Daere Akobo, Chairman of PANA Holdings and Group CEO of PE Energy Limited, has urged African leaders to prioritise investment in youth-centred technological innovations to fuel the continent’s economic transformation. Speaking at the Sub-Saharan Africa International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (SAIPEC) 2025 in Lagos, Akobo emphasised the need for mentorship, innovation, and strategic policies to empower young professionals and bridge the skills gap in critical sectors.
At the recently concluded Sub-Saharan Africa International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (SAIPEC) 2025 in Lagos, Daere Akobo, a prominent energy executive, called for greater investment in youth-centred technological innovations to drive Africa’s economic transformation. Akobo, who serves as Chairman of PANA Holdings and Group CEO of PE Energy Limited, highlighted the importance of mentorship, innovation, and global competitiveness in technology-driven sectors.
“Our policymakers need to understand that policy without people is a fiasco,” Akobo stated, stressing the need for strategic policies that empower young professionals. He commended the Nigerian Petroleum Regulatory Commission for its mentorship programmes, which he said play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of industry leaders. However, he warned of a looming “youthquake”—a disruptive gap in youth engagement—if young people are not equipped with the skills needed to transform Africa’s economy.
Akobo also challenged the current trend of youth engagement on digital platforms, advocating for a shift from entertainment-focused applications to technology solutions that address critical sectors such as agriculture, energy, and industrial development. “Africa must prioritise return on investment in talent development and ensure that policymakers align strategies with human capital growth for long-term economic success,” he said.
The SAIPEC 2025 conference, held from February 11 to 13 in Lagos, is the largest industry-led energy event in Sub-Saharan Africa. Organised by the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria in partnership with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board and NNPC Limited, the conference brought together key stakeholders to discuss pathways for Africa’s sustainable growth in the global economy.
Akobo’s call for youth-centred innovation aligns with the broader goals of the conference, which seeks to foster collaboration and investment in Africa’s energy sector. By prioritising technological advancements and skills development, Akobo believes Africa can unlock its potential and achieve economic transformation.
Daere Akobo’s advocacy for youth-centred technological innovations underscores the critical role of young professionals in driving Africa’s economic transformation. By investing in mentorship, innovation, and strategic policies, African leaders can bridge the skills gap and empower the next generation to tackle challenges in key sectors such as agriculture, energy, and industrial development. As the continent continues to navigate its path toward sustainable growth, initiatives like SAIPEC 2025 provide a platform for collaboration and progress, ensuring that Africa remains competitive in the global economy.
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