in Africa’s industrial and energy future, which is helping to build local capacity, advance technology and support independent operators. The Chamber commended the initiative, stating that it “aligns with the AEC’s broader vision of a self-sufficient and globally competitive African energy sector.”